A thrift store and equipment for fictitious passports were at the center of a two-month investigation that resulted in five arrests, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato has announced.
The Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group and partnering agencies successfully developed significant evidence of the operation of the facilities, which led to court-authorized search warrants being issued for three residences and a thrift store within Lakewood.
Detectives also identified two vehicles, specifically a silver 2004 Kia and a red 2008 Nissan Altima, being used to facilitate the drug distribution network.
On Monday, at approximately 10:30 am, the agencies and local police executed search warrants at the following Lakewood locations: a Thrift Shop located at 109 Ocean Avenue; 1075 West County Line Road; 370 Joe Parker Road, Apartment F; and 968 Ocean Avenue.
The police operation at the locations, as well as on the Kia and Nissan vehicles, resulted in the seizure of approximately one pound of cocaine, approximately $8,000 in cash, electronic scales, packaging materials, and assorted items used in the manufacturing, packaging and distribution of cocaine.
The seized cocaine has an approximate street value of $25,000. Beyond the drug operation,detectives also found equipment and materials used in the production of fictitious passports. The 2004 Kia and the 2008 Nissan Altima were also seized pending forfeiture proceedings.
The following individuals were arrested and charged:
David Marquez, 25, of 1075 West County Line Road, Lakewood. Marquez was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine over five ounces and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Judge Francis R. Hodgson, Jr. set bail at $200,000 cash. Marquez was lodged in the Ocean County Jail.
Jose Hernandez Varela, 44, of 698 River Ave (Route 9), Lakewood was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine over five ounces and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Hodgson set bail at $200,000 cash. Hernandez was lodged in the Ocean County Jail.
Ramona Flores, 30, of 370 Joe Parker Road, Apartment F, Lakewood was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of less than one half ounce of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Hodgson, Jr., set bail at $35,000, no 10 percent. Flores was lodged in the Ocean County Jail.
Carmelo Ramirez, 28, of 370 Joe Parker Road, Apartment F, Lakewood was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of less than one half ounce of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Hodgson set bail at $35,000, no ten percent. Ramirez was lodged in the Ocean County Jail.
Rocio Luna, 22, of 1075 West County Line Road, Lakewood was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine over five ounces and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Hodgson, Jr., set bail at $100,000, no 10 percent. Luna was housed in the Ocean County Jail.
The investigation is continuing and additional arrests are expected. Brick Police were among the assisting agencies during the arrest Monday of individuals allegedly operating drug storage and distribution facilities off Route 88 and Joe Parker Boulevard.
Brick Townships’ Police Emergency Services Units joined Lakewood Police and the County Prosecutor's Office Nov. 25 to help execute warrants.
Other agencies involved were:
The Northern Enforcement Unit, members of the Lakewood Township Police Department and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Lakewood Township Police Street Crimes Unit, Lakewood and Brick Townships’ Police Emergency Services Units and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit.
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