Todd R. Willoughby pleaded guilty to one count of possession

Todd R. Willoughby, 25, is charged with providing a man with a pair of shoes “to wear into the (facility) which contained crack cocaine in the sole area,” according to court documents.Willoughby pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine and one count of possession of an offensive weapon.
Pennsylvania State Police filed the charges against Willoughby following a visit to a Newton Hamilton home in March 2007.While in the home, officers found Willoughby, along with other individuals and a loaded semiautomatic handgun in the room, police said.One of the other men in the home, Jevon A. Everett, was arrested by police at the time for possession with intent to deliver, documents indicate.Everett, who supplied police with false identification, was found to be in possession of more than $3,000 and two cell phones, police said.Documents indicate that while they were in the home, Willoughby told police that the handgun belonged to another man who had brought it to trade for crack cocaine.However, police said Willoughby later wrote a letter to Everett in the correctional facility, in which he discussed the Marc incident and tried to get the cops to look toward another person, and discussed “the crack cocaine later found in Everett’s shoes, which — according to the letter — belong to Willoughby.”Willoughby remains free on bail and he is tentatively scheduled for sentencing on July 8. He is represented by defense attorney Brian Baker.

Todd R. Willoughby pleaded guilty to one count of possession

Todd R. Willoughby, 25, is charged with providing a man with a pair of shoes “to wear into the (facility) which contained crack cocaine in the sole area,” according to court documents.Willoughby pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine and one count of possession of an offensive weapon.
Pennsylvania State Police filed the charges against Willoughby following a visit to a Newton Hamilton home in March 2007.While in the home, officers found Willoughby, along with other individuals and a loaded semiautomatic handgun in the room, police said.One of the other men in the home, Jevon A. Everett, was arrested by police at the time for possession with intent to deliver, documents indicate.Everett, who supplied police with false identification, was found to be in possession of more than $3,000 and two cell phones, police said.Documents indicate that while they were in the home, Willoughby told police that the handgun belonged to another man who had brought it to trade for crack cocaine.However, police said Willoughby later wrote a letter to Everett in the correctional facility, in which he discussed the Marc incident and tried to get the cops to look toward another person, and discussed “the crack cocaine later found in Everett’s shoes, which — according to the letter — belong to Willoughby.”Willoughby remains free on bail and he is tentatively scheduled for sentencing on July 8. He is represented by defense attorney Brian Baker.

Mejia Munera known as one of the "twins" killed in a shootout

Mejia Munera was wanted for drug trafficking in the United States and had a $5 million reward on his head offered by the U.S. government, as does his brother, Victor Manuel. "He was one of our most wanted," said Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos in announcing that Miguel Angel Mejia Munera had been shot dead along with two of his men in a rural area near the northern city of Medellin.
Police killed a drug lord known as one of the "twins" who controlled Colombia's biggest emerging cocaine gang staffed by former right-wing militia fighters in a shootout on Tuesday.An informant guided police to the farmhouse where Mejia Munera, dressed in camouflage military fatigues, was found with his bodyguards, three of whom were captured.He and his still-at-large twin brother gained influence after they and other cocaine-funded paramilitaries disbanded under a government peace deal criticized by rights groups for not forcing former militia fighters to give up crime.
"The twins were the most powerful leaders in Colombia's new generation of criminal bands, which combine paramilitary and drug-cartel structures and pose the biggest threat to Colombia's future," said Pablo Casas, an analyst at Bogota think tank Security and Democracy.The twins were paramilitary leaders who demobilized in 2006. But they refused to turn themselves in to face jail time along with other militia leaders as part of the peace pact.The "paras" were formed in the 1980s to help rich Colombians beat back leftist rebels who are still fighting the state in the name of socialist revolution.The United States has given Colombia about $5.5 billion in aid over the last seven years aimed at combating the drug trade and bolstering security.
Urban crime rates have plummeted and investment is up in Colombia due to the military push. But cocaine exports from the Andean country remain steady at more than 600 tonnes per year, according to the United Nations. (Editing by Mohammad Zargham)

Mejia Munera known as one of the "twins" killed in a shootout

Mejia Munera was wanted for drug trafficking in the United States and had a $5 million reward on his head offered by the U.S. government, as does his brother, Victor Manuel. "He was one of our most wanted," said Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos in announcing that Miguel Angel Mejia Munera had been shot dead along with two of his men in a rural area near the northern city of Medellin.
Police killed a drug lord known as one of the "twins" who controlled Colombia's biggest emerging cocaine gang staffed by former right-wing militia fighters in a shootout on Tuesday.An informant guided police to the farmhouse where Mejia Munera, dressed in camouflage military fatigues, was found with his bodyguards, three of whom were captured.He and his still-at-large twin brother gained influence after they and other cocaine-funded paramilitaries disbanded under a government peace deal criticized by rights groups for not forcing former militia fighters to give up crime.
"The twins were the most powerful leaders in Colombia's new generation of criminal bands, which combine paramilitary and drug-cartel structures and pose the biggest threat to Colombia's future," said Pablo Casas, an analyst at Bogota think tank Security and Democracy.The twins were paramilitary leaders who demobilized in 2006. But they refused to turn themselves in to face jail time along with other militia leaders as part of the peace pact.The "paras" were formed in the 1980s to help rich Colombians beat back leftist rebels who are still fighting the state in the name of socialist revolution.The United States has given Colombia about $5.5 billion in aid over the last seven years aimed at combating the drug trade and bolstering security.
Urban crime rates have plummeted and investment is up in Colombia due to the military push. But cocaine exports from the Andean country remain steady at more than 600 tonnes per year, according to the United Nations. (Editing by Mohammad Zargham)

Charles Edward McRae, along with Linda M. Jones, were arrested

Ongoing investigation of a drug ring operating in Langston Terrace in Northeast, DC.
A 38-count federal indictment was unsealed today, charging eight individuals with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin. The arrests were a result of an operation by members of the FBI/MPD Safe Streets Task Force. Authorities believe the ring was led by Rex Pelote, Sr.Today, Charles Edward McRae, along with Linda M. Jones, were arrested, in the District of Columbia. Each are members of the Rex Pelote, Sr., crew. Previous arrests consisted of Loretta Belt on April 7, 2008 and Edward Tyrone Farley on April 15, 2008.During the arrests and execution of the search warrants, authorities seized more than 200 grams of heroin, more than 300 grams of crack cocaine, and one firearm.
“If you’re a resident in that community you would be concerned about a daily operation of any quantity,” Chief Lanier said. She said the investigation into Langston Terrace began after a spate of violence in 2006. Chief Lanier called the take down in Langston Terrace significant.“Today’s announcement of the indictments, arrests and searches relating to members of the Langston Terrace Crew illustrates the success of the Team DC concept wherein the FBI and MPD share resources, personnel and intelligence to address violent crime issues in the District of Columbia,” ADIC Persichini said. “The FBI will continue to participate in this joint law enforcement effort to make the streets of the District of Columbia safer for its citizens.”Mayor Fenty also praised the efforts of Team DC and said, “I’m pleased that many of the arrests occurred in the Fifth District, an area that has experienced a critical amount of violence.”
US Attorney Taylor stated, “Today is a good day for Langston Terrace. We want to bring some justice and peace back to our communities.”

