Pleasure Zone Lot Surveillance Leads To Drug Arrests In Brick

BRICK, NJ — Six people have been arrested on drug charges amid stepped-up patrols aimed at curtailing "illicit activity" behind Pleasure Zone, the adult video store on Chambers Bridge Road, police said Tuesday.

The arrests happened from March 5 through May 15, Brick Sgt. James Kelly said.

"The rear lot of the Pleasure Zone has been a hotbed of suspicious activity, including drug use," Kelly said.

The first two arrests happened March 5, Kelly said. Shortly after 5 p.m. detectives with the department's Drug Enforcement Unit saw suspicious activity, and the investigation led to the arrest of a person on charges of possessing heroin and paraphernalia. Kelly said information on the person arrested is not being released at this time. Patrolman Anthony Barlowski assisted with the arrest.

Half an hour later, detectives arrested Brian Strassburg, 27, of Brick and charged him with possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. Patrolmen Christopher Newlund assisted in that arrest, Kelly said.

On March 6, detectives saw suspicious activity about 10 p.m. in the lot and the investigation led to the arrest of Christian Luna, 19, and Jose Luna-Serrano, 27, both of Jackson, on charges of marijuana possession and paraphernalia. Christian Luna also received a motor vehicle summons, and Jose Luna-Serrano had an outstanding warrant out of Howell Township. Patrolman Cody Oliverio and K9 Officer Scott Smith assisted with those arrests, Kelly said.

A Linden man was arrested in the lot about 3 p.m. on April 11, Kelly said. Edward Restaino, 52, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia.

On May 15 about midnight, DEU detectives arrested Muhammad Umer, whose last known address is in Maryland, on charges of possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia. Umer’s vehicle was impounded for inactive insurance, for which Umer was issued a summons, Kelly said.

Kelly said police have been communicating with the management of the Pleasure Zone to encourage the installation of surveillance cameras, increased lighting and signs warning the area is under surveillance to dissuade people from using the back parking lot for illict activities.

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