The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Lancaster man was sentenced on Thursday in United States District Court in Harrisburg to 33 months in federal prison for his role in selling and distributing bath salts and synthetic marijuana.
United States Attorney Peter Smith stated that Amerjit Singh Grewal, 34, Lancaster, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane to 33 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the unlawful distribution of MDPV, a Schedule I controlled substance more commonly referred to as “bath salts," “plant food" and “research chemicals" falsely marketed for sale in convenience stores and mini-marts.
MDPV is a central nervous system stimulant which can cause hallucinogenic effects in the user. Users have reported bouts of psychosis and numerous deaths around the country have been linked to the use of MDPV.
Grewal obtained large quantities of MDPV in bulk or pre-packed for sale, as well as synthetic marijuana, also falsely marketed for sale as “spice" or “potpourri." Grewal then distributed the drugs to convenience stores and gas station mini-marts where the drugs would be sold. In March 2012, Grewal sold almost ½ kilogram of bulk bath salts to an undercover officer in the parking lot of a gas station near Grantville.
Judge Kane also ordered Grewal to forfeit to the United States approximately $500,000 seized by investigators from bank accounts held by Grewal and his co-defendant, Kulwinder Singh Grewal, who has yet to be sentenced.
The case was jointly investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Harrisburg Resident Office, the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Dauphin County Drug Task Force and other county and local law enforcement agencies. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
