Prosecutors: 'Jolly Rancher' pot candy seized in N.J. raids

Investigators in New Jersey seized a large quantity of marijuana candy resembling Jolly Ranchers during a wide-reaching drug sting dubbed "Operation Growin Up," the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office announced Thursday.

The candies, which police said are commonly referred to on the street as "Jollies," were allegedly confiscated as investigators executed search warrants in Ocean and Monmouth counties, as well as in Redding, Calif.

Staged over a two-day period beginning early Tuesday, the raids also culminated in the arrests of 10 people, according to officials.

Prosecutors said the investigation, launched in January, centered around establishing probable cause to obtain search warrants. The warrants were then executed at homes and businesses, including a Manasquan CrossFit gym, authorities said.

A search warrant executed Wednesday at one of the locations, the California residence of Michael Cappiello, allegedly yielded 200 marijuana plants and 10 pounds of raw marijuana. Cappiello will be charged by California authorities, prosecutors said.

Police seized several bank accounts believed to hold proceeds from alleged drug sales, with one of them containing $20,000, according to authorities. Prosecutors said the investigation into the seized accounts is continuing and the dollar amount confiscated has yet to be determined.

In total, officials said, "Operation Growin Up" resulted in the seizure of about 120 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $400,000, multiple firearms and about $350,000 in cash. The raids also allegedly turned up drug paraphernalia, packaging and distribution materials.

Those arrested include: Christopher Brophy, 29, of Point Pleasant Borough; Timothy Korber, 30, of Toms River; Gregory Killian, 39, of Spring Lake; Andres Abad, 24, of Brick; Robert Mitchell, 28, of Tinton Falls; William Brad Fraley, 29, of West Long Branch and Michael Farr, 35, of Redding, Calif.

Each suspect is charged with conspiracy to possess over 25 pounds of marijuana with the intent to distribute. Brophy, Korber and Farr also face an additional charge of knowingly operating and maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility.

Also arrested were Virginia Kennedy, 57, of Point Pleasant Borough, and Michael Schneider, 20, of Brick. Both are charged with marijuana possession. Amy Killian, 32, of Spring Lake, is charged with possessing over 50 grams of marijuana and possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute.

The investigation was overseen by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Special Operations Group and included participation from multiple municipal, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing in both New Jersey and California, and that additional arrests are expected.