MANCHESTER-A Manchester man was arrested on numerous drug charges following a two month narcotics distribution investigation which was led by the Manchester Township Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET).

Jemel Cooper, age 37, of Ridgeway Road was arrested and charged with narcotics offenses after he was found to be in possession of a quantity of heroin and cocaine when officers stopped his vehicle on Route 70 and later executed a court authorized search warrant on his residence.

On Friday evening, February 17th, members of the department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team were conducting surveillance in the area of Cooper’s Ridgeway Road residence when they observed him leaving in a 2011 Dodge Charger. Cooper was stopped on Route 70 near the Toms River border for a motor vehicle violation and found to have in his possession a quantity of crack cocaine. Cooper was arrested without incident and his vehicle was towed to Manchester Police headquarters. During this time, a search warrant of his home was executed wherein an additional quantity of crack cocaine, a quantity of heroin and a large quantity of cash was located. Altogether, police seized over 13 grams of crack cocaine, 110 doses of heroin, and $1,001.00 in cash; believed to be proceeds of narcotic sales from the Manchester area.

Cooper was charged with possession and distribution of heroin, possession and distribution of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on criminal summonses pending a court appearance. Cooper’s vehicle was seized pending forfeiture.

Also assisting with this investigation were member of the Manchester Township Police Patrol Bureau and the K-9 Unit.

Residents are reminded that drug tips can be reported to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the “Tip Line” link

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