LINDEN-The Linden Police Department continued a year-long undercover drug raid Tuesday as four men were arrested in connection with narcotics.

Linden Police Chief Jeff Laduron said the operation was something the department has put a lot of time and effort into.

“This is something we have been working on for a while and we hope to have some more,” Laduron said. “Normally, the way it works is we go to the lab with evidence and then have to wait for the indictments. Once we have that in place we are ready to go.”

Officers began to pick up suspects one at a time, Laduron said, and began around 7 p.m. He said they went into the homes quietly and were successful in making arrests.

Laduron said a lot of preparation went into the operation.

“Our officers have been working really hard on this,” Laduron said. “We are going to continue to work. We have some more indictments in place, we just have to get our hands on them.”

Arrested were Tony Nathan, 35, of Linden. Nathan was charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (crack cocaine). Bond is set at $10,000.

Cedric Rembert, 29, of Linden was also taken into custody. Rembert is also charged with unlawful distribution of crack cocaine. His bond is also set at $10,000.

Jessie Phillips Jr., 20, of Linden was arrested on charges of unlawful distribution of marijuana. His bond is set at $10,000.

Darin M.McRae, 38, of Pleasant Grove was the final arrest. McRae was arrested on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia on a traffic stop near Stough Lane in Linden.

Teamwork and cooperation from the District Attorney’s office, Laduron said, made a big the difference in the investigation.

“I want to thank District Attorney Greg Griggers for his help,” Laduron said. “He is really working hard with the law enforcement in our area to fight the drug problems.”

Monday, Laduron said, they were concentrating on current burglaries to local businesses. Laduron said they are preparing to make arrests and have several leads.

“We are also working on some burglaries,” Laduron said. “There were burglaries recently at Gardner Ace Hardware and the Dinning law office. We are working on those as we speak and getting ready to make arrests.”

Laduron urges anyone with information on crimes or drug dealers to call the department at 295-8697.