Cocaine Seized From Berkeley Home, Toms River Man Charged: OCPO

BERKELEY, NJ — A Toms River man is facing drug charges following a cocaine distribution investigation in Ocean County, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said Tuesday.

Tiron Hester, 29, was arrested Friday after a search of a home in the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township turned up cocaine and a loaded handgun, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

During the search on Friday, detectives seized about 30 grams of cocaine and a loaded 9mm Glock handgun with a large capacity magazine containing hollow point bullets, according to Billhimer.

Hester has been charged with possession with intent to distribute more than one-half ounce of cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during a controlled dangerous substance offense, possession of a large capacity magazine and hollow point ammunition.

Hester was processed at the Berkeley Township Police Department and lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Billhimer commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit for their assistance in connection with this investigation.

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