Charles Edward McRae, along with Linda M. Jones, were arrested

Ongoing investigation of a drug ring operating in Langston Terrace in Northeast, DC.
A 38-count federal indictment was unsealed today, charging eight individuals with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin. The arrests were a result of an operation by members of the FBI/MPD Safe Streets Task Force. Authorities believe the ring was led by Rex Pelote, Sr.Today, Charles Edward McRae, along with Linda M. Jones, were arrested, in the District of Columbia. Each are members of the Rex Pelote, Sr., crew. Previous arrests consisted of Loretta Belt on April 7, 2008 and Edward Tyrone Farley on April 15, 2008.During the arrests and execution of the search warrants, authorities seized more than 200 grams of heroin, more than 300 grams of crack cocaine, and one firearm.
“If you’re a resident in that community you would be concerned about a daily operation of any quantity,” Chief Lanier said. She said the investigation into Langston Terrace began after a spate of violence in 2006. Chief Lanier called the take down in Langston Terrace significant.“Today’s announcement of the indictments, arrests and searches relating to members of the Langston Terrace Crew illustrates the success of the Team DC concept wherein the FBI and MPD share resources, personnel and intelligence to address violent crime issues in the District of Columbia,” ADIC Persichini said. “The FBI will continue to participate in this joint law enforcement effort to make the streets of the District of Columbia safer for its citizens.”Mayor Fenty also praised the efforts of Team DC and said, “I’m pleased that many of the arrests occurred in the Fifth District, an area that has experienced a critical amount of violence.”
US Attorney Taylor stated, “Today is a good day for Langston Terrace. We want to bring some justice and peace back to our communities.”

Jose Rayuela-Lanuza customs uncovered $4 million in heroin concealed in Peruvian candy boxes at Newark Liberty International Airport

Customs and Border Protection agents say they uncovered $4 million in heroin concealed in Peruvian candy boxes at Newark Liberty International Airport. Tuesday's discovery came three days after a Colombian citizen was arrested on charges of trying to smuggle $1 million dollars worth of liquid heroin through the airport.
In the latest incident, authorities say they were suspicious about the travel documents of a Spanish man who arrived on a flight from Peru. Jose Rayuela-Lanuza was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Jose Rayuela-Lanuza customs uncovered $4 million in heroin concealed in Peruvian candy boxes at Newark Liberty International Airport

Customs and Border Protection agents say they uncovered $4 million in heroin concealed in Peruvian candy boxes at Newark Liberty International Airport. Tuesday's discovery came three days after a Colombian citizen was arrested on charges of trying to smuggle $1 million dollars worth of liquid heroin through the airport.
In the latest incident, authorities say they were suspicious about the travel documents of a Spanish man who arrived on a flight from Peru. Jose Rayuela-Lanuza was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Michelle McKenzie sentenced to four years in prison

Michelle McKenzie of Negril, Westmoreland was fined 860,000 Guyanese dollars, the value of the drugs she was caught with.One of three Jamaicans held with cocaine in a dart board at Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana last Friday was sentenced to four years in prison on Tuesday.The Court ordered that she be deported at the end of her sentence.McKenzie, who is four months pregnant, pleaded guilty to having trafficked 956 grams of cocaine.…McKenzie left behind a two-year-old child in Jamaica

Michelle McKenzie sentenced to four years in prison

Michelle McKenzie of Negril, Westmoreland was fined 860,000 Guyanese dollars, the value of the drugs she was caught with.One of three Jamaicans held with cocaine in a dart board at Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana last Friday was sentenced to four years in prison on Tuesday.The Court ordered that she be deported at the end of her sentence.McKenzie, who is four months pregnant, pleaded guilty to having trafficked 956 grams of cocaine.…McKenzie left behind a two-year-old child in Jamaica

Carlos "El Puma" Landin sentenced to the maximum life imprisonment

Carlos "El Puma" Landin, the suspected leader of Mexico's powerful Gulf drug cartel who was one of the country's most wanted men, was arrested last year by U.S. authorities while shopping in the Texas border town of McAllen.The Gulf cartel and its armed wing the Zetas dominate smuggling routes into Texas via the violence-wracked Mexican border cities of Matamoros, Reynosa and Nuevo Laredo.
Landin was found guilty by a jury in January of a total of nine counts of drug trafficking and money laundering."U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced Landin to the maximum -- life imprisonment -- for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and various counts of distributing more than 50 kilograms of cocaine," the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement."Landin also received the maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment for conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and laundering more than $1.6 million in drug proceeds," it said.

Carlos "El Puma" Landin sentenced to the maximum life imprisonment

Carlos "El Puma" Landin, the suspected leader of Mexico's powerful Gulf drug cartel who was one of the country's most wanted men, was arrested last year by U.S. authorities while shopping in the Texas border town of McAllen.The Gulf cartel and its armed wing the Zetas dominate smuggling routes into Texas via the violence-wracked Mexican border cities of Matamoros, Reynosa and Nuevo Laredo.
Landin was found guilty by a jury in January of a total of nine counts of drug trafficking and money laundering."U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced Landin to the maximum -- life imprisonment -- for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and various counts of distributing more than 50 kilograms of cocaine," the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement."Landin also received the maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment for conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and laundering more than $1.6 million in drug proceeds," it said.

Ashley Harrod high school secretary has been arrested for allegedly serving students cocaine.

Bernalillo County deputies went to 21-year-old Ashley Harrod's northeast Albuquerque apartment Tuesday to serve her with eviction papers.New Mexico high school secretary has been busted for allegedly serving students cocaine. Inside they found Harrod and two teenage boys with cocaine on the table. Deputies also found four vials of cocaine and a glass pipe in the apartment. The boys told deputies that Harrod invited them over to get high at lunchtime. Sandia High School Students were surprised to hear an administrator was allegedly supplying drugs to students. "You'd think there would be some kind of hiring procedure to make sure we are not getting people like this, and it's a real problem and it makes teachers that are really good and really dedicated to their students, it makes them look really bad," said Dylan Waters. Albuquerque Public Schools officials said they put Harrod on paid administrative leave as soon as they found out about the incident. Harrod is facing contributing to the delinquency of a minor and drug possession charges along with two counts of child abuse.

Ashley Harrod high school secretary has been arrested for allegedly serving students cocaine.

Bernalillo County deputies went to 21-year-old Ashley Harrod's northeast Albuquerque apartment Tuesday to serve her with eviction papers.New Mexico high school secretary has been busted for allegedly serving students cocaine. Inside they found Harrod and two teenage boys with cocaine on the table. Deputies also found four vials of cocaine and a glass pipe in the apartment. The boys told deputies that Harrod invited them over to get high at lunchtime. Sandia High School Students were surprised to hear an administrator was allegedly supplying drugs to students. "You'd think there would be some kind of hiring procedure to make sure we are not getting people like this, and it's a real problem and it makes teachers that are really good and really dedicated to their students, it makes them look really bad," said Dylan Waters. Albuquerque Public Schools officials said they put Harrod on paid administrative leave as soon as they found out about the incident. Harrod is facing contributing to the delinquency of a minor and drug possession charges along with two counts of child abuse.

Ghul Khan Arghun Shah,Zarbadan Minajan executed for drug smuggling

Ghul Khan Arghun Shah and Zarbadan Minajan were sentenced to death for bringing into the kingdom packets of heroin hidden in their stomachs.They were executed in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah. Separately, Syrian Ibrahim Hussein al-Jarkh, also convicted of drug smuggling, was beheaded in the northern city of Tabuk, the ministry said.

Ghul Khan Arghun Shah,Zarbadan Minajan executed for drug smuggling

Ghul Khan Arghun Shah and Zarbadan Minajan were sentenced to death for bringing into the kingdom packets of heroin hidden in their stomachs.They were executed in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah. Separately, Syrian Ibrahim Hussein al-Jarkh, also convicted of drug smuggling, was beheaded in the northern city of Tabuk, the ministry said.

Montriel Ramont Esaw will serve more than six years in a federal prison following his conviction of distributing crack cocaine.

