Jireh Mathis (Photo: Ocean County Jail)
An investigation by a number of law enforcement agencies in Ocean County has led to the arrest of two men and the seizure of about 2,000 doses of heroin and fentanyl, plus 10 grams of cocaine.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said Monday in a statement that Jireh Mathis, 27, and Tashawn McDonald, 23, both of Trenton, had been behind the distribution of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine in Ocean County.
According to prosecutors, investigators in early December 2023 established “stationary and mobile surveillance” on both Mathis and McDonald. On Jan. 22, 2024, detectives allegedly observed Mathis and McDonald arriving at the Green Meadow Apartment Complex in Toms River in a vehicle operated by Mathis. Mathis and McDonald both exited the vehicle, at which point they were approached by detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force.
“As detectives made contact with Mathis, he attempted to flee the scene but was subsequently apprehended and taken into custody,” the statement said. “McDonald was taken into custody without incident.”
In a subsequent search incident to his arrest, police say Mathis was found to be in possession of approximately 500 wax folds of heroin and fentanyl, and ten grams of cocaine. In total, law enforcement seized approximately 1,500 wax folds of heroin and fentanyl, and 25 grams of cocaine throughout the course of the investigation.
Mathis was charged with multiple counts of possession and intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, as well as related conspiracy charges, and McDonald is facing a number of charges related to conspiracy to distribute illicit drugs.
Mathis is presently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending trial; McDonald was released on a summons.
