Atlantic City, NJ, Police: Man Arrested For Drugs, 24 Catalytic Converters Found

One thing led to another in Atlantic City Thursday after police arrested a man on drug charges and then they allegedly discovered dozens of catalytic converters.

Following a month-long investigation into the distribution of drugs, detectives with the Atlantic City Police Department executed a search warrant in the 100 block of North Iowa Avenue.

The target of the investigation, 50-year-old Felix Beltran of Atlantic City, was located at the home and arrested.

During the search of the residence, detectives recovered numerous prescription pills, paraphernalia used in the distribution of narcotics, 24 catalytic converters, and tools used to remove catalytic converters.

Authorities were able to link five of the catalytic converters to a theft at a local business; they were returned.

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Beltran has been charged with the following:

• Possession of CDS
• Possession of CDS with intent to distribute
• Possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone
• Possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public zone
• Possession of CDS paraphernalia
• Receiving stolen property
• Criminal mischief
• Possession of burglar tools

He was remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

Detectives are working to identify other catalytic converter thefts across the county and additional charges could be filed.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.