A month-long, multi-agency narcotics investigation has resulted in the arrest of a Lakewood man accused of operating a large-scale cocaine distribution operation in Ocean County.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Freemon Watts, 46, of Lakewood, was arrested following a coordinated investigation led by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force in conjunction with the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Lakewood Township Police Department, and several other local law enforcement agencies.

Investigators identified Watts as a major cocaine distributor operating in the Ocean County area.

On May 27, detectives conducting surveillance observed Watts leave his place of employment in Lakewood before initiating a motor vehicle stop. He was taken into custody without incident.

Authorities then executed court-authorized search warrants at Watts’ residence in Lakewood, a residence in Neptune Township allegedly connected to the narcotics operation, and a storage unit in Toms River.

During the searches, investigators seized approximately 400 grams of cocaine, drug distribution paraphernalia, approximately $14,000 in cash, a suspected Uzi-style submachine gun, and two handguns equipped with large-capacity ammunition magazines.

Watts has been charged with Possession of Five Ounces or More of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Firearm During a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense, Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon, Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine, and Financial Facilitation.

He has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since May 28, pending further court proceedings.

Prosecutor Billhimer commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Lakewood Township Police Department, the Toms River Police Department, the Manchester Township Police Department, the Neptune Township Police Department, and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit for their collaborative efforts during the investigation.