By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Atlantic County announced that on Thursday, May 30, Maria Santiago-Cossean, 55, of Franklin Township, was arrested by detectives from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officials stated Ms. Santiago-Cossean was charged with the following:
• Distribution of Marijuana over 25 lbs. (1st Degree)
• Possession of Marijuana (4th Degree)
• Distribution of Psilocybin Mushrooms (2nd Degree)
• Possession of Psilocybin Mushroom (3rd Degree)
• Distribution of Methamphetamine (2nd Degree)
• Possession of Methamphetamine (3rd Degree)
• Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity (3rd Degree)
• Maintaining a Narcotics Production Facility (1st Degree)
• Distribution of Marijuana within 500 ft. of a Public Park (2nd Degree)
• Distribution of Psilocybin Mushrooms within 500 ft. of a Public Park (2nd Degree)
• Distribution of Methamphetamine within 500 ft. of a Public Park: (2nd Degree)
Santiago-Cossean was placed on a warrant pending a detention hearing, officials said.
Officials say this matter arose from an investigation by the Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Unit of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office into a large-scale marijuana distribution network.
According to officials, a search warrant was executed at Santiago-Cossean’s residence on May 30 during the investigation.
During the search of her home, law enforcement located approximately 346 lbs. of marijuana, 219 lbs. of THC gummies, eight lbs. of psilocybin mushrooms, 121 lbs. of THC food products, 70 lbs. of THC candy, 90 lbs. of vape cartridges, and 97 lbs. of THC resin, along with packaging materials including digital scales, heat sealers, vacuum sealers, and other packaging materials, officials said.
Authorities say approximately $26,000.00 in cash was also seized.