$20K, 70 Grams Of Cocaine Seized In Lacey Bust: Prosecutor

LACEY, NJ — Authorities seized more than 70 grams of cocaine and more than $20,000 and arrested two men in connection with a drug distribution investigation in Lacey Township, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office announced Wednesday.

Douglas Ward, 59, of Lacey, has been charged with possession of more than a half-ounce but less than 5 ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, and financial facilitation of criminal activity, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Ward was taken to the Ocean County Jail, but later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.

Thomas Prosser, 60, of Bayville, has been charged with possession of cocaine and wandering in a public place to obtain or distribute controlled dangerous substances, Billhimer said. Prosser was charged via summons pending a court appearance, he said.

A drug investigation led to authorities identifying Ward's Lacey Township home as being used to store and distribute cocaine, Billhimer said. On July 28, while conducting surveillance, detectives saw Ward leave the house and meet up with Prosser, and approached and arrested both men.

Ward was found in possession of several small bags of cocaine, Billhimer said, and a search warrant executed at his home turned up about 70 grams of cocaine in addition to the baggies, along with $20,300 in cash.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, the Lacey Township Police Department Patrol Division and Detective Bureau, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit collaborated on the investigation, he said.