Prosecutor: Monmouth County Man Set Up Sophisticated Marijuana Growing Operation

Detectives arrested an Aberdeen man who they say set up a sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation in the basement of his home.

Clive M. Black III, 51, of Springlawn Avenue, was charged Monday with maintaining a facility used for the manufacturing of over 50 marijuana plants, manufacturing over 50 marijuana plants, and possession of over five pounds of marijuana. The first two charges are first-degree crimes that carry prison terms of 10 to 20 years in prison, if convicted.

Black was arrested as part of an joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Bayshore Narcotics Task Force and the Aberdeen Township Police Department. The investigation began as a result of an anonymous tip, according to a news release from acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

When police searched Black’s home, they found grow lights, a humidifier, a ventilation system, and drying equipment in numerous rooms, according to the news release and the complaint signed against him.

Investigators seized 139 marijuana plants, along with more than five pounds of marijuana that had been packaged for sale, authorities said.

Police dismantled and seized Black’s equipment, according to the news release.

Black is being held at the Monmouth County jail in Freehold Township, with bail set at $100,000.

Anyone with information about illegal drugs in the Bayshore region is asked to call Detective Lt. Jay Clark at 732-431-7160 ext. 7119 or Monmouth County Crime Stoppers at 800-671-4400. Callers to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest and prosecution.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Costanzo.