Nov 28, 2007 11:00 pm US/Eastern
Potent Pot Seized In Million Dollar Drug Bust
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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Police announced the bust of a $1.8 million drug ring involved an extremely potent form of marijuana known as 'AK-47'
CBS
Police announced several arrests in a major multi-state, multi-million dollar drug ring Wednesday.
During a morning news conference, police displayed massive bags containing pounds of high-end marijuana, mushrooms and stacks of cash.
"The total combined seizure here is about $1.8 million," said Chief Inspector William Blackburn of the Philadelphia Police Department.
Authorities said the suspects involved in the ring lived a lavish lifestyle furnished by sales of potent pot to upscale customers.
"Normally you find a level of about two to three or four percent of THC factor in normal marijuana. This marijuana ranges between 15 and 20 percent," Blackburn said.
Police believe the supercharged smoke was brought into the U.S. from Canada or Costa Rica.
Authorities said the batch of marijuana is known as 'AK-47' due to the fact it is a "one hit wonder."
The arrests came after a six week undercover investigation into 31-year-old Michael Cascioli who allegedly operated out of a penthouse on the 6100 block of City Line Avenue in Overbrook.
Cascioli also rented a home on Conshohocken State Road in Bala Cynwd and allegedly sold to high-end clients on the Main Line.
"People would come to his property, his penthouse suite and buy large amounts," Blackburn said.
One of Cascioli's alleged clients, 34-year-old Jeremy Sarkissina, was also arrested allegedly making a buy.
Police said the high-end drugs end up in the hands of teenagers who end up in trouble, and in some cases, in the hospital.
"Because of this type of marijuana, we're seeing more teenagers have hospital room visits because of the overdose and the effects and powerfulness of this drug," said Inspector Blackburn.
"THC is quite toxic, it's basically a neurological toxin, it affects the brain primarily, it has lesser affects on the heart and lungs," Dr. Richard Hamilton of Drexel University Emergency Medicine.
Cascioli remains locked up behind bars.
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