Twenty-one people were charged in a large-scale heroin and cocaine trafficking ring in Monmouth and Ocean counties, announced U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman, shown here in a file photo.Star-Ledger file photo 

TRENTON — Twenty-one people were charged in a drug-trafficking sting, federal authorities announced today.

The ring was allegedly responsible for distributing heroin and cocaine throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties, said Paul Fishman, the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.

Thirteen of the accused were arrested this morning by federal and local officers, Fishman said. Robert “True” Britt, 44, and Rufus “Equan” Young, 41, both of Asbury Park, were part of that round up.

Arrested last week were Thomas “Cuzzo” Shannon, a 35-year-old from Asbury Park, in addition to 44-year-old Anthony J. Brooks of San Bernardino, Calif., and Rashawn Ramos, 37, of Perth Amboy.

Three remain at large, authorities said.

Britt and Young are alleged to have led the large-scale heroin distribution operation, and Shannon and others supplied the drugs, Fishman said.

Other suspects arrested in the round-up were: Jonathon "Life" Thomas, 38, of Neptune; Antoine Harris, 33 of East Orange; Tyshon "Young Boy" Young, 28, of Asbury Park; Jason "Born" O'Neal, a 41-year-old man from Farmingdale; Travis Whitfield, 29, of Brick; Jamar "Rep" Johnson, 35, of Lakewood; Dawn Rosse, 33, of Lakewood; Valerie Resendes, 26, of Beachwood; Melissa Piana, a 31-year-old woman from Toms River; Kenneth "Fame" Greenhow, a 40 year old from Asbury Park; 27-year-old Richard Durham from Brick; Kyle Adam, 27, from Barnegat; and Kareem "Bless" Hayes, 33, of Belmar.

At large are 26-year-old Tyree Murray and 27-year-old Robert Ketcham, both of Bayville, and Matthew "Star" Miller, a 39-year-old man from Neptune, said federal authorities.

All are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more or heroin – and those 13 arrested today will make a federal court appearance in Trenton this afternoon, Fishman said.

“This case highlights what has become all too clear: heroin is a serious problem that affects communities across New Jersey,” Fishman said.

“This type of multi-agency operation, striking at the top level distribution leadership, is the most significant way to address the ever-increasing heroin epidemic threatening our families in this county, state an nation,” said Joseph Coronato, the Ocean County Prosecutor.

“These defendants are responsible for delivering the heroin that has been killing people in record numbers,” said Christopher Gramiccioni, the acting Monmouth County Prosecutor.