The New Jersey State Medical Examiner indicates the state has an overdose rate that is nearly double the national average, which is approximately 2 per 100,000 people. The State Medical Examiner’s numbers include those who tested positive for heroin after death, not to indicate that all of those were caused by heroin overdose. However, that being said, the problem is significant in Ocean County New Jersey.
While Heroin overdoses have decreased slightly in the past year, law enforcement officials say that the drug Narcan, which can reverse a heroin overdose, is to be credited for the decrease. Some officials in this group believe the number of heroin overdoses would be greatly increased without Narcan. There is a strong push for law enforcement, hospitals, and educators to fight this raging heroin epidemic. The State Medical Examiner’s office attributes more than 600 deaths statewide to heroin overdose or use in 2014.
Part of the cause for the heroin epidemic is the price. Simply put, heroin is cheap. Many folks who were utilizing prescription narcotics such as OxyContin or Oxycodone, switched to heroin as a cheaper alternative which is easier to obtain. The strong push to reign in prescription abuse has led people to seek other sources, which just happens to be heroin. Many people addicted to pain pills become heroin users. While there is no discrimination between class, heroin users are increasingly becoming women with decent incomes.
Toms River
Toms River claims at least 66 of the reported 600 statewide New Jersey heroin overdose deaths in the past year. In the region, Toms River has had the most heroin overdoses to date. Just a few days ago, Manchester Police stopped two men for suspicious activity. When the men were told to get out of the car, heroin fell out of one of the men’s pants leg. Police found heroin and hypodermic needles in the trunk of the vehicle. Toms River reported more than 400 heroin abuse cases last year. In a joint effort, Toms River and Brick police made a bust which resulted in the seizure of $12,000 and more than 1200 doses of heroin.
Brick
The once safe town of Brick reported more than 426 heroin abuse cases last year. In January, a Brick man, was charged for providing a lethal heroin overdose to another Brick resident. Unfortunately, the Narcan overdose reversal drug was unable to save the man. Christopher Marsillo was charged with distribution of heroin, reckless manslaughter, possession of heroin, and possession with intent to distribute.
A June traffic stop, as part of an ongoing investigation, resulted in the seizure of 27 bricks of heroin, worth approximately $13,000.00. The suspect remains in jail.
A July arrest by the Toms River Police Department Special Enforcement Team netted more than 400 doses of heroin and $812.00 cash.
Another Brick man was part of a larger group of 32 arrested in a large scale drug ring. This bust resulted in the seizure of more than $400,000 worth of heroin.
Jackson
Jackson’s suburban community has made the heroin addiction list with 210 reported cases of drug abuse in the past year. In one instance, a drug raid netted more than 240 doses of heroin. Brick and Jackson residents were both involved in this raid. A Jackson man was charged in the death of an off-duty police officer last year in a motorcycle collision. Jason Wolek admitted that he was high on heroin when the accident occurred. Wolek pled to a lesser charge of second degree vehicular homicide, which carries a minimum penalty of 8 years.
Barnegat-Manahawkin
The Barnegat-Manahawkin area has also been hit hard by the heroin epidemic. Recently, new strains of heroin have been introduced to the area which seem resistant to the overdose preventative, Narcan. The deadly heroin was labeled in wax paper packets with the names “Mega Million”, “Taliban”, “Power Hour”, and “Strike Dead” stamped on the outside. Glen Carrano of Stafford was sentenced to five years in prison for selling a fatal overdose of heroin to Darren Karol of Manahawkin.
Tuckerton
Little Egg Harbor was the site of a large drug raid in April this year. An 8-month long investigation of the Atlantic City Task Force culminated in the seizure of more than 16,000 bags of heroin and $52,000 cash. Six residents of Little Egg Harbor were among those arrested. This area is believed to be a distribution point for heroin. The members of this group utilized a juvenile to sell heroin for them and sold heroin in front of children. The group also exchanged heroin for public assistance.
Where to go from here?
The information above indicates a serious heroin addiction problem in New Jersey’s Ocean County. While law enforcement and state officials are keenly aware of the problem, they are finding it difficult to reduce the numbers. The introduction of Narcan has been helpful, with the town of Jackson holding an informational session last year regarding the potentially life-saving drug. The introduction of Narcan is significant to reducing overdose deaths.
Task forces have been formed and are targeting the area for heroin distribution. Ocean County’s proximity to Philadelphia and Newark make the area very accessible to the Colombian heroin trade. The heroin coming into New Jersey is said to be at a 58% purity rate. This high purity rate leads to more deaths.
What is being done? Law enforcement is increasing pawnshop databases and working with prosecutors to increase liability in the prosecution of drug dealers. On the state level, the heroin problem is being addressed as a health issue with bills being passed to expand funding for treatment of heroin addiction.
Additionally, Ocean County is working closely with law enforcement to prevent sales of stolen items to pawn shops, which, in turn, provide quick cash for heroin purchases.
Written by Exclusive Taxi & Car Service in Toms River, New Jersey.