Major Heroin, Drug Suppliers Arrested In Bayville During 3 Raids

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - A recent joint investigation by Berkeley Township and and Toms River detectives resulted in multiple arrests of people who sold opioids and prescription drugs that were connected to numerous overdoses in the area, Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele said.

Three court-authorized search warrants were executed as a result of the investigation. The first search warrant occurred on Route 9 in Bayville near the intersection of Serpentine Drive, when uniformed and plainclothes police and detectives conducted a "high risk" motor vehicle stop on a green Kia, the chief said.

The occupants were ordered out of the Kia and taken into custody without incident. Route 9 was closed briefly for safety reasons. Police searched the Kia and then impounded it at police headquarters.

The second warrant was executed right after the first, at a Serpentine Drive residence, where police found multiple wax folds of heroin, prescription drugs and drug paraphernalia, the chief said.

"Due to the likelihood of fentanyl on these wax folds, and the danger that exists to officers from unintentional exposure, the suspected heroin was immediately sealed and will be sent for testing," DiMichele said.

Police arrested Joseph Munger, 37, and Courtney Hrynyk, 34, both of Serpentine Drive. They were each charged with possession of heroin and possession with intent to distribute prescription pills. Both were released on a summons in accordance with the state Bail Reform Act, the chief said.

Detectives from both jurisdictions then executed an additional search warrant before dawn at a home in the Sharadee Apartments on Frederick Drive in Bayville. Police found more than 500 individual doses of heroin packaged for resale and drug paraphernalia, the chief said.

"These packages of heroin were also sealed as evidence pending testing, as they likely contain deadly fentanyl," the chief said.

Police arrested Lorraine Walters, 58, Frederick Drive, Bayville, Shadava Robertson, 33, Frederick Drive, Bayville, and Kyle Pianetti, 26, Lacey Township. Walters and Robertson were each charged with possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession with the intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public housing complex and possession of heroin. Walters and Robertson were each lodged in the Ocean County Jail in accordance with the NJ Bail Reform Act, the chief said.

Pianetti was charged with possession of heroin and was also lodged in the Ocean County Jail in accordance with the NJ Bail Reform Act. Police also arrested Joseph Collins, 41, Lakewood, and Frederick Meyers, 51, Brick. Both men were charged with conspiracy to possess heroin and possession with the intent to distribute. Collins was also charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana.

Collins was taken to the Ocean County Jail in accordance with the New Jersey Bail Reform Act. Meyers was released on a summons. More arrests are possible, DiMichele said.

"The subjects arrested on Frederick Drive are considered primary suppliers for the immediate area, Frederick Drive and the adjacent Route 9 corridor, which are considered a hub of heroin distribution and is in close proximity to several of the involved jurisdictions," the chief said.

The lead investigators on this case are Berkeley Detective Michael O'Connor and Toms River Detective Andy Chencharik. They were assisted by Berkeley officers Detective Lieutenant Peter La Rocca, Sergeant Joseph Robertazzi, Detective Michael Riccardelli, Detective William Somers, Detective Joseph Santoro; Ocean Gate Sergeant Vincent La Rocca, members of the Toms River SET Team, the Lacey Township Detective Bureau, the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team and the Ocean County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit, DiMichele said.

Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity to the Berkeley Township Police Department TIP line at 732-341-1132 x2117. TIPS can be anonymous.

Photos courtesy of Ocean County Jail and Renee Schiavone, Patch staff. First photo: Lorraine Walters and Shadava Robertson