A South Carolina couple was busted on Wednesday for selling synthetic drugs out of their two businesses. (Facebook)
According to FOX Carolina, a couple and their former employee were charged in Gaffney, South Carolina after being busted for running a synthetic drug operation out of two of their businesses.
Steven David Petty, 42, and his wife, Sirena Petty, 39, were arrested through the Drug Enforcement Agency operation referred to as “Project Synergy” and indicted on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectible amount of UR-144 and XLR-11.
The couple sold synthetic drugs, including bath salts and spice, through their businesses, Carousel Music in Gaffney and Smokers Edge in Shelby, North Carolina. Jessica Weast, 27, a former employee of the Pettys, was also arrested in North Carolina on Wednesday.
According to United States Attorney Bill Nettles, investigators seized more than $1.4 million from the Pettys after the DEA served several federal search warrants for the couple’s home, their two businesses and their nine bank accounts. More than $600,000 was seized from their bank accounts and over $800,000 from their home in Gaffney.
Nettles said undercover agents were able to buy synthetic and designer drugs like K2, Spice and bath salts at Smokers Edge.
“Project Synergy” was launched in December 2012 and has accumulated 75 arrests and nearly $15 million in seized cash and assets.