2 Arrested in Toms River Drug Bust

Two men are facing charges after a drug bust outside a Toms River business.

Members of the Special Enforcement Team established surveillance outside Certified Funding on Route 37 East after reports of possible narcotics activity. On September 30, 2015, officers say they observed township resident Ansel Applewhite, 23, leave the business and conduct an alleged narcotics transaction on Adams Avenue.

Officers say Applewhite was in possession of 762 wax folds of heroin, 8 alprazolam (Xanax) pills and $2,248.00 in cash. Upon further investigation, officers discovered Applewhite's alleged associate, Eugene Ayala, 20, of Beachwood, had been left behind at the business. He was located and allegedly found to be in possession of 20 wax folds of heroin and a .38 caliber handgun.

Applewhite was charged with heroin, possession of heroin over one-half ounce with intent to distribute and possession of alprazolam. Bail was set at $150,000.00 with no 10% option.

Ayala is charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm while committing a drug offense. Bail was set at $100,000.00 with no 10% option.