HARRISBURG, PA — Three men face felony drug trafficking and organized crime charges following an investigation into the alleged sale of illegal marijuana and THC products at two Fuel On gas stations in Cameron and Elk counties, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday.
Majid Syed, 45, who owns both convenience stores, was charged with corrupt organizations, possession with intent to deliver controlled substances and dealing in proceeds of illegal activity.
Two employees of the Elk County location in Ridgway, Adnan Pillay, 33, and Haji Afzal, 64, face the same charges in connection with alleged sales at that business.
All three defendants surrendered for arraignment Friday morning. Syed’s bail was set at $100,000 unsecured, while Pillay and Afzal each received $50,000 unsecured bail.
According to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, a long-term investigation found that the defendants allegedly sold products containing marijuana or THC concentrations exceeding legal limits.
Investigators allege that the products were sold over the counter at the two convenience stores despite containing illegal substances.
Some of the merchandise featured packaging designed to appeal to children, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Authorities seized numerous products from the businesses along with more than $10,000 in cash during the investigation.
Sunday credited community complaints with helping prompt the enforcement action, describing the businesses as persistent concerns for local residents.
The charges follow an earlier statewide enforcement initiative targeting businesses suspected of selling illegal marijuana and THC products, including investigations and seizures announced in Westmoreland County.
The Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation conducted the investigation with assistance from the North Central Drug Task Force, Emporium Borough Police Department, Ridgway Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police and the district attorneys’ offices in Cameron and Elk counties.
The Cameron and Elk County District Attorneys’ Offices will prosecute the respective cases.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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