Residents are being credited with helping Pleasantville police in a drug investigation that led to nine arrests and more than 5 ounces of cocaine.
More than $20,000 in cash from drug trafficking was also seized, Police Chief Sean Riggin said.
Multiple dwellings in the area of Noah's Landing and the Black Horse Pike were targeted by the Criminal Investigation Bureau led by Detective Sgts. Luz Gresham and Brandon Stocks, along with Detectives Haleema Leach and Pablo Solorzano.
"This successful resolution to this case would not have been possible without the assistance of residents and their willingness to come forward to put an end to the criminal insurgency in the Noah’s Landing complex," Riggin said.
Pleasantville police conducted an early morning raid Monday with help from the Atlantic County SWAT Team, FBI, Galloway and Absecon police and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Following the execution of the search warrants and arrests, the Pleasantville Police Community Relations Bureau met with many residents of the neighborhood to thank them for their courage and dedication to a safe community.
Residents told police they already felt safer letting their children play outside, Riggin said.
The department plans to follow up with a virtual town hall for members of the neighborhood.
“I just want to thank the residents of Noah’s Landing and congratulate them for their courage in the face of this complex and frightening drug-trafficking network," Riggin said. "It takes a special kind of person to stand up to that kind of pressure and I am honored to serve so many residents and officers who refuse to let criminals take over our neighborhoods. Families are safer this holiday season because of these brave folks and we will work tirelessly to make sure we continue to earn their trust.”
The department also followed up with the management company for the suspect residence and will be working with the department to identify environmental and procedural changes that could improve community safety.
"The partnership that allowed us to arrest these criminals and put an end to their business is the kind of partnership that will keep our city strong and cohesive as we fight against criminal victimization of those who suffer from addiction and other challenges that make life more difficult in these trying times," Riggin said.
Ebonique Cooper, Linda Bones, Robert Smith and Kristin Martyn were charged with first-degree possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, second-degree conspiracy to distribute cocaine, money laundering and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Kevon Boone was charged with first-degree possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, money laundering and drug paraphernalia.
All five were taken to the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
Jason Mazanek, Johnathan Roe, Juan Santana and Shaun Harrelson were charged with possession of syringes and possession of paraphernalia and released on summonses.
