Passaic NJ police recently arrested four people accused of distributing marijuana at a public housing complex.

Passaic County law enforcement received a report of illegal drug activity at the Chestnut Gardens public housing complex in Passaic, New Jersey. Police then began an investigation that lasted five months.

Investigators eventually obtained enough evidence to secure a search warrant for an apartment at the housing complex. When police conducted a raid, they found four alleged gang members inside the apartment. All four suspects were placed under arrest.

Passaic police officers reportedly seized at least one ounce of marijuana, as well as $110K in cash.

If the suspects are convicted on the most serious drug charges, they face severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, distributing more than one ounce of marijuana can be classified as a third degree felony. A conviction for third degree possession with intent to distribute marijuana could lead to a sentence of 3-5 years in New Jersey State Prison.

Three of the suspects are minors, so they were taken to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center. Two of those suspects were later released to the custody of their parents. Meanwhile, the adult suspect was transported to the Passaic County Jail; he is being held on $150,000 bail.

Additionally, the mother of one of the suspects is expected to be evicted from her apartment as part of the federal government’s “One Strike and You’re Out” policy.

For more information about this case, view the NorthJersey.com article entitled “Passaic Police Arrest Four, Seize Drugs, $110K Cash in Apartment Raid.”