Chester Man Sold Date Rape Drugs, Prosecutor Alleges

CHESTER, NJ — A Chester man is accused of selling date rape drugs out of a Rockaway business, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp said.

Ronald V. Castellano, 55, of Chester, was arrested this month after a weeks-long investigation into the alleged sales of date rape drugs at Nutrition Zone, a vitamin and supplements store on Route 46 in Rockaway Borough.

Officials say they found 68 bottles of a drug that mimics the date rape drug, GHB. The drug, known as catnip cocktail, lucky 7, or yohoo cleaner, is a controlled dangerous substance.

In addition to the drug, officials found over $1,000 in cash and a 2017 Bentley Continental GT during a search of the store on Tuesday, Knapp said.

"This is a very harmful substance and unfortunately its abuse is on the rise. The Morris County Narcotics Task Force will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute its illegal sale and possession," Knapp said.ion resulted in the September 3, 2019

Castellano is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, and conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. He is currently being held at the Morris County Correctional
Facility awaiting a court appearance.