After an extensive investigation into narcotics distribution in Long Branch, Monmouth County authorities raided a local residence where they reportedly discovered over 4,000 bags of heroin, weapons, and other controlled dangerous substances. Two of the home’s occupants were subsequently charged with a myriad of serious drug and weapons offenses.
According to acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni, members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Narcotics and Gang Task Forces, as well as detectives from the Long Branch Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, executed a search warrant at a home located at 177 West End Avenue in Long Branch on Thursday, October 22nd. During the search, investigators reportedly discovered heroin, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia in the form of packaging materials, and $8,000. They also confiscated multiple weapons, including a .22-caliber handgun, a 9 mm replica handgun, and several knives.
As a result of the raid, two residents and suspected drug dealers, 46-year-old Robert Strohlin and 47-year-old Syr Berry were arrested. Both defendants are now facing charges for:
- Possession of heroin
- Possession of cocaine
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of heroin with intent to distribute
- Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute
- Possession of heroin with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school
- Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
- Certain persons not to have weapons
The charges for drug distribution near or on school property arose due to the fact that the home is located near Long Branch High School. Further, the charges for “certain persons not to have weapons” offenses stem from the fact that both men have prior felony convictions on their criminal records.
All told, both men are exposed to lengthy terms of incarceration if convicted, with aggravating factors such as their criminal histories which may enhance the penalties imposed if they are ultimately found guilty. Both men are being held at the Monmouth County jail in Freehold Township with bail set at $401,000 for Strohlin and $551,000 for Berry. The high amounts of each of their bails serve as evidence of the severity of the charges against them.
For additional information related to this case, access the following article: Long Branch roommates had guns, 4,000 bags of heroin and other drugs, police said