IRWIN, PA — Twelve people are facing charges following a long-term investigation that Pennsylvania authorities say uncovered a statewide operation distributing high-potency THC products and laundering millions of dollars in alleged illegal proceeds.
Attorney General Dave Sunday said Monday that investigators identified the defendants as members of an alleged criminal organization that distributed marijuana and other high-level THC products from warehouses to convenience stores across Pennsylvania.
Authorities traced approximately $18.7 million to alleged illegal proceeds, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Investigators allege several members of the organization used limited liability companies to conceal the source of the money, which often involved cash deposits.
The defendants are Albina Kumar, Duttkumar Patel, Dharmeshkumar Patel, Madhav Patel, Nirav Patel, Palak Patel, Divyesh Patel, Ketankumar Patel, Niravkumar Vora, Roshniben Patel, Ankitkumar Patel and Mitul Patel.
All 12 have been arraigned on charges that include corrupt organizations and dealing in proceeds of illegal activity. Authorities said many of the defendants also face felony drug-trafficking charges.
During the investigation, agents seized approximately 150,000 items from three warehouses that authorities identified as the organization’s primary distribution hubs. The facilities were located in Plum Borough, Allegheny County; Pittston, Luzerne County; and Bensalem, Bucks County.
Investigators also executed search warrants at convenience stores and smoke shops across Pennsylvania, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Sunday alleged that the organization deliberately distributed illegal narcotics statewide and then attempted to conceal millions of dollars in profits. He also said many of the seized products were packaged and flavored in ways intended to appeal to children.
The investigation involved a statewide investigating grand jury, which recommended criminal charges last month, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office was among numerous county, state, local and federal agencies that assisted with the investigation. Other partners included district attorney’s offices in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Bucks, Luzerne, Montgomery and Lackawanna counties; Pennsylvania State Police; the Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; and U.S. Postal Inspectors.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Rachel Wheeler will lead the prosecutions.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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