By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Mercer County announced that a two-month investigation conducted by the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force (MCNTF), in conjunction with the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and the Trenton Police Department, culminated this week with the arrest of the owner of a local smoke shop.
Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey stated that throughout the spring months, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office received information from various sources, including community members, public websites, and social media accounts, pertaining to the illegal distribution of marijuana in the city of Trenton.
An investigation was initiated, and Moses Sutton was found to be advertising and operating “Moe Weed,” a smoke shop located at 1114 South Broad Street, where he was selling marijuana products without the required licensing from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, MCPO officials stated.
During July and August, Mercer County officials said, the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, with the assistance of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and the Trenton Police Department, completed multiple undercover purchases of marijuana, totaling six ounces.
“This operation should serve as a notice to unlicensed distributors who are illegally selling cannabis without complying with state standards and regulations,” Prosecutor Marbrey said.
“These dispensaries will be subject to investigation, which may result in the seizure of illegally sold marijuana and the arrest of individuals engaged in its sale without a license from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission.”
Mercer County authorities said Sutton, 32, of Trenton, was arrested on September 2 and charged with two counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. Sutton was released pending future court appearances.
According to Prosecutor Marbrey, the confiscated marijuana has an approximate street value of $2,000.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.