HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane’s office yesterday announced the arrest of four individuals in connection with a two-year investigation that resulted in the seizure of more than 360 pounds of synthetic marijuana. The seized drugs have an approximate value of $1.6 million.

According to a presentment issued by a statewide investigating grand jury, evidence was developed that showed Richard David Sallade, 71, and Patricia Ann Quinn, 67, both of Cranberry Township, Butler County, were involved in the trafficking of synthetic marijuana.

The grand jury reviewed evidence that showed Sallade allegedly received multiple packages of synthetic marijuana at his business in Cranberry Township. Sallade and Quinn operated multiple tobacco and drug paraphernalia shops, and would break down the packages of synthetic marijuana for re-sale, the grand jury presentment states.

Sallade allegedly received shipments of synthetic marijuana from suppliers in New York and Massachusetts. On 10 occasions, Sallade purchased between 3,000 and 4,000 packets of the drug for $10,000, the grand jury presentment alleges.

The investigation included several controlled purchases of synthetic marijuana from couriers who allegedly worked with Sallade. Additionally, evidence presented to the grand jury showed that Sallade, Quinn, Craig William Pfister, 50, and Bruce Alan Johnson, 67, also delivered synthetic marijuana to various customers in western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Moreover, customers also reportedly purchased synthetic marijuana from Sallade or Quinn near their business in Cranberry Township. Investigators reported seizing approximately $225,000 during the course of the investigation.

The arrests were the result of a joint investigation between investigators from the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, the office’s Bureau of Special Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police Southwest Strike Force. Other law enforcement agencies that participated in the investigation are U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Cranberry and Harmony Township Police Departments.

Sallade, 1265 Norberry Court, Apt. 16, is charged with two counts each of corrupt organizations, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and delivery of a controlled substance in addition to one count each of dealing in unlawful proceeds and criminal conspiracy. He was released from custody after his bail was
set at $50,000 unsecured at a preliminary arraignment yesterday.

Quinn, 67, of 1265 Norberry Court, Apt. 16, is charged with two counts of corrupt organizations and one count each of dealing in unlawful proceeds, criminal conspiracy, delivery of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Her bail was also set at $50,000 unsecured at a preliminary
arraignment yesterday.

Pfister, 239 Main St., Prospect, Butler County, and Johnson, 113 Baker Road, Monaca, Beaver County, are both charged with one count each of criminal conspiracy and delivery of a controlled substance. Bail was set for each at $10,000 unsecured.

According to the grand jury presentment, synthetic marijuana is manufactured by compounding a Schedule I controlled substance in powder form with acetone to dilute it. The mixture is then sprayed on a green leafy material and dried. The substance does not contain marijuana but has a similar and significantly stronger effect on the consumer. The effects of the drug are often unpredictable, the presentment states.

Attorney General Kane thanked all participating agencies for their work on the investigation.

The defendants will be prosecuted by Maureen Sheehan-Balchon of the Office of Attorney General’s Drug Strike Force Section.

(A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.)