Illegal Marijuana Dispensary Leads To Arrests

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  TOMS RIVER – Two Toms River men and a married couple from Wallington Township have been arrested in connection with an illegal cannabis dispensary in North Jersey.

  During July, an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force (“BCPO NTF”) and the Garfield Police Department revealed that a store-front business named “THC JARZ,” located at 517 River Road, Garfield, was operating as an illegal marijuana dispensary. The store sold recreational marijuana and various THC products to the general public. 

  As a result, police arrested Jaime Costanzo, 40, who was the owner and operator of the business, and Vincent Scarpulla, 32, and Richard Walenty, 49, both of Toms River, who were employees.

  The investigation involved undercover detectives buying marijuana and other THC products from the store.

  On September 16, detectives executed a search warrant of the store and police said they seized a substantial amount of marijuana, THC edibles, THC wax/oil and approximately $15,000.

  A search warrant was also executed at the home of Costanzo and her husband Michael Delmoral, 40, where police said they seized one additional pound of marijuana and drug paraphernalia consistent with distribution. 

  “Despite the recent changes to New Jersey’s marijuana laws, the unregulated sale of marijuana and THC products remains illegal,” Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said in a statement.

  Costanzo, Scarpulla and Walenty are each charged with first-degree maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, first-degree possession with intent to distribute hashish oil and third-degree money laundering. They each also face additional drug possession with intent to distribute charges.

  Delmoral was charged with third-degree possession with intent to distribute marijuana and was released on a summons.

  Costanzo, Scarpulla and Walenty were all being held at Bergen County Jail pending first court appearances in Hackensack.

Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.