Prosecutors Allege Unlicensed Cannabis Operation Tied To Hundreds Of Thousands In Seized Cash & Assets
Thursday, February 19, 2026, 7:00 A.M. ET. 4 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
SPARTA, NJ.- A Sussex County grand jury has returned a sweeping indictment against a Sparta Township man accused of operating an unlicensed marijuana manufacturing and distribution enterprise while laundering large sums of cash and maintaining a firearm at an alleged drug production facility, according to county prosecutors.
Sussex County Prosecutor Daniel M. Perez, Chief of Detectives Nicholas Elmo, and Sparta Township Police Department Chief Jeffrey L. McCarrick announced that Devin Pupo, 38, of Sparta, New Jersey, was formally arraigned following a months-long investigation conducted jointly by local, county, and state law enforcement agencies.
Investigation And Arrest;
According to authorities, Pupo was taken into custody on May 23, 2025, as a result of an extensive investigation into the manufacturing and distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and related money laundering activities.
Investigators executed multiple search warrants at locations throughout Sparta, including two commercial establishments:
- Green Remedies, located at 53 Sparta Avenue, and
- Zenshine Smoke Shop, located at 354 Lafayette Road.
Law enforcement officials allege that evidence recovered during those searches revealed Pupo had been selling and manufacturing significant quantities of marijuana without the required state licensing, in violation of New Jersey law governing the regulated cannabis market.
Grand Jury Indictment;
On February 5, 2026, a Sussex County grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging Pupo with the following offenses:
- Third-degree Distribution of CDS
- Second-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS
- First-degree Maintaining a CDS Production Facility
- Second-degree Possession of a Firearm While Maintaining a CDS Production Facility
- Three counts of second-degree Money Laundering
The charges reflect some of the most serious drug-related offenses under New Jersey law, with first- and second-degree crimes carrying the potential for lengthy state prison sentences if convicted.
Arraignment And Plea;
On February 17, 2026, Pupo appeared before the Honorable Janine M. Allen, J.S.C., in Sussex County Superior Court. During the arraignment, he entered a not-guilty plea to all counts in the indictment.
The case will now proceed through the pre-trial phase of the criminal justice process.
Seizure Of Cash And Assets;
Prosecutors also disclosed that the State seized substantial assets allegedly derived directly from Pupo’s illegal activities. Items seized include:
- $477,135.28 in cash
- A 2024 Chevrolet Suburban
- One silver bar
- Approximately 500 silver coins
Authorities stated that approximately $250,000 in cash was recovered from inside the Chevrolet Suburban alone.
The State of New Jersey has initiated a civil forfeiture action seeking permanent seizure of the cash, vehicle, and precious metals, alleging they represent proceeds of criminal activity.
Prosecutor’s Statement;
In a statement released with the announcement, Prosecutor Perez emphasized the public safety risks posed by unlicensed cannabis operations.
“Unlicensed operators put the public at risk, undermine the regulated industry, and violate state law,” Perez said. “Unlicensed cannabis sellers bypass safety testing, consumer protections, and the regulatory framework designed to protect our community. Compliance with the law is not optional. Our office will continue to investigate and prosecute cases involving the illegal sale of marijuana to ensure a fair, lawful, and safe marketplace.”
Perez further urged individuals and businesses interested in participating in New Jersey’s legal cannabis industry to fully comply with all statutory and regulatory requirements, which are administered by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
Multi-Agency Effort;
Authorities noted that the investigation and arrest were the result of a broad collaborative effort involving numerous law enforcement and regulatory agencies, including:
- Sparta Township Police Department
- Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office
- Franklin Borough Police Department
- West Milford Police Department
- New Jersey State Police TEAMS Unit
- New Jersey State Police Special Investigation North Unit
- Newton Police Department
- New Jersey State Division of Taxation
- New Jersey State Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit
- New Jersey State Police K-9 Unit
Officials credited the inter-agency coordination as critical in dismantling what they allege was a large-scale, illegal cannabis operation operating outside New Jersey’s regulated framework.
Ongoing Proceedings;
As with all criminal matters, the charges contained in the indictment are accusations, and Pupo is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Further court proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and is based on official statements, court records, and a news release issued by the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office. All facts, dates, charges, and quotations have been verified at the time of publication. Englebrook Independent News will continue to follow this case as it moves through the judicial process.