Montriel Ramont Esaw 23-year-old Anchorage man will serve more than six years in a federal prison following his conviction of distributing crack cocaine.
Montriel Ramont Esaw was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Anchorage. The U.S. Attorney's Office said Esaw sold more than 21 grams of crack on three occasions in 2007. Officials say when he was arrested, he was found with 20 grams of crack, 16 grams of marijuana, and just more than $2,000 in drug sale proceeds.

Montriel Ramont Esaw will serve more than six years in a federal prison following his conviction of distributing crack cocaine.

Montriel Ramont Esaw 23-year-old Anchorage man will serve more than six years in a federal prison following his conviction of distributing crack cocaine.
Montriel Ramont Esaw was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Anchorage. The U.S. Attorney's Office said Esaw sold more than 21 grams of crack on three occasions in 2007. Officials say when he was arrested, he was found with 20 grams of crack, 16 grams of marijuana, and just more than $2,000 in drug sale proceeds.

Simone Ferre charged with drug smuggling after cocaine worth £80,000

Simone Ferre, 65, has been charged with drug smuggling after cocaine worth £80,000 was found in her bag at Birmingham International Airport.Custom Officers stopped Simone Ferre, 65, as she arrived on a flight via Brussels from Nairobi, Kenya.The cocaine was discovered concealed in her hand luggage. She was remanded and will appear at court in Solihull.

Simone Ferre charged with drug smuggling after cocaine worth £80,000

Simone Ferre, 65, has been charged with drug smuggling after cocaine worth £80,000 was found in her bag at Birmingham International Airport.Custom Officers stopped Simone Ferre, 65, as she arrived on a flight via Brussels from Nairobi, Kenya.The cocaine was discovered concealed in her hand luggage. She was remanded and will appear at court in Solihull.

Jason Young, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Jason Young, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, was sentenced to eight years in prison.Jason Young, 37, of Upton Road South, Bexley, is one of four men sentenced to a total of 52 years at the Old Bailey for their roles in the plot to deal 43 kilos of the Class A drug.He was arrested on August 4 last year following a covert police operation which tracked the men to a hotel by Dartford Bridge. From there the gang went to a nearby car park where Young and Alister Morin, 34, stayed while there other accomplices, Michael Linker and James Scarciglia followed a lorry just arrived from France to Bow Arrow Lane, Dartford.Both vehicles parked up on opposite sides of the road then Linker went to the rear of the truck with the rucksacks while Scarciglia waited in the car. A bag, which was later found to contain £6,000 payment for the transportation of the drugs, was transferred to the parked vehicle.Police then swooped on the men when Scarciglia backed his car up to the rear of the lorry and Linker, who was inside the lorry, had put 43 kilos of cocaine into the rucksacks. Young, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, was sentenced to eight years in prison.Morin, 34, of Burns Avenue, Chadwell Heath, Romford, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine and was sentenced to 15 years.Scarciglia, 40, of Harrow View, Harrow, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and was sentenced to 15 years.Linker, 37, of Church Road, Frenchay, Bristol, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and was sentenced to 14 years.Mr Young was arrested last August following a covert police operation which tracked the four men to one of their exchanges in Dartford.Det Insp Grant Johnson of the specialist crime directorate said: “In this case, class A drugs with an estimated value of £5 million have been taken off the streets and the perpetrators punished for their crime.”

Jason Young, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Jason Young, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, was sentenced to eight years in prison.Jason Young, 37, of Upton Road South, Bexley, is one of four men sentenced to a total of 52 years at the Old Bailey for their roles in the plot to deal 43 kilos of the Class A drug.He was arrested on August 4 last year following a covert police operation which tracked the men to a hotel by Dartford Bridge. From there the gang went to a nearby car park where Young and Alister Morin, 34, stayed while there other accomplices, Michael Linker and James Scarciglia followed a lorry just arrived from France to Bow Arrow Lane, Dartford.Both vehicles parked up on opposite sides of the road then Linker went to the rear of the truck with the rucksacks while Scarciglia waited in the car. A bag, which was later found to contain £6,000 payment for the transportation of the drugs, was transferred to the parked vehicle.Police then swooped on the men when Scarciglia backed his car up to the rear of the lorry and Linker, who was inside the lorry, had put 43 kilos of cocaine into the rucksacks. Young, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, was sentenced to eight years in prison.Morin, 34, of Burns Avenue, Chadwell Heath, Romford, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine and was sentenced to 15 years.Scarciglia, 40, of Harrow View, Harrow, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and was sentenced to 15 years.Linker, 37, of Church Road, Frenchay, Bristol, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and was sentenced to 14 years.Mr Young was arrested last August following a covert police operation which tracked the four men to one of their exchanges in Dartford.Det Insp Grant Johnson of the specialist crime directorate said: “In this case, class A drugs with an estimated value of £5 million have been taken off the streets and the perpetrators punished for their crime.”

Shant Esrabian, is charged with first-degree murder

"The cocaine underworld is one to which violence is no stranger, and Mr. Esrabian spoke of, condoned and recognized this fact," Mr. Mack said.Hussein El-Hajj Hassan was an ambitious 27-year-old cocaine dealer who had subverted the chain of command in Ottawa's drug underworld when he was shot twice in the early evening hours of Aug. 20, 2004, assistant Crown attorney Dallas Mack told a jury yesterday. He was making his opening statement to the jury in the trial of Shant Esrabian, who is charged with first-degree murder in Mr. El-Hajj Hassan's death.Mr. Mack told the jury that Mr. Esrabian was one of the three men who stood over Mr. El-Hajj Hassan the night he was killed in an isolated wooded area of Ottawa's west end. The other men, Mark Yegin and Fadi Saleh, are also charged with first-degree murder.
Mr. Esrabian, dressed in a crisp pink button-down shirt in the prisoner's box, has pleaded not guilty.Mr. Mack told the jury that Mr. El-Hajj Hassan was fast becoming a major player in Ottawa and Cornwall's cocaine markets in the months leading up to his death. He bought tens of thousands of dollars' worth of the drug each month from Mr. Saleh, his primary supplier, Mr. Mack said.
"In the months leading up to the murder, Mr. El-Hajj Hassan had grown frustrated with Mr. Saleh's organization," Mr. Mack said.He decided to go over his supplier's head and deal directly with Rafei Ebrekdjian, the Toronto man who supplied Mr. Saleh with his cocaine, Mr. Mack said.He told the jury that the day before Mr. El-Hajj Hassan died, he travelled to Toronto with $170,000 to purchase cocaine directly from Mr. Ebrekdjian, which brought the total he had paid the Toronto supplier to more than $400,000.The shipment was supposed to come on Aug. 21, 2004.Mr. El-Hajj Hassan met with Mr. Yegin, Mr. Esrabian and Mr. Saleh on Aug. 20, under the pretense that he was going to sort out issues related to his Cornwall dealings, the prosecutor said."No one was there that night by accident," Mr. Mack told the jury.
Mr. El-Hajj Hassan's mostly naked body would not be found until almost a year later when Mr. Yegin directed police to his shallow grave.On June 27, 2005, his body was recovered, curled into the fetal position, his skull crushed and right hand hacked off.Mr. Mack described Mr. Esrabian, 29, as a Montreal cocaine dealer who had been a high school friend of Mr. Saleh's and a powerful associate in his drug organization.
Mr. Mack told the jurors they would be presented with evidence that shows Mr. Esrabian travelled from Montreal to Gatineau on Aug. 19, 2004, and that calls made from his cellphone place him in the area of Ottawa at the same time and place that Mr. El-Hajj Hassan was killed.Mr. Mack told jury members that, during the five-week trial, they would hear from drug dealers, a member of the Hells Angels, and Mr. Yegin.The first witness, who is to testify this morning, is Soumia Labrouki, Mr. El-Hajj Hassan's widow.She gave birth to their third child three months after he died

