BAYVILLE, NJ – On October 20th, 2021 Berkeley Detectives assisted by Berkeley Patrol executed 3 court authorized narcotics search warrants in multiple jurisdictions in Ocean County.
This investigation was in response to numerous neighbor complaints over the last several months from residents in reference to the sale of marijuana from a home on Vail Street. This home is located in the Holiday City West section of the township, a senior citizen community.
This distribution operation was of such a magnitude that it caused significant pedestrian and vehicular traffic to the area which greatly affected the quality of life in this normally quiet location.
This was also the case in Toms River where additional search warrants were executed on Wainwright street.
As a result of these warrants, Daniel Kessel 36 of Vail Street, operating under the business name of “Bud Hub” was arrested.
In addition, these warrants resulted in the seizure of Marijuana, the seizure of distribution-related paraphernalia, a Jeep Gladiator, and over $400,000 dollars in cash.
As a result , Kessel was charged with 2nd degree Money Laundering, possession of Marijuana, possession of Marijuana with the intent to distribute, and distribution of Marijuana. More charges are expected as the evidence is processed.
Kessel was transported to the Ocean County Jail in accordance with bail reform.
The Berkeley Township Police Department would like our residents to know that we respect and acknowledge the fact that the Marijuana laws have changed significantly in the past year with its structured legalization. With that being said, it is still unlawful to distribute this marijuana outside the confines of the new laws.
We also would like to remind our residents that they can report suspicious activity to the Police Department by calling 732-341-1132 x 611. Tips can be anonymous.
This successful operation was conducted with the assistance of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office Narcotics Strike Force, the Ocean Gate Police Department, the Lacey Township Detective Bureau, and the Toms River Township Police Department.