Following a two-month investigation, law enforcement authorities dismantled an illicit marijuana delivery operation known as “The Green Bean,” resulting in the arrest of six individuals and the seizure of over 25 pounds of cannabis products along with additional controlled substances.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office coordinated the operation, which involved surveillance of multiple locations including a storefront, two residences in Waretown, and a residence in Jackson. Law enforcement officers arrested the suspects after they left the business premises in Toms River, then executed simultaneous search warrants across all four properties.
The scale of the illegal operation became apparent through the substantial seizures. Authorities recovered more than 25 pounds of marijuana and THC products, nine ounces of methamphetamine, and one ounce of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound. Additionally, officers confiscated $2,300 in cash, indicating the expansive financial scope of the distribution network.
The criminal charges reflect the gravity of the operation. All suspects face possession and distribution charges for the marijuana and THC compounds, while additional charges include possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and psilocybin. Unlike legal cannabis businesses that prioritize age verification requirements, the illegal operation showed complete disregard for regulatory compliance. The presence of drug paraphernalia and the financial facilitation of drug crimes added to the charges. Most notably, the discovery of two minors in a household containing an unsecured, loaded .45 caliber handgun resulted in child endangerment charges. The investigation originated from a broader two-month investigation into illegal narcotics activity throughout Ocean County.
This crackdown highlights the continued focus on illegal delivery operations despite New Jersey’s legalization of recreational marijuana. Legal cannabis delivery services operate throughout southern New Jersey through licensed dispensaries that follow strict regulations, including age verification and secure ordering systems. These legitimate businesses contrast sharply with illegal operations like “The Green Bean.” Legal services like HelloHigh offer same-day delivery with proper licensing and regulatory compliance across South New Jersey.
The investigation demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to dismantling illicit drug networks that operate outside regulatory frameworks. The presence of weapons and children in environments used for illegal drug distribution particularly concerns authorities and communities alike. The seizure disrupted a substantial supply chain within Ocean County, removing considerable quantities of controlled substances from circulation while highlighting ongoing efforts to distinguish between legal cannabis commerce and criminal drug trafficking operations.
