A post on Snapchat lead police right to the vehicle of an alleged drug dealer.
Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Taishaun Cosme, 24, of Brick, was arrested and charged on January 23, 2020 with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession of a Weapon while Committing a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offence; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon; Possession of a Prohibited Weapon or Device; Cyber Harassment; and Disorderly Conduct.
On January 23, Detectives from the Barnegat Crime Reduction Unit advised the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force that a male was posting on Snapchat pictures of a firearm and a quantity of cash in his motor vehicle. Further investigation involving the Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force, Barnegat Township Police Department, Brick Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Toms River Police Department revealed that the male was Cosme.
Using Snapchat’s geo-location function, Detectives were able to locate Cosme operating a motor vehicle in Lakewood. Detectives executed a motor vehicle stop of Cosme’s vehicle and subsequently obtained a court-authorized search warrant for the vehicle. A search of the vehicle yielded a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun and several rounds of hollow point bullets, as well as a significant amount of Cocaine, digital scale, and assorted paraphernalia indicative of drug distribution. Cosme was taken into custody and is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer gratefully acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit and Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team and Detective Bureau, Lakewood Township Patrol Division, Street Crimes Unit and Detective Bureau, and Brick Township Police Department Patrol Division, Street Crimes Unit and Detective Bureau, for their collective assistance in this investigation which lead to Cosme’s arrest.
“The apprehension of Taishaun Cosme is a prime example of what law enforcement agencies can accomplish when they work together. This was truly a collaborative effort by multiple departments to remove a dangerous drug dealer from the streets of Ocean County. We will continue to relentlessly pursue individuals that poison our communities with drugs and terrify our neighborhoods with guns,” Prosecutor Billhimer remarked.
Great cyber work. Kudos to all involved. These days a bust like this is so much easier thanks to social media and the jerks that have IQs less than body temperature, That said, the cops did a great, expedient job. THANKS to all who put it together.
Ironic how Snapchat, the favorite of narcissists, brought about his arrest.
Thanks! GREAT WORK!!!
Thank you so much to all those government agencies and all those wonderful Police officers that were involved to catch this unwell individual. These drugs are destroying our teenagers.
May God bless our Police officers, detectives and the Ocean County Strike force.