LACEY – Two men from Barnegat Township and one from Lacey Township were arrested on drug charges after police surveillance led to the discovery of heroin and fentanyl, announced Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
Following a two-month long investigation into heroin distribution in Lacey Township, police arrested Joshua Casper, 36, of Forked River; Kyle Frate, 34, of Barnegat; and Kevin Smith, 29, also of Barnegat.
On November 25, 2019, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and Lacey Township Police Department were conducting surveillance on a Lacey residence when they observed Smith and Frate leave the residence and get into a car with Casper. Police followed the vehicle to a local convenience store, where Casper exited the car, and then they conducted a motor vehicle stop.
The motor vehicle stop found Smith and Frate in possession of approximately 10 wax folds of heroin/fentanyl as well as drug paraphernalia. A short time later, police executed a no-knock search warrant at Casper’s residence where they discovered approximately 280 wax folds of heroin and assorted drug paraphernalia.
Casper was charged with Distribution of Heroin; Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Distribute; Possession of Heroin; and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Casper was released pending a future court appearance.
Frate was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe. Frate is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail on an unrelated matter.
Smith was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe. Smith is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
