Attorney General Dave Sunday (R -PA) , in conjunction with federal, state, and local authorities , announced charges against 12 people — the culmination of a long-term investigation of high-potency THC products sold in stores across Pennsylvania.
The 12 suspects were allegedly part of a criminal organization that trafficked marijuana and other high-level THC products from warehouses to convenience stores, Sunday said in press release.
Several members of the group are also charged with laundering millions of dollars connected to the illegal profits, primarily using LLC fronts to mask the sources of income, often cash deposits. Investigators traced about $18.7 million to illegal proceeds, said authorities.
All of the suspects have been arraigned charges, including corrupt organizations and dealing in proceeds of illegal activity. A number of the suspects are also charged with felony drug-trafficking offenses.
“This criminal enterprise took deliberate steps to distribute these illegal narcotics, statewide, then to conceal the millions and millions of dollars they profited from the scheme,” Sunday said. “Many of the products seized over the course of this investigation were packaged and flavored to attract children. Collaboration with law enforcement partners led to the takedown of this sophisticated network in the form of very serious charges.”
Bristol Township Police played an instrumental role in the multi-jurisdictional investigation, Sunday said.
Sunday said a statewide investigating grand jury recommended the filing of criminal charges last month.
Investigators seized approximately 150,000 items from three warehouse locations that served as the primary distribution hubs — in Plum Borough, Allegheny County; Pittston, Luzerne County; and Bensalem Township.
Investigators also served search warrants at convenience stores and smoke shops across the Commonwealth on dates that were not disclosed in the press release.
Charged are:
- Albina Kumar
- Duttkumar Patel
- Dharmeshkumar Patel
- Madhav Patel
- Nirav Patel
- Palak Patel
- Divyesh Patel
- Ketankumar Patel
- Niravkumar Vora
- Roshniben Patel
- Ankitkumar Patel
- Mitul Patel
No additional information was provided.