The New Jersey State Police have arrested Joseph Cottrell, 50, Tammy Burd, 43 and Daniel Bunk, 43, all of Toms River, for possession of more than $6,700 worth of heroin, which is approximately 1,300 individual doses.
During a two-month investigation, State Police detectives from the Troop “C” Criminal Investigations Office’s Detective Operational Group (D.O.G.) determined that Cottrell was involved with heroin distribution.
According to authorities, on June 30, with assistance from the State Police T.E.A.M.S. and Canine Units, detectives conducted a search of 23 Belflower Court in Toms River. As a result, troopers seized 27 bricks of heroin, drug paraphernalia, and more than $1,000.
“Every day our law enforcement officers are systemically working to take heroin and other illegal drugs off our streets. Every dose of heroin that we seize is another battle won in our fight against the opioid crisis,” said Attorney General Christopher Porrino. “I commend the New Jersey State Police detectives from Troop ‘C’ and their partners for the critical role they play in this fight.”
“When we arrest dealers and seize their heroin, we prevent potential overdoses, deaths, and new addiction,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. "Our detectives are taking great initiative in combating the opioid epidemic, and I commend them for their efforts during this investigation."
Joseph Cottrell was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, and possession of paraphernalia. Tammy Burd and Daniel Bunk were each charged with possession of heroin and paraphernalia. Cottrell was lodged in Ocean County Jail, and Burd and Bunk were released pending court.
This case is being prosecuted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Charges are mere accusations and the suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.