A month-long investigation into drug distribution led to the arrest of five individuals, including a Toms River man accused of operating a crack cocaine ring. Law enforcement agencies across the county coordinated in a multi-agency operation to uncover the trafficking ring, which operated from a residence in Toms River.
According to a press release, detectives identified a home on Walnut Street in Toms River, where 36-year-old Keith Morse allegedly stored and distributed crack cocaine. On Jan. 21, 2025, detectives observed Morse meeting with 41-year-old Phillip Tarver. Surveillance teams tracked Tarver as he drove through Toms River and eventually stopped him on Route 37. A K-9 unit alerted officers to narcotics in the vehicle. Officers seized crack cocaine, pills, a knife, and over $5,000 in cash. During booking, officers found an additional 110 grams of crack cocaine on Tarver.
Detectives arrested Morse on Feb. 6, 2025, after they saw him enter a residence in Toms River. Officers executed a search warrant at the property and found more cocaine and narcotics distribution materials. Officers arrested Dominique Swain, 28, at the scene. She faces drug distribution charges.
Later that day, detectives stopped 27-year-old Alexis Johnson of Lakewood as she traveled through Seaside Heights. Officers discovered cocaine and Percocet in her vehicle. Her passenger, 18-year-old Laneah Shade of Bayville, also got arrested. Johnson faces charges of drug distribution and possession, while Shade faces conspiracy to distribute cocaine charges.
Morse faces multiple charges, including drug distribution, possession with intent to distribute, and child endangerment due to the presence of a minor during narcotics transactions. Authorities continue the investigation to dismantle the trafficking network and prevent further distribution of illegal substances in the area.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer praised the combined efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, the Toms River Township Police Department, and other local agencies involved in the operation. Billhimer stressed the importance of continued collaboration to combat the distribution of illegal drugs in Ocean County.
The individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.