The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit and Deputy Chief Jan -Michael Monrad were recognized by the New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association (NJNEOA). The awards were presented at NJNEOA’s annual awards luncheon at Caesar’s Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
The NJNEOA was organized to encourage mutual cooperation when it comes to the issue of enforcement concerning drug abuse, and to exchange ideas, conduct seminars to educate those involved in the abatement of the illegal narcotics trade. The association has more than 2000 members, representing federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement, as well as private industry, education, and government.
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Deputy Chief Monrad was recognized with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the NJNEOA.
The MCPO Special Enforcement Unit was recognized for two investigations resulting in arrests and seizures.
Along with the Roxbury Police Department and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the SEU conducted an investigation in which a mother and adult son were found to be distributing narcotics through the mail. The investigation culminated in the June 2023 arrest of two defendants, and seizure of 100 tabs of LSD, 250 Xanax pills, five pounds of marijuana, 70 grams of wax, half an ounce of meth, five grams of cocaine, and $336,662 in U.S. currency.
The Special Enforcement Unit - along with members of the Morristown Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, ATF, DEA, and FBI – were also recognized for an investigation in which undercover officers were able to conduct eight direct purchases from the target, including firearms. The investigation culminated in the April 2023 arrest of four defendants, and the seizure of 200 grams of cocaine, 1,100 grams of fentanyl, six bricks of heroin, six pounds of marijuana, five handguns, one assault rifle, and $7,000 in U.S. currency.
The 2024 Narcotics Training Conference was held from May 20 through May 23. The annual conference included seminars this year on the search and evidence collection process, cell phone investigations, current drug trends, financial investigations, gangs and social media, and related topics.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “Congratulations to the members of the Special Enforcement Unit and especially to Deputy Chief Monrad, for their continued effort in combatting the distribution of dangerous narcotics and illegal firearms within Morris County, and for doing all they can to keep our communities safe.”