MAYS LANDING — An Egg Harbor Township man has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison after authorities said a multi-agency investigation uncovered more than 9 pounds of cocaine and more than $187,000 in cash and account holdings.
Shamir James, 34, was sentenced Tuesday by Superior Court Judge Donna M. Taylor on multiple narcotics charges, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.
James was sentenced on charges of first-degree distribution of cocaine, two counts of first-degree possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, first-degree maintaining a narcotics production facility and second-degree financial facilitation of criminal activity.
The case stemmed from a joint investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Unit and the FBI.
On June 29, investigators executed search warrants at James' residence at 53 Lacosta Drive in Egg Harbor Township, an off-site storage facility and his vehicles.
The operation involved the Prosecutor's Office, FBI, Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Atlantic County Sheriff's Office, Hamilton Township Police Department and Northfield Police Department.
Authorities said investigators seized more than 151 ounces of cocaine, equivalent to approximately 9.4 pounds, along with more than $187,000 in cash and account holdings.
According to prosecutors, James subsequently admitted in a recorded statement that he used the kitchen of his Egg Harbor Township home to prepare, package and process cocaine for distribution.
He also admitted using the storage unit to keep packaged cocaine intended for street-level distribution, prosecutors said.
James has remained in the Atlantic County Justice Facility since his arrest.
The 15-year sentence comes just over two months after the June searches that led to his arrest.
