Brick Couple Charged With Having Drug Production Facility

Patrick and Maria Fasano (Photos courtesy Ocean County Prosecutor's Office)

  BRICK – After the Department of Homeland Security intercepted a suspicious package bound for Brick, an investigation began.

  The parcel, which came from the Netherlands, contained approximately 920 grams of DMT, a Schedule I Narcotic known to produce hallucinogenic effects, police said. An Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force Detective delivered the package while undercover. Police came back later with a search warrant.

  Patrick, 31, and Maria Fasano, 27, were charged with Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility; Possession of Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) with Intent to Distribute; Possession of less than One-Half Ounce of Psilocybin Mushrooms with Intent to Distribute; Possession of DMT; Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms; Possession of less than 50 Grams of Marijuana; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession of a Firearm While in the Course of Committing a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense; and Maintaining and Occupying a Fortified Structure.

  The package had been addressed to Patrick Fasano, and Maria Fasano was the one who accepted it from the undercover officer. The search, on Aug. 11, turned up quantities of DMT, psilocybin mushrooms, and marijuana. Officers also seized numerous firearms, ammunition, and approximately $1,900 in cash. Additionally, detectives located numerous items suggestive of maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility, and further observed the residence to have an exterior mounted surveillance camera system indicative of a warning mechanism against potential law enforcement entry.

  Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.