There continues to be drugs pouring into and being abused in Ocean County communities at an alarming clip.

Law enforcement continues to crack down on drug deals, possession and related crimes while continuing to offer and introduce a variety of programs, services, and initiatives to find and get people help and into recovery.

On Tuesday, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced that the OCPO will join in on the U.S. DEA annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this coming Saturday October 29.

(Photo: Vin Ebenau, Townsquare Media-NJ)
(Photo: Vin Ebenau, Townsquare Media-NJ)
loading...

The main goal of this initiative is to provide an opportunity to people to go through their medicine cabinets and around the house and get rid of any and all prescription medications that you don't use, can't use, can't have around in the house for any number of reasons, and on the other end, perhaps because they're expired or unused.

94.3 The Point logo
Get our free mobile app

With the dangers posed, and well noted, out there of Vaping, this is an opportunity to get rid of these harmful materials as well, just remove the lithium batteries before dropping them off.

Sue Moll, Townsquare Media
Sue Moll, Townsquare Media
loading...

What will not be accepted on Saturday is liquids, syringes, and illegal drugs.

There's no need to hold on to these prescription drugs, take the opportunity Saturday and drop them off.

You can do so, Prosecutor Billhimer said, in front of the Ocean County Justice Complex at 120 Hooper Avenue in Toms River, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

94.3 The Point logo
Get our free mobile app

“Take Back Day is an effective tool in reducing the availability of unused medication and prescription drugs. I encourage all of our residents to take advantage of this opportunity to turn these items over to law enforcement,” Prosecutor Billhimer said in a written statement.

Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels
loading...

 

In Brick Township, the department's Street Crimes Unit has been doing a sweep of their own through the community.

Police arrested and charged a Lakewood man, 28-year-old Kwame Richardson, after he was spotted driving aggressively on October 17 around 8:00 pm.

94.3 The Point logo
Get our free mobile app

Detectives with the SCU said Richardson gave them a false name at first, and he was eventually charged with hindering apprehension and several motor vehicle summonses and was released pending his court date.

Brick police vehicle
Brick police vehicle (Brick PD)
loading...

On Thursday October 20, around 8:30 pm, SCU Detectives caught a woman red handed walking around and asking people for drugs.

When Detectives said they approached 38-year-old Tracey Martin of Brick, they found stolen medications, drug paraphernalia and other prescription medications.

94.3 The Point logo
Get our free mobile app

Brick Police then charged Martin with loitering to obtain a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), two counts of possession of a CDS, eight counts of possession of prescription legend drugs, receiving stolen property, and possession of paraphernalia, and then issued her a warrant and brought her to the Ocean County Jail.

Photo: Shawn Michaels
Photo: Shawn Michaels
loading...

Another Brick resident was arrested, charged, and jailed after Brick Police SCU Detectives watched as he committed several motor vehicle violations along Jack Martin Boulevard on Friday October 21 around 12:40 pm.

94.3 The Point logo
Get our free mobile app

Police said that Timothy Gandy, 35, of Brick had two outstanding warrants out for his arrest which led to charges for that alone, but, upon suspicion something else was going on, K9 Echo sniffed the vehicle and police found drugs including wax folds used to package heroin, crack cocaine, oxycodone pills and drug paraphernalia.

Brick Police then charged Gandy with 3 counts of possession of a CDS, possession with intent to distribute a CDS, possession of a CDS in a motor vehicle, paraphernalia, and motor vehicle summonses.

Here are New Jersey's Most Wanted Criminals

The 25 Most Dangerous Cities in New Jersey

The 25 Most Dangerous Roads in New Jersey

More From 94.3 The Point