BRICK — Two Ocean County residents are facing a lengthy list of drug charges after authorities said a months-long investigation uncovered a large-scale methamphetamine distribution operation.
Michael Casey of Toms River and Tiffany Romano were arrested June 29 following a coordinated operation involving the Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit and the Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force.
Investigators identified Casey as a major supplier of methamphetamine in Ocean County, police said. Detectives obtained 13 court-approved search warrants connected to the alleged trafficking operation.
Casey was taken into custody without incident after investigators placed him under surveillance. Authorities then searched homes in Toms River and Brick, along with a storage unit and three vehicles.
Members of the Toms River Emergency Services Unit and Brick Township Special Emergency Response Team assisted with the searches.
At the Toms River residence, investigators reported finding about 800 grams of methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, a money-counting machine, packaging materials, several digital scales and $6,751 in cash.
Police said a search of the Brick residence uncovered more than a half-ounce of methamphetamine, packaging materials, digital scales and $1,567. Romano was arrested at the scene without incident.
Casey was charged with first-degree possession of more than 5 ounces of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility.
He also faces charges of conspiracy, possession of psilocybin with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, possession of psilocybin, money laundering and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Romano was charged with possession of between a half-ounce and 5 ounces of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine, money laundering and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Both defendants were taken to the Ocean County Jail pending their first court appearances.
The operation included members of Brick police, the Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force, Brick SERT, Brick patrol officers, Toms River ESU and Toms River patrol officers.
The charges are accusations. Casey and Romano are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The post 800 Grams Of Meth Seized In Ocean County Bust appeared first on Jersey Shore Online.
