Seat Belt Violation Leads To Discovery Of 470 Heroin Decks, Two Arrests

If you’re going to transport drugs, it’s best to wear your seat belt.

That seems to be the lesson in the arrest of a Brick Township woman and Wall Township man, after 470 decks of heroin were found hidden in their car during a motor vehicle stop in Howell last week.

Howell Township Police Chief Andrew Kudrick said Brittany Gilbert, 23, of Brick, and Tyshawn Morris, 23, of Wall, were pulled over by Patrolman Michael Pavlick about 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 23 on Newtons Corner Road for a seat belt violation.

Morris was found to have an outstanding warrant from Lakewood and was arrested, Kudrick said.

Gilbert, the driver, was found to have 10 decks of heroin within her clothing, the chief said. That led to a search of the car by members of the Howell Township Crime Suppression Unit, including K9 Jago, and that search turned up 470 decks of heroin hidden in a compartment in the driver’s side door panel, Kudrick said.

Drug paraphernalia items were found in a similar compartment in the passenger side door, he said, and $1,200 in cash was seized, he said.

Gilbert and Morris were both taken to the Monmouth County Correctional Institute in lieu of $300,000 bail each, he said.

“Once again, we find another two people who decided it was wise to transport illegal drugs into this town. Once again, they were apprehended. Poor choice on their end,” Kudrick said, adding, “Although Patrolman Pavlick may not hit a baseball 495 feet and be crowned the home-run champ, he is still our all-star! DISCLAIMER: It should be noted we don’t fault Ptlm. Pavlick for this as he is a soccer player.”

“Great job once again by Officer Pavlick and members of the Crime Suppression Unit!” Kudrick said.

(Photo credit: Howell Township Police)