By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration - High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas-Monmouth/Ocean Post of Duty (HIDTA/MOPOD) Group 5, along with others, to conduct a two-month-long investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics in the Ocean County area.
Officials stated this cooperative, multi-agency investigation identified Jireh Mathis, 27, and Tashawn McDonald, 23, both of Trenton, as being involved in the distribution of Heroin/Fentanyl and Cocaine in Ocean County.
In early December 2023, officials said, detectives from the collaborating law enforcement agencies established stationary and mobile surveillance on both Mathis and McDonald.
According to officials, on January 22, detectives 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, and they were approached by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, officials stated.
As Detectives made contact with Mathis, he attempted to flee the scene but was subsequently apprehended and taken into custody, authorities say, and McDonald was taken into custody without incident.
Officials said in a subsequent search incident to his arrest, Mathis was found to be in possession of approximately 500 wax folds of Heroin/Fentanyl and ten grams of Cocaine.
In total, law enforcement seized approximately 1,500 wax folds of Heroin/Fentanyl and 25 grams of Cocaine throughout the course of the investigation, officials say.
Mathis was charged with Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy to Distribute More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin, Conspiracy to Distribute More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, and Resisting Arrest.
Officials say Mathis is presently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending trial.
McDonald was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin and Conspiracy to Distribute More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine.
Authorities say McDonald was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.