Man Charged in Valentine’s Day Crack Bust Was Justin Love

Man Charged in Valentine's Day Crack Bust Was Justin Love

TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Justin Love, 25, of Jackson Township, with narcotics distribution and weapons offenses following a two-month-long investigation. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced the collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, which identified Love as a key figure in the distribution of crack cocaine within the region.

Surveillance operations in December 2023 led detectives to a residence in Lakewood used by Love to store and distribute crack cocaine. On February 14, 2024, a search warrant executed by the Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team at the residence and Love’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 15 grams of crack cocaine, a semi-automatic handgun, drug paraphernalia, and around $5,000 in cash. Additional quantities of crack cocaine, paraphernalia, and cash were found in Love’s vehicle.

Love has been charged with multiple offenses, including possession of less than one-half ounce of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of crack cocaine, possession of Oxycodone without a valid prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a handgun, and possession of a weapon during a controlled dangerous substance offense. He is currently detained in the Ocean County Jail awaiting a detention hearing.

Wrap Up

  • Justin Love was charged with narcotics distribution and weapons offenses after a two-month investigation.
  • Law enforcement seized crack cocaine, a handgun, drug paraphernalia, and cash from Love’s residence and vehicle.
  • Love is detained in the Ocean County Jail, pending a detention hearing.