US Attorney for New Jersey Paul Fishman speaking at the Asbury Park press conference Oct. 16, 2014. At the far right is Neptune Township Chief of Police James H. Hunt, Jr. N.J.com photo
A great deal of planning and coordination among local, state and federal agencies resulted in a large early morning raid at multiple locations on a major drug trafficking ring that supplied heroin and cocaine to dealers throughout Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex Counties. The operation was scheduled based on evidence gathered over the course of a year. The drug ring was conducting most of its deals in Asbury Park and Neptune Township. The arrest this morning of 14 individuals, with others still at large, included the booking of two organization leaders, one of whom is from Neptune.
At a press conference in Asbury Park this afternoon, Paul Fishman, U.S, Attorney said, “It is no secret that heroin abuse is at an all time high.” Fishman said, “With the heroin epidemic in this area reaching extraordinary heights, those of us in federal law enforcement believe that it was critical to target those who share a hefty portion of the blame and to do that in close cooperation with our county partners.” (Quotes from NJ.com reporting *)
Fishman said, “The more than a year investigation included wiretaps, surveillance operations and undercover buys. In the wiretaps, there were discussions about quality control, consumer satisfaction and branding – all topics a savvy businessman might discuss.”
The New Jersey agent in charge of DEA said that heroin related deaths numbered 350 from Monmouth County over the last 5 years. Note that another major drug bust had been conducted last March in Monmouth County.
Since each heroin distributor sells the drug with his own brand name (eg “Street Doctor”) investigators will try to link certain brands with overdose deaths. New Jersey has the most high potency heroin in the country, and such potent preparations are more likely to cause death in users. As we have reported,, heroin related deaths are on the rise in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
It was reported today that the 29 year old son of the Seaside Heights mayor was found dead. The cause of death is suspected to be drug related.
It is possible that charges of causing death might be brought against some of those caught up in the “bust” of two days ago in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Meanwhile, police all over the area are searching to arrest those for whom there are warrants and who were not home when the police came calling early on the morning of October 16.
Among the agencies involved in this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Investigation are: DEA New Jersey Division office HIDTA Group 1, Monmouth County Police, Ocean County Police, Neptune Township Police, Asbury Park Police, Manchester Twp.Police, Toms River Police, Morris Country Sheriff’s police, and Lakewood Police. Nearly 200 law enforcement personnel conducted raids at 23 sites at 6:15 am in a synchronized action. At each site they had a warrant for search, arrest or both. The people that were arrested all were considered dangerous with histories of felonies and violence.
Neptune Township’s Street Crimes Unit along with other NTPD personnel, under Chief James H.Hunt, Jr., participated on a daily basis for the last year in pursuing this investigation.
Thank goodness for those dedicated individuals that infiltrated this, and brought these people to justice
We are safer because of them
How do takedowns in Neptune and Asbury affect Ocean Grove? Let me count the ways:
1. Drugs are sold and used in the Grove. It is not news and has been going on for years. Such behavior not only affects our quality of life, but is a threat to all of us, especially the children—-a demographic which has been steadily growing in recent years.
Good kids can get hooked on heroin, especially if it is readily available. Some could die of overdoses.
2. Many break-ins and thefts in the Grove are caused by individuals who need money for drugs.
3. Violent crimes around Ocean Grove often relate to the illegal market in drugs, and such violence could spill over into our neighborhoods.
4. When you leave Ocean Grove by car or foot, you are at risk of being caught up in a random shooting or other violence. So feeling safe in the Grove is only part of our security concerns. You can feel safe on Cookman Avenue or on the Boardwalk in Asbury or even on Main Street, but be careful in other areas. Here’s a word to remember: carjacking.
5. The problems in Asbury Park and parts of Neptune will not be cured without solving the drug scourge, and that situation doesn’t do much for Ocean Grove’s appeal to tourists or to our home values. If Asbury Park gets better, it will be good news for the Grove.
So this report should be celebrated in Monmouth County, including Ocean Grove. Some people attack the “war on drugs,” but can you imagine doing nothing?