CNBNews

 MAYS LANDING, NJ – On Monday, September 16, 2024, Hanzi Chen, 47, Suxia Li, 41, and Deng Huan Hong, 50, were arrested in Buena Borough, NJ, and charged with firstdegree possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and first-degree maintaining a narcotics production facility.

Following a three-month investigation conducted by members of the New Jersey State Police Marijuana Eradication Team South, the N.J.S.P., along with members of the Franklinville Police Department, and Elk Township Police Department executed three residential search warrants in Buena Borough, NJ.

Police discovered the residential properties had been converted into sophisticated marijuana grow sites, equipped with the necessary lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, growth nutrients, water supply, and grow space. In total, over 4,000 marijuana plants were seized from the properties, with an estimated multi-million-dollar retail value. None of the properties are licensed medical or recreation cannabis businesses.

All three defendants were found to be occupying the residences where the marijuana grows were located. All three defendants were remanded into the custody of the Atlantic County Justice Facility pending detention hearings scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, 2024. This case is being prosecuted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs Guns and Narcotics Unit.

***These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.