Owner of local store involved in illegal sales

Earl’s Market, a small carryout located at 1189 Old State Route 74, is under investigation after police received numerous complaints involving the sale of bath salts and synthetic marijuana by the owners of the establishment.

According to a release from the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office, the Clermont County Narcotics Unit and the Ohio Investigative Unit served a search warrant at the Union Township state liquor agency Aug. 14.

The investigation was the result of numerous complaints about the activities at the store.

During the search, police arrested Gurminder Singh Sandhu, 50, for drug trafficking. Agents from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office BURN Unit also served a related search warrant at Sandhu’s residence, 5814 Kensington Trail in Liberty Township.

Items seized during the searches included bath salts, synthetic marijuana, drug paraphernalia, business-related documents, money and computer equipment.

Additional felony charges for engaging in corrupt activities, drug possession, trafficking in drug paraphernalia, attempted receiving property and more are expected to be presented to the Grand Jury based on evidence and new information obtained by the searches.

The Ohio Investigative Unit will be filing administrative charges against the liquor agency for drug possession, drug trafficking and paraphernalia.

The Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office and the Union Township Police Department also aided in the investigation.