Car Stop Nets Approximately $6,000 Worth of Drugs

A 28-year-old Bayville resident was arrested by members of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team for numerous drug offenses after the car he was driving was stopped in the eastern section of the township on Tuesday. During the stop, Michael Arellano was found to be in possession of marijuana and LSD.

On January 14, 2020, members of the department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET) were conducting surveillance when the observed the suspect’s vehicle driving on Route 37 in the area of Commonwealth Boulevard. The vehicle was stopped for a motor vehicle violation and a subsequent investigation led to the search of the vehicle. During the search, officers located and seized approximately 487 grams of marijuana and a quantity of LSD. The street value of the seized narcotics was estimated to be approximately $2,600.00.

A later search of Arellano’s residence led to the discovery of an additional quantity of narcotics as well as drug paraphernalia. Seized from Arellano’s residence was approximately 90 grams of marijuana, approximately 570 milligrams of LSD, approximately 6 grams of cocaine, approximately 8 grams of MDMA more commonly known by its street name “ecstasy”, and various items of paraphernalia associated with the distribution of narcotics. A street value of the seized narcotics was estimated to be approximately $3,400.00.

Arellano was ultimately charged with two counts of Distribution of LSD, two counts of Distribution of Marijuana, one count of Distribution of Cocaine, one count of Distribution of MDMA, two counts of Possession of Marijuana over 50 Grams, one count of Possession of Cocaine, one count of Possession of MDMA, one count of Hindering by Concealment and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was lodged in Ocean County Jail in lieu of bail.

Additionally, Arellano’s 2012 Toyota Camry was seized during the investigation as well as approximately $3,200.00 in cash. These items are pending forfeiture.

Assisting in the investigation were members of the Manchester Township Police Patrol Bureau and K9 Unit.

Residents are reminded that drug tips can be reported to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the “Tip Line” link.