Three residents arrested in a South Toms River drug investigation, Feb. 2019. (Photo: OCPO)
Investigators with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office arrested three local residents and charged them with drug offenses following a two-month long probe into drug distribution activity in South Toms River.
Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office with members of the South Toms River Police Department, the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit, executed search warrants for an address in South Toms River and Midtown Pizza on Dover Road in South Toms River Friday, Feb. 22, spokesman Bryan Huntenberg said. As a result, law enforcement seized approximately 45 grams of cocaine as well as various quantities of marijuana and drug paraphernalia – “all indicative of possession with intent to distribute and outright distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substances,” a statement said.
By Monday, approximately $19,000 in cash was seized in connection with the investigation. Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer’s newly-established Asset Forfeiture Unit will determine if additional seizures are warranted, Huntenberg said.
Arrested were:
- Hector Miranda, 33, of South Toms River, charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, as well as distribution of, more than one half ounce (but less than five ounces) of cocaine, two counts of possession of cocaine, financial facilitation of criminal activity, possession with intent to distribute more than one ounce but less than five pounds of marijuana, simple possession of marijuana under 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia. Miranda is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
- Brian Rung, 32, of Beachwood, charged with possession with intent to distribute more than one half ounce (but less than five ounces) of cocaine, cocaine possession, financial facilitation of criminal activity,possession with intent to distribute more than one ounce but less than five pounds of marijuana, simple possession of marijuana under 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia. Rung was released from the Ocean County Jail pending a future court date.
- Erika Torres-Bruno, 32, of South Toms River, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine in a quantity less than one half ounce. Torres-Bruno was released from the Ocean County Jail pending a future court date
