Lacey NJ Police Arrest Toms River Woman during Heroin Bust
Ocean County law enforcement recently conducted a heroin bust in Lacey Township and arrested a Toms River NJ woman accused of possessing a large quantity of illegal drugs, as well as illegally possessing a loaded handgun.
Lacey Township police were tipped off about illegal drug activity in the area around the ShopRite plaza located on Route 9 in Lacey, NJ. The Lacey Township Police Department then joined forces with the Southern Enforcement Unit of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Special Operation Group to investigate the anonymous tip.
While conducting surveillance near the supermarket, detectives reportedly saw the suspect walking around with a backpack. Police officers quickly moved in on the female suspect and detained her while detectives carefully searched her backpack. During the search, authorities allegedly discovered more than 100 doses of heroin, a large amount of cocaine, and in excess of 100 prescription pills. (The prescription drugs reportedly included Oxycodone, Suboxone, and Xanax.)
Additionally, police allegedly found a .22-caliber handgun inside the suspect's backpack. Law enforcement officials later indicated that the firearm was loaded with ammunition.
The suspect was placed under arrest at the scene. She faces numerous criminal charges, including possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, illegal possession of prescription drugs, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Although the suspect was not actually observed in the process of selling the illegal drugs, she still faces drug distribution charges because the NJ Criminal Code calls for enhanced penalties and an assumption of intent to distribute when a person possesses a large amount of drugs.
If the suspect is ultimately convicted on the very serious criminal charges, she could end up spending decades behind bars in New Jersey State Prison. In the meantime, she is being held at the Ocean County Jail on a $200K bail amount.
To learn more, read the NJ.com article, “N.J. Woman Nabbed with Heroin, Loaded Gun, Authorities Say.â€
If you or a loved one has been charged with drug distribution or drug possession in New Jersey, you need to talk to a qualified criminal defense lawyer immediately. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A.will help you fight your criminal charges and steer clear of the most severe penalties. Contact us anytime to schedule a free initial consultation about your case.