Ben Gross (Photo: Ocean County Jail)
A Toms River man was being held in the Ocean County Jail on Wednesday after authorities say he was arrested for running a statewide network of unlicensed marijuana vending machines.
The 26-month investigation that led to the arrest of Ben Gross, 40, culminated on April 17 when a coalition of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies dismantled the alleged illegal marijuana distribution ring operating through a statewide network of about 80 vending machines.
Gross was identified by law enforcement as the owner of “Barbwire,” a company that placed marijuana-dispensing vending machines inside unlicensed businesses across New Jersey. Investigators arrested Gross during a traffic stop after surveilling his home. Following his arrest, detectives executed search warrants at his Toms River residence, plus properties in Lakewood and Jackson, as well as a warehouse in Manchester Township.
Simultaneously, law enforcement teams raided more than 80 locations statewide that were renting space to the Barbwire operation, seizing 80 illicit vending machines.
The raids yielded large quantities cannabis-based products, including more than 100 pounds of marijuana flowerive pounds of hashish, several hundred pounds of THC-infused candy and THC-infused vaping products.
During the raid at the Manchester warehouse, police also arrested Delma Canales-Garcia, 50, and Susana Garcia-Canales, 42, both of Lakewood, along with Carlos Sanchez-Castillo, 22, of Toms River.
Gross faces a slew of charges, including possession of 25 pounds or more of marijuana with intent to distribute, maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, conspiracy, and financial facilitation. The three warehouse workers face similar possession and conspiracy charges. All four defendants are currently being held at the Ocean County Jail pending detention hearings.
While New Jersey legalized recreational cannabis several years ago, officials emphasized that the market remains strictly regulated to ensure consumer safety. Stores must gain state licensing approval, and recreational sales of marijuana must be permitted by the local municipality and comply with zoning regulations.
“While marijuana possession is legal for adults under certain circumstances in New Jersey, it is still illegal to sell marijuana without proper licensure,” said Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. “Those who choose to operate outside of that legal framework will be held accountable.”
Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago echoed the sentiment, noting that unregulated sales pose direct risks to the public.
“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,” Santiago said.
The sweeping operation involved more than two dozen agencies, including the Ocean and Monmouth County prosecutor’s offices, the DEA, the FBI, and a slew of municipal police departments.
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