NJ Couple Caught With Kilo Of Cocaine Hidden Under Christmas Lights, Child In Car: PA AG

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

A New Jersey–linked cocaine trafficking investigation ended with a traffic stop in Blair County after state police found a kilo of cocaine hidden under Christmas lights — with a young child in the vehicle, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Friday, Dec. 12.

Quida Martens, 54, and Toya Kennedy, 32, both of Altoona and formerly of Newark, New Jersey, were arrested following a months-long investigation into cocaine trafficking from New Jersey into central Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

Investigators explained that the pair had been traveling to Newark to obtain large quantities of cocaine for distribution in Blair County. On Wednesday night, Pennsylvania State Police stopped Kennedy’s vehicle on Interstate 99 while coordinating with the Office of Attorney General.

After executing a search warrant, investigators recovered about two pounds of cocaine concealed in the trunk beneath a string of Christmas lights, authorities said. The drugs have an estimated street value of $90,700.

Kennedy is also charged with Felony Endangering the Welfare of Children for having her small child in the vehicle during the alleged drug run, Attorney General Sunday said. The child was not injured and has since been placed in the care of a relative.

Martens was charged with Felony Drug Trafficking and was already out on bail in an unrelated drug case at the time of the arrest, officials said. Her bail was set at $400,000 cash.

Kennedy was also charged with Felony Drug Trafficking. Her bail was set at $250,000 cash.

Both defendants are being held at Blair County Prison.

Attorney General Sunday credited the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and state and local law enforcement for preventing the cocaine from reaching local communities. Pennsylvania State Police Troop G, the Blair County Drug Task Force, Tyrone Police Department, and Bellwood Police Department assisted in the investigation, authorities said.