Nine People Charged with Drugs & Gun Charges in Neptune
Yet another major drug bust in Monmouth County. The Neptune Township Police Department, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit teamed up to take down what authorities are calling another major drug trafficking network operating within the county. Based on the information that has been released at this point in time, following a six week investigation, a search warrant was executed on a home on the 1100 block of Corlies Avenue in Neptune Township. During the execution of the warrant, authorities uncovered a pound of marijuana, a loaded handgun, various drug packaging drug paraphernalia and more than $2,000 in cash. In all, nine people were arrested and charged with various drugs and weapons offenses, including the following:
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon;
- Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose;
- Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Drug Offense;
- Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute;
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
- Possession of CDS with Intent to Distribute in a School Zone;
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child;
- Robbery.
Seven of the nine individuals taken into custody were logged in the Monmouth County Jail where they await a Detention Hearing. During the Detention Hearing, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office will be seeking to convince a Judge that the individuals must be detained in jail, without bail, pending trial. The other two individuals were issued a summons and released upon their own recognizance.
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon While Committing Drug Crime
In an effort to deter gang violence, in 1998 the legislature choose to enact NJSA 2C:39-4.1; unlawful possession of a weapon while committing certain drug crimes. This offense creates enhanced penalties for those convicted of using a weapon during the commission of a drug offense. If it is alleged that the Defendant simply possessed a firearm during the commission of a drug distribution offense, they will be charged with a second degree felony. If convicted, any sentence imposed pursuant to this crime must be consecutive to the underlying sentence imposed for the drug distribution crime. A second degree crime in New Jersey is punishable by anywhere from five to ten years in prison. So, as you can tell, this offense has some real drastic consequences if not handled properly.
Marijuana Distribution Charges in Neptune NJ
Facing a Marijuana Distribution charge in Monmouth County? If so, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. Regardless of the fact that the legalization of marijuana seems imminent, law enforcement throughout the State, including throughout Monmouth County is still actively investigating and charging those accused of various marijuana offenses. Our office serves all of the county, including Howell, Middletown, Wall Township, Asbury Park, Ocean Township, Tinton Falls, Holmdel, Keansburg and Freehold. To speak to one of our lawyers today, please contact our Middletown office at 732.858.6959 or you can try contacting us online.
For more information on this bust, please checkout the Asbury Park Press’s article labeled, Neptune drug investigation nets 9 arrests, pot.
