Monmouth Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Bust

(Photo courtesy of Jason Rojas/Flickr)
(Photo courtesy of Jason Rojas/Flickr)

MONMOUTH COUNTY – Two individuals were arrested after a drug bust found 1200 bags of heroin and 22 grams of cocaine in their possession, officials said.

On Jan. 24, Daniel Torres from Long Branch and Alexander Mazza of Eatontown were stopped at Exit 109 off the Garden State Parkway in Middletown in a 2014 Dodge pick-up truck. The truck was then searched by the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team, uncovering 1200 bags of heroin and 22 grams of cocaine hidden underneath the engine compartment of the vehicle. The truck, along with $4,500, was seized.

Torres and Mazza were arrested and charged with two counts of possession of CDS and two counts with intent to distribute CDS.

“The heroin epidemic continues to be a serious and deadly problem. As members of law enforcement we are committed to take action when it comes to combating the proliferation of narcotics in Monmouth County,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office of New Jersey. “This great example of exceptional police work helps keep drugs off of our streets, and enhances the safety in communities where our children live and play. I commend everyone involved in the arrests for their collaborative efforts.”

The two individuals remain at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.

Sheriff’s Officers Glenn Sonnaband and Jason Simeone were the arresting officers. The agencies involved in this arrest were Monmouth County Sheriff’s Officers with the assistance of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the FBI Task Force of Red Bank.