Crime & Safety

3 Charged In Cocaine-Dealing Bust Involving Berkeley: OCPO

500 grams of cocaine and a loaded handgun were found, the prosecutor said.

BERKELEY, NJ — Three people were charged in a cocaine-dealing investigation that involved Berkeley, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office announced. Authorities seized 500 grams of cocaine, a loaded 9mm handgun and nearly $2,300 in cash, the OCPO said.

The three-month, multi-agency investigation centered around Berkeley and Toms River. Authorities executed search warrants Thursday and Friday on two homes: one in Berkeley and one in Toms River.

Mario Galli, Amanda Humphreys and Jason Vella were arrested, according to the investigation. All three were taken to the Ocean County Jail.

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They were charged with the following, according to the OCPO (one count if not specified):

Mario Galli

Galli, 27, of Brick

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  • two counts of possessing more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute (charged out of Berkeley)
  • two counts of possessing more than five ounces of cocaine (Berkeley)
  • possession of more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school (Toms River)
  • possessing more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute (Toms River)
  • possessing more than five ounces of cocaine (Toms River)
  • being a certain person not to have a weapon (Toms River)
  • firearm possession for an unlawful purpose (Toms River)
  • possessing a weapon during the commission of drugs (Toms River)
  • drug paraphernalia possession (Toms River)

Amanda Humphreys


Humphreys, 24, of Seaside Heights (all charges from Toms River)

  • possessing more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute 1,000 feet of a school
  • possession of more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute
  • possession of more than five ounces of cocaine
  • possessing a firearm for an unlawful purpose
  • possessing a weapon during the commission of drugs
  • drug paraphernalia possession

Jason Vella

Vella, 37, of Berkeley (all charges from Berkeley)

  • possessing more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute
  • possessing more than five ounces of cocaine

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