Smiling drug ringleader pumped 7,500 heroin bags a week into Jersey Shore: cops

ASBURY PARK — Authorities seized 10,000 bags of heroin and arrested nine people in a takedown of a drug ring that allegedly brought in as many as 7,500 bags of heroin every week into Monmouth County.

The investigation that stared last winter focused on the path the drug takes to get into Monmouth County, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Ocean Township resident Mario DeShader, 30, who also goes by “Noso” and “Fat Boy,” is the accused ringleader who allegedly worked with DeShawn “Date” Esdaile, 24, of Asbury Park, to distribute the drugs in Ocean Township, Asbury Park, Neptune Township, and Neptune City, officials said.

DeShader’s source of supply for heroin was Mark “Scrilla” A. St. Juste, 33, of Carteret.

The bust comes amid a heroin epidemic that has gripped the state.

“This takedown puts a much-needed dent in the heroin market existing in Monmouth County for today, but there is still more work to be done," Gramiccioni said in a statement announcing the results of Operation High Life.

"Investigators will continue their robust enforcement operations to further curtail the heroin supply. At the same time, our Office must continue its outreach and education efforts to reduce heroin demand – it is here where public engagement remains most important."

Also arrested in the operation were Todd “Filthy” Ewart, 34, of Ocean Township; Brittany Cook, 25, of Cleveland, Ohio; Kavon J. McMillon, 26, of Neptune Township; and Iran Clayton-McKinley, 21, of Neptune Township.

Two suspects remain at large: Carl “Old Head” Revis, 56, of Toms River, and Patricia Baez, 46, of Neptune Township.

DeShader is charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute heroin, second-degree conspiracy to possess a drug with intent to distribute, second-degree distribution of heroin, third-degree distribution of heroin, and two counts of third-degree possession of heroin.

DeShader, Esdaile and St. Juste were being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold in lieu of $500,000 cash-only bail for each. Before any of them can post the bail for release, however, a Superior Court judge must hold a bail-source hearing to make sure criminal proceeds are not being used for the bail.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Revis or Baez should call the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-800-533-7443 or local police.