June 4, 2021
By: Tyler Eckel
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)– Trenton Police Director Sheilah A. Coley today announced that K9 handler Detective Nicholas Mahan and K9 Ugo uncovered 4,500 decks of heroin and $582 in suspected drug proceeds during a traffic stop at approximately 5:28 p.m. Wednesday at Hills Place and Furman Street in Trenton.
Ronald Messa Jr, 28, of Hamilton Township, New Jersey, was arrested on June 2, 2021 and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school and several motor vehicle offenses.
K9 Ugo – a black labrador retriever – just graduated last month from the University of Pennsylvania Vet Working Dog Center.
“While the end to the COVID pandemic may be in sight, our struggle with opioids remains a constant threat to our residents,” said Director Coley. “The TPD is dedicated to taking advantage of every resource at its disposal, including our elite K9 officers that have been instrumental in getting dangerous narcotics off our street. Yesterday’s bust prevented thousands of doses of heroin from making their way throughout our community.”
Ronald Messa, Jr. 
K9 Ugo with his first bust
Seized heroin