An alleged drug dealer tried to swallow 19 bags of heroin when undercover detectives interrupted a transaction in a parking lot Thursday night, according to Ocean Township, Monmouth County police. 

Arrest
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Detectives Michael Melody and Jesse Orbach were in plain clothes conducting a "Cops in Shops" operation in the area of Monmouth Road and Roosevelt Avenue.

"Cops in Shops" is a statewide program whereby plain clothes police officers team up with owners of licensed liquor establishments to detect and arrest underage person purchasing alcoholic beverages at those licensed liquor establishments.

The detectives observed Ocean Township residents, 19-year-old Ethan Haacker and 20-year-old James Simmons, allegedly exchanging heroin. As the detectives approached, authorities said Haacker tried to eat 19 bags of heroin in an attempt to destroy the evidence while Simmons allegedly was caught throwing 10 bags of the drug into a bush.

Both men were arrested. Haacker was charged with distribution of heroin, wandering for the purpose to distribute heroin, possession of heroin, possession of a hypodermic syringe and tampering with evidence. Simmons was charged with wandering with the purpose to purchase heroin, possession of heroin and tampering with evidence.

Both men were released on complaint summonses and will appear at a future court hearing.

 

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