Morris County Narcotics Task Force Seize CDS From The Rockaway Borough Nutrition Zone

Published on September 04, 2019

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Rockaway Borough Police Chief Conrad Pepperman announce the arrest of Ronald V. Castellano, age 55, of Chester, NJ, on charges stemming from an illegal drug distribution investigation. During the month of August 2019, members of the Rockaway Borough Police Department received information concerning the belief that Catnip Cocktail was being distributed from within the Nutrition Zone, located at 350 Route 46, Rockaway Borough, New Jersey. Catnip Cocktail, also known as Lucky 7 and Yohoo Cleaner, is a Schedule I CDS identified as 1, 4-Butanediol, which mimics the date-rape drug Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (commonly known as GHB) once ingested. The investigation resulted in the September 3, 2019 seizure of sixty-eight (68) bottles of this Controlled Dangerous Substance from within the store, over one-thousand dollars ($1,000) and a 2017 Bentley Continental GT.

Castellano is charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(13); and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, a crime of the third degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(13). He is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility awaiting his First Appearance.

Prosecutor Knapp stated, This is a very harmful substance and unfortunately its abuse is on the rise. The Morris County Narcotics Task Force will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute its illegal sale and possession.

Prosecutor Knapp wishes to thank the Rockaway Borough Police Department and Detectives from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Operations Division for their dedication and commitment during this investigation.

The investigation and prosecution is being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Operations Division. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury and Assistant Prosecutor Noelle Fiorentino are representing the State in this matter.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until he/she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a Court of law.

Inquiries concerning this press release can be directed to pressinquiry@co.morris.nj.us.