Stafford and Barnegat police assisted in a drug investigation that led to the arrest of three people and seizure of marijuana.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, along with members of the Little Egg Harbor Police Department and the Stafford Township Police Department, obtained and executed a search warrant for a residence located 21 Atlantis Blvd. in Little Egg Harbor.

As a result of the search warrant, police seized approximately six pounds of marijuana having an approximate street value of $30,000. Police also seized drug paraphernalia, specifically packaging materials for CDS.

The following individuals were arrested and charged:

Michael Ernest age 24 of 21 Atlantis Blvd. Little Egg Harbor. Ernest was charged possession of marijuana over 50 grams, possession of marijuana over five pounds with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana. Superior Court Judge Francis R. Hodgson Jr. JSC set bail on Ernest at $75,000 no 10 percent.

Anthony J. Hughes age 24 of 95 Leitz Blvd. Little Egg Harbor. Hughes was charged possession of marijuana over 50 grams and possession of marijuana over five pounds with intent to distribute. Superior Court Judge Francis R. Hodgson Jr. JSC set bail on Hughes at $100,000 no 10 percent.

Samuel Sepulveda age 20 of 7 Shooner Court, Little Egg Harbor. Sepulveda was charged possession of marijuana over 50 grams and possession of marijuana over five pounds with intent to distribute. The Honorable Superior Court Judge Francis R. Hodgson Jr. JSC set bail on Sepulveda at $50,000 no ten percent.

Assisting in the investigation as well as the execution of the search warrants were members of the Little Egg Harbor Police Department, the Stafford Township Police Department and the Barnegat Township Police Department.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.