Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday has announced charges against 12 people accused of operating a statewide organization that distributed marijuana and other high-THC products from warehouses to convenience stores and other retailers.
According to the Office of Attorney General, investigators traced approximately $18.7 million in alleged illegal proceeds connected to the operation.
Authorities said the charges follow a long-term investigation into high-potency THC products sold at stores across Pennsylvania.
Investigators allege the organization moved marijuana and other high-THC products from three primary warehouse locations in Plum Borough in Allegheny County, Pittston in Luzerne County and Bensalem in Bucks County.
Agents seized approximately 150,000 items from the three warehouses during the investigation. Search warrants were also executed at convenience stores and smoke shops across the state.
Several defendants are accused of laundering millions of dollars generated through the operation, including by using limited liability companies to conceal the source of the money and making cash deposits.
“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 in announcing the charges.
All 12 defendants have been arraigned. Charges include corrupt organizations and dealing in proceeds of illegal activity, while many of the defendants also face felony drug-trafficking charges.
The investigation involved a statewide investigating grand jury, which recommended criminal charges last month.
Numerous local and county law enforcement agencies participated in the investigation, along with the Pennsylvania State Police and federal agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Postal Inspectors.
The Attorney General’s Office said some of the seized products were flavored and packaged in ways authorities contend were intended to appeal to children.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Rachel Wheeler will lead the prosecutions.
The charges are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
