Haymarket Man Arrested for Manufacturing large amounts of Synthetic Marijuana

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policecar630x290Detectives from the Prince William-Manassas-Manassas Park Narcotics Task Force concluded a complex investigation into the sale and distribution of synthetic marijuana with the arrest of Haymarket man.

John P. Flaherty, 57, of 15002 Danube Way in Haymarket, was arrested upon the execution of a search warrant in an investigation that involved various police forces. He is believed to have been in possession of 37 pounds of material that could be used to make synthetic marijuana, and illegal substance. 

Police executed a warrant to search Flaherty’s residence on Aug. 18. 

“As a result of the search, a handgun, marijuana, “marijuana-wax,” packaging materials and an estimated four pounds of materials used to manufacture synthetic marijuana were recovered and seized,” said police spokesperson, Officer Jonathan Perok.

Information gathered during the investigation led detectives to a storage unit at the Mini-Storage facility, located at 6558 Commerce Court in New Baltimore, where a second search warrant was obtained and executed. As a result of that search, an additional 33 pounds of precursor materials used in the manufacturing of synthetic marijuana were recovered.

“The investigation further revealed that the target of the operation, identified as the accused, was manufacturing synthetic marijuana at his home address in Haymarket, as well as at the storage unit in Warrenton,” said Perok. “The product manufactured was then shipped nationally via the postal service in a multi-state distribution network.”

According to Prince William County Police, the amount of precursor materials seized during this investigation has an estimated street value of $1.1 million.

Following the investigation, detectives obtained warrants for the arrest of the accused who was located in Las Vegas and arrested without incident.

Flaherty was charged with manufacturing a schedule I or II narcotic, distribution of a schedule I or II narcotic, conspiracy to manufacture a schedule I or II narcotic and conspiracy to distribute a schedule I or II narcotic.

He remains in Las Vegas where he is  awaiting extradition. A court date has been set for Oct. 2, 2015. 

The investigation was conducted with assistance from the Fauquier Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Postal Service and the Las Vegas SCORE HIDTA Task Force.

A police photo of the accused is unavailable.

This article was derived from a press release from Prince William County Police. 

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