Two Charged in Manchester Heroin Bust

A roadside stop for an car-inspection infraction in Manchester turned into the discovery of 370 bags of heroin and charges against the driver and passenger, say township police.

Jennifer Swain, 38, of South Toms River, was behind the wheel when Patrolman Peter Manco flagged down the car at on Route 571 near Etty Court on the afternoon of February 26, police said.

Manco noticed drug-related items on the floor of the Dodge Neon and called for backup from the Ocean County Sheriff's K-9 unit, police said.

The drug-sniffing dog's response prompted the search that led to the discovery of the drug, police said, with an estimated value of $3,700.

Swain and her passenger, Peter Fischler III, 34, of Manchester, were charged with heroin possession and distribution. Swain was also charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle and two road violations.

Both were placed in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River, with bail for each set at $75,000, with no option for release on payment of 10 percent.

Manchester Police maintain anonymous tip lines through their web site and at 732-657-6111.