Brick Police Seize 2 Pounds Of Marijuana, Arrest 4 Men

BRICK, NJ — Four Brick Township men were arrested and more than 2 pounds of marijuana seized in separate incidents this week, Brick police said Friday.

The arrests by the police department's Street Crimes Unit stemmed from investigations that followed complaints from residents about issues in their neighborhoods.

On Wednesday, the Street Crimes Unit searched an apartment in Kentwood Village off Van Zile Road and seized nearly 7 ounces of marijuana, Sgt. Jim Kelly said. Arrested were Anthony Chieffo, 24; Alexander Santos, 21, and Christopher Johnson, 19.

Chieffo and Santos were charged with distribution and possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, and Johnson was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, Kelly said. All three were issued summonses and released to await a court date.

On Thursday, the Street Crimes Unit searched a home on Van Courtland Drive following and investigation, and that search turned up more than 2 pounds of marijuana and evidence "related to other controlled dangerous substances," Kelly said.

Dylan Ryan, 18, of Brick, was arrested and charged with distribution and possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of paraphernalia and released on a summons.

"Often concerned residents notice suspicious activity indicative of drug distribution and contact police to report the issue," Kelly said. "One of the functions of the Brick Township Street Crimes is responding to complaints from community residents who have contacted police out of concern for their neighborhoods."

"Chief (James) Riccio wants to assure our residents that the Brick Police take complaints from our residents seriously," Kelly said. "We are here to ensure that our residents enjoy a safe, clean and peaceful community. The Street Crimes Unit is just one part of a larger effort to serve our residence unto that end."

The township also has a Neighborhood Watch program. Residents interested in finding out more about the program can contact Patrolman Brenden Barnes of the Community Policing Division by email at bbarnes@brickpd.com or by phone at 732-262-1158.

Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Brick Patch on Facebook.