Three From Venetia Arrested For Alleged Synthetic Marijuana Sales

Washington County District Attorney Gene Vittone announced Friday that the drug task force issued arrest warrants for eight people - three of whom are from Venetia.

The arrests were the the result of an investigation that began in 2011.

Among those charged were Snehal Patel, Pratishka Patel and Kailash Patel - all of Venetia.

They were charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver and possession of a designer drug and more.

"The individuals who are named in the arrest warrants are part of a ring that distributed the illegal drug through convenience stores throughout the county over the past several years," Vittone said. 

Search warrants were issued last year on various local businesses following controlled buys.

Tobacco for Less of McMurray was among the businesses charged Friday.  

"We have seen a dramatic rise in the use of synthetic marijuana, K2 and bath salts, as well as the undesirable side effects that accompany them," Vittone said. 

Users of these products have reported instances of disorientation, agitation and more. 

Vittone said it is a multi billion dollar industry, and that eight of 10 high school seniors have tried these drugs.

And he said the drugs are dangerous.

"These drugs are dangerous chemical poisons which are of uncertain manufacture in foreign countries and imported to the United States."

Vittone, flanked by the medical director of Gateway Rehabilitation, made the announcement Friday at a press conference in South Strabane Township.

He stood before a table that was piled high with the drugs.

Vittone said agents confiscated a ton of the drugs, from which he said businesses were making between $2,000 and $5,000 a day.