Heroin rings that imported 50,000 doses a week into Ocean County smashed
Heroin from a closed criminal case, marked with a dealer's stamp, in a 2013 photo taken at the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office. (Photo: Tracey Samuelson/for NewsWorks)
Authorities have dismantled two heroin rings that were responsible for importing over a kilogram a week into Ocean County — or approximately 50,000 individual doses, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced today.
The two investigations, comprised of a multi-jurisdictional task force conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Group, along with federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies, culminated recently with the arrest of 34 individuals on various drug and weapons charges, according to a release from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
“These simultaneous operations are incredible investigative feats,” Coronato said. “Beyond the approximate street value of over $325,000 in heroin seized during operations ‘Broken Rule’ and ‘Sin City,’ this outstanding law enforcement partnership has extended the reach and effectiveness of Ocean County law enforcement far beyond our borders.”
The investigation resulted in the seizure of nearly 31,000 individual dosage units of heroin and approximately 25 grams of raw heroin; around $140,000 in cash; 14 motor vehicles, one of which was equipped with an electronic “TRAP” utilized to conceal drugs; six firearms, including a TEC-9 assault weapon, and materials consistent with a controlled dangerous substance manufacturing and production facility, the release said.
Authorities continue to investigate, and additional arrests are forthcoming, according to the release.
For the full list of individuals arrested and additional details, click here.
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