West Trenton, N.J. – Today the New Jersey State Police announced the results of a three month investigation into the illegal transportation and sale of firearms within Monmouth County.  Members of the New Jersey State Police Street Gang Central Unit arrested Tamano Macalbe, 42, of Hazlet, NJ. Macalbe was charged with the unlawful possession and the unlawful sale of weapons, which included handguns, high powered rifles, and assault firearms in the Monmouth County Area.   During the course of this investigation, New Jersey State Police Street Gang Central Unit, assisted by the New Jersey State Police Weapons Trafficking Unit, through the use of various police techniques, were able to successfully purchase five weapons from Macalbe.

State police detectives arrested Macalbe after the investigation revealed he made several alarming statements.  He indicated his willingness to initiate an armed conflict with law enforcement and the discovery of his propensity to carry firearms while operating a motor vehicle and in the general public.  Yesterday, two search warrants were executed on Macalbe. The search revealed three handguns, several hundred rounds of ammunition, high capacity magazines, body armor and one M18 smoke grenade.

Several military type anti-personal devices were also discovered during the course of the search.  New Jersey State Police Bomb/Arson Unit immediately examined these devices and determined them to be inert.  Macalbe was processed and lodged into the Monmouth County jail on 600,000.00 bail no 10%.  This investigation is still ongoing.

The Department of Criminal Justice will be prosecuting Macalbe on the following 6 counts:
Unlawful sale of a rifle (1)
Unlawful sale of a handgun (1)
Unlawful sale of high capacity Magazines (1)
Unlawful Possession of a weapon (3 counts)

Tamano Macalbe

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