Barnegat Man Caught With Meth At Manahawkin Lake Park, Police Say

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A late-night property check at Manahawkin Lake Park led to drug charges against a Barnegat man, according to the Stafford Township Police Department.

Police reported that on Sept. 10 at about 11:43 p.m., Patrolman Ryan Cahill was conducting a routine property check at the park near Route 9 and North Lake Shore Drive in Manahawkin when he saw two people inside the park. Police said Cahill then made contact with the two individuals and, during the investigation, developed suspicion that controlled dangerous substances may have been in their belongings or on their persons.

According to the police department, a subsequent search led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside one of the bags. As a result of the investigation, Dennis Roberts, of Barnegat, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, identified by police as methamphetamine.

Roberts also was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, which is a disorderly persons offense. Following processing at Stafford Township Police Headquarters, Roberts was released on a complaint-summons pending a future court appearance, according to the police department.

Police did not identify the second person at the park.