TOMS RIVER – A Manchester man was arrested after authorities discovered him selling cocaine out of a towing business in Toms River.
A multi-agency investigation led police to find a business known as “Leroy’s Tow Service” in Toms River, as well as a home in Manchester Township owned by Leroy Hairston, 43, as being used to store and distribute cocaine.
On April 26, law enforcement saw Hairston leave his business and later parked in a nearby parking lot. There, he was detained by Ocean County Sheriff’s Officers without incident and was subsequently placed under arrest.
Officers searched the business in Toms River and seized about 100 grams of cocaine and $7,000. Hairston’s home was also searched and at the time, Raekwon Strand, 26, of Lakewood, was in the residence. Police found about 100 wax folds of heroin/fentanyl and $4,000. As a result, Strand was arrested.
Hairston was charged with Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine, Financial Facilitation, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Strand was charged with Possession of Heroin/Fentanyl and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Strand was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, Toms River Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, Manchester Township Detective Bureau, Ocean County Regional SWAT, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced are merely accusations and the public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
