Valerie A. Nickerson, special agent in charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, has announced the official designation of the DEA Monmouth-Ocean County Post of Duty.
Over the past several years, the DEA recognized an increased heroin and prescription opioid threat to Monmouth and Ocean counties, which led to the creation of the new DEA office, according to a press release.
With the establishment of the Post of Duty, additional resources will be dedicated to address the ongoing drug threat plaguing the region, according to the press release.
The office was created with the support of U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), U.S. Congressman Tom MacArthur (R-NJ), NY/NJ High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Executive Director Chauncey Parker, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni and Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato.
The Monmouth-Ocean County Post of Duty Task Force is a designated unit within the DEA New Jersey Division which will increase collaboration with other law enforcement agencies operating in the area. This collaboration includes enforcement operations, intelligence sharing, community outreach and prevention initiatives, as well as enhancing the partnership between public health and public safety, according to the press release.
“The creation of this new office means the permanent assignment of DEA special agents and task force officers. The office will aim to disrupt the trafficking of narcotics throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. It will also allow for the increased use of federal resources to combat the current heroin, fentanyl and prescription painkiller epidemic that has taken a toll on the area, resulting in an unprecedented number of drug overdose fatalities,” Nickerson said.
