Oxycodone, steroids, thou$ands seized in Berkeley Township raid

A trove of prescription meds are uncovered in a Bayville house, and a man suspected of pushing at least 500 of them on the streets each week faces a raft of charges.

George Woerner, 41, is charged with possession of Oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute, and possession of anabolic steroids, according to Berkeley Township Police Chief Karin DiMichelle, who added that more arrests are likely.

The no-knock warrant that allowe dentry to Woerner's Hoover Avenue house stemmed from an extended joint investigation by Berkeley and Lacey Township detectives, who developed information leading to target the dwelling as the suspected source point for illicit pills in Berkeley and neighoring townships.

Police said that in addition to the narcotics and steroids, they seized almost $10,000 cash.

Woerner was released to await a court hearing, in accord with New ZJersey's Bail Reform Act, but the probe is ongoing.

DiMichelle added that the investigation arose through complaints by residents in the neighborhood, and progressed with information given via the Berkeley PD's Tip Line, 732-341-1132, extension 611. Tips are kept confidential and can be given anonymously.

The investigation is led by Berkeley Detectives Joe Santoro, Michael Riccardelli, William Somers, Michael O'Connor, Michael Tier and Detective Sergeant Peter La Rocca, in collaboration with Berkeley patrol officers,the Ocean County S.W.A.T. team and the Ocean County Sheriff's K-9 unit.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presuned innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.