Heroin, Crack, Meth Seized, 5 Charged In Brick Drug Arrests

BRICK, NJ — The Brick Township Police Department's Street Crimes Unit arrested five people on drug charges in four recent incidents, police said Thursday.

On June 17, detectives with the Street Crimes Unit saw two people making a hand-to-hand deal in the Briar Mills apartment complex. An investigation turned up heroin, crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia, Sgt. Jim Kelly said.

Arrested were Brian Vientos, 34, and Amanda Meklim, 34, both of Jackson, he said.

Vientos was charged with distribution of heroin, possession of heroin and crack, and possession of paraphernalia. He was released on summonses that included traffic summonses for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, and careless driving, Kelly said.

Meklim was charged with possession of heroin, crack, prescription pills and paraphernalia and released on a summons, he said.

On June 22, detectives pulled over a vehicle in the area of Brick Estates on Hooper Avenue, and found crack cocaine and paraphernalia. Ryan Bannon, 39, of Neptune, was arrested and charged with possession of crack, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, and driving without a license. He was released on summonses, Kelly said.

On Monday, detectives pulled over a vehicle near the intersection of Brick Boulevard and Drum Point Road and found crystal meth. Michael Stack, 56, of Bayville, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, paraphernalia, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle and failing to maintain his lane of travel. Stack was released on summonses, he said.

On Tuesday, detectives saw suspicious activity in the Walmart parking lot and their investigation turned up suboxone films that were illegally possessed. Tracy Martin, 38, of Brick, was charged with possession of suboxone and released on a summons, he said.

"Chief Riccio would like to commend the hard work and dedication of the Street Crimes Unit and remind all would-be drug violators that the officers of the Brick Township Police Department will continue to be diligent against the scourge of illegal drug activity upon our community," Kelly said.

Kelly said that while police continue to battle the drug epidemic through enforcement, the department also continues to work with various public health agencies in Ocean County to help those battling addiction get assistance.

"For those struggling with substance use disorder and their family members, anyone who needs help is welcome to come to the police department as part of the Blue Hope Program or otherwise, and personnel here will help that person connect with the right resources to get the help they need," Kelly said.

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