Four Ocean County residents were arrested on various drug charges after being stopped on County Road 571 in Manchester. On Friday morning, October 6, 2017, members of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team (N.E.T.) observed a suspicious vehicle in the area of the Surf & Stream Campground on Route 571. N.E.T. officers were conducting surveillance near the campground after they received numerous complaints of drug activity in the area. Officers surveilled the vehicle from the area of Surf & Stream to a nearby location where a suspected drug transaction took place. As a result, the vehicle was stopped on Route 571 near Ridgeway Boulevard. While conducting their investigation, officers observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and revealed various pieces of drug paraphernalia, a container of suspected urine, and 27.4 grams of cocaine which had an estimated street value of $1,400.
The driver of the vehicle, 36-year-old Nicholas Jandik of Manahawkin, was arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine and Possession of Paraphernalia. He was later released on criminal summonses. Also arrested were 29-year-old Lindsey Stecz of Bayville, 29-year-old Tiffany Dannecker of Brick, and 32-year-old Silvano Francis of Toms River. Stecz was charged with Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Defrauding a Drug Test, while both Dannecker and Silvano were each charged with Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine. Additionally, Silvano was also found to have an outstanding $350 warrant out of Point Pleasant Borough. All three were released on criminal summonses from the Manchester charges and Francis posted bail for the Point Pleasant Borough warrant.
The 2005, Nissan Altima that was driven by Jandik was seized during the investigation and is pending forfeiture. Assisting in the investigation were members of the department’s Patrol Bureau and K9 Unit.
Residents are reminded that drug tips can be reported to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the “Tip Line” link.