Drug Bust: Toms River Man Faces Multiple Charges

Drug Bust: Toms River Man Faces Multiple Charges

According to the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, </u> an investigation was conducted into the illegal distribution of marijuana in Ocean and Monmouth counties.

This 26-month-long cooperative multi-agency investigation identified Ben Gross, 40, of Toms River, as the owner of “Barbwire” - a company that owned vending machines dispensing marijuana products throughout the State of New Jersey. The vending machines were located in places of business that were unlicensed to dispense marijuana products.

On April 17, 2026, Detectives from the several police agencies conducted stationary and mobile surveillance on Gross’s residence. Detectives observed Gross exit the residence, enter a motor vehicle and leave the area. Detectives effectuated a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle operated by Gross; he was taken into custody without incident.

Subsequently, Detectives executed court-authorized search warrants on Gross’s residence in Toms River, a residence in Lakewood, a residence in Jackson, and a warehouse in Manchester Township. As a result, Detectives seized flower marijuana exceeding 100 pounds, five pounds of hashish, several hundred pounds of THC infused candy, and THC infused vaping products.

At the warehouse in Manchester Township, Detectives located Delma Canales-Garcia, 50, and Susana Garcia-Canales, 42, both of Lakewood, and Carlos Sanchez-Castillo, 22, of Toms River. All three individuals were taken into custody without incident.

Simultaneously, eight teams made up of various law enforcement agencies executed search warrants at more than 80 locations throughout the State. Those locations included various businesses that were renting space for the “Barbwire” vending machines distributing marijuana. In total, 80 “Barbwire” vending machines were seized.

Ben 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 25 Pounds or More of Marijuana, Possession of Five Pounds or More of Hashish with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Financial Facilitation.

Gross was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Delma Canales-Garcia, Susana Garcia-Canales, and Carlos Sanchez-Castillo, were each charged with Possession of 25 Pounds or More of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy to Distribute 25 or More of Marijuana, Possession of Five Pounds or More of Hashish with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. All three defendants were transported to the Ocean County Jail where they are presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

“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.”