A Berkeley Township man was arrested after he was stopped on County Road 530 in Manchester for a motor vehicle violation. During the stop, 24-year-old, Cody Lessing of Bayville, was arrested after he was found to be in possession of 495 bags of heroin.  

On November 20, 2017, members of Manchester Township Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team were conducting surveillance in the area of the Wawa convenience store on State Highway 70 in Whiting, when they observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. When the vehicle left the area, it was stopped on Route 530 near Crestwood Village for a motor vehicle violation. Information developed during the stop led to a search of the vehicle.  During the search, officers recovered drug paraphernalia as well as 495 bags of heroin. The heroin has an estimated street value of over $3,400.      

Lessing was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with one count each of Possession of and Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Hindering Evidence by Concealment, Possession of Marijuana under Fifty Grams, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. After being processed, he was lodged in Ocean County Jail.    

The Dodge Stratus that was driven by Lessing was seized during the investigation, pending forfeiture.  Also assisting in the investigation were members of the department’s Patrol Bureau and K-9 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.