Manchester Township Cocaine Dealer Arrested in Cross-Agency Operation

MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ – Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Manchester Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit collaborated to conduct an investigation into the distribution of cocaine in Ocean County.

The investigation identified a residence in Manchester Township as being utilized by Ricardo Cruickshank, 29, to store and distribute cocaine.

Surveillance was initiated on the residence, and on March 30, 2023, detectives observed Cruickshank exit the residence and walk towards a BMW sedan.

During the investigation, it was determined that the BMW was being used by Cruickshank to store quantities of cocaine. Cruickshank was detained while detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant on the vehicle, resulting in the seizure of approximately 90 grams of cocaine. He was subsequently placed under arrest.

Ocean County Regional SWAT executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject residence, leading to the seizure of a large quantity of marijuana and approximately $1,290 in United States currency.

Ricardo Cruickshank was charged with possession of more than one-half ounce but less than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of more than one ounce of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cruickshank was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.