.png)
On Wednesday police officers in Edison NJ made 3 separate arrests, confiscated "several pounds of marijuana" and over $9k in cash from non-violent citizens.
Allen G. Keyes Jr., 32, and Alexander J. Stone, 33 were stopped for failure to use a turn signal. After proclaiming that they smelled the "strong odor of marijuana" from the vehicle they initiated a search of the vehicle. Police said they found $1,619 in Stone’s pocket and a duffel bag with just under three pounds of cannabis as well as bags and scales.
Both men were charged with marijuana and drug paraphernalia possession as well as intent to distribute marijuana and released. Possession of cannabis in amounts over 50g is punishable with up to 1 1/2 years in prison in New Jersey, Distribution can carry a maximum sentence of 10 years for 5-25 lbs.
In a separate incident in the same town, police approached a parked vehicle for "suspicious activity" and executed a search of the mans property. Christopher Randy Acosta, 31 was arrested and charged with possession of cannabis when offices allegedly found an open cognac bottle and $2,237 in his pockets. They also found $5,000 in a bag along with 12-ounces of marijuana, 10 prescription pills and nine cannabis oil vape cartridges in his car.
In cases where individuals are found to be in possession of a controlled substance authorities hold the right to confiscate any cash on that person and file it as evidence. Many times, even in cases where the victim is found not guilty the money does not get returned.