The Lower Moreland Township Police Department and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office assisted in a long-term investigation of high-potency THC products marketed to children in stores across Pennsylvania, Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Monday.

According to the press release, 12 defendants were part of a criminal organization that trafficked marijuana and other high-level THC products from warehouses to convenience stores. Several members of the group are also charged with laundering millions of dollars connected to the illegal profits, primarily using LLC fronts to mask the sources of income, often cash deposits.

Investigators traced about $18.7 million to illegal proceeds, Sunday said.

All 12 defendants have been arraigned on the charges, which include corrupt organizations and dealing in proceeds of illegal activity. Many are also charged with felony drug-trafficking offenses.

“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 a statement. “Many of the products seized over the course of this investigation were packaged and flavored to attract children. Collaboration with law enforcement partners led to the takedown of this sophisticated network in the form of very serious charges.”

During the investigation, agents seized approximately 150,000 items from three warehouse locations that served as the primary distribution hubs—in Plum Borough (Allegheny County), Pittston (Luzerne County), and Bensalem. Investigators also served search warrants at convenience stores and smoke shops across the state.

Federal partners Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Postal Inspectors also assisted in the investigation.

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Photos: Commonwealth Media Services