Three charged following

raids in E.B., Spotswood

Two East Brunswick residents and a Spotswood man were arrested on drug charges following a two-month investigation by local and Middlesex County authorities.

The arrests followed May 6 raids at an East Brunswick home that yielded some 43 marijuana plants, growing equipment and steroids, and at a Spotswood residence where lesser amounts of drugs were seized, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Arrested were Michael L. Cross, 34, and Shalisha Ali, both residents of the Cranbury Circle home raided in East Brunswick; and Anthony J. Settecase, 23, of Brunswick Avenue in Spotswood.

Along with the marijuana plants allegedly found in the Cranbury Circle home, police said they seized hyproponic grow equipment, which allows marijuana to be grown in water without the use of soil. Authorities said this method produces a more potent form of the drug with a higher THC (tetrahydracannabanol) content.

Police also seized "large quantities" of steroids in both the pill and injectible forms, according to the Prosecutor’s Office. More than 400 syringes also were found in the Cranbury Circle home.

Cross and Ali were each charged with having marijuana grow in an amount greater than 10 plants; possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids. Cross was lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center, North Brunswick, in lieu of $100,000 bail with no 10 percent option. Ali was released on her own recognizance.

At the Spotswood home, police said they found less than 50 grams of marijuana, a "small amount" of anabolic steroids in both the pill and injectible forms, and several hypodermic syringes, according to the Prosecutor’s Office.

Settecase was charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, possession of anabolic steroids, and possession of hypodermic syringes. He was released on his own recognizance.

Along with the Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation and raids were conducted by the East Brunswick, South River and Spotswood police departments.