Members of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET) conducted an investigation into the distribution of Methamphetamine throughout Ocean County. The investigation identified an address on Amesbury Road in the Crestwood Village 6 community of Whiting, which was utilized to store and distribute quantities of Methamphetamine. As a result of the investigation, NET Detectives obtained court-authorized search warrants for the associated residence and suspect vehicle. The investigation identified Christopher Waugh, age 57, of Whiting, as the distributor of Methamphetamine within the Ocean County area.
On Tuesday, August 31st, 2021, at approximately 1:05 p.m., Detectives from the Manchester Township Police Department’s NET conducted a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle occupied by Christopher Waugh, immediately after it was observed departing the residence. During the search of the vehicle, evidence of drug paraphernalia was discovered. While on the stop, the driver, Frank Cragin, age 58, of Toms River, was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Waugh and Cragin were arrested for drug paraphernalia pending further investigation. Subsequently, the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team along with members of the Manchester Township Police Investigations Bureau executed the search warrant at the Amesbury Road address. Due to the possibility that Methamphetamine was being manufactured at the residence SWAT Team Members took the necessary precautions of utilizing air-filtration masks.
As a result of the search warrant, Detectives seized 17 grams of Methamphetamine (street value of approximately $1,700), 50 doses of heroin, a quantity of Alprazolam and Clonazepam tablets, and drug paraphernalia consistent with drug distribution. Also located at the residence, was Jessica L. Bischoff, age 36, of Manahawkin, who was identified as a co-conspirator through the investigation.
Christopher Waugh was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute more than one-half ounce of Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Heroin, Possession of a Schedule IV Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Frank Cragin was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Jessica L. Bischoff was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Cragin and Bischoff were issued complaint summonses as per NJ bail reform pending court. Christopher Waugh was transported to a medical facility for an unrelated health condition and issued complaint summonses pending court.
Also assisting with the execution of the search warrant were members of the New Jersey State Police Hazardous Materials Response Unit. This unit determined that the scene of the residence was safe; as there were no indications that Methamphetamine was being produced at the location.
Residents are reminded that drug-related tips can be reported to the Manchester Township Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website at www.manchesterpolicenj.com.