'Illegal Marijuana Dispensary' Busted In North Jersey: Bergen County Prosecutor

GARFIELD, NJ — Four New Jersey residents are facing drug charges after the Bergen County Prosecutor said they were operating an "illegal marijuana dispensary" in Garfield.

The Prosecutor's Office Narcotic Task Force began investigating THC JARZ, a storefront in Garfield that was selling recreational marijuana and other THC products, in July, officials said.

Officials said Jaime Costanzo was "reporting herself" to be the owner of the business, while Vincent Scarpulla and Richard Walenty were employees.

Undercover detectives eventually purchased marijuana and other products from Scarpulla and Walenty at the storefront during the investigation.

On Sept. 16, detectives from the Narcotics Task Force, the Garfield Police Department and the South Hackensack Police Department executed a search warrant at THC JARZ, where detectives found "a substantial amount" of marijuana, edibles, THC wax and oil and around $15,000.

Detectives also executed a search warrant at the home of Jaime Costanzo and Michael Delmoral, the fourth person charged in the case. The search of the home led to the seizure of approximately one pound of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, which officials said was consistent with distribution.

The prosecutor said that even though marijuana is now legal in New Jersey, there are still rules and regulations that need to be followed.

"Despite the recent changes to New Jersey’s marijuana laws, the unregulated sale of marijuana and THC products remains illegal. We encourage the public to be mindful of the law and to report such sales to local law enforcement," said Prosecutor Mark Musella.

Costanzo, Scarpulla, Walenty and Delmoral were all arrested without incident. Delmoral was released on a summons, while the others were taken to Bergen County Jail.

Their charges are listed below:

Jaime Costanzo, of Wallington, was charged with one count of first-degree maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, one count of first degree possession with intent to distribute hashish oil, one count of third-degree money laundering and two counts of third degree possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Vincent Scarpulla, of Toms River, was charged with one count of first-degree maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, one count of first degree possession with intent to distribute hashish oil, one count of third-degree money laundering, one count of third-degree possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of third-degree distribution of marijuana.

Richard Walenty, of Toms River, was charged with one count of first-degree maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, one count of first degree possession with intent to distribute hashish oil, one count of third-degree money laundering, one count of third-degree possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and two counts of third-degree distribution of marijuana/hash oil.

Michael Delmoral, of Wallington, was charged with one count of third-degree possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

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