Stop-sign violation triggers drug bust in Brick Township

An alleged driving infraction near Brick Township's Briar Woods development leads to the seizure of 571 folds of heroin, wads of cash and charges against suspects from two outlying towns.

Ronald Walker, 32, of Lakewood, and Leon Sarvis, 27, of Eatontown, were arrested Friday afternoon by township officers who were alerted by a bystander in the development.

According to police, a report arrived at about 1:30 PM of two men smoking marijuana in a black Dodge van.

Officers Scott Smith, Keith Prendevilleand Michael Bennett arrived at Briar Mills Drive, spotting the van as it headed toward Sally Ike Road, missing a stop sign, police said.

The odor of raw and burnt marijuana prompted them to bring Sarvis, the driver, curbside, police said. Officers reportedly found a bag of marijuana and more than $200 cash in his pocket.

Officers, finding active arrest warrants for Walker, said that they uncovered a cardboard box holding the heroin in his pants, also finding crack cocaine and more than $2,000 cash.

A search of the van revealed another ounce of marijuana, an ounce of THC oil extract, butane lighters, electronic cigarettes believed to contain THC oil extract, a digital scale, rolling papers, spray mace and a gun-cleaning kit, police said.

The van was returned to Enterprise, where it was rented, and the cash was confiscated pending forfeiture proceedings..

Both were placed in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River on a multitude of possession-related charges. Walker was held on $100,000 bail, Sarvis on $35,000 bail, neither with an option for release on payment of 10 percent.