Monmouth and Ocean County law enforcement went after an Ocean County underground cannabis legacy operator for selling weed in vending machines.
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A 26-month-long multi-agency investigation identified Ben Gross, 40, of Toms River, as the owner of “Barbwire.” They operated weed vending machines selling across New Jersey.
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, “the vending machines were located in places of business that were unlicensed to dispense marijuana products.”
On April 17, 2026, Detectives from the agencies conducted stationary and mobile surveillance on Gross’s residence.
Underground Legacy Weed Vending Machines Raided
Then cops seized “flower marijuana exceeding 100 pounds, five pounds of hashish, several hundred pounds of THC-infused candy, and THC-infused vaping products.”
Gross was taken into custody without incident after being monitored by police.
Cops then “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.”
“At a 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.”
Afterward, eight teams of different cops executed search warrants at more than 80 locations throughout New Jersey.
Those locations included various businesses that were renting space for the “Barbwire” weed vending machines, selling weed. In total, 80 “Barbwire” weed vending machines were seized.
Significant Criminal Marijuana Charges
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.
Delma Canales-Garcia, Susana Garcia-Canales, and Carlos Sanchez-Castillo, were each charged. They face accusations of possession of 25 Pounds or More of Marijuana with Intent to distribute, Conspiracy to distribute 25 or more pounds of Marijuana, Possession of Five Pounds or More of Hashish with Intent to distribute, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The three defendants were transported to the Ocean County Jail.
“This case highlights the power of collaboration among law enforcement agencies at every level,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
“While marijuana possession is legal for adults under certain circumstances in New Jersey. It is still illegal to sell marijuana without proper licensure,” he declared.
“The distribution of cannabis is strictly regulated. And those who choose to operate outside of that legal framework will be held accountable,” Billhimer said.
“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 argued.
“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,” he claimed.
Large Posse of Cops Rounded Up
A lot of cops went into investigating the weed vending machines.
The Monmouth and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office led the push. They collaborated with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the FBI on the federal level.
Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and many officials from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office led the effort.
The Prosecutor’s Offices of Middlesex, Mercer, and Warren Counties also participated.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office also helped. That was along with police from Barnegat Township, Berkeley Township, Brick Township, Jackson Township, Lakewood, Manchester, Ocean Gate, Toms River, and Highlands.
“The charges referenced above are accusations,” their release said. “All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
Notably the NJ State Police were not mentioned as participating in the investigations nor raids.
