Two individuals are facing heroin charges after officers from the Manchester Township Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team witnessed the pair exhibiting suspicious behavior in the parking lot of a Route 571 business on November 4, 2015, at approximately 4:15 p.m.
Narcotics officers conducted surveillance on the pair, who were operating a 2004 Chevrolet Impala, and later stopped their vehicle in Toms River at the intersection of Route 70 and Route 9. The vehicle was occupied by two males who both exhibited signs of heroin use. After the front seat passenger was asked to exit the vehicle by officers, a quantity of heroin fell out of his pant leg onto the ground. As a result, the 23 year Manchester man, Anthony Moriarty, was arrested without incident.
Further investigation led to the recovery of additional quantities of heroin which was found concealed in the trunk of the vehicle along with several hypodermic needles. This led to the arrest of the driver, 19 year old, Matthew Morin also of Manchester.
Both individuals were charged with possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. Morin was additionally charged with possession of hypodermic needles. Both subjects were taken to Manchester Police Headquarters and Morin was later transported to Ocean County Jail in default of $7,500.00 bail, while Moriarty was released on a complaint summons.
Also assisting with this investigation was Ocean County Sheriff’s K-9 Officer James Kohout.