BURN ONE DOWN: Hoboken Apartment Fire Sparks 25-Pound Marijuana Bust

Responding to an apartment fire on Park Avenue between 5th & 6th Streets last Thursday, first responders noticed Jose Piedrahita, 22, of Ossining, N.Y., with blisters and soot on his face and body.

While medical personnel treated Piedrahita, Hoboken PD spotted an abundance of marijuana paraphernalia. Upon returning with a search warrant, HPD discovered more than 25 pounds of marijuana and more than $40,000 in cash.

Piedrahita was subsequently charged with operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility, as well as possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (within 1,000 feet of a school and 500 feet of a park). The owner of the apartment, Daniel Altomare, was also arrested.