BRICK – The rear lot of the Pleasure Zone on Chambers Bridge Road has been busy lately.
It’s unclear if the people are shopping at the store before conducting illicit drug transactions in the rear lot, but six arrests have been since March. Brick Police Sgt. Jim Kelly a spike in suspicious activity has lead to the stronger police presence.
The latest arrest happened May 15 around midnight, when Maryland resident Muhammad Umer was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia. Police also impounded his car over inactive insurance.
The first arrest happened 5 p.m. March 5. Police said they are not releasing the person’s name at this time, but that he or she was charged with possession of heroin and paraphernalia.
Thirty minutes later that same day, police arrested Brick resident Brian Strassburg, 27, for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.
The following day, police arrested Jackson residents Christian Luna, 19, and Jose Luna-Serrano, 27, for marijuana possession and paraphernalia. Luna-Serrano was also wanted on a warrant out of Howell.
On April 11, police arrested Linden resident Edward Restaino, 52, for possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia.
“These arrests and other investigative practices are part of an effort to curb the illicit activity. Police have also been in communication with the management of the Pleasure Zone about efforts on their part to dissuade people from utilizing their rear lot for such activities. Some of those efforts have included increased lighting in the area, installing surveillance cameras, and signage warning would-be criminals that the area is under surveillance,” Sgt. Kelly said.
