May 2, 2023
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the Manchester Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, to conduct an investigation into the distribution of cocaine in Ocean County. This cooperative, multi-agency investigation identified a residence in Manchester Township as being utilized by Ricardo Cruickshank, 29, of Manchester Township, to store and distribute cocaine.
Detectives from the aforementioned law enforcement agencies initiated surveillance on the subject residence in Manchester. On March 30, 2023, Detectives observed Cruickshank exit the residence and walk towards a BMW sedan. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the BMW was being utilized by Cruickshank to store quantities of cocaine. Cruickshank was detained while Detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant on the vehicle. As a result, Detectives seized approximately 90 grams of cocaine. Cruickshank was thereafter placed under arrest.
Ocean County Regional SWAT thereafter executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject residence. As a result, Detectives seized a large quantity of marijuana and approximately $1,290 in United States currency.
Ricardo Cruickshank was charged with Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of More than One Ounce of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Cruickshank was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, Manchester Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Regional SWAT, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
