Pair arrested after Route 9 stop

MANALAPAN — Drug and weapons charges were lodged against two men following a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 south at 12:57 p.m. Feb. 27.

According to a police press release, Patrolman Kevin Ruditsky stopped a vehicle on Route 9 due to the high rate of speed at which it was traveling. Police said the driver, David Kokin, 34, of Edison, Middlesex County, was found to be driving with a suspended license.

At that time, Patrolman Frank Krause and his K-9 partner Rocco were called to the scene to perform a narcotics sniff of the vehicle.

Police said a passenger, Gregory Bulanov, of Freehold, became uncooperative when Patrolman Edward Hedden asked him to step out of the vehicle. After Bulanov resisted Hedden’s attempts to pat him down for weapons he was arrested, which he resisted, according to the press release. Several officers were needed to restrain and handcuff Bulanov. Police said six small vials of a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine were later found in Bulanov’s jacket.

After K-9 Officer Rocco had given positive indications for narcotics in the vehicle, drug paraphernalia and cocaine residue were found. Officers also found a stun gun in the glove compartment.

Bulanov and Kokin were transported to police headquarters and charged with the following offenses: possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) believed to be cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon, possession of CDS in a motor vehicle, intent to distribute cocaine, obstruction of justice, resisting arrest (Bulanov), driving with a suspended license (Kokin) and speeding (Kokin).

Police said Kokin was found to have an outstanding warrant for nonpayment of child support in Middlesex County. Bulanov and Kokin were remanded to the Monmouth County jail, Freehold Township.

The case is pending court.