DEA Establishes New Drug Task Force For Ocean, Monmouth Counties

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ The newly established "Post of Duty" by the New Jersey Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration will mean more resources for Ocean and Monmouth counties in the fight against drugs, a DEA official said.

"The creation of this new office means the permanent assignment of DEA special agents and task force officers," said Special Agent in Charge Valerie A. Nickerson. "The office will aim to disrupt the trafficking of narcotics throughout Monmouth and Ocean County. It will also allow for the increased use of federal resources to combat the current heroin, fentanyl and prescription painkiller epidemic that has taken a toll on the area, resulting in an unprecedented number of drug overdose fatalities."

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato said the partnership will make a "significant difference" in the county's pro-active narcotic operations.

"This past March our cooperative investigations with the DEA already played a major role in a massive drug bust, leading to 28 arrests, the seizure of more than 90,000 doses of heroin and 191 pounds of cocaine," Coronato said. "That was just the beginning to a tremendous partnership that will send a resounding warning to those who choose to transport narcotics into Ocean County."

The DEA recognized the increased heroin and prescription opioid threat to the Monmouth and Ocean County areas over the past several years. The "Post of Duty" task force will increase collaboration with other law enforcement agencies operating in the region to combat the ongoing drug threat, Nickerson said.

The collaboration includes enforcement operations, intelligence sharing, community outreach, and prevention initiatives, along with enhancing the partnership between public health and public safety, Nickerson said.

The office was created with the support of Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. Tom MacArthur, NY/NJ HIDTA Executive Director Chauncey Parker, Coronato and Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni.
SubscribeLogo: Courtesy of Drug Enforcement Administration