Pictured left to right: Trooper
Dennis Quinn, New Jersey State Police Chapter
Director, Sgt. Julian Castellanos, and Trooper
Raynaldo Morales during an awards ceremony. The
following is the text of Trooper Morales'
commendation:
In December of 2005 Trooper Raynaldo
Morales #5968, who was assigned to the Troop A, Port
Norris Station, was contacted by a confidential
informant who provided the names of individuals who
were allegedly involved with the illegal
distribution of narcotics in the Laurel Lakes
section of Commercial Township, Cumberland County.
Trooper Morales initiated an
investigation into the activities of several people
who lived in the Laurel Lakes area, who were
allegedly responsible for the distribution of
approximately twenty to thirty pounds of marijuana a
week. Trooper Morales obtained information that in
February of 2005 one of the targets had been
arrested for possession of a large quantity of
marijuana when a search warrant had been executed at
his residence.
On January 12, 2006, Trooper Morales
was again contacted by the informant who provided
details of the delivery of a large quantity of
marijuana to take place that day. Trooper Morales
coordinated the efforts of several Port Norris
Station personnel, who were detailed to conduct
surveillance on the suspects. Based on the
information cultivated by Trooper Morales, a
directed stop was conducted on one of the suspect’s
vehicle and resulted in the arrest of the driver for
possession of over 100 Xanax pills. A search warrant
was obtained for the vehicle by Trooper Morales,
which resulted in the seizure of twenty-five pounds
of marijuana. The investigation ultimately lead to
the arrest of three individuals who were involved in
the illegal possession and distribution of large
quantities of marijuana.
Trooper Morales is commended for his
outstanding investigation into the illegal
distribution of marijuana in Commercial Township.
His investigative diligence, and dedication to duty
were instrumental in protecting the quality of life
in Laurel Lakes. His actions are the embodiment of
the core values of the Division of State Police;
Honor, Duty, Fidelity.
