“NOT JUST GOING THROUGH ANOTHER PHASE”

On March 1, 2004 the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Narcotic Strike Force along with the Mobil Enforcement Team (MET) of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated a narcotics investigation of high level narcotic distributors in the City of Asbury Park. Phase 1 terminated on July 27, 2004 and resulted in the arrests of 40 federal and state defendants. One of the defendants arrested was an individual identified as Luis Lugo, who was the supply source of cocaine for the Asbury Park area and was selling out of Harlem, New York.

At the completion of Phase 1 a follow-up investigation was initiated by Special Agent Brian Crowe of the DEA and Detective Scott Samis of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Narcotic Strike Force. During this investigation Special Agent Crowe and Detective Samis conducted approximately 40 interviews of individuals from Phase 1, suspects identified during Phase 2 and cooperators, which resulted in a historical follow-up case. On January 4, 2005 this phase was terminated and resulted in (14) federal defendants being arrested for the distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine in the Asbury Park area.

Phase III targeted Kurtis Barnes, who was a heroin drug king pin in the Asbury Park area. On July 16, 2005 this phase was terminated and Kurtis Bares along with (4) of his drug distribution organization were arrested on federal distribution charges. Special Agent Crowe and Detective Samis went above and beyond by interviewing and taking statements from over 100 suspects and witnesses.

To date this investigation in conjunction with the DEA-MET team has resulted in the arrest and conviction of 35 federal defendants, the arrest of 52 state defendants. The investigation has resulted in 16 search warrants and numerous consents, which have resulted in the seizure of over 4 kilograms of cocaine, 2 kilograms and approximately 107 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 3 kilograms of heroin. There have been 6 handguns seized and 11 vehicles with a value of approximately $500,000.00 have been forfeited. Approximately $135,000.00 in U.S. currency has been seized. All of the above operations were coordinated by Special Agent Crowe and Detective Samis.

To date all of the information gathered from this co-operative investigation has allowed (2) murder investigations to be solved. A number of spin off cases are still being investigated as well.

The NJNEOA commends Detective Samis, S/A Crowe, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Strike Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s MET Team on their perseverance while conducting such an extensive investigation.