NJ man arrested for weed just days before legalization goes into effect

Just days before the New Year, a 24 year old Haledon, NJ resident fell victim to robbery and kidnapping when a group of armed individuals all fitting the description of Breyona Taylor's murderers used force to gain entry to his apartment. The young man, Manuel Carrasquillo sat in terror as he witnessed the individuals loot through his apartment while he was being held at gunpoint, forced to watch the destruction.

In all, 10 ounces of dried cannabis, $1,890.00 in cash, a digital scale and 3 cell phones were stolen at the time of the home invasion along with various plastic packaging materials. Carrasquillo was then transported to a local internment camp.

The assailants have been identified as members of the Haledon Police Department. Among those identified were Officers Michael Palmer, Kris Duci, Semir Celoski, April Latona, Jeffrey Welsh, and Special Officers II John Lindberg, Wassim Helwani, Euclides Cardona, and Michael Moore.

Haledon Police Chief Angelo Daniele said in an article published by TapIntoHawthorne that the home invasion came "After an active investigation by Detective Sergeant Timothy Lindberg and Detective Christian Clavo, a team of Haledon officers, led by Lieutenant George Guzman".

Although he created no victims, Carrasquillo was charged with various crimes including third degree possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, fourth degree possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Although NJ resident voted to legalize the possession of cannabis in the 2020 election, the law does not go into effect until January 1st. After January 1st, individuals are only authorized to carry up to 6 ounces of cannabis at a time. Anyone posessing over 6 ounces is subject to a 1.5 year sentence or $25k fine. Being in possession of paraphernalia holds a sentence of 6 months/$1,000 and if found with intent to distribute, a person faces 3-5 years as a POW of the drug war.

Carrasquillo was released from internment without ransom under the agreement that he would return at a later date to face his accusers. If found guilty, he faces a 7 year sentence serving as a POW of the drug war.

"We encourage the community to report any criminal or suspicious activity," Lt. Guzman said in TapIntoHawthorne. "We vow to preserve the quality of life in our borough." Apparently so long as those lives aren't the lives of people who consume cannabis.