Major Drug Bust in Holiday City, Large Quantity of Heroin, $20,000 In Cash Seized

Berkeley police recently arrested three men after a month-long investigation into a heroin operation that distributed more than 10,000 individual doses every week with a street value of $100,000, Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele said.

Berkeley detectives executed a search warrant on July 5 on a home located on San Carlos Street.

"This location was seen as a major hub for the distribution of heroin not only in Holiday City area but in the entire portion of the county," the chief said. "These transactions not only occurred at the San Carlos Street home, but they also occurred on neighborhood streets and in the wooded areas and trails that surround the retirement community.

Arrested at the scene were James Gnatowsky, 45, San Carlos Street, Rocco Scalzo Jr., 48, Grinnell Avenue, Manchester, and David Honey, 45, Hancock Road, Toms River, DiMichele said.

Berkeley detectives seized a large quantity of heroin packaged for resale, almost $20,000 in cash, Oxyodone, crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia used in the manufacture and distribution of heroin, the chief said.

Gnatowsky and Scalzo were charged with possession of heroin and possession of heroin with the intent to distribute. Bail was set at $50,000 for Gnatowsky and $25,000 for Scalzo. Both men were taken to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River. Honey was charged with possession of heroin and was released on a summons, DiMichele said.

Detectives also seized several all-terrain vehicles suspected in the distribution operation, and two personal vehicles, a Lincoln LS and Toyota Avalon, were also seized because they were suspected of being used in the drug distribution operation, the chief said.

Further investigation is ongoing and more arrests area likely.

"It should be noted that these arrests were the direct result of concerned citizens who alerted police of the suspect drug dealing in the neighborhood," DiMichele said. "This successful operation could not have occurred without the information gathered via our tip line and citizens who directly reported this activity to the police."

The Berkeley Township Patrol Division, Ocean Gate Detective Bureau, Ocean County S.WA.T. and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 all assisted in the search warrant execution.

Residents are urged to contact the Berkeley Township Police at 732-341-1132 x 611 to report suspicious activity. Calls can remain anonymous.