Investigation Leads To 4 Heroin and Cocaine Arrests in Lacey Township

LACEY — An investigation that was initiated several months ago by the Lacey Township Police Department's Narcotics Enforcement Unit was aimed at the distribution of narcotics such as Heroin and Cocaine in the township. After multiple traffic stops and execution of search warrants, multiple individuals have been arrested in connection with the investigation.

Earlier this month, on December 8th, detectives from the Lacey, Berkeley and Ocean Gate police departments conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2003 ford explorer. Both the driver, 49-year-old Veronica Gasman, and the passenger 45-year-old Ned Berwanger of Oxgoose Drive in Lanoka Harbor where arrested and found in possession of over 600 wax folds containing a substance indicative of Heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine.

Soon after, officers searched Gasmen's residence and found more cocaine along with drug paraphernalia that is likely used for packaging narcotics and distributing them.

Gasmen and Berwanger were both charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Gasmen was also charged with Possession and Intent to Distribute Cocaine.

In accordance with Bail Reform, Gasmen was released on a complaint summons and Berwanger was brought to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

On December 14th, detectives with the Lacey Township Police Department served a search warrant on the 400 block of Drew Avenue in Lanoka Harbor. 31-year-old Vincente Scalzo was arrested and charged with Distribution of Heroin, Possession of Heroin, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

While officers were searching that residence, 36-year-old Jeffery Smith of Deerhead Lake Drive in Forked River, fled in his car striking the mailbox in the process. Smith committed multiple motor vehicle violations while eluding officers and detectives. The pursuit was ceased a short time after and a warrant was issued for Smith's arrest. 2

A few days later, detectives located Smith in the Cornerstone Apartment Complex in Forked River and placed him under arrest and charged him with 2nd degree eluding, Obstructing the Administration of Law, and Possession of Heroin. He was also found to be in possession of CDS and was charged.  In accordance with Bail Reform, Smith was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Charges are accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in the court of law 

Mark Anthony is a reporter at Townsquare Media: Mark.Kowalski@townsquaremedia.com

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