By Elisa Glushefski

Published: May 2, 2008

Two brothers were charged in connection with a pot-growing operation after police arrested one of them during a drug buy-and-bust sting at an area gas station this week.

Around 1:05 a.m. Wednesday, following the bust, detectives found a grow operation in one of the upstairs bedrooms and seized 15 marijuana plants during a search of the brothers' residence at 2030 Hanson Lane in Woodbridge, said Officer Erika Hernandez, Prince William police spokeswoman.

Vincent A. Santullo, 22, was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm while in possession of drugs, Hernandez said. He was held in lieu of $30,000 bond.

Joseph V. Santullo, 31, was charged with manufacturing marijuana and possession of a firearm while in possession of drugs, according to police. He was held in lieu of $15,000 bond.

Hours earlier, detectives with the street crimes unit, using a confidential informant, arranged to buy a quarter-pound of marijuana from one of the men, according to an affidavit on file at Prince William County Circuit Court.

Detectives then arranged for the

informant to make another purchase, the affidavit states.

According to court documents, the suspect told the informant he needed to go to Alexandria to pick up the marijuana and was placed under police surveillance.

The suspect returned home, the affidavit states, and arranged to sell a half-pound to the informant at a nearby gas station, where he was arrested.

Police seized the following during a search of the Santullo's residence at 2030 Hanson Lane: marijuana plants, smoking devices, a Smith & Wesson gun, pill bottles, pistol magazines, packing material, an AK-47 rifle and marijuana.

Vincent and Joseph Santullo are scheduled to appear in court June 6, Hernandez said.

Staff writer Elisa Glushefski can be reached at or 703-878-8062.