A Lanoka Harbor father and son, and a third defendant, are accused of funneling heroin into Lacey Township.

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Ocean County investigators arrested Michael A. Araneo, 57, and Michael A. Araneo II, 23, along with Nicholas Picone, 35, of Forked River, after a search of Araneo's car at about 6:30 PM Monday in Lanoka Harbor, at Bay Way and Maple Road.

According to County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato's office, all three are charged with possession of heroin and possession with intent to distribute.

The elder Araneo is also charged with resisting arrest. His son and Picone face one count each of cocaine possession.

The probe involved the Prosecutor's Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit, and Lacey police.

Investigators said they had identified the 2005 Ford Taurus driven by Araneo Tuesday as a possible transport vehicle for heroin into the county. Inside were about 550 doses, cocaine, and about $1,200 cash, authorities said.

The elder Araneo allegedly refused to leave the car and struggled with officers who tried to extract him.

After processing at Lacey Police Headquarters, all three were directed to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River.

Bail for the elder Araneo was set at $75,000, and bail for his codefendants was set at $50,000, all with no stipulation for release on payment of 10 percent.

The Prosecutor's office did not disclose whether any of the three had retained attorneys.

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