Officers from the Lake Orion Police Department responded to an accident at McDonald’s on M-24 Friday evening, not knowing the incident would result in a large cocaine bust, and the largest cash seizure in LOPD history.
Agron Kalaj, a 44-year-old resident of Crompond, New York, was exiting the McDonald’s onto M-24 in his 2004 Yukon Denali at 9:13 p.m. on Sept. 8, when he pulled out into the path of an oncoming semi-truck.
The semi was unable to stop, and struck Kalaj’s vehicle, pinning him inside. According to LOPD Chief Jerry Narsh, Kalaj was not injured, but was unable to exit the vehicle.
‘The vehicle had to be forced open at the driver’s door,? Narsh said. ‘As that was happening, officers observed Kalaj stuffing a large packet of cocaine into the side of the driver’s seat.?
At the same time, Narsh said officers also observed ‘cash flowing from the guy’s pockets.
‘Kalaj was disoriented, and when the driver’s door was opened, there was a cascade of cocaine flowing out into the street,? said Narsh, who added that the scene reminded him of ‘something out of an Al Pacino movie.?
LOPD officers, along with deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department whom Narsh said provided excellent support, recovered over one ounce of cocaine from the scene, as well as a large amount of cash.
‘This is by far the largest cash seizure in LOPD history,? Narsh said. ‘It was over $8,000.?
Kalaj was transported from the scene to POH Medical Center in Pontiac, where he was treated and released, to be lodged at the Oakland County Jail.
On Sept. 9, he was arraigned on one count of possession of a controlled substance less than 50 grams, with intent to deliver.
The charge is a 20-year felony, and/or $25,000 fine.
‘Kalaj is a New York resident with a history of narcotic trafficking and weapons violations, going back 20 years,? Narsh said. ‘He’s obviously a career criminal, and still out on the streets.?
Narsh said Kalaj told officers he was in Lake Orion ‘visiting a family.?
‘He was visiting from New York, and we invite him to stay in Michigan for 15 to 20 years,? Narsh said.