Traffic Stop Nets Drugs Charges, Among Others

A pair of brothers were jailed on drug charges Tuesday when a traffic stop turned netted a large amount of cocaine, police said.

Gareth Lewis, 36, of Freehold Borough and Dwane Prince, also 36, of Toms River, were arrested following a traffic stop on Enright Ave. around 7:21 p.m., charged with separate crimes, Lt. Michael Sweetman said.

Lewis was charged with possession of several ounces of cocaine, possession of cocaine within 100 feet of a school zone, possession of paraphernalia and possession of a small amount of marijuana, Sweetman said.

Prince was charged with a disorderly persons charge, Sweetman said.

Lewis, the driver of the stopped vehicle, at first gave Patrolman Diego Flores a fake name but it was discovered that Lewis had an active warrant out of Burlington County, Sweetman said.

Also in the car was a woman, Lewis’ girlfriend, and her small child, Sweetman said.

The woman told officers that upon being stopped by police that Lewis hid a large amount of cocaine  in her purse, Sweetman said.

While Lewis was being handcuffed, Prince drove by the scene and attempted to distract officers arresting Lewis, Sweetman said.

Lewis was charged and taken to Monmouth County jail, Freehold Township, in lieu of $45,000 cash bail. Lewis was not listed as an inmate on Friday, according to jail records. 

Prince was charged and released with a court date, Sweetman said.