Toms River, NJ — A 26-month investigation into unlicensed marijuana sales across New Jersey ended with four arrests, more than 80 vending machines seized and large quantities of cannabis products recovered, prosecutors said. The operation targeted “Barbwire,” a company investigators say placed marijuana vending machines inside businesses not licensed to sell cannabis.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced that Ben Gross, 40, of Toms River, was identified as the owner of the company and taken into custody on April 17.
Large-Scale Marijuana Seizure
Detectives searched Gross’s home in Toms River, residences in Lakewood and Jackson, and a warehouse in Manchester Township, according to the release. Investigators seized more than 100 pounds of flower marijuana, five pounds of hashish, several hundred pounds of THC-infused candy and THC vaping products.
At the Manchester warehouse, detectives also arrested Delma Canales-Garcia, 50, and Susana Garcia-Canales, 42, both of Lakewood, along with Carlos Sanchez-Castillo, 22, of Toms River.
At the same time, eight law enforcement teams executed search warrants at more than 80 locations statewide where prosecutors say businesses rented space for the Barbwire machines.
As of Sunday, only Sanchez remains in the Ocean County Jail.
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Key Points
• Four people charged after 26-month marijuana distribution investigation
• More than 80 Barbwire vending machines seized across New Jersey
• Prosecutors say businesses housing the machines lacked cannabis sales licenses
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Charges and Prosecutor Response
Gross faces charges including possession of 25 pounds or more of marijuana with intent to distribute, maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, conspiracy, hashish distribution, possession of drug paraphernalia and financial facilitation.
Canales-Garcia, Garcia-Canales and Sanchez-Castillo were each charged with marijuana and hashish distribution-related offenses and possession of drug paraphernalia.
“This case highlights the power of collaboration among law enforcement agencies at every level,” Billhimer said, adding that legal cannabis sales in New Jersey still require proper licensing.
Santiago said the case shows why regulated cannabis sales remain important, stating that consumers deserve to know products are produced, packaged and sold legally.
Current Status
All four defendants were lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending detention hearings. Prosecutors emphasized that the charges are accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.