Shant Esrabian, is charged with first-degree murder

"The cocaine underworld is one to which violence is no stranger, and Mr. Esrabian spoke of, condoned and recognized this fact," Mr. Mack said.Hussein El-Hajj Hassan was an ambitious 27-year-old cocaine dealer who had subverted the chain of command in Ottawa's drug underworld when he was shot twice in the early evening hours of Aug. 20, 2004, assistant Crown attorney Dallas Mack told a jury yesterday. He was making his opening statement to the jury in the trial of Shant Esrabian, who is charged with first-degree murder in Mr. El-Hajj Hassan's death.Mr. Mack told the jury that Mr. Esrabian was one of the three men who stood over Mr. El-Hajj Hassan the night he was killed in an isolated wooded area of Ottawa's west end. The other men, Mark Yegin and Fadi Saleh, are also charged with first-degree murder.
Mr. Esrabian, dressed in a crisp pink button-down shirt in the prisoner's box, has pleaded not guilty.Mr. Mack told the jury that Mr. El-Hajj Hassan was fast becoming a major player in Ottawa and Cornwall's cocaine markets in the months leading up to his death. He bought tens of thousands of dollars' worth of the drug each month from Mr. Saleh, his primary supplier, Mr. Mack said.
"In the months leading up to the murder, Mr. El-Hajj Hassan had grown frustrated with Mr. Saleh's organization," Mr. Mack said.He decided to go over his supplier's head and deal directly with Rafei Ebrekdjian, the Toronto man who supplied Mr. Saleh with his cocaine, Mr. Mack said.He told the jury that the day before Mr. El-Hajj Hassan died, he travelled to Toronto with $170,000 to purchase cocaine directly from Mr. Ebrekdjian, which brought the total he had paid the Toronto supplier to more than $400,000.The shipment was supposed to come on Aug. 21, 2004.Mr. El-Hajj Hassan met with Mr. Yegin, Mr. Esrabian and Mr. Saleh on Aug. 20, under the pretense that he was going to sort out issues related to his Cornwall dealings, the prosecutor said."No one was there that night by accident," Mr. Mack told the jury.
Mr. El-Hajj Hassan's mostly naked body would not be found until almost a year later when Mr. Yegin directed police to his shallow grave.On June 27, 2005, his body was recovered, curled into the fetal position, his skull crushed and right hand hacked off.Mr. Mack described Mr. Esrabian, 29, as a Montreal cocaine dealer who had been a high school friend of Mr. Saleh's and a powerful associate in his drug organization.
Mr. Mack told the jurors they would be presented with evidence that shows Mr. Esrabian travelled from Montreal to Gatineau on Aug. 19, 2004, and that calls made from his cellphone place him in the area of Ottawa at the same time and place that Mr. El-Hajj Hassan was killed.Mr. Mack told jury members that, during the five-week trial, they would hear from drug dealers, a member of the Hells Angels, and Mr. Yegin.The first witness, who is to testify this morning, is Soumia Labrouki, Mr. El-Hajj Hassan's widow.She gave birth to their third child three months after he died

Gentra Maria Taylor was charged with cocaine distribution and smuggling contraband into a detention facility

Gentra Maria Taylor, 39, of 8603 N. 39th St., was charged Thursday with cocaine distribution and smuggling contraband into a detention facility.The sheriff's office reported that on April 17, a jail employee discovered the .2 grams of cocaine in a letter that was sent to inmate Detrick D. McGriff, 41. McGriff had been arrested Dec. 4 on a charge of violation of probation for possession of cocaine.The cocaine was contained in three Zip-Lock style bags.While Taylor sent McGriff two letters that day, only one contained the drug, the report said. They did not appear to have been tampered with, the report addedTaylor was picked up on a warrant at 1002 S. Lake Anoka Blvd., in Avon Park.

Gentra Maria Taylor was charged with cocaine distribution and smuggling contraband into a detention facility

Gentra Maria Taylor, 39, of 8603 N. 39th St., was charged Thursday with cocaine distribution and smuggling contraband into a detention facility.The sheriff's office reported that on April 17, a jail employee discovered the .2 grams of cocaine in a letter that was sent to inmate Detrick D. McGriff, 41. McGriff had been arrested Dec. 4 on a charge of violation of probation for possession of cocaine.The cocaine was contained in three Zip-Lock style bags.While Taylor sent McGriff two letters that day, only one contained the drug, the report said. They did not appear to have been tampered with, the report addedTaylor was picked up on a warrant at 1002 S. Lake Anoka Blvd., in Avon Park.

Nehemiah Hellems,Jimmie Rodgers Sr., and Jimmie Rodgers Jr arrest and convictions

Nehemiah Hellems appeared before the court charged with kidnapping. He's accused of holding a woman at gunpoint at a Durant Motel in August of 2007.The ultimate of several drug suppliers, began with a frantic phone call from a Durant convienence store. A woman called police saying she had escaped from a motel next door, where she had been held at gunpoint for an entire night. When her captures began cooking meth inside the room, they started a fire, which gave her a chance to escape.Authorities say the woman was kidnapped because she had snitched on a man accused of selling meth. That man, Jimmie Rodgers Sr., was one of the largest suppliers of meth to Bryan and Marshall County drug users. An investigation by Durant police and the Bryan County Drug Task Force led to at least 4 other arrests, including that of Jimmie Rodgers Sr. And police say those involved were part of one of the largest drug families in the area. "By taking them two down, it made a dent [in meth production], but like always there is someone waiting in the wings to take over," said Chuck Carroll with the Bryan County Drug Task Force.Investigators say Hellems is a secondary player in all of this. The two men in charge of the family meth ring - Jimmie Rodgers Sr., and Jimmie Rodgers Jr. - have already been to court and are now facing prison time. Hellems trial began Monday morning, and the jury began deliberations Monday afternoon.

Nehemiah Hellems,Jimmie Rodgers Sr., and Jimmie Rodgers Jr arrest and convictions

Nehemiah Hellems appeared before the court charged with kidnapping. He's accused of holding a woman at gunpoint at a Durant Motel in August of 2007.The ultimate of several drug suppliers, began with a frantic phone call from a Durant convienence store. A woman called police saying she had escaped from a motel next door, where she had been held at gunpoint for an entire night. When her captures began cooking meth inside the room, they started a fire, which gave her a chance to escape.Authorities say the woman was kidnapped because she had snitched on a man accused of selling meth. That man, Jimmie Rodgers Sr., was one of the largest suppliers of meth to Bryan and Marshall County drug users. An investigation by Durant police and the Bryan County Drug Task Force led to at least 4 other arrests, including that of Jimmie Rodgers Sr. And police say those involved were part of one of the largest drug families in the area. "By taking them two down, it made a dent [in meth production], but like always there is someone waiting in the wings to take over," said Chuck Carroll with the Bryan County Drug Task Force.Investigators say Hellems is a secondary player in all of this. The two men in charge of the family meth ring - Jimmie Rodgers Sr., and Jimmie Rodgers Jr. - have already been to court and are now facing prison time. Hellems trial began Monday morning, and the jury began deliberations Monday afternoon.

Jonathon Griffin was charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

Jonathon Griffin, aged 19, from Bonnington Close, was charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to supply.18 bags of cocaine with an estimated street value of £50,000 were recovered when police raided a property in St Helens.Officers executed a drugs warrant at Bonnington Close, Eccleston, on Saturday, April 26.

