Toms River Man Accused of Running Marijuana Vending Machine Network Across New Jersey

Toms River, NJ — A 26-month investigation into unlicensed marijuana sales across New Jersey ended with four arrests, more than 80 vending machines seized and large quantities of cannabis products recovered, prosecutors said. The operation targeted “Barbwire,” a company investigators say placed marijuana vending machines inside businesses not licensed to sell cannabis.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced that Ben Gross, 40, of Toms River, was identified as the owner of the company...