HOWELL – A substance believed to be heroin was seized and four people were arrested when police officers executed a search warrant at a home on Starlight Drive, Howell.
In a press release, police said that on June 2, members of the Howell Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit — Lt. Thomas Rizzo, Patrolman T.J. Hurley, Patrolman Ryan Richards and Patrolman Nicholas Bondarew — as well as Patrolman Eric Encarnacion, Cpl. Riaz Motani and Detective Richard Conte executed a search warrant at the home in a residential development off Maxim-Southard Road
Upon executing the warrant, officers seized a substance believed to be heroin which was stamped “Hardball” and drug paraphernalia that included hypodermic needles, crack pipes and a digital scale.
Police said the execution of the search warrant was the result of a month-long investigation into the alleged distribution of heroin from the home. During the investigation, open-air drug activity was observed occurring, including walk-up traffic and drug use in the street, according to police.
Police identified the suspects in the investigation as residents of the Starlight Drive home, Joseph W. Calasacione, 26, and the homeowner, Cynthia M. Garrison, 55. Both individuals were in the residence when the squadron of officers arrived.
Also at the scene when the officers arrived were two individuals police described as friends of Calasacione and Garrison. Those two people were identified as Blake X. Rini, 23, and Kelly E. Geerin, 21, both of New Friendship Road, Howell.
All four individuals were arrested at the scene.
Police said Calasacione was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) believed to be heroin, distribution of CDS (heroin), possession of a hypodermic needle and possession of drug paraphernalia. Garrison was charged with possession of CDS (heroin), distribution of CDS (heroin), possession of a hypodermic needle and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Calasacione and Garrison were placed in the Monmouth County jail, Freehold Township, in lieu of bail, which was set at $20,000 each.
Police said Rini was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and Geerin was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Rini and Geerin were released on summonses.
A juvenile was present at the Starlight Drive home during the execution of the search warrant, but was not involved in the activities taking place, according to the press release. The juvenile was transported to school by police officers.
Police said that due to the manner in which the heroin was stored, a determination as to the exact quantity will not be known until it is verified by the New Jersey State Police laboratory. Cash seized at the home totaled about $500, according to the press release.
