Detectives with the Manchester Township Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET) conducted an investigation into the distribution of heroin throughout the northern Ocean County area. The investigation identified an address in the Suncrest Village Apartment complex of Manchester, which was utilized to store and distribute quantities of heroin. As a result of the investigation, NET Detectives obtained court-authorized search warrants for the associated residence and vehicle. The investigation identified Eugene Ayala Jr., age 27, of Manchester, an alleged member of the “Crips” street gang, as being involved in the distribution of heroin within the northern Ocean County area.
On Tuesday, May 17th, 2022, the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team along with members of the Manchester Township Police Investigations Bureau executed the search warrant at the Suncrest Village address.
As a result of the search warrant, Detectives seized a quantity of illegally obtained Percocet tablets, a fully loaded Glock handgun containing hollow point ammunition, and drug paraphernalia consistent with drug distribution.
Eugene Ayala Jr. was charged with Possession of Percocet, Second Degree Certain Persons Not to Possess a Firearm, Possession of Hollow Point Ammunition and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Ayala Jr. was transported to the Ocean County Jail as per Bail Reform.
Also assisting with the execution of the search warrant were members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force.
Residents are reminded that drug-related tips can be reported to the Manchester Township Police Department anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website at www.manchesterpolicenj.com.