2 Arrested, $150K Seized In Cocaine Distribution Bust In Brick

BRICK, NJ — Two people are facing drug charges in connection with cocaine distribution in Brick, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Joshua Hunter, 53, of South Toms River, and Mary Copestick, 41, of Clementon, were arrested in Brick after a two-month investigation, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Brick Township police pulled over a vehicle driven by Copestick on Feb. 26; Hunter was her passenger, authorities said.

As they were being removed from the vehicle, detectives saw cocaine — later estimated at 360 grams — in plain view, authorities said.

Search warrants executed at homes in Trenton and Clementon that investigators had identified as sites where the two were storing cocaine turned up about $150,000 in cash "suspected to be the proceeds of criminal activity," the prosecutor's office said.

Copestick and Hunter were both charged with possession of 5 ounces or more of cocaine with intent to distribute, conspiracy to possess 5 ounces or more of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia, the prosecutor's office said.

Both were taken to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform, authorities said.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Brick Township police, Gloucester Township police and Robbinsville police combined on the investigation.