24 arrested in breakup of Jersey Shore cocaine distribution ring

Game, Set, Match.

"Operation Checkmate" has run its course and as a result of a multi-jurisdictional investigation 24 people, 21 of whom live in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, have been arrested for their alleged roles in a cocaine distribution ring.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer made the big announcement on Friday as a four-month-long investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, United States Drug Enforcement Administration – High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Group 5, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and New Jersey State Police - Trafficking Central Unit along with many others across the counties and state, came to a close putting an end to this drug ring.

“The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force managed and directed three simultaneous multi-agency investigations into high level cocaine distribution in Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex Counties, as well as New York City. During the course of these investigations, approximately 50 additional law enforcement personnel were assigned to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force on a full-time basis," Prosecutor Billhimer said in a statement. "Multiple agencies – both within and outside of Ocean County - assisted in every aspect of all three investigations. The investigations, identified as “Operation Checkmate,” began in July 2021 and concluded this week."

Prosecutor Billhimer said that through the three cocaine networks more than three kilograms of cocaine were imported -- per week -- into the Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex County areas.

The OCPO, MCPO and other investigating law enforcement agencies were able to dismantle this CDS operation that spilled into New York City leading to 24 arrests including for the charge of distribution of controlled dangerous substances.

Investigators executed 24 search warrants which led to the seizure of more than four kilograms of cocaine, over 15 pounds of marijuana, in excess of $650,000 in U.S. currency, seven firearms (three handguns, three “ghost guns,” and one pistol grip shotgun), ten vehicles and additional illegal narcotics.

“An investigation of this magnitude requires the cooperation of numerous law enforcement agencies and officers,” Prosecutor Billhimer said. “Law enforcement officers at the local, county, state, and federal levels demonstrated outstanding teamwork in connection with this very wide-ranging, comprehensive investigation. This team of professionals literally worked around the clock for the last several months with a singular goal in mind: removing dangerous drug dealers from our streets. I am so grateful for the resolve and dedication exhibited by all the Officers and Detectives involved in “Operation Checkmate'."

The Ocean County Prosecutors Office reminds everyone that charges are accusations and that the public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Here are the alleged suspects arrested as part of "Operation Checkmate".