Eighty Four couple arrested in drug manufacturing operation
Detectives with the Washington County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force arrested a couple suspected of producing large amounts marijuana and hallucinogenic drugs at their home in Eighty Four.
Drew Divelbliss, 36, and Lauren Divelbliss, 40, each face nearly a dozen felony charges for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and endangering the welfare of children.
According to the criminal complaint, detectives served a search warrant Monday at their home in the 300 block of Hickory Nut Drive, where the couple live with their two juvenile daughters.
Charging documents state investigators found an “intricate laboratory type room” in the garage and more than 10 pounds of marijuana. There was also cash and areas for packaging the drugs, according to the complaint.
The investigation was conducted in conjunction with the office of state Attorney General Michelle Henry. According to a press release from Henry’s office, the lab was also used to produce psilocybin mushrooms and DMT, a potent hallucinogen.
“This was a large-scale, highly profitable manufacturing operation happening with two children at the home, which was essentially converted into a lab to produce illegal substances,” Henry said in the release. “A thorough investigation and great collaboration with law enforcement partners resulted in the shutdown of this production operation and intervention to protect the children.”
According to the release, investigators seized about 1,500 grams of DMT and approximately $300,000 cash in vacuum-sealed bags.
State police also assisted with securing the scene during the search.
“The charges for the production of these illegal drugs, a serious offense, were made even more egregious by the presence of children in the home,” said Cpt. James Curto, director of the Pennsylvania State Police drug law enforcement division in the release. “The cooperation shown here between agencies underscores the commitment to protecting our communities and making the Commonwealth safer.”
Both Drew and Lauren Divelbliss were arraigned Monday night before District Judge Curtis Thompson, who sent them to the Washington County jail on $250,000 bond.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. July 29.