By: Tracie Carter
A Manchester Township man has admitted to multiple cocaine distribution offenses stemming from separate investigations conducted across Ocean County last year.
According to information released by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Tariki Foster, 41, pleaded guilty on July 20 before Superior Court Judge Kenneth T. Palmer to three drug-related offenses, including possession of more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute, distribution of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine in separate cases in Manchester Township and Toms River.
Prosecutors said the charges stem from three unrelated investigations conducted between June and September 2025.
During the first investigation, New Jersey State Police detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant at a Toms River residence allegedly being used to store and distribute cocaine.
Authorities seized more than 10 ounces of cocaine, and Foster was arrested without incident.
In a separate investigation, Toms River police detectives observed what they believed was a drug transaction involving Foster.
A subsequent traffic stop led to the recovery of cocaine from the occupants of another vehicle, and investigators later identified Foster as the alleged supplier.
He was arrested later that day.
A third investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and partnering law enforcement agencies led to additional search warrants at properties in Brick Township, Toms River, and Jackson. Investigators recovered cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, drug paraphernalia, and nearly $5,200 in cash.
Foster was taken into custody and has remained jailed since his September 2025 arrest.
Foster is scheduled to be sentenced on September 4, 2026. Prosecutors intend to seek an 18-year New Jersey State Prison sentence, along with concurrent prison terms of five and 10 years on the remaining convictions.
Authorities noted that charges against a second defendant arrested during the September investigation remain pending.