STAFFORD – A six-month long probe involving multiple law enforcement agencies in the southern section of Ocean County netted six arrests, according to police.
The Stafford Township Police Department said their organization’s Drug Enforcement Unit worked hand in hand with the Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force on the investigation which has now come to an end.
Police said on Friday, February 7, detectives observed a drug transaction between three subjects behind Element Bar on Route 72 in Manahawkin in the parking lot.
During the incident, police arrested 29-year-old Bethany Harris of Ocean City, 29-year-old Daniel Popick of Barnegat and 25-year-old Selvin Romero of Absecon.
Police added that during the probe, three other subjects, all from Atlantic City, were detained as well. They were identified as 18-year-old Emerson Rocha, 31-year-old Howuard Mejia Hernandez and 24-year-old Erlin Ramos.
All six were arrested for Controlled Dangerous Substance related offenses.
Romero was found to be in possession of and distributing Cocaine.
As a result of this investigation, a quantity of Marijuana was recovered along with one ounce of Cocaine, $800 in cash and CDS paraphernalia.
According to the Stafford PD, the following are the list of charges for all subjects involved:
Possession of Marijuana U/50; Possession of CDS Paraphernalia
•Emerson Rocha
•Howuard Mejia Hernandez
•Erlin Ramos
Possession of CDS Cocaine
•Bethany Harris
•Daniel Popick
Possession of CDS Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana U/50, Distribution Of CDS Cocaine 2nd degree, Distribution of CDS Cocaine 3rd degree, Possession of CDS Paraphernalia
•Selvin Romero
The Stafford Township Drug Enforcement Unit was assisted by the Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force, Atlantic County Narcotics Task Force, Ship Bottom Police Department and the Stafford Township K-9 Unit.
