A Lakewood man has been charged with multiple drug and weapons offenses after a month-long multi-agency investigation into illegal narcotics distribution in Ocean County.

Authorities say the investigation identified Freemon Watts, 46, of Lakewood, as a large-scale cocaine distributor operating throughout the area.

On May 27, detectives conducting surveillance observed Watts leaving his place of employment in Lakewood before stopping his vehicle and taking him into custody without incident.

Investigators then executed court-authorized search warrants at Watts’ residence in Lakewood, a residence in Neptune Township believed to be connected to the alleged drug operation, and a storage unit in Toms River.

According to prosecutors, the searches resulted in the seizure of approximately 400 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia commonly associated with narcotics distribution, a suspected Uzi-style submachine gun, two handguns equipped with large-capacity ammunition magazines, approximately $14,000 in cash, and other evidence.

Watts has been charged with Possession of Five Ounces or More of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Firearm During a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense, Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon, Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine, and Financial Facilitation.

He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has remained lodged since May 28, pending court proceedings.

The investigation was conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force in partnership with the FBI Safe Streets Task Force–Red Bank, the Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit and Special Response Team, the Toms River Police Department Special Enforcement Team, the Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Neptune Township Police Department. Prosecutors credited the agencies for their coordinated efforts throughout the investigation.