Warren County Prosecutor’s Office among agencies in probe of illegal marijuana vending machines; Toms River man charged
TOMS RIVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Ocean County) — A Toms River man has been charged following a multi-agency investigation into the illegal distribution of marijuana through vending machines across New Jersey, authorities said.
The 26-month investigation involved numerous local, county, state and federal agencies, including the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, and focused on an alleged scheme operating in Ocean and Monmouth counties.
Authorities identified Ben Gross, 40, of Toms River, as the owner of “Barbwire,” a company that allegedly operated vending machines dispensing marijuana products at unlicensed businesses throughout the state.
On April 17, detectives conducted surveillance on Gross’ residence and later stopped his vehicle, taking him into custody without incident, officials said. Investigators then executed search warrants at multiple locations, including homes in Toms River, Lakewood and Jackson, as well as a warehouse in Manchester Township.
Law enforcement officials said they seized more than 100 pounds of marijuana, five pounds of hashish and several hundred pounds of THC-infused candy and vaping products.
Three additional individuals — Delma Canales-Garcia, 50, and Susana Garcia-Canales, 42, both of Lakewood, and Carlos Sanchez-Castillo, 22, of Toms River — were arrested at the Manchester warehouse.
At the same time, authorities executed search warrants at more than 80 locations statewide tied to the alleged operation, seizing 80 vending machines used to distribute marijuana products.
Gross was charged with possession of 25 pounds or more of marijuana with intent to distribute, maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, conspiracy to distribute marijuana, possession of hashish with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and financial facilitation. He is being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
The three other defendants were each charged with possession of 25 pounds or more of marijuana with intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute marijuana, possession of hashish with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. They are also being held pending detention hearings.
“This case highlights the power of collaboration among law enforcement agencies at every level. Through coordinated investigative efforts, we were able to disrupt the illegal sale of marijuana operating within our communities,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “While marijuana possession is legal for adults under certain circumstances in New Jersey, it is still illegal to sell marijuana without proper licensure. The distribution of cannabis is strictly regulated, and those who choose to operate outside of that legal framework will be held accountable,” concluded Prosecutor Billhimer.
“While recreational cannabis was legalized in New Jersey several years ago, clear-cut criminal penalties remain on the books for precisely this set of circumstances – because consumers in New Jersey deserve to know precisely what they are buying and from whom, resting assured that the production, packaging, and sale of their purchases has been arranged in safe, legal, and well-regulated fashion,” Prosecutor Santiago added. “These arrests and seizures should send a clear message to those who might choose to circumvent the rules for a quick profit: you will be investigated, prosecuted, and held accountable.”
Officials credited the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies for dismantling the operation, which authorities said spanned numerous communities across the state.
