Authorities have charged three local residents for their roles in what prosecutors call an “extensive” drug trafficking network.
Mario Galli, 27, of Brick; Amanda Humphreys, 24, of Seaside Heights; and Jason Vella, 37, of Berkeley Township, are facing drug and weapons charges, according to a statement from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors did not expound on the investigation in their statement, saying only that there was a cooperative investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and police in several local communities. The investigation revealed that Galli, Humphreys, and Vella “were engaged in extensive trafficking of illegal narcotics in Ocean County.”
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As a result, court-authorized search warrants were executed between Sept. 19-20 at two residences – one in Berkeley and the other in Toms River. Execution of those search warrants allowed law enforcement to seize approximately 500 grams of cocaine, nearly $2,300 in cash, and a loaded 9mm handgun.
Galli, of Brick, was charged distribution of more than five ounces of cocaine, two counts of possession of more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute; and two counts of possession of more than five ounces of cocaine. Additionally, Galli was charged out of Toms River Township with possession of more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school; possession of more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute; possession of more than five ounces of cocaine; being a certain person not to have a weapon; possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose; possession of a weapon during the commission of a controlled dangerous substance offense; and possession of drug paraphernalia in violation. Galli is lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Humphreys, of Seaside Heights, was charged with possession of more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school; possession of more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute; possession of more than five ounces of cocaine; possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose; possession of a weapon during the commission of a controlled dangerous substance offense; and possession of drug paraphernalia in violation. Humphreys is lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Vella, of Berkeley, is charged with possession of more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute, and simple possession. Vella is lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
