Five Charged In Raid Of Manchester Pot Operation; 11 Pit Bulls Seized

Five people were arrested Wednesday and charged with drug offenses after police found a small marijuana growing operation in a Charles Avenue home, Manchester police said.

Joshua Ridley, 22, of Horicon Drive; Shykeel Coleman, 28, of Nathan Avenue; Shamyron Holloman, 34, and Shaquira Lightsey, 23, both of Charles Avenue, and Dale Dabney, 26, of Greenview Street, Toms River, were arrested as a result of the investigation, Manchester Capt. Todd Malland said.

A court-authorized search warrant was issued for the home, in the Summit Park section, after a six-week investigation by the department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team sparked by complaints about possible drug distribution on that block, Malland said.

During the search of the home, evidence of a small marijuana growing operation was discovered, along with marijuana, potted marijuana plants, scales, packaging material and other paraphernalia associated with the distribution of marijuana, he said.

Also located within the home were 11 pit bulls – three adults and eight puppies. All of the dogs were removed from the home by the Manchester Township animal control officer, Malland said.

Ridley and Coleman were charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, Malland said. Bail for each was set at $2,000 with a 10 percent option, he said.

Additionally, Coleman had an outstanding warrant out of Brick Township; he later posted bail at Manchester Police headquarters and was released, Malland said.

Ridley was taken to the Ocean County Jail in default of bail.

Holloman, Lightsey, and Dabney each were charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The three were later released on summonses, he said.

The investigation was led by Sgt. James Komsa, Ptl. Peter Manco, and Ptl. Steven Wendruff. Also assisting were the Lakehurst Police Department, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 and Crime Scene Investigation Units and the Middle Atlantic-Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network (Magclolen). Members of the Ocean County Regional SWAT team provided support during the raid, Malland said.

Residents are reminded that drug related tips can be reported to the Manchester Police Department anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website at www.manchesterpolicenj.com.