Wide-open heroin trade spurs four arrests in Howell

Open-air drug trade and users in the street in Howell Township trigger a raid on a house and four arrests.

Joseph Calascione, 26, and Cynthia M. Garrison, 55, were jailed in Freehold in lieu of $20,000 bail each after the Thursday morning search of the Starlight Road dwelling. Police describe Garrison as the home owner and Calascione's girlfriend. Two others were issued summonses and released.

The search culminated a month-long investigation of heroin distribution, during which police said they observed the brash activity. Inside were heroin, needles, crack pipes and a digital scale, police said. The amount of heroin has yet to be determined, based on the way in which it was stored, police said.

According to authorities, Garrison's child was present but not involved, and was driven to school by officers.

Calascione and Garrison are charged with possession of heroin, distribution of heroin, possession of hypodermic needles and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Blake X. Rini and Kelly E. Geerin are charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.