Man Had Large Drug-Packaging Operation In South Jersey Home With Five Children: Police

Woody Demosthenes, 35, of Egg Harbor Township was arrested on Friday, May 3, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release. 

Demosthenes' arrest came after a search warrant was executed on his home in the morning. He was the only adult inside the home and there were five children between three and 15 years old. 

Police seized about 20,750 stamped bags of suspected heroin mixed with fentanyl, more than 41 ounces of loose suspected heroin/fentanyl, more than 25 ounces of suspected cocaine, and 11 ounces of suspected methamphetamine. The drugs were found in the master bedroom and basement.

In the basement, police found a desk believed to be used for packaging drugs. There were many drug-packing items on and around the desk, including ink pads and stampers, some of which matched the stamped heroin bags.

Investigators also found a hazmat suit, a face respirator, a metal sifter, a digital scale, an electronic grinder with suspected drug residue, full white wax bags for heroin, a vacuum sealer, vacuum-sealed bags, and cutting agents typically used to weigh drugs.

In the master bedroom, police found a Taurus .45 caliber gun unsecured on a closet shelf on top of mail addressed to Demosthenes. The gun had an extended 12-round magazine and was loaded with 10 hollow point bullets.

Officers also searched Demosthenes’ vehicle and found about $10,961 in cash from suspected drug sales. State police, the county prosecutor's office, and the county SWAT team helped Egg Harbor Township police in the investigation.

Demosthenes was charged with several first- and second-degree drug and gun crimes. He was also charged with five counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Demosthenes was held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility to await a detention hearing.

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