Crack, coke, cash, opiates seized in Manchester raid

Suspicions of drug activity by residents of a Manchester neighborhood result in the seizure of cocaine, crack, opiates, weapons and more than $1,000 cash, with a suspect behind bars on a full $75,000 bail.

James I. Watts, Jr., 20, faces a raft of charges following today's early-morning raid at a Beechmont Street house, in the Pine Lake Park section. Police believe that the money they confiscated constitutes proceeds of drug sales.

In addition to cocaine and its hard-core derivative, police seized Suboxone, Oxycodone, a firearm, a prohibited weapon, an imitation firearm, a 2011 Nissan Altima, and items related to drug distribution.

Authorities did not offer specifics of the weapon, beyond a description as a handgun, or of the prohibited weapon, or of the imitation weapon.

The search brought a five-month investigation to a head, prompted by repeated complaints fielded by the Manchester Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET). A lengthy period of surveillance produced the grounds to justify the warrant, police said.

Watts is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of Suboxone, possession of Oxycodone, possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a handgun during a controlled dangerous substance offense, possession of an imitation firearm, and possession of a prohibited weapon. He was placed in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River.

Police did not indicate whether the investigation was closed, or whether more arrests were likely to ensue.

NET was supported by the township Investigation and Patrol Bureaus and K9 Unit, the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, the County Prosecutor's Special Operations Group, Lakewood Police Department, and the Middle Atlantic Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network (MAGLOCLEN).

Drug suspicions can be reported anonymously through the Tip Line portal on the Manchester PD web page, or at 732-657-6111.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.