Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the Toms River Police Department Special Enforcement Team (SET) to conduct an investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics in Ocean County. The joint investigation identified an apartment in the Hampton Gardens Apartment Complex in Toms River as being utilized to store and distribute quantities of Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine. As a result of this investigation, Detectives obtained a court-authorized search warrant for the apartment, and developed probable cause to arrest Rizjoun Smullen, 20, of Lakewood, on drug distribution charges.
On January 13, 2021, Detectives observed Smullen leave the apartment complex on foot; he was subsequently placed under arrest without incident. Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and Toms River SET executed the search warrant at the subject apartment. As a result, Detectives seized approximately 150 dosage units of Heroin, along with $2,100 in cash.
Smullen was charged with Distribution of less than One-Half Ounce of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); two counts of Possession of less than One-Half Ounce of Heroin with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); and two counts of Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1). Smullen was transported to Toms River Township Police Headquarters, where he was processed and released on a summons pending a future court date.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Toms River Police Department Special Enforcement Team, and Point Pleasant Borough Police Department Detective Bureau, for their cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.