Three Arrested In Major Drug Bust In Berkeley Gardens

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - It's no secret that the Berkeley Gardens apartment complex on Frederick Drive in Bayville has long been notorious for drug sales and other illegal activities.

Berkeley Township detectives and other law enforcement agencies put a dent in those operations in a series of pre-dawn narcotics raids early Thursday morning, Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele said.

"The purpose of these raids was the execution of search warrants for the distribution of heroin and crack cocaine from multiple locations in this complex," the chief said. "This location was seen as a major hub in the local drug market and activity from these apartments touched on the nearby shopping plazas, parks and adjacent residential neighborhoods."

The arrests today are the result of a months-long investigation, which included help from the Lacey Township Detective Bureau, Ocean Gate police and Ocean County SWAT teams, she said.

Those arrested include:

Julvens Julian, 37, Frederick Drive.

He was charged with possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute within 500 feet of public housing, possession of a firearm while committing a drug offense, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jashuawa Reid, 35, Frederick Drive.
He was charged with possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute over one half of an ounce, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute over one half ounce within 500 feet of public housing, endangering the welfare of a child and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Anthony Rogers, 38, Frederick Drive.
He was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of heroin with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public housing and possession of steroids

All three were arrested, processed and taken to the Ocean County Jail in accordance with the New Jersey Bail Reform Act, the chief said.

Three apartments in complex raided

The raids began at 5:45 a.m. in three apartments - two in the A building and one in the B building - by Ocean County North and South SWAT teams.

"These apartments were operating separately and independently distributing these dangerous drugs" DiMichele said.

Authorities seized a large quantity of cocaine and heroin, more than one ounce or more, drug paraphernalia used to package and distribute the drugs, several thousand dollars in case and two unlawful firearms, the chief said.

"Young children were also present in two of the apartments and the narcotics were in areas accessible to them," DiMichele said.

This operation was spearheaded by the Berkeley Township Detective Bureau, including operational commander Detective Sgt. Peter La Rocca, who was assisted by Detectives Michael Tier, William Somers, Michael Riccardelli, Joseph Santoro and Michael O'Connor. Detectives were assisted by Sgt. Joe Robertazzi, and Patrolmen Walt Dudley and Tim Pizzella.

"It should be noted that this successful investigation was conducted with the assistance of the Lacey Township Detective Bureau and the Ocean Gate Police Department, who often work hand in hand addressing the problems which affect all neighboring towns," DiMichele said. "This is the latest in a series of joint operations targeting quality of life issues shared by each with a focus on the Route 9 corridor."

Residents in the neighborhood reported suspicious activity in the area, the chief said.

"This information is invaluable to police operations," DiMichele said.

Residents are urged to contact the Berkeley Township Police to report suspicious activity. Tips can be left at 732-341-1132, ext. 611. Tips can be anonymous.

Photo: Patch file photo