By David Madden

TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) – Fresh off a pair of recent success stories in our region, New Jersey’s “Guns For Cash” buyback program is branching out.

The state Attorney General has spent almost $500,000 over the last couple months to take over 3,500 weapons off the streets of Camden and Trenton; and that’s not tax money.

Spokesman Paul Loriquet says they’re dipping into a criminal forfeiture fund.

“When we prosecute say drug dealers, narcotics rings, we get those funds and we turn it around and run programs such as gun buybacks,” says Loriquet.

The next stop on the campaign will be Newark, with a half dozen churches taking part on the 15th and 16th.

Plans are to hit all corners of the state, with a return to South Jersey soon for stops in Atlantic City and Cumberland County.

They’ll take up to three weapons, no questions asked, and fork over up to $250 per gun.