Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced the culmination of a multi-agency cooperative investigation into drug activity impacting the Ocean County area.
Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Northern Enforcement Unit conducted a cooperative multi agency investigation with members of the Brick Township Police Department and the Lakewood Township Police Department resulting in the seizure of a large amount of cocaine and the arrest of two Ocean County residents on various drug charges.
Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Northern Enforcement Unit along with members of the Brick Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit and the Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit conducted an investigation into drug activity impacting the northern Ocean County area.
During the course of the investigation Detectives identified Gerardo Parada-Reyes age 39 of Brick Township and Veronica Anguiano-Hernandez age 34 also of Brick Township as distributing quantities of cocaine in the Ocean area. The investigation identified a residence in Brick Township as being utilized by Mr. Parada-Reyes and Ms. Anguiano-Hernandez to store and distribute quantities of cocaine. Detectives also identified a 2007 Dodge Nitro as being utilized by Parada-Reyes and Anguiano-Hernandez to facilitate their drug distribution activities.
Detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for. Detectives also obtained a search warrant for the 2007 Dodge Nitro. During the early evening hours of November 22, 2016 Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Northern Enforcement Unit along with members of the Brick Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit, the Brick Township Police K-9 Unit, the Brick Township Police S.E.R.T. Team and the Lakewood Township Police Street Crimes Unit
executed the search warrants at the subject residence as well as a search warrant on the 2007 Dodge Nitro.
As a result of the investigation and the execution of the search warrants, police seized approximately one and half kilos of cocaine (Approximately 3.5 pounds) along with approximately $4800 in cash. Police also seized drug paraphernalia indicative of the distribution of CDS including a digital scale and packaging materials. The seized cocaine has an approximate street value of $100,000 dollars. Police also seized the 2007 Dodge Nitro pending forfeiture proceedings.
Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato praised the dedication and tireless efforts of his Special Operations Group as well as the Brick and Lakewood Township Police Departments stating, “The success of this investigation is a direct result of the excellent cooperation, commitment and communication of all involved agencies. I am also heartened by the efforts of my Special Operations Group who in addition to this large seizure of cocaine seized nearly 3500 dosage units of heroin in less than a weeks’ time. We will continue our efforts to make Ocean County A NO DEALER ZONE.”
The following individuals were arrested and charged:
Gerardo Parada -Reyes, age 39, Brick Township NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine over Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The Honorable Superior Court Judge James M. Blaney JSC. set bail on Mr. Parada-Reyes at $250,000 no ten percent. Mr. Parada-Reyes was subsequently lodged in the Ocean County Jail.
Veronica Anguiano-Hernandez, age 34, Brick Township NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine over Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The Honorable Superior Court Judge James M. Blaney JSC. set bail on Ms. Anguiano-Hernandez at $250,000 no ten percent. Ms. Anguiano-Hernandez was subsequently lodged in the Ocean County Jail.
The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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