On June 5, 2020 detectives from the Secaucus Police Department’s Anti-Crime Unit conducted a search of 314 Sea Isle Key, Secaucus, NJ, after a couple weeks long investigation. The investigation was initiated after a town resident complained of drug dealing in the area.
As a result of this search, Joseph Manzi, 45, of Secaucus was arrested. During a search of the residence, over one (1) pound of suspected edible marijuana candy along with a bag of suspected marijuana were seized. Approximately one (1) ounce of suspected cocaine was also seized along with packaging material, confirming the cocaine was destined for street sale. A small quantity of suspected heroin and steroids were also seized during the search. Several hundred prescription legend drugs were seized along with some suspected hydrocodone and some suspected Xanax. Over $1,200.00 in suspected drug proceeds was seized from Joseph Manzi and his residence.
Additional items seized during the search were indicative that Joseph Manzi was using the residence to dilute and pre-package the cocaine for street sale, to further his illicit drug distribution scheme. “Resident complaints are a priority for the Secaucus Police Department. This arrest and seizure of this variety of drugs is evident that a partnership between the public and the police will help to inhibit drug distribution operations within the town,” Chief Dennis Miller said.
Joseph Manzi was charged with Maintaining/Operating a CDS Production Facility [2C:35-4], Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine [2C:35-5b(2)], Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana [2C:35-5b(11)], two (2) counts of Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance [2C:35-5b(13)], two (2) counts of Possession of Prescription Legend Drugs with the Intent to Distribute [2C:35-10.5a(3)], six (6) counts of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [2C:35-10a(1)], four (4) counts of Possession of Prescription Legend Drugs [2C:35-10.5e(2)], Possession of Prescription Legend Drugs [2C:35-10.5e(1)], Possession of Marijuana [2C:35-10a(3)] and [2C:35-10a(4)], Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with the Intent to Distribute [2C:36-3], Possession of Drug Paraphernalia [2C:36-2], Possession of Hypodermic Needles [2C:36-6A] and Money Laundering [2C:21-25]. Joseph Manzi was lodged in the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Chief Miller wishes to thank the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office for the assistance of their K-9 Unit. Tips can be made by calling (201)330-2049, emailed to spdtips@secaucus.net or submitted anonymously through the department’s website at www.secaucuspolice.org. These charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
