Officers Seize Pot in Home Growing Operation, Police Say

A Manchester man who was running a marijuana growing operation in the township's Wynnewood section was arrested and charged with multiple drug offenses Monday, Manchester Township Police said.

After an investigation by Detectives Albert Vega and Adam Emmons, officers executed a search warrant on Scranton Avenue, where they found plenty of evidence Darren J. Kross, 38, was growing pot, police said.

Manchester officers, assisted by Ocean County Sheriff's Officer Ted Wielichoski and his K-9 partner, Nash, seized more than 350 grams of marijuana—a little more than three-quarters of a pound—as well as drug paraphernalia, scales and packaging equipment on Kross' property, police said.

Kross wasn't at home at the time, police said, but he turned himself in later in the day Monday at Manchester Police headquarters.

Police charged Kross with possession with the intent to distribute less than five pounds of marijuana, possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, and he was taken to the Ocean County Jail in default of $25,000 bail.

Police encouraged residents who want to report other suspicious or drug-related activity to call 732-657-6111 or use the tip line on the department's website, manchesterpolicenj.com. All information provided to police will be kept confidential.