Passaic Police arrested four people in the Chestnut Gardens public housing complex during the week on drug charges, and also took one ounce of marijuana and more than $110,000 in cash. The raid was part of a 5 month long investigation. There they found the 17 year old gang member who was the one behind the investigation. The drug dealing would come out towards the playground nearby and occur throughout the night and day. The 17 year old is being held in the Juvenile Detention Center in Essex County. In all three juvenile delinquents and one adult were arrested. Brian Ruiz the adult is charged with drug possession with the intent to distribute. The mother of the drug dealer will be evicted also due to The Department of housing s One Strike and You re Out rule.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 which is manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing marijuana, with the intent to distribute. Having an ounce or more but less than five pounds, including any additional adulterants or dilutants or hashish, it is a crime of the 3rd degree. If found guilty of a crime of the 3rd degree, a person will be looking at 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison. This statute is also part of the “Brimage Guidlines” which gets rid of the defense attorneys ability to downgrade the charges.
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