Police: Crucible man was intending to sell drugs he received from overseas
CUMBERLAND – A Crucible man was jailed on drug charges after Cumberland Township police watched him pick up a package containing synthetic bath salts from the Carmichaels Post Office Friday morning.
Police said the arrest of Seth Branden Hillier, 27, of 54 First Ave., was part of a six-month investigation, which included packages of bath salts coming into the area from Germany and China. Police said Friday morning they found out Hillier was expecting a package from Germany that day.
Police said they set up surveillance at Carmichaels Post Office and watched Hillier pick up the package and leave in a vehicle driven by Scott Gilblom. Police said they initiated a traffic stop and found Gilblom to have bath salts in his pocket and smoking devices in his vehicle.
Police said Hillier told them he had just picked up 500 grams of bath salts that were in a cardboard box. He told police he sells bath salts to several people for $100 per gram, according to the criminal complaint. Police said they also found Hillier to be in possession of a digital scale with residue and small bags.
Bath salts are man-made stimulants that are similar to amphetamines. They can be ingested, snorted, smoked or injected.
Hillier was charged with possession with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Police have not yet filed charges against Gilblom.
Hillier was jailed on $75,000 bond, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 31 before District Judge Lee Watson.