Ahmedabad: At least 10 Gujaratis have been arrested in Pennsylvania, US, in a large-scale narcotics trafficking case involving the alleged distribution of illegal THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and marijuana products across the state and movement of millions of dollars in suspected illicit proceeds, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. The investigation into the alleged drug-trafficking network began in Dec 2024.The accused have been identified as Dharmesh Patel, Mitul Patel, Ankit Patel, Ketan Patel, Roshni Patel, Palak Patel, Divyesh Patel, Nirav Patel, Madhav Patel and Albina Patel. Authorities have charged them with offences including corrupt organisations, delivery of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver.According to court records and the attorney general’s office, the group allegedly operated through multiple limited liability companies and used warehouses in Westmoreland and Allegheny counties, including one in Plum, to distribute THC products across Pennsylvania. Investigators said the products were supplied through local vape shops and eventually reached consumers, including school-going children.The investigation also uncovered an alleged financial network through which proceeds from the drug sales were moved among different business entities and financial institutions. Investigators said companies linked to the accused had accounts with about 37 financial institutions. One account recorded transactions worth about $20 million between Jan and May 2025, according to court documents.Authorities also suspect that the network was involved in moving millions of dollars through informal channels, with the investigation examining alleged hawala transactions and cash movement.The scale of the operation emerged after authorities raided the warehouses in Sept 2025 and seized about 1.4 lakh items containing illegal substances. Around 12,000 prohibited items were recovered from the Plum warehouse alone. The seized material included THC-laced gummies, illegal vape products and marijuana joints.Investigators had also conducted an undercover operation during which purchases were made from the warehouses, according to court documents. The investigation indicated that specific members controlled warehouse operations while several vehicles and other individuals were used to transport the products across Pennsylvania.The case has also highlighted the alleged risks posed by highly potent THC products. During the investigation, a Westmoreland County woman told a grand jury that her four-year-old daughter had to be hospitalised after consuming a THC-laced candy purchased from a local vape shop.Among the accused, Divyesh Patel and Palak Patel of Cranberry and Albina Patel of Pittsburgh face charges including operating a corrupt organisation. Madhav Patel and Nirav Patel of Munhall, Anil Patel of Huntingdon Valley and Dharmesh Patel of Bensalem were also charged in the case, while Ketan Patel of Bensalem and Roshni Patel of Huntingdon Valley face additional conspiracy and organisational charges.Following their arrests, Madhav, Nirav, Ankit, Palak and Divyesh were taken to the Westmoreland County jail and remained in custody as they had not posted bonds ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, according to the information provided. Albina, Ketan, Dharmesh and Roshni were released on unsecured bonds. The primary hearing is scheduled for Sept 23.The attorney general’s office said the investigation involved the Westmoreland County Drug Task Force, Bucks County detectives and Pennsylvania State Police. Authorities are continuing to investigate the financial transactions and the network’s operations.
