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Township of WEST WHITELAND, Pa. — Two Exton residents have been arrested in connection with a drug bust that authorities say involved more than 180 pounds of marijuana and several firearms.

Christian Sholly, 32, and Josiah Silva, 23, were taken into custody Oct. 4 after Chester County detectives executed search warrants at two homes in the 400 block of Henley Drive . The searches turned up 60 pounds of marijuana, $180,000 in cash, jewelry and five firearms. Bail for both defendants was set at $250,000 by U.S. District Judge Erin Bruno.

“This was a home invasion waiting to happen,” Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said. “The defendants had an absurd amount of marijuana, cash and jewelry. By stopping this operation, detectives have prevented violent crime from happening in West Whiteland.”

Days after the initial arrests, detectives linked Sholly to a storage facility in Uwchlan Township. A search of the facility turned up an additional 120 pounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and two firearms, including a phantom gun. Officials noted that Sholly, who has a prior felony conviction, is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.

Both Sholly and Silva were charged with possession with intent to deliver and other related offences. Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the operation, while both defendants await court proceedings.