2 New Jersey residents arrested on drug charges

TOMS RIVER, N.J. - A New Jersey man and woman were arrested Thursday on drug possession and distribution charges following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Special Operations Group.

Widchard Jilus, 27, of Elizabeth, N.J., and Denise Jordan, 44, of Lakewood, N.J., are charged with possession of more than five ounces of cocaine. They were also charged with the intent to distribute the cocaine. Bail for each was set by Superior Court Judge Francis Hodgson at $250,000.

"This seizure once again demonstrates the teamwork between HSI and our law enforcement partners in identifying drug smugglers and their attempts to exploit our nation's borders," said Andrew McLees, acting special agent in charge of HSI in Newark. "Our agents will use all the tools at their disposal to arrest and prosecute these criminals."

The investigation resulted in the execution of search warrants of each individual's residence and a 2000 Jeep Cherokee. Approximately five kilograms of cocaine - with an estimated street value of more than $250,000 - hidden in several large picture frames was seized.

Also participating in the investigation was the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Ocean County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit, Lakewood Police Department Street Crimes Unit and the Lakewood Police Emergency Services Unit.