Two 20-year-old Ocean County men were arrested after an investigation into a suspicious vehicle was conducted in the area of the Comfort Inn on Route 37 in Manchester. Louis Stokes and Anthony Singletary, both of Barnegat, were arrested by members of the Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team after they were found to be in possession of heroin, marijuana, cocaine and drug paraphernalia.  

On May 25, 2017, members of the Narcotics Enforcement Team (N.E.T.) observed a suspicious vehicle occupied by two males in the parking lot of the Comfort Inn. When officers approached the vehicle, they immediately smelled the odor of burning marijuana. While investigating, a quantity of marijuana was observed by the officers inside the vehicle. When officers asked the passenger, Louis Stokes, to exit the vehicle, he attempted to flee from the area on foot and was immediately apprehended and placed under arrest after a brief struggle. He was later found to be in possession of 33 bags of heroin and 2 grams of cocaine. The vehicle’s driver, Anthony Singletary was also taken into custody and subsequently found to be in possession of 45 bags of heroin.

Singletary was charged with Possession and Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Concealment of Evidence. He was released on summonses. Stokes was charged with Possession and Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Concealment of Evidence, Hindering Apprehension, and Resisting Arrest. Stokes was lodged in Ocean County Jail on the Manchester charges as well as on a New Jersey State Juvenile Parole no bail warrant and an outstanding Barnegat Township warrant. 

Over $400 in cash and the vehicle occupied during the incident were seized during the investigation. Also assisting in the investigation were members of the Manchester Township Police 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.