Major drug and gun trafficking operation busted in ocean county

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — A comprehensive four-month investigation led by the Narcotics Strike Force, alongside the United States Drug Enforcement Administration – High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas-Monmouth/Ocean Post of Duty (HIDTA/MOPOD) Group 5 and multiple local law enforcement agencies, culminated in a significant narcotics and firearms operation in Ocean County.

The investigation focused on Kyree Kennedy, 28, of Lakewood, and his co-defendants who were implicated in storing and distributing firearms, heroin/fentanyl, and crack cocaine across various locations in Lakewood Township. Over the course of the investigation, Kennedy was found to have distributed about 59 bricks of heroin/fentanyl and a handgun.

On March 28, 2024, following intensive surveillance activities, detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residence on Cedar Bridge Avenue in Lakewood. The raid resulted in the seizure of 145 bricks of heroin/fentanyl, a quarter pound of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and $2,800 in cash. Kyree Kennedy and Kammani Wilson, 27, of Manchester, were arrested at the scene.

Additionally, on the same day, three more search warrants were executed in Lakewood Township. The first raid on River Avenue led to the seizure of 14 grams of crack cocaine, a firearms suppressor, 43 rounds of 9mm ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and $3,800 in cash. Shakira Hill, 36, of Brick Township, was arrested at this location.

The second and third raids on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard resulted in further arrests and seizures. Tymir Bergstrom, 23, of Lakewood, and Tyquan Jones, 31, of Whiting, were detained at one residence where six grams of crack cocaine and paraphernalia were found. Another search in the same boulevard led to the capture of Miguel Gonzales, 54, of Lakewood, and the seizure of two bricks of heroin.

This operation underscores the collaborative effort among federal, county, and local agencies to combat the distribution of illegal substances and associated violent crimes in the community.

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