Jackson Man Operated Meth Lab In His Pickup Truck: Prosecutor

JACKSON, NJ — A Jackson Township man who was operating a meth lab in the back of his pickup truck pleaded guilty on Monday to a charge of operating a drug production facility, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Michael Canto, 41, was arrested July 31, 2019, after police found methamphetamine in his possession when they pulled him over on his motorcycle following a drug distribution investigation, Billhimer said.

Jackson police got a search warrant for Canto's 2002 Ford F-150 pickup truck and owned by with the assistance of the New Jersey State Police Hazardous Materials Recovery Unit, uncovered evidence that showed he'd been making methamphetamine in the back of the truck.

Canto pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility before Superior Court Judge Michael T. Collins. He is scheduled for sentencing on April 3, and is anticipated to receive five years in prison with two years of parole ineligibility, Billhimer said.

Billhimer acknowledged the work of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Patrick Sheehan, Jackson police and detectives and the state police hazmat unit for their efforts leading to Canto’s guilty plea.

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