12 Charged In Massive Multimillion Dollar PA Drug Trafficking Ring

IRWIN, PA — Twelve people have been arrested following a long-term investigation into the statewide sale of high-potency THC products and the laundering of millions of dollars connected to the illegal profits.

Investigators traced about $18.7 million in illegal proceeds that primarily used corporate fronts to mask sources of income, often cash deposits.

State Attorney General Dave Sunday, along with federal, state and local authorities, announced the charges at a news conference Monday near Pittsburgh.

“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.”

During the investigation, authorities seized approximately 150,000 items from three warehouse locations that served as the primary distribution hubs — in Plum Borough, Allegheny County; Bensalem, Bucks County; and Pittston, Luzerne County.

The products were transferred from the warehouses to convenience stores and smoke shops across the state.

Photo/Graphic: Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office

The defendants have been arraigned on the charges, which include corrupt organizations and dealing in proceeds of illegal activity. Many are also charged with felony drug-trafficking offenses.

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

Federal agencies that assisted in the investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Postal Inspectors also assisted.