Man in Point Beach Hotel Facing Drug Charges

A Florida man living in a hotel on Broadway in Point Beach has been arrested for allegedly possessing and intending to sell drugs, police said on Thursday.

Christopher L. Coup, 35, Bronson, FL, was charged on Tuesday by police executing a search warrant, following a month-long investigation into distribution of narcotics in the area, said Detective Patrick Petruzziello.

Coup, who was in his motel room when police arrived, was "not cooperative" as police searched the room and allegedly found heroin, cocaine, prescription pills and $4,000 in cash, Petruzziello said.

He was charged with: third degree possession of controlled dangerous subtances (CDS); possession of CDS with intent to distribute; possession of marijuana under 50 grams; possession of a hypodermic needle and possession of drug paraphernalia, Petruzziello said.

Coup was lodged in Ocean County jail, no 10 percent option. Because the possession charges are indictable offenses, the entire case will be handled by Superior Court, Toms River, Petruzziello said.

Coup had apparently come to the Point Beach in Superstorm Sandy's aftermath and has been working as a contractor, Petruzziello said.

Police are not disclosing the name of the hotel where Coup has been staying because the staff there "was extremely cooperative," Petruzziello said.