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 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, according to court records and the attorney general’s office. Investigators said the products were supplied through local vape shops and eventually reached consumers, including school-going children.
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.
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. 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. The primary hearing is scheduled for Sept 23.
Albina, Ketan, Dharmesh and Roshni were released on unsecured bonds.
Investigators had also conducted an undercover operation during which purchases were made from the warehouses, according to court documents. 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. The investigation also uncovered an alleged financial network through which proceeds from the drug sales were moved among different business entities and financial institutions. 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.