NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Harrisburg, PA, September 16, 2026: Twelve people have been charged in connection with what Pennsylvania authorities describe as a multimillion-dollar drug trafficking operation that allegedly distributed high-potency THC and marijuana products through convenience stores and smoke shops across the state.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the charges Monday, Sept. 14, following a long-term investigation involving federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Investigators traced approximately $18.7 million in alleged illegal proceeds and seized nearly 150,000 products from three warehouses that authorities say served as major distribution hubs.
The defendants are Albina Kumar, Duttkumar Patel, Dharmeshkumar Patel, Madhav Patel, Nirav Patel, Palak Patel, Divyesh Patel, Ketankumar Patel, Niravkumar Vora, Roshniben Patel, Ankitkumar Patel and Mitul Patel.
All 12 have been arraigned on charges that include corrupt organizations and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, according to the Attorney General’s Office. Many also face felony drug-trafficking charges.
Authorities allege the organization moved marijuana and other high-potency THC products from warehouses to convenience stores and smoke shops throughout Pennsylvania, where some of the products were presented as legal hemp-derived products.
Investigators identified three warehouses as primary distribution hubs: one in Plum Borough in Allegheny County, another in Pittston in Luzerne County and a third in Bensalem in Bucks County. Search warrants were also served at convenience stores and smoke shops across the state.
More than 40 pallets of products were seized from the warehouses, according to Sunday. Nearly 150,000 individual items were confiscated, including pre-rolled marijuana products and candy-like edibles.
Prosecutors allege that several members of the group also laundered proceeds from the sales, using limited liability companies and multiple financial accounts to conceal the source of the money. Investigators say they traced about $18.7 million to alleged illegal proceeds.
Sunday said the investigation found that some defendants had gone from renting homes and apartments to owning warehouses and expensive residential properties.
The investigation began in late 2024 and gained momentum after a January 2025 traffic stop in Chester County, according to Sunday. Authorities said a driver was discovered transporting loads of THC products to stores, with the products being paid for in cash. Investigators subsequently followed the distribution and financial trails to the broader organization.
Authorities said the products included high-potency THC items being sold outside Pennsylvania’s regulated medical marijuana system.
The issue is complicated by federal hemp laws. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp containing no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Since then, a large market has developed for intoxicating products derived from legally grown hemp. Pennsylvania authorities say products involved in this investigation crossed the legal threshold and were being sold as legal products when they were not.
Sunday also raised concerns about products reaching children, saying some of the seized items were flavored and packaged in ways that could appeal to younger consumers.
“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.
A statewide investigating grand jury recommended criminal charges in August, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
The investigation involved numerous county district attorneys’ offices and local police departments as well as Pennsylvania State Police. Federal agencies assisting included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Rachel Wheeler is leading the prosecutions.
The charges are allegations. All 12 defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
