Manchester police make a pair of drug busts this week

Three Ocean County residents are facing drug charges after two separate vehicle stops in Manchester this week, according to authorities.

In the first incident Monday night, police said a vehicle stopped for tailgating on Route 37 in the area of Northampton Boulevard led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia inside the 2007 Toyota Camry.

A more thorough search resulted in police finding a quantity of crystal methamphetamine, hypodermic needles and other drug paraphernalia associated with heroin use, according to Manchester Police Captain Todd Malland.

The driver, 43-year-old Angela Ruggiero of Toms River was arrested and charged with possession of crystal methamphetamine, possession of hypodermic needles/syringes and possession of drug paraphernalia.

She also was issued a motor vehicle summons for following too closely and possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances in a motor vehicle, according to Malland.

Ruggiero was transported to the Ocean County jail and was being held on $2,500.00 bail.

The following day, members of the Manchester Police Narcotics Enforcement team were conducting a surveillance operation Tuesday afternoon that resulted in the seizure of 100 bags of heroin and a 2012 Chevy Camaro, according to Manchester Police Chief Lisa D. Parker.

Officers observing two men in the Camaro in the Pine Lake Park section of the Township when saw one of the men engaging in a narcotics transaction, according to Parker.

Later that evening, authorities conducted a vehicle stop on the Camaro. An investigation led to the discovery of 100 wax paper folds containing heroin, which Parker said was found to be hidden on both individuals. Assorted drug paraphernalia also was found inside the vehicle.

24-year-old Ahmid Fisher of Manchester and 20-year-old Peter Degrazio of Toms River were both arrested and charged with possession of heroin. Fisher also was charged with intent to distribute heroin, hindering apprehension and possession of drug paraphernalia. Degrazio also was charged with possession of a hypodermic needle and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The investigation determined that the heroin purchased was destined for resale in the Manchester area, according to Parker.

Both men were transported to the Ocean County Jail on $15,000.00 bail. Degrazio was released on complaint summonses.