Narcotics Task Force Seizes Handgun, Large Capacity Magazines, And Heroin/Fentanyl In Jackson Street Apartment
Monday, February 16, 2026, 7:45 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
HOBOKEN, NJ.- A Hoboken man with a prior violent crime conviction is facing an extensive list of drug and weapons charges following a targeted narcotics investigation conducted by county and local law enforcement authorities, Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello announced.
According to the prosecutor’s office, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics and Gangs Task Force, working in coordination with the Hoboken Police Department, arrested Alexander Armstead, 33, of Hoboken, New Jersey, following a court-authorized search of an apartment located on Jackson Street.
During the execution of the search warrant, investigators recovered a handgun, two large capacity magazines, and various controlled dangerous substances, including heroin/fentanyl and cocaine, authorities said.
Extensive List Of Criminal Charges;
As a result of the investigation and evidence seized, Armstead has been charged with numerous offenses under New Jersey law, including Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Person with a Prior No Early Release Act Conviction, a crime of the first degree.
He is also charged with Possession of a Firearm While Committing a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) Offense, a second-degree crime, and Certain Persons Not to Possess a Firearm, also a second-degree crime.
Drug-related charges include multiple counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin/fentanyl, including second- and third-degree offenses, as well as Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin/fentanyl within 500 feet of public property, second-degree crimes, and Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin/fentanyl within 1,000 feet of school property, third-degree crimes.
Armstead is additionally charged with multiple counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute cocaine, third-degree offenses, along with Possession with Intent to Distribute cocaine within 500 feet of public property, second-degree crimes, and Possession with Intent to Distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of school property, third-degree crimes.
Beyond the narcotics and firearms offenses, prosecutors said Armstead faces three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, all second-degree crimes, as well as two counts of Possession of Prohibited Devices, specifically large capacity magazines, crimes of the fourth degree.
Juveniles Present During Search;
Authorities confirmed that three juveniles were present inside the apartment at the time the search warrant was executed. Prosecutors stated that the presence of minors in proximity to illegal narcotics and firearms formed the basis for the endangering-the-welfare charges. No further identifying information regarding the juveniles was released, in accordance with New Jersey law.
Detention Pending Court Proceedings;
Following his arrest, Armstead was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility, where he remains detained pending his first appearance in Superior Court. Prosecutors emphasized that the charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities indicated that additional charges may be filed as the case progresses.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and is based on official information provided by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
