2 Arrested in Big Pot Bust at Franklin Mills Mall
By Ed Fischer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --Two men, one from upstate Pennsylvania and one from New York State, are in prison today in Philadelphia following their arrest in the parking lot of the Franklin Mills Mall..
According to the Philadelphia DA's office, 39-year-old Anthony DeRosa of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. and 47-year-old Eric Boehm of Goshen, NY were taken into custody about 10pm last night after they allegedly tried to sell 20 pounds of high-grade marijuana to undercover officers.
Investigators say DeRosa and Boehm drove to Northeast Philadelphia from Wilkes-Barre in a minivan with the marijuana in the back of the vehicle.
After obtaining a search warrant, 20 vacuum-sealed plastic bags filled with marijuana were found in a brown suitcase hidden under painter's tarps and tools.
The DA's office says the marijuana has a street value of approximately $100,000.
Both defendants were charged with possession, intent to deliver, conspiracy, and other crimes. They were arraigned overnight and bail was set at $200,000 each. A hearing is scheduled for January 25th.
Officials say the arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into narcotics trafficking into Philadelphia from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area.
