'HYDRO WEED' IS GROWING CRAZE, COPS SAY AFTER TEEN'S ARREST

CLIFTON -- There's a new weed on the block, and it doesn't have anything to
do with crab grass or scruffy lawns, police said.

"It's a fad," police Lt. Carl Zoecklein said, referring to "hydro weed"
marijuana. A 17-year-old city boy was arrested Tuesday night and charged
with possession of the drug.

It is grown in water and is said to be more potent than marijuana grown in
dirt.

"It's starting to get more popular," Zoecklein said.

Narcotics Officers Mike McLaughlin and William Frank were on patrol on
Merselis Avenue about 11:30 p.m. when they spotted a "suspicious" vehicle,
which they stopped.

The teenager, Zoecklein said, gave the officers permission to search his
car. They found several small bags and a large bag of marijuana.

The teen was charged with possession of marijuana and possession with intent
to distribute. A search of the teen's home turned up more marijuana,
Zoecklein said. Officers seized $49 at the home as alleged drug proceeds.

The teen was sent to Passaic County's youth detention center in Haledon
pending a family court hearing.

Narcotics detectives in Paterson said they have been making hydro marijuana
arrests for six months.

"From what we've seen, it's packaged the same way and bagged the same way,
but the smell is a lot stronger," a Paterson narcotics detective said. "And,
depending upon where you go, you pay double for it. A regular dime bag --
$10 bag -- costs $20."

Most of the arrests for hydro marijuana in Paterson have been at 10th Avenue
and East 25th Street in Paterson, the detective said.

"It's becoming more popular. I've seen people go out of their way to spend
more. Obviously, it's stronger," the Paterson detective said.