Howell Woman Charged In Major Drug Operation

HOWELL, NJ — A Howell woman was charged as a result of a major drug operation into high-level cocaine distribution in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, as well as New York City, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Dubbed operation checkmate, it led to the arrest of 24 people, 24 search warrants and the seizure of more than four kilograms of cocaine, over 15 pounds of marijuana, in excess of $650,000, seven firearms, ten vehicles and other illegal narcotics.

Diana Roman-Porpora, 54, of Howell, was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine in an amount greater than one-half ounce. She was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.

The multi-agency investigation was four months long and involved the United States Drug Enforcement Administration – High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Group 5, Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Strike Force and New Jersey State Police - Trafficking Central Unit, as well as many other state, county and local law enforcement agencies.

Around 50 additional law enforcement personnel were assigned to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Strike Force on a full-time basis.

"An investigation of this magnitude requires the cooperation of numerous law enforcement agencies and officers," Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. "Law enforcement officers at the local, county, state, and federal levels demonstrated outstanding teamwork in connection with this very wide-ranging, comprehensive investigation. This team of professionals literally worked around the clock for the last several months with a singular goal in mind: removing dangerous drug dealers from our streets."

The investigation used "sophisticated surveillance methods and undercover operatives," officials also said.

The three cocaine networks were responsible for the import of more than three kilograms of cocaine per week into the Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex County areas.