Jonathon Griffin was charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

Jonathon Griffin, aged 19, from Bonnington Close, was charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to supply.18 bags of cocaine with an estimated street value of £50,000 were recovered when police raided a property in St Helens.Officers executed a drugs warrant at Bonnington Close, Eccleston, on Saturday, April 26.

bloodiest days in Tijuana's history Luis Alfonso Velarde aka "Crutches," "Mr. Three Letters" "La Perra," all might be dead

"Crutches," a.k.a. Luis Alfonso Velarde, a reputed local drug lord with a handful of YouTubevideo tributes to his name.Another, even bigger "cartel" operative nicknamed "Mr. Three Letters" might be dead too, along with "La Perra," reported El Sol de Tijuana. And they may all have been ambushed by another cartel leader known as "El Cholo."But no one was willing to confirm any of that on the record.
Official silence, many here argue, helps feed the culture of corruption. It is a widely recognized truth that drug traffickers operate in Baja California and elsewhere with the protection of some public officials.On Tuesday, Gen. Sergio Aponte Polito, the commander of troops in the Baja region, took the extraordinary step of writing an open letter to a local newspaper that identified several law enforcement officials he alleged were linked to organized crime.
The letter's implicit argument was that officials who protect organized crime are likely to escape prosecution thanks to the culture of secrecy that surrounds law enforcement here."Isn't this corruption?" the general asked. "What a disgrace for the society of Baja California!"Calderon's government has worked hard to clean up law enforcement. His top police official, Genaro Garcia Luna, has purged the Federal Investigative Agency of corrupt cops. Soldiers have temporarily disarmed police in Tijuana and other cities, and several reputed drug bosses have been extradited to the United States.Yet the widespread violence shows few signs of abating. An estimated 2,500 people were killed in drug-related violence last year, officials say. So far this year, more than 850 people have been killed, according to tallies by news agencies.The objective measures by which U.S. officials determine the strength of the drug trafficking business also offer a mixed bag.

bloodiest days in Tijuana's history Luis Alfonso Velarde aka "Crutches," "Mr. Three Letters" "La Perra," all might be dead

"Crutches," a.k.a. Luis Alfonso Velarde, a reputed local drug lord with a handful of YouTubevideo tributes to his name.Another, even bigger "cartel" operative nicknamed "Mr. Three Letters" might be dead too, along with "La Perra," reported El Sol de Tijuana. And they may all have been ambushed by another cartel leader known as "El Cholo."But no one was willing to confirm any of that on the record.
Official silence, many here argue, helps feed the culture of corruption. It is a widely recognized truth that drug traffickers operate in Baja California and elsewhere with the protection of some public officials.On Tuesday, Gen. Sergio Aponte Polito, the commander of troops in the Baja region, took the extraordinary step of writing an open letter to a local newspaper that identified several law enforcement officials he alleged were linked to organized crime.
The letter's implicit argument was that officials who protect organized crime are likely to escape prosecution thanks to the culture of secrecy that surrounds law enforcement here."Isn't this corruption?" the general asked. "What a disgrace for the society of Baja California!"Calderon's government has worked hard to clean up law enforcement. His top police official, Genaro Garcia Luna, has purged the Federal Investigative Agency of corrupt cops. Soldiers have temporarily disarmed police in Tijuana and other cities, and several reputed drug bosses have been extradited to the United States.Yet the widespread violence shows few signs of abating. An estimated 2,500 people were killed in drug-related violence last year, officials say. So far this year, more than 850 people have been killed, according to tallies by news agencies.The objective measures by which U.S. officials determine the strength of the drug trafficking business also offer a mixed bag.

David Bancroft alleged to have been found smuggling 15kilos of the Class A drug in Dover

David Bancroft, 61,accused of smuggling nearly £250,000 worth of cocaine is alleged to have been found smuggling 15kilos of the Class A drug in Dover, Kent at the weekend.Bancroft of Nesbit Close, Wickford has been released on bail.He will appear at Dover Magistrates' Court on Thursday to face the charge

David Bancroft alleged to have been found smuggling 15kilos of the Class A drug in Dover

David Bancroft, 61,accused of smuggling nearly £250,000 worth of cocaine is alleged to have been found smuggling 15kilos of the Class A drug in Dover, Kent at the weekend.Bancroft of Nesbit Close, Wickford has been released on bail.He will appear at Dover Magistrates' Court on Thursday to face the charge

Nicholas Garland,Shane Liddy,Richard McNamara,Darryll Bennett attacked Stephen Green who died from a blood clot in the brain after the attack

The four teenagers are facing life sentences after being convicted of murder. Nicholas Garland, 18, Shane Liddy, 19, Richard McNamara, 19, and Darryll Bennett, 18, all from Luton, had all denied the charge.Four youths who were "fuelled by drink and drugs" stamped on his head and struck him with a stick. The impact of the blows dented his cycle helmet.
Stephen Green, 55, a corporal who served with the Army for nine years, was attacked in an underpass as he was cycling home from work in Dunstable, Beds.One of the teenagers was later overheard boasting to the others: "Did you see his face, did you see the way I was battering him."Prosecutors said the killers were unemployed and desperate for a "raise", which is a slang term for robbery to raise cash for alcohol and drugs.Mr Green's rucksack was taken but discarded shortly afterwards with its contents of £5.65.The victim died in hospital from a blood clot in the brain after the attack last May.
Mr Green served in the Royal Ordnance Corps and did tours of duty in Belize, Cyprus and Norway as well as serving with the UN. After leaving the Army he took a job as a factory worker in Dunstable.He was attacked last May 4 on a path that ran under the M1. Bennett stopped Mr Green as he cycled through the tunnel and demanded: "What have you got for me?"Mr Green had no time to hand anything over before he was punched to the ground and kicked repeatedly.He was left severely injured as the youths ran away laughing. It was two hours before a passer-by found him and he died 10 days later.Luton Crown Court heard that the youths went back to McNamara's home, where his mother overheard them talking.Mrs McNamara heard Bennett say: "Did you see his face, did you see the way I was battering him." McNamara replied: "You were going mad, man. I tried to get you off."Bennett then said: "I know, I was hyper. I was saying, 'I'm going to kill him, I'm going to kill him'."The teenagers were arrested on May 16. McNamara sobbed and had to be supported by a woman police officer. Mr Green's blood was found on trainers belonging to McNamara and Garland.Det Chief Insp John Giles, who led the murder inquiry, said: "These four people would clearly target innocent members of the public to pay for drugs and alcohol."In this case Mr Green was the person to fall into their trap. The amount of violence used towards him was unimaginable. This was a callous and pre-meditated crime."During this investigation we have received help from some people who are very close to the offenders and I would like to thank them for their assistance."Mr Green's brother, Richard, 53, said: "Our family was devastated by the loss of Stephen."Memories of him, especially his smile, will be with us for ever. He loved life, enjoying trips out, the theatre, football and most of all he enjoyed our family gatherings."His mother, Thora, said: "We were very proud of him. Stephen was loved by us all and also by our friends. He was so generous and kind and gave donations to charities."He was also a blood donor and had a tie pin for 10 years reflecting his commitment to giving blood and helping others. Stephen will never be forgotten."

