Crime & Safety

Mercer Smoke Shop Owner Sold Marijuana Products Without Proper Licensing: Prosecutor

Authorities said they received information about illegal sales of marijuana from community members throughout the spring.

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – A Mercer County smoke shop owner was charged following a two-month undercover investigation into illegal marijuana sales, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said Wednesday.

Moses Sutton, 32, was arrested Sept. 2 and charged with two counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.

The investigation targeted his business, "Moe Weed," located at 1114 South Broad Street in Trenton, where he sold marijuana products without proper licensing from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, Marbrey said.

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Throughout spring, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office received information from various sources, including community members, public websites, and social media accounts, pertaining to the illegal distribution of marijuana in Trenton, authorities said.

During July and August, the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, with the assistance of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and the Trenton Police Department, completed multiple undercover purchases of marijuana, totaling six ounces.

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“This operation should serve as a notice to unlicensed distributors who are illegally selling cannabis without complying with state standards and regulations,” Marbrey said. “These dispensaries will be subject to investigation, which may result in the seizure of illegally sold marijuana and the arrest of individuals engaged in its sale without a license from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission.”

Sutton was released pending future court appearances.

According to Prosecutor Marbrey, the confiscated marijuana has an approximate street value of $2,000.

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