Hoboken Police Report Two More Synthetic Marijuana Emergencies

Hoboken police reported two more synthetic marijuana-related incidents that took place over the weekend, highlighting the department’s increasing focus on what they’ve described as a rising trend of abuse in the city.

On Friday, a Hoboken police officer found Desiree Betts, 39, unresponsive and “slouched over on a bench” in Church Square Park. While rendering emergency medical aid, the officer reportedly saw two, hand-rolled cigarettes containing synthetic cannabis in her hand.

Betts was transported to the hospital for evaluation, and taken to Hudson County Jail on her release for an outstanding $1,000 warrant out of Hoboken.

On Saturday, an officer was called to Hoboken University Medical Center, when an emergency room nurse found synthetic cannabis in the possession of Richard Fuqua, a 27-year-old man being treated for a related injury.

The officer subsequently arrested Fuqua, who was released on a summons with a court date.

Hoboken police have cited a rising abuse of synthetic marijuana in the city, a CDS that had no chemical relation to cannabis and can contain dangerous impurities.

• See related article: Hoboken Cops Make ‘Fake Pot’ Bust
• See related article: Synthetic Marijuana Abuse On Rise, Police Say