Beachwood Man Faces Charges After ‘Wacky Tobaccy’ Store Raided

The ‘Wacky Tobaccy’ store in Wall Township. (Photo: Wacky Tobaccy)

Two individuals are facing drug-related charges after a multi-agency investigation, based on a tip to the Crime Stoppers hotline, led to raids on “Wacky Tobaccy” retail locations in Wall Township and Asbury Park. Authorities seized “substantial amounts of controlled dangerous substances, cash, and untaxed products” during the operation, a statement said.

Authorities arrested owners Ronald Slack, 38, of Beachwood, and Michael Attianese, 36, of Asbury Park, following the execution of search warrants by the Wall Township police department, which led the investigation. Investigators found “various forms of marijuana, including raw cannabis, edibles, and liquid beverages,” the statement said.

Wacky Tobaccy, which boasts a five-star rating on Google, is located at 1818 Route 35 in Wall Township and 716 Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park.

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The two men face charges of: 

• 1st Degree: Distribution of Marijuana (over 25 lbs.)
  3rd Degree: Distribution of Hashish (over 5 grams)
  4th Degree: Possession of Hashish (over 17 grams)
  4th Degree: Possession of Marijuana
  4th Degree: Distribution of Toxic Chemicals

The two men were also charged with the disorderly persons offense of possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to police, the New Jersey Treasury Department will impose fines due to the establishment’s alleged failure to pay required taxes on its license, and will mandate restitution for “untaxed products.” All charges from the New Jersey Treasury Department are also classified as disorderly persons complaints.

Slack and Attianese were both charged on warrants and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution. Both men were still in custody Thursday afternoon, according to jail records. Mugshots were not available.

Agencies involved included the Wall Township Police Department, Asbury Park Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Safe Streets Task Force, and the New Jersey Treasury Department.