8 Arrested, 350 Grams Of Heroin Seized In Big NJ Drug Bust

The New Jersey State Police say they have arrested eight suspects of an alleged drug trafficking ring and seized more than 700 grams of cocaine, more than 350 grams of heroin, more than 10 pounds of marijuana, $65,610 cash and a 2014 Chevy Equinox.

The eight-month cooperative investigation dubbed “Operation Punch Out” began in December 2017 and targeted a drug distribution network largely operating in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties, the State Police announced Friday.

Detectives determined that the network, which was allegedly headed by Tyson Abel, 42, of Edison and Jose Concepcion Jr, 39, of Long Branch, sold significant quantities of cocaine and heroin in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties and surrounding areas, police said.

On Friday, July 27, detectives executed search warrants at various locations in Old Bridge Township, Long Branch City, and Edison Township, police said.

“These ring members allegedly profited from others’ addiction,” said New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “Through intelligence-driven operations like this one involving collaboration among state, federal, county and local law enforcement agencies, we are targeting the drug suppliers who are fueling not only addiction, but also the violence that accompanies street-level drug dealing.”

The accused were well organized, operating a sophisticated trafficking network that profited by peddling deadly and highly addictive narcotics like heroin and cocaine, said Col. Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “I commend the outstanding work of the State Police Trafficking Central Unit and our partners for dismantling this illegal drug trafficking ring, and most certainly making the affected communities safer as a result.”

The following suspects were arrested and charged:

• Tyson Abel, 42, of Edison, N.J.

Distribution of cocaine

Distribution of heroin

Possession of cocaine and heroin

Conspiracy to distribute cocaine/heroin

• Jose Concepcion Jr, 39, of Long Branch

Distribution of cocaine

Money laundering

Conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Distribution of marijuana

• Anthony Velasquez, 24, of Long Branch

Distribution of cocaine

Distribution of heroin

Possession of cocaine and heroin

Conspiracy to distribute cocaine/heroin

• Alejandro Burgos, 38, of Asbury Park

Money laundering

Distribution of marijuana

Conspiracy to distribute marijuana

• Jose Concepcion III, 22, of Old Bridge

Money laundering

Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute

Saleem Kelly, 21, of Old Bridge

Money laundering

Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute

• Khalid Thomas, 36, of Old Bridge

Money laundering

Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute

• Davon Cody, 28, of Brick

Distribution of cocaine

Distribution of heroin

Possession of cocaine/heroin

The effort was led by the New Jersey State Police Trafficking Central Unit with assistance from Troop “D” Criminal Investigation Office, DEA Newark Office, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Perth Amboy Police Department, Elizabeth Police Department, Wall Township Police Department, and Old Bridge Police Department.

State Police photo