By: Tracie Carter
A month-long investigation into narcotics distribution in Ocean County has led to the arrest of a Brick Township man and the seizure of significant quantities of illegal drugs and cash, according to a statement released by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, in coordination with the Economic Crime Squad, Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, and Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit, conducted the targeted operation. 
The investigation identified James Giordano, 37, of Brick Township, as allegedly using a residence on Hammock Road as a hub for storing and distributing marijuana and psilocybin.
On February 11, 2025, law enforcement officials from the Brick Township Police Department Special Emergency Response Team executed a court-authorized search warrant at the property.
During the search, authorities recovered approximately 18 pounds of marijuana, three and a half pounds of hashish/THC oil, 14 ounces of THC edibles, 12 ounces of psilocybin, and $62,000 in cash. Additionally, investigators, under a court order, froze and seized approximately $279,000 from Giordano’s bank accounts.
Giordano was taken into custody at the residence without incident and has been charged with multiple drug-related offenses, including:
- Two counts of Distribution of Marijuana
- Possession of More than Five Pounds but Less than 25 Pounds of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
- Two counts of Possession of More than One Ounce but Less than Five Pounds of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of More than One Pound but Less than Five Pounds of Hashish with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of Psilocybin with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of Marijuana
- Possession of Psilocybin
- Two counts of Possession of Hashish
- Financial Facilitation
Following his arrest, Giordano was transported to the Ocean County Jail. However, under New Jersey Bail Reform policies, he was later released pending future court proceedings.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in combating drug distribution networks within the county.
“This investigation is a prime example of multiple agencies working together to address the ongoing issue of illegal narcotics in our communities,” said Prosecutor Billhimer in the statement. 
“We remain committed to identifying and dismantling these operations to keep Ocean County residents safe.”
The case remains under investigation, and officials urge anyone with relevant information to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.