K9s, Handlers Sweep Manchester High School For Drugs: Authorities

MANCHESTER, NJ — Manchester Township High School was crawling with dogs Wednesday morning.

These dogs weren't at the school for amusement, however; they were on a mission. The five K9 officers and their handlers were at the high school for an unannounced drug search, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

The search was just the latest in the regular visits to Ocean County high schools conducted by law enforcement, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the prosecutor's office.

The K9 handlers and dogs who conducted the search were:

• Manchester Township Patrolman Steve Wendruff and K9 Lynk
• Manchester Township Patrolman Marc Micciulla and K9 Storm
• Allenhurst Patrolman Anthony Carafa and K9 Bia
• Plumsted Township Patrolman Ryan Nani and K9 Lock
• Toms River Sgt. Jim Reilly and K9 Brutus

A sweep at a high school is typically completed in just over an hour, Della Fave said. Lockers and locker rooms are swept.

"As pointed out in the past, we do not discuss our finds with media or public," Della Fave said. "When something is found we advise the school officials and parents so that they will be aware of an issue and can take immediate corrective action."

Della Fave said the prosecutor's office also doesn't want it to become a finger-pointing game of which high school has the worst problems.

"It is being done to assure a drug-free school zone and a safe learning environment for Ocean County students," he said.

Manchester Township Patrolman Marc Micciulla and K9 Storm (main photo) were one of five sets of dogs and handlers involved in the sweep, along with Allenhurst Patrolman Anthony Carafa and K9 Bia. Photos via Ocean County Prosecutor's Office