18 Pounds Of Marijuana, Mushrooms Seized From Brick Home

BRICK, NJ — A Brick Township man is facing drug distribution charges after authorities seized several pounds of marijuana, THC products and psilocybin from his home, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said.

James Giordano, 37, was arrested Feb. 11 following a monthlong investigation into drug distribution in the county, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Investigators determined Giordano was using a home on Hammock Road to store and distribute marijuana and psilocybin, and when authorities executed a search warrant they seized about 18 pounds of marijuana, 3-1/2 pounds of hashish/THC oil, 14 ounces of THC edibles, 12 ounces of psilocybin, and $62,000 in cash, Billhimer said.

In addition, detectives seized about $279,000 from Giordano’s bank accounts under a court order, Billhimer said.

Brick Township does not have any legal cannabis dispensaries and its ordinances ban them within the township.

Giordano was charged with two counts of distribution of marijuana, possession of more than 5 pounds but less than 25 pounds of marijuana with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of more than 1 ounce but less than 5 pounds of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of more than 1 pound but less than 5 pounds of hashish with intent to distribute, possession of psilocybin with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of psilocybin, two counts of possession of hashish, and financial facilitation, authorities said.

Giordano was taken to the Ocean County Jail and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform, Billhimer said.

The Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and Economic Crime Squad, Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit and Special Emergency Response Team, and the Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit collaborated in the investigation and arrest.