Chester county weed operation up in smoke after police seize 180 pounds of marijuana — Police light

WEST WHITELAND TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Two Exton residents have been arrested in connection to a drug trafficking operation that authorities say involved over 180 pounds of marijuana and multiple firearms.

Christian Sholly, 32, and Josiah Silva, 23, were taken into custody on October 4 after Chester County detectives executed search warrants at two homes on the 400 block of Henley Drive. The search yielded 60 pounds of marijuana, $180,000 in cash, jewelry, and five firearms. Bail for both defendants was set at $250,000 by Magisterial District Judge Erin Bruno.

“This was a home invasion waiting to happen,” said Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe. “The Defendants had an absurd amount of marijuana, cash, and jewelry. By stopping this operation, detectives prevented violent crime from happening in West Whiteland.”

Days after the initial arrests, detectives linked Sholly to a storage unit in Uwchlan Township. A search of the unit revealed an additional 120 pounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and two firearms, including a ghost gun. Officials noted that Sholly, who has a prior felony conviction, is legally barred from owning firearms.

Both Sholly and Silva have been charged with Possession with the Intent to Deliver and other related offenses. Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the operation, while both defendants await legal proceedings.

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