In the aftermath of a comprehensive two-month investigation into narcotics distribution, two individuals from Mercer County, Jireh Mathis (27) and Tashawn McDonald (23), both hailing from Trenton, were apprehended and charged in connection with drug distribution activities in Ocean County, as announced by Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
The arrests unfolded at an apartment complex in Toms River, following a month-long surveillance operation. On conducting a search post-arrest, Mathis was found in possession of approximately 500 wax folds of heroin/fentanyl and 10 grams of cocaine.
Over the course of the investigation, authorities confiscated a total of about 1,500 wax folds of heroin/fentanyl and 25 grams of cocaine.
The surveillance of the two suspects commenced in early December, with the decisive moment occurring on January 22 when they were observed arriving at the Green Meadow Apartment Complex in Toms River. Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force approached the suspects as they exited the vehicle. Mathis attempted to flee but was apprehended and arrested, while McDonald was taken into custody without incident.
Mathis faces charges including possession of more than one-half ounce but less than 5 ounces of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of more than one-half ounce but less than 5 ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute more than one-half ounce but less than 5 ounces of heroin, conspiracy to distribute more than one-half ounce but less than 5 ounces of cocaine, possession of heroin, possession of cocaine, and resisting arrest. He is currently held in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River awaiting trial.
McDonald, on the other hand, is charged with conspiracy to distribute more than one-half ounce but less than 5 ounces of heroin and conspiracy to distribute more than one-half ounce but less than 5 ounces of cocaine. He has been released on a summons, pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration — High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Monmouth/Ocean Post of Duty (HIDTA/MOPOD) Group 5, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Unit, Toms River Township Police Department’s Patrol Division, Special Enforcement Unit, and K-9 Unit, Manchester Township Police Department’s Detective Bureau and Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office.
