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Authorities dismantle Sussex County drug distribution network arresting 3

FRANKLIN BOROUGH, NJ (Sussex County) – The Franklin Borough Police Department, in conjunction with the Sussex County Narcotics Taskforce (SCNTF), announced the dismantling of a drug distribution network and arrested three people between April 6 and April 14 as a result of a six-month investigation, police said.

The investigation spanned multiple states and jurisdictions, including Franklin Borough, Wantage Township, Sussex Borough, and Pine Island, NY, police said.

During the investigation, undercover officers purchased narcotics, including cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and THC oils from the Mr. Clouds Vape Store, located at 60 Munsonhurst Road, in Franklin Borough, police said.

Detectives with the SCNTF, Franklin Borough PD, Sparta Township PD, Hopatcong Borough PD, New Jersey State Police, Vernon Township PD, Hardyston Township PD, Sussex County Sherriff’s Office, and Sussex County Sheriffs K-9 Unit executed a search warrant at Mr. Clouds, police said.

Detectives ultimately discovered numerous other facilities operating within Sussex County, including Wantage Township and Sussex Borough, which were also utilized to store, manufacture, distribute, and cultivate narcotics, police said.

As a result of the execution of additional search warrants, detectives seized over one hundred pounds of unregulated raw marijuana, over one hundred pounds of THC edibles, 29,000 mL of THC oil, Psilocybin (mushrooms), THC vape products, and THC wax. Additionally, detectives seized approximately $10,000 suspected to be proceeds from narcotics distribution, police said.

“The investigation is ongoing, and additional investigative action is being undertaken by New Jersey and New York law enforcement entities. Other suspects not described here may be sought due to these efforts,” police said.

As a result of the investigation, detectives arrested and charged three individuals.

Mohanad Al-Sawah, 49, of Warwick NY, was charged with first-degree leader of a narcotics trafficking network, first-degree maintaining or operating a CDS production facility, first-degree possession with intent to distribute marijuana, THC edibles and THC oils, second-degree possession with intent to distribute CDS, second-degree conspiracy to maintain or operate a CDS production facility, second-degree criminal attempt to maintain or operate a CDS production facility, third-degree possession with intent to distribute CDS, third-degree money laundering, fourth-degree certain persons not to possess firearms or ammunition, fourth-degree contempt of court, and fourth-degree conspiracy tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

Tess Walters, 22, of Franklin Borough, was charged with second-degree possession with the intent to distribute CDS, third-degree possession with the intent to distribute CDS, and third-degree money laundering.

Troy Cooper, 40, of Franklin Borough, was charged with five counts of third-degree distribution of CDS.

All three were lodged in Morris County Correctional Facility pending their appearance in Sussex County Superior Court in accordance with the NJ Bail Reform Act.

“Additional involved suspects are not currently disclosed in this release as the investigation progresses and more information will be forthcoming,” police said.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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