An ongoing Hillsborough Police Department narcotics investigation has resulted in the arrest of a Hillsborough man and the seizure of several items.

Hillsborough police officers executed a search warrant this morning in the 200 block of Daye Street in Hillsborough.

During the search, investigators recovered:

• One stolen Ruger 9 mm handgun.
• About 31.8 grams of cocaine.
• About 3.5 grams of marijuana.
• $1,185 in U.S. currency.
• Drug paraphernalia.

Jeffrey Marsheal Ruffin, 66, of Hillsborough was charged with:

• Trafficking cocaine.
• Possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance.
• Maintaining a vehicle and/or dwelling for controlled substances.
• Possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana.
• Two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
• Possession of a stolen firearm.

Ruffin was transported to the Orange County Detention Center, where he was brought before an Orange County magistrate and is being held under a $20,000 secured bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 9 in Orange County District Court.

During the operation, Orange County Animal Services responded to assist officers with securing several loose dogs on the property.

“Illegal drug distribution and unlawful firearm possession present significant risks to public safety and contribute to violent crime and neighborhood quality-of-life concerns,” said Capt. Richard Hooks. “The Hillsborough Police Department remains committed to addressing narcotics-related activity and protecting the safety of our community.”

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information should contact Investigator Andrew Jones at 919-296-9562 or by using the police contact form. Anonymous tips can be reported by:

• Calling 919-296-9555.
• Using the See it, Say it, Send it app or website.