Toms River Man, Teen Charged In Marijuana Vaping Bust: Police

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Toms River teenager and a Toms River man are facing charges following an investigation into the sale of marijuana and THC-laced vaping cartridges in Toms River and Berkeley townships, police said Friday.

John Morale, 18, of Toms River, and Rodger Vincent, 28, of Sylvan Road, Toms River, were arrested when authorities executed a search warrant at a home on Texas Road in Toms River, Berkeley Township Police Chief Karin DiMichele said.

Inside the home, detectives discovered a large amount of suspected raw marijuana packaged for resale, along with multiple THC vape "pens" and associated cartridges, also packaged for resale. In addition, scales and packaging material associated with drug distribution were found, along with "several thousand dollars" of suspected illicit proceeds, she said.

"These marijuana vape 'pens' are an increasingly popular way to smoke marijuana as their design allows for easy concealment, ease of use and increased potency," DiMichele said.

Morale was charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of marijuana, and was processed and released on a summons.

Vincent was charged with possession of marijuana and released on a summons.

"This successful investigation was again the result of neighboring agencies working in tandem on issues that directly impact their respective communities which often times cross jurisdictional boundaries," DiMichele said.

The lead investigator was Berkeley Detective Michael Tier assisted by Detective Lt. Peter La Rocca, Detective Joseph Santoro, Detective Michael Riccardelli, Detective Michael O’Connor, Detective Shawn Bowens, the Toms River Township Special Enforcement Team and the Toms River Patrol Division.

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