Son, Father Charged With Marijuana-Growing Operation In Manchester: Police

MANCHESTER, NJ — A father and son in Manchester have been charged with growing marijuana at their home after an investigation found 29 marijuana plants and more than 700 grams of marijuana, police said Friday.

Michael Ponsiek, 37, and Richard Ponsiek, 63, both of Weldon Road, were arrested early Thursday and charged with weapons and drug offenses, Manchester Capt. Todd Malland said.

Malland said the Manchester Township Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team, with the assistance of members of the Ocean County Regional SWAT team, executed a search warrant at a Weldon Road home in the Holly Oaks section, after an investigation prompted by a tip.

During the search of the home and surrounding property, officers located 29, 5- to 6-foot marijuana plants growing in the backyard of the residence. Inside of the residence, officers recovered an additional 711 grams of marijuana, several pieces of paraphernalia associated with the preparation, packaging and distribution of marijuana, as well as a quantity of crack cocaine, Malland said.

Also recovered were numerous hypodermic syringes, a stun gun and a .22 caliber revolver, he said.

Michael Ponsiek was charged with one count each of maintaining a CDS manufacturing facility; possession of and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 500 feet of a park; possession of a stun gun; possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of hypodermic syringes. Richard Ponsiek was charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit possession with intent to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to commit possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 500 feet of a park, conspiracy to commit possession of marijuana over 50 grams and possession of prohibited weapons, Malland said.

The investigation from both the police department’s Investigations and Patrol Bureaus and members of its K-9 unit. Also assisting were detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit.

Residents are reminded that drug related tips can be reported to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the “Tip Line” link.

Marijuana, by keep_bitcoin_real, via Flickr under Creative Commons license