Berkeley Man Charged, $3,400 In Heroin Seized In Bust: Police

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Berkeley Township man is facing drug charges after 495 bags of heroin, worth more than $3,400, were found in his car Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday.

Cody Lessing, 24, of Bayville, was arrested Monday on following the stop on Route 530, Manchester Capt. Todd Malland said.

Manchester Township Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team were conducting surveillance in the area of the Wawa convenience store on Route 70 in Whiting when they saw a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot, Malland said.

When the car left the area, police pulled it over on Route 530 near Crestwood Village for a motor vehicle violation, he said. Information developed during the stop led to a search of the car, a Dodge Stratus, and during the search, officers recovered drug paraphernalia as well as the heroin, Malland said.

Lessing was charged with one count each of possession of heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, hindering evidence by concealment, possession of marijuana under 50 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He is being held at the Ocean County Jail, Toms River, according to the online corrections department records.

The Dodge Stratus driven by Lessing was seized during the investigation pending forfeiture. Also assisting in the investigation were members of the department’s Patrol Bureau and K-9 Unit.

Residents are reminded that drug tips can be reported to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the “Tip Line” link.

Cody Lessing photo via the Ocean County Corrections Department