Nicholas Garland,Shane Liddy,Richard McNamara,Darryll Bennett attacked Stephen Green who died from a blood clot in the brain after the attack

The four teenagers are facing life sentences after being convicted of murder. Nicholas Garland, 18, Shane Liddy, 19, Richard McNamara, 19, and Darryll Bennett, 18, all from Luton, had all denied the charge.Four youths who were "fuelled by drink and drugs" stamped on his head and struck him with a stick. The impact of the blows dented his cycle helmet.
Stephen Green, 55, a corporal who served with the Army for nine years, was attacked in an underpass as he was cycling home from work in Dunstable, Beds.One of the teenagers was later overheard boasting to the others: "Did you see his face, did you see the way I was battering him."Prosecutors said the killers were unemployed and desperate for a "raise", which is a slang term for robbery to raise cash for alcohol and drugs.Mr Green's rucksack was taken but discarded shortly afterwards with its contents of £5.65.The victim died in hospital from a blood clot in the brain after the attack last May.
Mr Green served in the Royal Ordnance Corps and did tours of duty in Belize, Cyprus and Norway as well as serving with the UN. After leaving the Army he took a job as a factory worker in Dunstable.He was attacked last May 4 on a path that ran under the M1. Bennett stopped Mr Green as he cycled through the tunnel and demanded: "What have you got for me?"Mr Green had no time to hand anything over before he was punched to the ground and kicked repeatedly.He was left severely injured as the youths ran away laughing. It was two hours before a passer-by found him and he died 10 days later.Luton Crown Court heard that the youths went back to McNamara's home, where his mother overheard them talking.Mrs McNamara heard Bennett say: "Did you see his face, did you see the way I was battering him." McNamara replied: "You were going mad, man. I tried to get you off."Bennett then said: "I know, I was hyper. I was saying, 'I'm going to kill him, I'm going to kill him'."The teenagers were arrested on May 16. McNamara sobbed and had to be supported by a woman police officer. Mr Green's blood was found on trainers belonging to McNamara and Garland.Det Chief Insp John Giles, who led the murder inquiry, said: "These four people would clearly target innocent members of the public to pay for drugs and alcohol."In this case Mr Green was the person to fall into their trap. The amount of violence used towards him was unimaginable. This was a callous and pre-meditated crime."During this investigation we have received help from some people who are very close to the offenders and I would like to thank them for their assistance."Mr Green's brother, Richard, 53, said: "Our family was devastated by the loss of Stephen."Memories of him, especially his smile, will be with us for ever. He loved life, enjoying trips out, the theatre, football and most of all he enjoyed our family gatherings."His mother, Thora, said: "We were very proud of him. Stephen was loved by us all and also by our friends. He was so generous and kind and gave donations to charities."He was also a blood donor and had a tie pin for 10 years reflecting his commitment to giving blood and helping others. Stephen will never be forgotten."

Brittany Baxter-Stuchell lost her job as a preschool teacher for selling cocaine

20-year-old Carson City woman who lost her job as a preschool teacher for selling cocaine in an undercover sting was sentenced to 30 days in Douglas County Jail as part of her probation.District Judge Michael Gibbons ordered Brittany Baxter-Stuchell to turn herself in on Monday. He delayed imposition of the sentence so Baxter-Stuchell could attend a funeral.She pleaded guilty to sale of a controlled substance stemming from a Feb. 28, 2007, transaction in the parking lot at Target in north Douglas County.According to court documents, the sheriff's Street Enforcement Team set up the purchase. Baxter-Stuchell allegedly took the cocaine from her purse and said she could provide marijuana, Ecstasy or hallucinogenic mushrooms.She said Monday she no longer associates with her co-defendants, one of whom had been her boyfriend."These are not people or situations I surround myself with," she said.
"You may not think you're a drug dealer - you're not importing drugs from Colombia - but in pleading guilty to sale of a controlled substance, you're a drug dealer," Gibbons said.Her lawyer, Derrick Lopez, said Baxter-Stuchell realized the felony conviction put her dreams of becoming a teacher on hold for at least 15 years until her record may be sealed."She did have dreams of becoming a teacher," Lopez said. "She knows now that is gone for a very long time. That is a significant punishment."She received probation because she cooperated with law enforcement in other drug investigations. "I know I made a very big mistake," Baxter-Stuchell said. "I am not on drugs. I hurt my family very badly and I hurt my schooling. I am taking full responsibility."Gibbons suspended a three-year sentence in Nevada State Prison and placed Stuchell on three years probation.She must undergo substance abuse evaluation and treatment and may not use drugs or alcohol during probation.
He ordered her to pay $1,000 restitution at $150 per month. She must graduate from high school or earn her general educational development certification and pay $500 to reimburse the county for her court-appointed attorney.She faced six years in prison and a $20,000 fine

Brittany Baxter-Stuchell lost her job as a preschool teacher for selling cocaine

20-year-old Carson City woman who lost her job as a preschool teacher for selling cocaine in an undercover sting was sentenced to 30 days in Douglas County Jail as part of her probation.District Judge Michael Gibbons ordered Brittany Baxter-Stuchell to turn herself in on Monday. He delayed imposition of the sentence so Baxter-Stuchell could attend a funeral.She pleaded guilty to sale of a controlled substance stemming from a Feb. 28, 2007, transaction in the parking lot at Target in north Douglas County.According to court documents, the sheriff's Street Enforcement Team set up the purchase. Baxter-Stuchell allegedly took the cocaine from her purse and said she could provide marijuana, Ecstasy or hallucinogenic mushrooms.She said Monday she no longer associates with her co-defendants, one of whom had been her boyfriend."These are not people or situations I surround myself with," she said.
"You may not think you're a drug dealer - you're not importing drugs from Colombia - but in pleading guilty to sale of a controlled substance, you're a drug dealer," Gibbons said.Her lawyer, Derrick Lopez, said Baxter-Stuchell realized the felony conviction put her dreams of becoming a teacher on hold for at least 15 years until her record may be sealed."She did have dreams of becoming a teacher," Lopez said. "She knows now that is gone for a very long time. That is a significant punishment."She received probation because she cooperated with law enforcement in other drug investigations. "I know I made a very big mistake," Baxter-Stuchell said. "I am not on drugs. I hurt my family very badly and I hurt my schooling. I am taking full responsibility."Gibbons suspended a three-year sentence in Nevada State Prison and placed Stuchell on three years probation.She must undergo substance abuse evaluation and treatment and may not use drugs or alcohol during probation.
He ordered her to pay $1,000 restitution at $150 per month. She must graduate from high school or earn her general educational development certification and pay $500 to reimburse the county for her court-appointed attorney.She faced six years in prison and a $20,000 fine

Curtis Newton Jr aka Munchy charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance

Curtis Newton Jr., who is also known as "Munchy," was charged with Thursday third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (cocaine), a felony; fourth-degree criminal possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor; and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor, because his 11-year-old brother was present during the alleged crime.Newton's girlfriend, 22-year-old Megan Martin, was at the scene of 102 Greenvale Circle, a Greenburgh Housing Authority property, and was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation.Newton had been barred from the housing property for several years, but had recently had his restriction order rescinded and was living with his mother at the time of the arrest, according to police.

Curtis Newton Jr aka Munchy charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance

Curtis Newton Jr., who is also known as "Munchy," was charged with Thursday third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (cocaine), a felony; fourth-degree criminal possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor; and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor, because his 11-year-old brother was present during the alleged crime.Newton's girlfriend, 22-year-old Megan Martin, was at the scene of 102 Greenvale Circle, a Greenburgh Housing Authority property, and was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation.Newton had been barred from the housing property for several years, but had recently had his restriction order rescinded and was living with his mother at the time of the arrest, according to police.

