Ryan Baroni, 19, a Millbury resident and Bridgewater State University (BSU) sophomore, was arrested by the WEB Major Drug and Crime Task Force for possessing a pound of class D controlled substance, marijuana, and about $1,300 in suspected drug money at his off-campus housing.
Baroni is accused of operating a marijuana distribution ring from his apartment as the surveillance camera showed a lot of foot traffic in and out of the house.
The university has given him interim suspension following his arrest.
Baroni's two roommates, Daniel Reiss, 19, and Steven King, 20, will also be facing charges as the police found evidence at the apartment that showed them supporting marijuana distribution.
The WEB Major Drug and Crime Task Force comprises of a five-member group with officers from Bridgewater, Bridgewater State University, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater and Whitman.
Detective Sgt. Timothy Nixon, a WEB member from West Bridgewater, told Wicked Local that they started monitoring this apartment after receiving anonymous tips.
In addition to the marijuana and cash, the police have also found containers, bags and a digital scale relating to drug distribution.
Baroni's pre-trial hearing is scheduled, May 21.
However, some students are surprised at his arrest
"To be honest with you, it's just marijuana," Peter Ramirez, a 22-year-old senior, told the newspaper. "It's not a big deal unlike narcotics, which could actually put someone in harm."
West Bridgewater police Lt. Victor Flaherty told the newspaper that the individuals are increasingly using it because Massachusetts decriminalized the drug in 2008 and voted last year to legalize medical marijuana.
Treatment expert Dr. Joseph Shrand told the newspaper that students feel that weed is safe. But if they are consuming it from a young age, they have high chances of suffering a psychotic disorder during later stages of life.
