Harshadbhai Patel forfeited $338,000; Porsche Cayenne.
By The American Bazaar Staff
WASHINGTON, DC: An Indian American man from Mobile, Alabama, Harshadbhai Patel, 39, was sentenced to four years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute ‘spice’ or synthetic marijuana, a scheduled 1 controlled substance.
Patel also was ordered to serve three years of supervised released following his release from prison, reported AL.com.
‘Spice’ is a mixture of herbs, spices or shredded plant material that is typically sprayed with a synthetic compound chemically similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. It’s sold under many names, including K2, fake weed, Yucatan Fire, Skunk, Moon Rocks, and others — and labeled “not for human consumption”.
Senior U.S. District Court Judge Charles Butler Jr. sentenced Patel during a hearing at the federal courthouse in Mobile, earlier this week.
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office arrested Patel on October 22, 2013, during a traffic stop. Fifty bags of ‘spice’ and $95,543 was found in Patel’s 2014 Porsche Cayenne.
Officers searched Patel’s Mobile apartment and convenience store and his Pensacola, Florida, apartment after his arrest. Officers confiscated 3,805 packets of ‘spice’ during the searches, according to the records.
Patel pleaded guilty in May to a federal charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a scheduled 1 controlled substance.
Patel has also been ordered to forfeit his Porsche Cayenne and more than $338,000 to the federal government, according to court records, reported AL.com.
The forfeited money includes the $95,543 that was found in Patel’s sport utility vehicle, a $5,000 casino chip and $237,699.53 from Patel’s bank account.