Brian Brendon Wright was jailed for 30 years ordered to pay a confiscation order of £2,311,371

Convicted drug smuggler Brian Brendon Wright was today ordered to pay a confiscation order of £2,311,371 following a hearing at Woolwich Crown Court. Wright, 61, who headed an international drugs smuggling gang, was jailed for 30 years in April 2007 having been found guilty of conspiracy to evade prohibition on the importation of a controlled drug and the conspiracy to supply drugs. His Honour Judge Peter Moss today told Wright that he would have to serve a consecutive 10 years default sentence if the money was not paid in 12 months. Robert Alder, Head of Restraint & Confiscation Unit, HM Revenue & Customs, Criminal Investigation Division, said: "The size of this Confiscation Order reflects Brian Brendon Wright's role at the very top of a global organised crime network that lived off the misery of the countless victims of the illegal drug trade. "Confiscation Orders like this ensure that career criminals such as Wright are denied the opportunity to profit from their crimes."
Wright, originally from the Republic of Ireland, lived a luxurious lifestyle. He portrayed himself as a wealthy entrepreneur and professional gambler with an avid interest in the horseracing world. His friends and associates included many noted figures from the sports and entertainment industries. However, in reality he was the mastermind behind several multi-million pound cocaine shipments into the UK.
Passing sentence, Judge Peter Moss told him: "You were a master criminal, manipulative, influential and powerful." He added: "I accept that you will be a very much older man when you are entitled to be released." The investigation that led to 20 convictions worldwide with jail sentences totalling over 250 years, followed an unsuccessful smuggling attempt in September 1996 using a vessel named the Sea Mist which was discovered carrying 599kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of £80 million. Over the next two years four further drug shipments were smuggled ashore.
In February 1999, officers seized 472kg of cocaine from a lock-up garage in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex and from a farm in Laleham in Surrey. Following the arrest of several members of his gang, Wright, fled to northern Cyprus in 1999. He was eventually discovered in hiding in Spain in 2005 and extradited to the UK.
The case was prosecuted on behalf of HMRC by The Revenue & Customs Prosecution Office (RCPO) which was created by Royal Assent on 07 April 2005 and is an independent prosecuting authority reporting directly to the Attorney General.

Brian Brendon Wright was jailed for 30 years ordered to pay a confiscation order of £2,311,371

Convicted drug smuggler Brian Brendon Wright was today ordered to pay a confiscation order of £2,311,371 following a hearing at Woolwich Crown Court. Wright, 61, who headed an international drugs smuggling gang, was jailed for 30 years in April 2007 having been found guilty of conspiracy to evade prohibition on the importation of a controlled drug and the conspiracy to supply drugs. His Honour Judge Peter Moss today told Wright that he would have to serve a consecutive 10 years default sentence if the money was not paid in 12 months. Robert Alder, Head of Restraint & Confiscation Unit, HM Revenue & Customs, Criminal Investigation Division, said: "The size of this Confiscation Order reflects Brian Brendon Wright's role at the very top of a global organised crime network that lived off the misery of the countless victims of the illegal drug trade. "Confiscation Orders like this ensure that career criminals such as Wright are denied the opportunity to profit from their crimes."
Wright, originally from the Republic of Ireland, lived a luxurious lifestyle. He portrayed himself as a wealthy entrepreneur and professional gambler with an avid interest in the horseracing world. His friends and associates included many noted figures from the sports and entertainment industries. However, in reality he was the mastermind behind several multi-million pound cocaine shipments into the UK.
Passing sentence, Judge Peter Moss told him: "You were a master criminal, manipulative, influential and powerful." He added: "I accept that you will be a very much older man when you are entitled to be released." The investigation that led to 20 convictions worldwide with jail sentences totalling over 250 years, followed an unsuccessful smuggling attempt in September 1996 using a vessel named the Sea Mist which was discovered carrying 599kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of £80 million. Over the next two years four further drug shipments were smuggled ashore.
In February 1999, officers seized 472kg of cocaine from a lock-up garage in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex and from a farm in Laleham in Surrey. Following the arrest of several members of his gang, Wright, fled to northern Cyprus in 1999. He was eventually discovered in hiding in Spain in 2005 and extradited to the UK.
The case was prosecuted on behalf of HMRC by The Revenue & Customs Prosecution Office (RCPO) which was created by Royal Assent on 07 April 2005 and is an independent prosecuting authority reporting directly to the Attorney General.

Mohammed Tayeb Ahmed one of the world's top hashish traffickers captured

Mohammed Tayeb Ahmed was arrested Wednesday as he was driving around in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Morocco's northern coast.
Spanish police have captured one of the world's top hashish traffickers, who escaped from a Moroccan prison five months ago, police said Thursday. Morocco had issued an international arrest warrant for the drug lord, known in Spain as El Nene, who was serving an eight-year sentence in the prison of Kenitra, 40 kilometres north of the capital Rabat. Ahmed, who had accumulated a fortune estimated to be worth 30 million euros (47 million dollars), had bribed prison personnel into allowing him to have three cells with air conditioning, television, DVD and a computer with internet access, according to Spanish police. His escape with the help of prison guards did not become known until a week later. Eight guards have been handed sentences ranging from 2 to 4 years in the affair. Ahmed was originally from Ceuta, a city of some 75,000 residents, many of whom are of Moroccan origin. Ceuta had stepped up security controls after nine Islamists fled from the same Kenitra prison earlier this month. The nine had been convicted of involvement in the 2003 Casablanca suicide bombings which claimed 45 lives. Morocco has been regarded as the world's top hashish producer, but it could be losing that position to Afghanistan after a government campaign against cannabis cultivation eradicated a part of the crop. Moroccan farmers are growing cannabis - the plant from which hashish is made - on an estimated 60,000 hectares. Traffickers like Ahmed then smuggle the drug through Spain to the European market.

Mohammed Tayeb Ahmed one of the world's top hashish traffickers captured

Mohammed Tayeb Ahmed was arrested Wednesday as he was driving around in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Morocco's northern coast.
Spanish police have captured one of the world's top hashish traffickers, who escaped from a Moroccan prison five months ago, police said Thursday. Morocco had issued an international arrest warrant for the drug lord, known in Spain as El Nene, who was serving an eight-year sentence in the prison of Kenitra, 40 kilometres north of the capital Rabat. Ahmed, who had accumulated a fortune estimated to be worth 30 million euros (47 million dollars), had bribed prison personnel into allowing him to have three cells with air conditioning, television, DVD and a computer with internet access, according to Spanish police. His escape with the help of prison guards did not become known until a week later. Eight guards have been handed sentences ranging from 2 to 4 years in the affair. Ahmed was originally from Ceuta, a city of some 75,000 residents, many of whom are of Moroccan origin. Ceuta had stepped up security controls after nine Islamists fled from the same Kenitra prison earlier this month. The nine had been convicted of involvement in the 2003 Casablanca suicide bombings which claimed 45 lives. Morocco has been regarded as the world's top hashish producer, but it could be losing that position to Afghanistan after a government campaign against cannabis cultivation eradicated a part of the crop. Moroccan farmers are growing cannabis - the plant from which hashish is made - on an estimated 60,000 hectares. Traffickers like Ahmed then smuggle the drug through Spain to the European market.

Juan "The Ice Man" Romo-Jimenez arrested charged with criminal racketeering

Juan "The Ice Man" Romo-Jimenez, whom authorities identified as the leader of a drug ring, was arrested Wednesday morning when cops raided his home near Apopka.Nearly three dozen people, including Romo-Jimenez, were named in a grand-jury indictment accusing them of conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 400 grams, a first-degree felony, the Orange County Sheriff's Office stated.Five documented gang members and associates, also including Romo-Jimenez, were charged with criminal racketeering.
The street gang named in the indictment is linked to homicides, home invasions and armed robberies across the state, sheriff's Cmdr. Victor Payne said.
"This case had a huge community impact," said Lt. Carl Metzger of the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation. "Residents in that portion of Orange County should sleep better."Four SWAT teams executed the search warrants early Wednesday, netting 33 arrests, including seven people in custody from a March sting and four others not named in the indictment.Officers are still searching for 14 people.Six months ago, Orange County's gang unit began investigatinggang members and associates selling drugs in Pine Hills, Apopka, Winter Park and northwest Orange County. Investigators found that the drugs being sold were coming from Mexico, Payne said.Last month, seven people connected to the drug-smuggling ring who were supplying the Orange County dealers were arrested, including Romo-Jimenez's main supplier, Metzger said.
Deputies recovered 4 kilograms of cocaine worth about $300,000 and four guns in March, Payne said.On Wednesday, several agencies worked together on the arrests. Metzger called the collaboration a "perfect example of teamwork."During Wednesday's operation, officers recovered $3,000 in cash, six cars, 110 grams of cocaine and several guns, including three rifles and four handguns.

