Two Alleged Drug Dealers Subject to Stricter Penalty Under New Ordinance

Two men recently arrested for distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) are subject to punishment under a new ordinance calling for enhanced punishment of individuals selling CDS within 500 feet of the Gloucester Township Heath and Fitness Trail, a second degree crime.

The Gloucester Township Police Department has implemented a number of initiatives and programs to combat the growing abuse of prescription pills. One recent initiative was the advent of the Gloucester Township Health and Fitness Trail enumerated by township ordinance as a public park area.

This trail spans from Main Street in Grenloch to Brown Avenue in Hilltop.

At the suggestion of a veteran of the Gloucester Township Police Department’s Investigations Bureau and assistance from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Gloucester Township Police Chief Harry Earle presented the ordinance to township council. It was adopted on Aug. 26, 2013.

Police conducted a long-term investigation into a Blackwood man’s distribution of prescription pills, pecifically alprazolam pills (Xanax) out of his home on the 400 block of North Black Horse Pike. On April 2, police arrested Thomas Evangelista, 66, at his home without incident after he sold the pills to undercover officers.

He was charged with third degree distribution of CDS, third degree possession of CDS and distribution of CDS within 500 feet of the Gloucester Township Heath and Fitness Trail.

Evangelista was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility in default of $35,000.00 full cash bail.

Also on April 2, an off-duty Gloucester Township Police Officer spotted a Hilltop man in the area of the Black Horse Pike and Brown Avenue driving a car without on a suspended license.

Alex Ibeken, 28, was stopped by the Gloucester Township Police Department Operations Response Unit and arrested for outstanding warrants totaling $30,000.00.

A sergeant reviewed the arresting officer’s in car camera system and observed Ibekken concealing contraband on his person. A search of Ibekken at police headquarters revealed 12 bags of heroin concealed on his person.

He was charged with third degree distribution of CDS, third degree possession of CDS and distribution of CDS within 500 feet of the Gloucester Township Heath and Fitness Trail.

Ibekken was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility in default of $50,000.00 full cash bail in addition to the $30,000.00 in warrants.