Barnegat Narcotics Unit Witnesses Afternoon Drug Deal, Makes Several Arrests

Barnegat Police Narcotics Unit have charged three individuals with multiple drug offenses, as well as seized a vehicle, drugs, and a significant amount of U.S. currency, according to Barnegat Township Police Lieutenant Keith Germain.

On Tuesday, Narcotics officers were conducting an operation at 1:18 p.m. in the area of Red Coat Drive when they observed Patrick Guinane, 26, of Barnegat make a hand-to-hand drug transaction with Sandra Mayfield, 38, of Barnegat.

In the officers attempt to apprehend both subjects, Mayfield tried to conceal the drugs by placing a quantity of heroin and cocaine in her mouth. Despite the officer's efforts, she swallowed the narcotics.

Mayfield was placed under arrest and transported by ambulance to Southern Ocean Medical Center, Manahawkin, where she was treated for ingesting narcotics.

Patrick Guinane was placed under arrest and transported to the Barnegat police station. 

The narcotics officers then applied for a search warrant for Patrick Guinane's Sextant Drive residence, which was granted shortly thereafter. The search warrant was executed by members of the Barnegat Police Department with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriff's Department K9 unit.

The search warrant execution resulted in the seizure of a quantity of cocaine with a street value of $1,000, quantities of the prescription drugs alprazolam and suboxone, drug paraphernalia, and $27,000 in US currency. Also seized was a 2004 Chevrolet Blazer.

Also charged as a result of the search warrant was Michael Guinane, 28, of Barnegat.

Patrick Guinane was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of heroin, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, distribution of cocaine, and distribution of heroin (all 3rd degree charges). He was lodged in the Ocean County Jail in default of $75,000 bail.

Sandra Mayfield was charged with 3rd degree possession of cocaine, 3rd degree possession of heroin, and 4th degree tampering with evidence. She was released on her own recognizance pending a court date and remained in Southern Ocean Medical Center for treatment. 

Michael Guinane, who was not at the Sextant Drive residence when the search warrant was executed, was charged with possession of alprazolam and possession of suboxone (both 3rd degree) and has not yet been taken into custody. Michael is expected to turn himself in at the Barnegat Police Department later this date.

By Judy Bendar