RED BANK – Two people tied to Dynasty Smokes, the tobacco and vape shop on Monmouth Street, have been arrested by borough police following a months-long investigation into the alleged illegal distribution of marijuana and other controlled substances.
Red Bank Police Chief Michael Frazee confirmed the names and charges faced by the individuals in a press statement Sept. 18. Tony Zhou, 39, of East Brunswick, the shop’s owner, and Tabitha Jones, 35, of Edison, an employee, were taken into custody after detectives said they uncovered large quantities of marijuana and related substances being sold from the business.
Zhou faces multiple charges, including first-degree possession and distribution of more than 25 pounds of marijuana, third-degree distribution within 1,000 feet of Red Bank Charter School, conspiracy to distribute, possession of more than six ounces of marijuana, intent to distribute nitrous oxide containers intended for intoxication, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jones faces first-degree possession and distribution of more than 25 pounds of marijuana, third-degree distribution within 1,000 feet of a school, distribution of smaller quantities, possession of more than six ounces, intent to distribute nitrous oxide, possession of paraphernalia and selling restricted items to people under 21, police said.
The investigation was led by Sgt. Sean Hauschildt and Detective Shane Dengel, with support from the department’s Detective Bureau and several patrol officers, including patrolmen Frank Metta, Piero Vescio, Jhonatan Quispe and Preston Mellaci, and Special Law Enforcement Officer-I Nick Barth.
“I want to thank all of the officers who participated in this investigation and commend Sgt. Hauschildt and Det. Dengel for the hard work and dedication that went into this investi- gation,” Frazee said in the statement. “I want to thank the community for their patience as these investiga- tions take time to build but more importantly it demon- strates the commitment of the Red Bank Police Depart- ment to protecting our com- munity and ensuring that businesses operating within our borough do so lawfully.”
Frazee added that protecting children was a central concern. “We will not tolerate the distribution of dangerous substances in our town and particularly near our schools,” he said.
According to borough police, a separate investigation is being conducted by the New Jersey Division of Taxation and could lead to additional charges. “It should be noted that both Tabitha Jones and Tony Zhou are innocent until proven guilty,” said Frazee.
The article originally appeared in the September 25 – October 1, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
