3 Charged, Heroin And Cocaine Seized In Long Branch, Neptune Bust

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Two Long Branch men and one Neptune woman were charged after a four-month drug investigation Wednesday. Authorities seized more than 5 ounces of cocaine, a small amount of heroin, less than 50 grams of marijuana and about $3,000 in cash, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday.

Alek Quinones distributed cocaine in an aggregate quantity of more than half an ounce five separate times in Long Branch, the MCPO said. Anthony Vamvas, of Long Branch, supplied cocaine for Quinones, according to authorities. Laryssa Rodriguez stored the cocaine in her Neptune apartment, officials said.

Authorities executed search warrants in the 3600 block of Route 33 in Neptune, the 200 block of 6th Avenue in Long Branch and two vehicles. That's when the found the drugs and cash, according to the MCPO.

“We must maintain our focus on those people who are moving drugs into our communities," said Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni, "and creating havoc on our streets and in our own neighborhoods. These arrests are a great example of how the combined efforts of law enforcement garner tangible results."

The suspects were charged with the following:

Vamvas, 28, of Long Branch:

• one count of first-degree drug possession with intent to distribute
• four counts of third-degree unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance
• two counts of third-degree drug possession with intent to distribute
• three counts of third-degree conspiracy to distribute drugs
• one count of second-degree conspiracy to distribute drugs
• one count of fourth-degree possession of drug paraphernalia

Quinones, 25, of Long Branch:

• one count of first-degree drug possession with intent to distribute
• five counts of third-degree drug possession with intent to distribute
• five counts of third-degree drug possession
• two counts of third-degree drug possession with intent to distribute within a school zone
• two counts of third-degree drug possession with intent to distribute within a school zone
• one count of second-degree drug possession with intent to distribute
• one count of second-degree drug possession
• three counts of third-degree conspiracy to distribute drugs
• one count of second-degree conspiracy to distribute drugs
• six counts of third-degree unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance

Rodriguez, 21, of Neptune:

• two counts of third-degree drug possession
• first-degree drug possession with intent to distribute
• fourth-degree possession of drug paraphernalia

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