Vending

NJ police bust illegal marijuana vending operation

Adobe Stock

April 23, 2026

Summarize with

A New Jersey man has been arrested following a two-year, multi-county investigation into illegal cannabis sales through vending machines.

Authorities said Ben Gross, 40, of Toms River, owned a business called Barbwire that placed dozens of machines in stores across the state, according to a NJ101.5 report. Unlike traditional vending units, the machines allegedly dispensed cannabis products, including pre-rolls, edibles, vape cartridges and marijuana flower.

Prosecutors said the operation generated significant revenue, with Gross reportedly earning between $17,000 and $20,000 per day. While recreational marijuana is legal in New Jersey, officials emphasized that sales remain tightly regulated and require proper licensing. Authorities said the vending machine model operated outside that legal framework, prompting criminal charges.

Law enforcement agencies executed coordinated raids across multiple locations, seizing 80 vending machines along with large quantities of cannabis products and cash. Investigators said searches of homes and a warehouse uncovered more than 100 pounds of marijuana, hundreds of pounds of THC-infused candy, vaping products and hashish. Gross was arrested after being stopped by police near his home.

Three additional suspects were also taken into custody and are being held along with Gross in Ocean County Jail. Prosecutors said all four face multiple charges, including intent to distribute large quantities of marijuana and hashish, conspiracy and related offenses. Officials said the case underscores that cannabis distribution in the state remains subject to strict regulatory controls and enforcement.

Vending