Joint Narcotics Investigation Leads to Two Arrests in Cranford
CRANFORD, NJ - Two individuals were arrested and charged with narcotics-related offenses following a month-long joint investigation conducted by the Cranford Police Department and Berkeley Heights Police Department.
The investigation began after the Cranford Police Department received complaints from residents regarding suspicious activity at a local apartment complex. In response, detectives conducted multiple surveillance operations, ultimately identifying two individuals suspected of engaging in illegal narcotics activity.
On October 22, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m., detectives observed what appeared to be a narcotics transaction in the apartment complex parking lot. As a result, Thomas Sinnott, 46, of Cranford, and Shalby Williams-Thomas, of Newark - who was residing in Berkeley Heights at the time of his arrest - were arrested.
During the investigation, law enforcement recovered approximately 500 folds of suspected heroin and a significant quantity of suspected crack cocaine. Sinnott was charged with possession of cocaine.
Williams-Thomas was charged with distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) and distribution of CDS within 1,000 feet of school property.
Chief of Police Matthew Nazzaro commended the collaborative efforts of both departments and emphasized the importance of community involvement in identifying criminal activity. "We are appreciative of those who took the initiative to report suspicious activity through our anonymous tip system and for the work of both police agencies involved in this investigation," Nazzaro said.
The Cranford Police Department reminds residents that suspicious activity can be reported anonymously through the free Cranford Police Department mobile app (https://www.apexmobile.net/app/cranford-police-department/) or the department's NIXLE tip platform (Nixle). Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Release by D/Lt. Spencer Durkin
908-709-7346 / s-durkin@cranfordnj.org