Franklin Twp., NJ, woman arrested after massive drug bust: Cops

A Gloucester County woman is facing a laundry list of charges after authorities say they seized hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs late last week.

Maria Santiago-Cossean of Franklin Township, NJ, Arrested

The Atlantic County Prosecutor's office said a search warrant was executed at the home of 55-year-old Maria Santiago-Cossean of Franklin Township last Thursday after an investigation into a large-scale marijuana distribution network.

Officials say that search warrant uncovered,

Approximately 346 pounds of marijuana
219 pounds of THC gummies
8 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms
121 pounds of THC food products
70 pounds of THC candy
90 pounds of vape cartridges
97 pounds of THC resin
Packaging materials including digital scales, heat sealers, vacuum sealers
Approximately $26,000 in cash

Santiago-Cossean was arrested and charged with the following:

First-degree distribution of marijuana over 25 pounds
Fourth-degree possession of marijuana
Second-degree distribution of psilocybin mushrooms
Third-degree possession of psilocybin mushrooms
Second-degree distribution of methamphetamine
Third-degree possession of methamphetamine
Third-degree financial facilitation of criminal activity
First-degree maintaining a narcotics production facility
Second-degree distribution of marijuana within 500 ft. of a public park
Second-degree distribution of psilocybin mushrooms within 500 ft. of a public park
Second-degree distribution of methamphetamine within 500 ft. of a public park

Santiago-Cossean was placed on a warrant pending a detention hearing.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.