LAKEWOOD, NJ – Three people have been charged in a multi-agency drug operation based out of Lakewood Township this week.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office today reported an investigation that identified two residences in Toms River, one being utilized by Jamar Montgomery and the other by Kevin Hunter and Diana Mendez, to store and distribute narcotics.
“During a two-day operation which began on March 2, 2022, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic’s Strike Force, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Toms River Township Police Department conducted surveillance on Montgomery, Hunter, and Mendez,” said Bryan Huntenburg, communications officer for the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. “On March 2, 2022, Lakewood Township Police Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle being operated by Montgomery, at which time Montgomery was observed to throw a bag out of the window. Officers recovered the bag and discovered that it contained 250 wax folds of heroin, approximately 30 grams of crack cocaine, and $1300 in United States currency. Montgomery was also found to be in possession of a knife. Montgomery was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail.”
According to court records and a report issued by the Prosecutor’s office, on March 3, 2022, Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department Patrol Division and Street Crimes Unit executed a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle operated by Hunter – with Mendez as a passenger.
“Hunter and Mendez were detained at the scene, and Detectives subsequently executed court-authorized search warrants on the two subject residences in Toms River. As a result, law enforcement seized approximately 30 grams of crack cocaine, digital scales, drug packaging material, and $2500 in United States currency. Hunter and Mendez were arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail,” the report stated.
Jamar Montgomery, 28, of Lakewood, was charged with multiple drug-related offenses.
Kevin Hunter, 33, of Toms River, was charged with distribution and other drug-related charges.
Diana Mendez, 33, of Lakewood, was charged with possession and other CDS-related charges.