Three Collared in Little Egg Harbor Grass Bust

Three suspects are rounded up along with six pounds of marijuana in a Thursday bust in Little Egg Harbor.

Michael Ernest, 24; Anthony Hughes, 24; and Samuel Sepulveda, 20, were charged with possession of marijuana over 50 grams and possession of more than five pounds with intent to distribute.

Ocean County Superior Court Judge Francis Hodgson set bail at $100,000 for Hughes, $75,000 for Ernest and $50,000 for Sepulveda. None of the three was given the option to be released on payment of 10 percent.

According to county Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford's office, members of the county Special Operations Group took Little Egg Harbor and Stafford police along with them on the warrant search in the Atlantis Boulevard home that Ernest gave as his address.

They estimate the weed's street value at $30,000. Investigators say they also seized packaging materials.