'Fake Pot' Arrest Made In Front Of McDonald's In Hoboken

Hoboken police continue to crack down on the selling and buying of “synthetic marijuana,” a designer drug with no similarities to cannabis, which has been banned federally since 2010 and has been illegal in New Jersey since 2013.

On Thursday evening, Hoboken police arrested Thomas Bellotti, 30, of Hoboken, for distribution of synthetic marijuana.

Police reported that narcotics detectives observed Bellotti roll a joint of the substance for a male companion in front of the McDonald’s on Washington Street.

Detectives arrested Bellotti without further incident, but the unknown male fled the scene and could not be identified.

Bellotti was charged with possession of synthetic marijuana with intent to distribute, possession within 500 feet of a museum, resisting arrest, possession within 1,000 feet of a school and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.

He was remanded to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.

Hoboken police made a similar arrest in May.

• See related article: Hoboken Cops Make ‘Fake Pot’ Bust at Residents’ Request