Traffic Stop Leads To Drug, Weapon Charges, Stafford Police Say

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A Manahawkin man was charged after a motor vehicle stop Tuesday evening in the area of Beverly Lane, according to the Stafford Township Police Department.

Police reported that Patrolman Justin Barbuto conducted the stop at about 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 6, 2026. The vehicle was operated by Vincent M. Civile, 46, according to police.

During the investigation, Barbuto determined that Civile had provided false identifying information to law enforcement, according to the department. Police said Civile was then placed under arrest for hindering apprehension.

The department reported that Barbuto also developed reasonable suspicion that Civile was in possession of controlled dangerous substances inside the vehicle. Detective Zach Wiatrowski and his narcotics detection K-9 partner, Venus, were then requested to the scene to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle, according to police.

Police said K-9 Venus gave a positive indication for the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle. A search that followed revealed quantities of suspected methamphetamine, testosterone, clonazepam, drug paraphernalia and a 10-inch bayonet-style knife, according to the department. Further investigation determined that Civile was legally prohibited from possessing weapons, police reported.

As a result, police charged Civile with third-degree possession of methamphetamine, third-degree possession of steroids, third-degree possession of clonazepam, fourth-degree possession of a prohibited weapon and fourth-degree certain persons not to possess weapons. He also was charged with hindering apprehension by providing false information, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to turn over controlled dangerous substances to police, according to the department.

After his arrest, Civile was taken to Stafford Township Police headquarters for processing, police said. He was later released on a complaint summons pending a future court appearance in Ocean County Superior Court, according to the department.