3 Arrested, Marijuana, THC Wax, Mushrooms Seized In Toms River

MANCHESTER, NJ — Nine pounds of marijuana, plus THC wax, psilocybin, oxycodone and cash were seized from a Toms River home after a motor vehicle stop in Manchester turned up a large quantity of marijuana, Manchester police said Tuesday.

Christian N. Walko and Olivia Winterstein, both 23, and Richard Walko, 25, all of Toms River, were arrested after the stop, which happened Sept. 17 on Route 530 near Valley Stream Drive, Manchester Capt. Todd Malland said.

The police department's Narcotics Enforcement Team was conducting surveillance in the area, Malland said. Their investigation led to a search that turned up a large quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.

The continuing investigation led to search warrants for Christian Walko's home and vehicle in Toms River. Those searches turned up 9 pounds of marijuana; 4 pounds of THC wax — which contains the chemical that creates the high from marijuana; more than a half-pound of psilocybin (mushrooms); an unspecified amount of liquid THC; oxycodone pills, and various paraphernalia and equipment associated with distribution, Malland said.

Detectives also seized $6,000 in cash, he said.

Richard Walko was arrested during the execution of the search warrants.

Christian and Richard Walko were charged with possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of hashish, possession with intent to distribute hashish, possession of psilocybin mushrooms, possession with intent to distribute psilocybin mushrooms, possession of drug paraphernalia and money laundering, Malland said.

Winterstein was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, he said.

The cash and two vehicles involved in the investigation were seized pending forfeiture.

Assisting in the investigation were members of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Patrol Bureau and K-9 Unit as well as members of the Toms River Police Department’s Patrol Bureau, K-9 Unit and Special Enforcement Team.

Residents are reminded that drug tips can be reported to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the "Tip Line" link.

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