Manchester Police credit resident complaints in helping them make drug bust

When Manchester residents saw something, they said something and now 13-Ocean County residents are arrested for drug related offenses.

The bust comes after weeks of surveillance by police in three separate neighborhoods in town leading to the discovery of about 36-grams of crack-cocaine worth $3,300.00 on the street, various prescription pills, an unknown amount of marijuana, numerous pieces of drug paraphernalia and a 2005 Nissan Altima that's now pending forfeiture.

The Manchester Township Police Department's Narcotics Enforcement Team (N.E.T.) took the lead in the investigation with help from the Patrol Bureau and K-9 unit, that began after they began receiving tips from residents about possible drug activity going on where they live.

Surveillance detail was set up and lasted for weeks as the MTPD NET looked into the matter by placing patrols at the Surf & Stream Campground and in the Cedar Glen West and Pine Ridge South retirement communities.

Their investigation was fruitful and resulted in thirteen arrests on drug offenses and/or outstanding warrants in the vicinity of the aforementioned neighborhoods.

37-year-old, Ashton Alexander of Lakewood, 33-year-old, Kimberly Burke of Jackson, 29-year-old, Tiffany Dannecker of Brick, 31-year-old, Aliyah Fonseca of Manchester, 32-year-old, Silvano Francis of Jackson, 37-year-old, Nicholas Jandik of Manahawkin, 49-year-old, Darlene Ott of Bayville, 56-year-old, Lori Simone of Manchester, and 29-year-old, Lindsey Stecz of Bayville were all arrested.

There were 25 criminal charges issued for the above suspects ranging from Possession of Drug Paraphernalia to Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine.

All the suspects were charged, processed and then released on summonses or they posted bail on any outstanding warrants.

Police are telling residents that drug tips can be reported to them anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department's website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com by clicking the "Tip Line" link.

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