Three Arrested In Major Drug Bust In Barnegat

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Barnegat police officers uncovered both raw and packaged heroin after a raid on a Hawthorne Lane home recently, spokesperson Al Della Fave said.

Authorities arrested three Ocean County residents on various drug charges in the late evening hours of July 9, after obtaining a “no-knock“ search warrant for 266 Hawthorne Lane, he said.

Police seized raw and packaged heroin, drug paraphernalia, empty glassine envelopes used in the packaging and manufacturing of heroin, rubber gloves and a facemask. They also found roughly $800 in suspected drug proceeds, Della Fave said.

Authorities arrested Damon Ellis, 42, 266 Hawthorne Lane. He was charged with two counts of possession of heroin, possession of heroin under one half ounce with intent to distribute, one count of distribution of heroin, tampering with evidence, manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, he said.

Ocean County Superior Court Judge Patricia B. Roe set Ellis‘ bail at $100,000 cash. He was taken to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River, Della Fave said.

Also arrested was Brandon Foster, 26, Buccaneer Lane, Manahawkin, and Julianne Celentano, 25, same address. They were both charged with possession of heroin and released on summonses, he said.

Authorities also seized a white 2005 Lexus white in color that was used for Ellis’ drug distribution activities. The car will be taken in foreclosure actions, Della Fave said.