Smoke Shops Sold Marijuana Illegally, Wall Police Say; Owners Charged

WALL, NJ — The owners of two Wacky Tobaccy stores in Wall Township and Asbury Park are facing multiple charges following raids on the shops, Wall Township Police said Thursday.

Ronald Slack, 38, of Beachwood, and Michael Attianese, 36, of Asbury Park, were arrested and charged with distribution of marijuana (over 25 lbs.), distribution of hashish (over 5 grams), possession of hashish (over 17 grams), possession of marijuana, distribution of toxic chemicals and a disorderly persons offense of possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.

Alongside these charges, the NJ Treasury Department will also impose fines due to the establishment’s failure to pay required taxes on its license and will mandate restitution for untaxed products, according to police.

All charges from the NJ Treasury Department are classified as disorderly persons complaints at the municipal level under Title 54.

Slack and Attianese were arrested and charged on warrants following a multi-agency investigation that was initiated by the Wall Township Police Department after they received a tip through Monmouth County Crime Stoppers.

Raids on the stores led to authorities seizing “substantial amounts” of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), cash and untaxed products, police said. Investigators also found various forms of marijuana, including raw cannabis, edibles and liquid beverages.

Once lab results are available for other suspected controlled dangerous substances, authorities said Slack and Attianese may face further charges. Wall Township Police also impounded a vehicle belonging to Slack, pending a search warrant, and seized cash for forfeiture.

Slack and Attianese were both brought to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, police said.

The Wall Township Police Department, Asbury Park Police, the FBI, the Safe Streets Task Force, and the NJ Treasury Department were involved in the investigation.

“The Wall Township Police Department thanks all agencies that contributed to this successful investigation,” the department said. “This case highlights the vital role of community involvement in fighting crime.”

Prior to the authorities’ investigation into the shops, the Wacky Tobaccy in Asbury Park was also fined by the state for illegally selling flavored tobacco vape pens. The store was issued a $4,500 fine.

If you have information about criminal activity, you can submit an anonymous tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-671-4400 or visiting the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers website.

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