Bazooka among items seized during Shore drug raid

Police executing a search warrant in Cape May County say they made an unusual discovery: a bazooka used by the United States military.

Local and county authorities raided a Lacivita Drive house in Middle Township on April 27 and found three pounds of marijuana, 20 grams of cocaine, three firearms, a military bazooka, drug paraphernalia, and $12,521, according to a Middle Township Police Department news release.

Residents Craig Byrd, 40, and Matthew Lindholm, 40, were arrested, the release said.

Byrd was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute over a half ounce, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the release.

Lindholm was charged with possession of marijuana over 50 grams, possession with intent to distribute marijuana over one ounce, possession of a handgun, possession of hollow point bullets, two counts of possession of a shotgun, possession of a handgun during a controlled dangerous substance offense, endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of drug paraphernalia, the release said.

Police say both men were lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center.

Authorities believe Lindholm did not have permission to take the bazooka home from Iraq, stating that future charges are pending an investigation into the status of the bazooka and its ability to fire a missile.