Port Monmouth Man Arrested on Drug and Gun Charges; Held on $1 Million Bail

A joint investigation by detectives in the Middletown Police Dept. and Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office resulted in the arrest of a 38-year old Port Monmouth man on Thursday on 12 charges related to alleged drug dealing and gun possession. 

Sean P. McArdle of Vermont Avenue, who resides near Port Monmouth Elementary School, is being held at the Monmouth County jail on $1,023,000 bail set by Judge Dennis R. O'Brien. 

Police said they discovered more McArdle was in possession of over 25 lbs of marijuana, and 5 lbs of hashish, as well as baggies, scales and other paraphernalia that indicate drug dealing. 

McArdle also stands accused of committing, attempting to commit or conspiring to commit drug distribution while in possession of a Sturm Ruger & Co. Blackhawk 41 Caliber Magnum revolver, a Mossberg 500a 12 gauge shotgun, and a defaced Davis Industries D-32 pistol, the latter of for which he had no permit.

Police allege McArdle had, and transported, over $500,000 in U.S. currency "which a reasonable person would believe to be derived from criminal activity," according to the complaint warrant. 

Several of the charges fall under the definition of a first degree crime, which, if a defendant is found guilty, may be punishable by up to 10-20 years in prison.

McArdle is due back in court in Freehold on April 22.

An arrest does not indicate a conviction.