Crime & Safety
$19K, Cocaine Seized In Bust At South Toms River Pizzeria: OCPO
Midtown Pizza and a South Toms RIver home were searched following a two-month investigation, the prosecutor's office said.
SOUTH TOMS RIVER, NJ -- Authorities seized 45 grams of cocaine and $19,000 in cash after a raid at a South Toms River pizzeria and a home on Friday, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Monday.
Brian Rung, 32, of Beachwood, Hector Miranda, 33, and Erika Torres-Bruno, 32, both of South Toms River, all were arrested during the raids at the home and at Midtown Pizza on Dover Road, which resulted from a two-month investigation into drug dealing in the area, Billhimer said. Marijuana and drug paraphernalia also were seized.
Miranda has been charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; distribution of cocaine; two counts of possession of cocaine; financial facilitation of criminal activity; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held at the Ocean County Jail.
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Rung is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine; distribution of cocaine; two counts of possession of cocaine; financial facilitation of criminal activity; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Rung was released pending a future court date.
Torres-Bruno is charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and was released pending a future court date.
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In addition to the seizure of the cash, Billhimer said the newly established Asset Forfeiture Unit is looking into whether additional asset seizures are warranted.
The search warrants were executed by detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office with members of the South Toms River Police Department, the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit.
The investigation was conducted by the Narcotics Strike Force of the prosecutor's office in collaboration with South Toms River police.
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