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Merrick duo arrested after substances believed to be cocaine, ketamine seized

The pair is accused of possessing and using controlled substances.

Mike Smollins

May 11, 2026, 1:06 PM

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Two Merrick residents were arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance after police found what is believed to be cocaine and ketamine at their home.

Nicholas Francis, 29, and Jaime Bunting, 27, were arrested on Saturday at about 5:20 p.m. after an investigation at their residence, according to the Nassau County Police Department.

Detectives recovered 28.1 grams of a white substance believed to be cocaine and a pink substance believed to be ketamine. Their investigation also focused on various narcotics sales on multiple occasions.

Francis and Bunting are charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia. Additionally, Francis is charged with three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance and three additional counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Francis and Bunting were arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Sunday.

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