Brick Twp. Police car. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
The Brick Township Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit has made another string of arrests, many of which focused on drug transactions in the township. The arrests occurred over the past two weeks, the department said in a statement.
The first occurred on Thursday, June 17 and came as a result of two suspects caught making a hand-to-hand deal that was observed by SCU detectives in the Briar Mills apartment complex. An investigation led to the discovery of heroin, crack and paraphernalia, the statement said. Brian Vientos, 34, of Jackson, was arrested and charged with distribution of heroin, possession of heroin and crack, and possession of paraphernalia. Vientos was released on summonses, which included traffic summonses for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, and careless driving.
During that incident, Amanda Meklim, 34, of Jackson, was also arrested and charged for possession of heroin, crack, prescription pills and paraphernalia. She was released on a summons.
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On Tuesday, June 22, SCU detectives conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Brick Estates on Hooper Avenue which led to the discovery of crack and paraphernalia, the statement said. Ryan Bannon, 39, of Neptune, was arrested and charged with possession of crack, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, and driving without a license. Bannon was released on summonses.
On Monday, June 28, SCU detectives conducted a motor vehicle stop near the intersection of Brick Boulevard and Drum Point Road that led to the discovery of crystal methamphetamine, police said. Michael Stack, 56, of Bayville, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, paraphernalia, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle and failing to maintain a lane of travel. Stack was released on summonses.
On Tuesday, June 29, SCU detectives observed suspicious activity in the parking lot of Walmart, according to the statement. An investigation led to the discovery of Suboxone films that were alleged to have been illegally possessed. Tracy Martin, 38, of Brick, was charged with possession of suboxone and was released on a summons.
“Chief [Jim] Riccio would like to commend the hard work and dedication of the Street Crimes Unit and remind all would-be drug violators that the officers of the Brick Township Police Department will continue to be diligent against the scourge of illegal drug activity upon our community,” the statement went on to say.
In addition to the enforcement efforts of the SCU, Brick Police “are committed to combating the drug epidemic through collaborative resource management and partnership with several public health agencies in Ocean County,” it continued.
For those struggling with substance use disorder and their family members, anyone who needs help is welcome to come to the police department as part of the Blue Hope Program or otherwise, and personnel at the station will help that person connect with the right resources to get the help they need.
