The Narcotics/Vice Squad reports the arrests of two (2) Merrick residents for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance on May 9, 2026 at 5:20 pm in Merrick.

According to Detectives, an investigation was conducted at 24 Garden Place, Merrick.  Detectives recovered 28.1 grams of a substance believed to be cocaine and a pink substance believed to be ketamine in the residence.  The investigation also focused on multiple narcotic sales on multiple dates.

Nicholas Francis, 29, and Jaime Bunting, 27, of 24 Garden Place, were arrested without incident.

Defendants Francis and Bunting are charged with two (2) counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3^rd Degree and two (2) counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2^nd Degree.

Defendant Francis is additionally charged with three (3) counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3^rd Degree and three (3) counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled substance 3^rd Degree.

Both defendants will be arraigned on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at First District Court, Hempstead.