Crime & Safety
Police Seize 'Wet' in Traffic Stop, Charge Driver with Intent to Distribute
Kristopher D. Polk was allegedly transporting 11 jars of 'wet' marijuana, a drug that has been linked to violent murders in Camden City, when he was apprehended Jan. 7.
A routine traffic stop led Collingswood Police to arrest a Camden City man for the possession of a purported hallucinogenic drug with intent to distribute.
On Jan. 7, an officer pulled over Kristopher D. Polk, 28, of Camden City, near the intersection of Haddon and Ferry avenues. Polk's vehicle was determined to have an out-of-date inspection sticker, and police say he was unable to provide the required documentation.
In the course of a conversation with Polk, the officer reportedly detected a strong owner of burnt marijuana, and asked him to exit the vehicle. Police say the officer then observed, in clear view, a cup containing what was believed to be marijuana.
Find out what's happening in Collingswoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Polk gave police permission to search the remainder of the vehicle, who discovered 11 jars with green lids, containing what was purported to be “wet” marijuana, as well as two plastic containers with pink lids containing what they believed was marijuana.
Polk was charged with possession of a controlled, dangerous substance (CDS), possession of CDS with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana less than 50 grams. His vehicle was impounded, and Polk was released on his own recognizance after processing.
Find out what's happening in Collingswoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Wet" has been a target of various drug enforcement initiatives in Camden City and the surrounding areas since the end of 2012, including .
According to a brief from the Drug Enforcement Administration, "wet" is created by soaking tobacco or marijuana cigarettes in formaldehyde or embalming fluid that may also be laced with PCP. The effect is hallucinogenic and can make the user violent and paranoid.
"Wet" has been blamed as playing a role in two prominent and grisly murders in Camden City at the end of 2012: one in which a man is alleged to have assaulted a child and killed her younger brother when he came to her defense, and a murder-suicide involving a mother and her toddler.
All information provided by the Collingswood Police Department. An arrest is not a conviction.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
