2018 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 03, 2018

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Eight Arrested in Takedown of Drug Trafficking Ring

State Police seize heroin, cocaine, and $65,610 in “Operation Punch Out”

Old Bridge, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police have arrested eight suspects of an alleged drug trafficking ring operating in multiple locations throughout central New Jersey and seized cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.

The eight-month cooperative investigation dubbed “Operation Punch Out,” began in December of 2017 and targeted a drug distribution network operating in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. The effort was led by the New Jersey State Police Trafficking Central Unit with assistance from Troop “D” Criminal Investigation Office, DEA Newark Office, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Perth Amboy Police Department, Elizabeth Police Department, Wall Township Police Department, and Old Bridge Police Department.

Through various investigative means, detectives determined that the network, which was allegedly headed by Tyson Abel, 42, of Edison, N.J., and Jose Concepcion Jr, 39, of Long Branch, N.J., sold significant quantities of cocaine and heroin in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties and surrounding areas. 

On Friday, July 27, detectives executed search warrants at various locations in Old Bridge Township, Long Branch City, and Edison Township. As a result, detectives arrested eight people and seized more than 700 grams of cocaine, more than 350 grams of heroin, more than 10 pounds of marijuana, $65,610 cash, and a 2014 Chevy Equinox.

“These ring members allegedly profited from others’ addiction,” said New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “Through intelligence-driven operations like this one involving collaboration among state, federal, county and local law enforcement agencies, we are targeting the drug suppliers who are fueling not only addiction, but also the violence that accompanies street-level drug dealing.”

“The accused were well organized, operating a sophisticated trafficking network that profited by peddling deadly and highly addictive narcotics like heroin and cocaine,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “I commend the outstanding work of the State Police Trafficking Central Unit and our partners for dismantling this illegal drug trafficking ring, and most certainly making the affected communities safer as a result.”

“Long-term investigations like Operation Punch Out enable us to dismantle these narcotics rings from top to bottom, with charges against the alleged leader as well as those allegedly distributing drugs at his direction,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “The charges announced today are the result of great collaboration involving the State Police, the DEA, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, and local law enforcement partners.”

The following suspects were arrested and charged:

Tyson Abel, 42, of Edison, N.J.

  • Distribution of cocaine
  • Distribution of heroin
  • Possession of cocaine and heroin
  • Conspiracy to distribute cocaine/heroin

Jose Concepcion Jr, 39, of Long Branch, N.J

  • Distribution of cocaine
  • Money laundering
  • Conspiracy to distribute cocaine
  • Distribution of marijuana

Anthony Velasquez, 24, of Long Branch, N.J.

  • Distribution of cocaine
  • Distribution of heroin
  • Possession of cocaine and heroin
  • Conspiracy to distribute cocaine/heroin

Alejandro Burgos, 38, of Asbury Park, N.J.

  • Money laundering
  • Distribution of marijuana
  • Conspiracy to distribute marijuana

Jose Concepcion III, 22, of Old Bridge, N.J.

  • Money laundering
  • Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute

Saleem Kelly, 21, of Old Bridge, N.J.

  • Money laundering
  • Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute

Khalid Thomas, 36, of Old Bridge, N.J.

  • Money laundering
  • Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute

Davon Cody, 28, of Brick, N.J. 

  • Distribution of cocaine
  • Distribution of heroin
  • Possession of cocaine/heroin

The case will be prosecuted by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice in the Office of the Attorney General.

Charges are mere accusations and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Photo of Operation Punch Out

Operation Punch Out

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