Heroin factory uncovered in Toms River, Lavallette, police say

A suspected drug pusher from Newark is arrested in Toms River, accused of running a complete heroin factory in the township and in Lavallette.

Kevin Porter, 27, was arrested December 22, following raids on dwellings in Winteringham Village in Toms River, and a house on the 100 block of Philadelphia Avenue in Lavallette.

Absent the exact address, it is difficult to determine who owns the Lavallette house.

Police said they conducted surveillance for about a month before obtaining warrants. They assert that they uncovered a "full manufacturing facility," in which heroin is mixed, packaged, stamped and distributed.

Members of the Toms River PD Special Enforcement Team, along with Lavallette officers and Ocean County and federal DEA investigators, said they seized 250 wax folds of heroin, empty folds ready for packaging, 50 grams of powder heroin, stamps, sifters and related items, and $750 cash.

Porter faces a first-degree charge of maintaining a heroin manufacturing facility, a second-degree count of possession of over one-half ounce with intent to distribute, and a possession charge.

Arrested before bail reforms took effect January 1, Porter was held on a full $75,000 bail.