Juan "The Ice Man" Romo-Jimenez arrested charged with criminal racketeering

Juan "The Ice Man" Romo-Jimenez, whom authorities identified as the leader of a drug ring, was arrested Wednesday morning when cops raided his home near Apopka.Nearly three dozen people, including Romo-Jimenez, were named in a grand-jury indictment accusing them of conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 400 grams, a first-degree felony, the Orange County Sheriff's Office stated.Five documented gang members and associates, also including Romo-Jimenez, were charged with criminal racketeering.
The street gang named in the indictment is linked to homicides, home invasions and armed robberies across the state, sheriff's Cmdr. Victor Payne said.
"This case had a huge community impact," said Lt. Carl Metzger of the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation. "Residents in that portion of Orange County should sleep better."Four SWAT teams executed the search warrants early Wednesday, netting 33 arrests, including seven people in custody from a March sting and four others not named in the indictment.Officers are still searching for 14 people.Six months ago, Orange County's gang unit began investigatinggang members and associates selling drugs in Pine Hills, Apopka, Winter Park and northwest Orange County. Investigators found that the drugs being sold were coming from Mexico, Payne said.Last month, seven people connected to the drug-smuggling ring who were supplying the Orange County dealers were arrested, including Romo-Jimenez's main supplier, Metzger said.
Deputies recovered 4 kilograms of cocaine worth about $300,000 and four guns in March, Payne said.On Wednesday, several agencies worked together on the arrests. Metzger called the collaboration a "perfect example of teamwork."During Wednesday's operation, officers recovered $3,000 in cash, six cars, 110 grams of cocaine and several guns, including three rifles and four handguns.

Dennis George Grant is alleged to be a "major figure in the ring,"

Canada-wide arrest warrant for Dennis George Grant, 31, following a month-long probe into the smuggling operation, in which a man imported narcotics into Canada and then sold the drugs to distributors.The ring was uncovered by officers working out of Peel police 12 Division.Grant, who lives in the City Centre, is alleged to be a "major figure in the ring," according to Peel Cst. Samantha Nulle.He's wanted for unauthorized possession of a firearm (two counts), careless storage of a firearm (two counts), possession of a controlled substance and numerous other firearms, drug and property offences."Investigators believe that he is in possession of a firearm and should be considered armed and extremely dangerous," Nulle said.Grant is described as black, 5-foot-8, 150 pounds. He has short black hair and a large mole on his right cheek next to his nose.He's known to travel extensively throughout Canada, the United States and Jamaica. He might be travelling under an alias, Shawn Aulotte, police said. He holds a passport under that name. Grant is also known to frequent downtown Toronto.

Dennis George Grant is alleged to be a "major figure in the ring,"

Canada-wide arrest warrant for Dennis George Grant, 31, following a month-long probe into the smuggling operation, in which a man imported narcotics into Canada and then sold the drugs to distributors.The ring was uncovered by officers working out of Peel police 12 Division.Grant, who lives in the City Centre, is alleged to be a "major figure in the ring," according to Peel Cst. Samantha Nulle.He's wanted for unauthorized possession of a firearm (two counts), careless storage of a firearm (two counts), possession of a controlled substance and numerous other firearms, drug and property offences."Investigators believe that he is in possession of a firearm and should be considered armed and extremely dangerous," Nulle said.Grant is described as black, 5-foot-8, 150 pounds. He has short black hair and a large mole on his right cheek next to his nose.He's known to travel extensively throughout Canada, the United States and Jamaica. He might be travelling under an alias, Shawn Aulotte, police said. He holds a passport under that name. Grant is also known to frequent downtown Toronto.

Tibor Liska pleaded guilty of selling by mail some 12,000 packets a month of sildenafil

businessman who sold Viagra-laced chocolate as a food supplement called "Boom" was indicted Wednesday for mail fraud by a federal judge, and faces 20 years in jail if found guilty.Tibor Liska pleaded guilty of selling by mail some 12,000 packets a month of sildenafil -- a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction sold under various names, including Viagra -- mixed with chocolate and herbs, US Attorney Michael Garcia said.The "Boom" food supplements were distributed between March 2006 and November 2007 through the Yoi Jin Sei company in the United States, Australia, Colombia, Switzerland, Russia, Argentina, Japan and Slovakia, Garcia added.
The publicity surrounding the product said it contained plant-based food supplements, without specifying that it contained a drug that requires a prescription and could have side effects.Liska was charged with mail fraud and could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years behind bars and fined up to 250,000 dollars if found guilty, Garcia said.He is due for trial on July 25.

Tibor Liska pleaded guilty of selling by mail some 12,000 packets a month of sildenafil

businessman who sold Viagra-laced chocolate as a food supplement called "Boom" was indicted Wednesday for mail fraud by a federal judge, and faces 20 years in jail if found guilty.Tibor Liska pleaded guilty of selling by mail some 12,000 packets a month of sildenafil -- a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction sold under various names, including Viagra -- mixed with chocolate and herbs, US Attorney Michael Garcia said.The "Boom" food supplements were distributed between March 2006 and November 2007 through the Yoi Jin Sei company in the United States, Australia, Colombia, Switzerland, Russia, Argentina, Japan and Slovakia, Garcia added.
The publicity surrounding the product said it contained plant-based food supplements, without specifying that it contained a drug that requires a prescription and could have side effects.Liska was charged with mail fraud and could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years behind bars and fined up to 250,000 dollars if found guilty, Garcia said.He is due for trial on July 25.

Tyrone Bolden sentenced to 30 years as a career offender on drug and firearm charges

Tyrone Bolden, 30, who has 13 prior convictions, was sentenced to 30 years as a career offender on drug and firearm charges by Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony Alaimo.Bolden must serve the entire sentence and, upon release from prison, will be supervised for eight years by probation officers."He's a longtime drug dealer, gun-toter and thug. He's earned the status of career offender, and I recommend a life sentence because he's certainly earned it," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Darrin McCullough, arguing for the maximum penalty allowed in the case.During the sentencing, Bolden maintained his innocence and said he needed treatment for a cocaine addiction.A federal jury in Brunswick convicted Bolden on Feb. 5 of his most recent crimes, single counts of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine and possession of a firearm by a felon.Bolden had a loaded .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol to protect his hidden stash of crack on Dec. 12, 2006, when investigators with the Glynn-Brunswick Narcotics Enforcement Team searched his bedroom at his family's Reynolds Street home, according to testimony and evidence during his trial.Investigators discovered about a half-ounce of crack with an estimated street value of $1,200 to $1,400, along with some Xanax tablets in a hidden compartment behind the headboard of Bolden's bed, Capt. Terry Wright, the commander of the enforcement team, told the Times-Union after the sentencing.
The gun was found beneath the mattress of the bed, McCullough said during the sentencing.Wright said Bolden fled before the search but the U.S. Marshals Service arrested him later in Orlando. An investigation by U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents determined Bolden had gotten the pistol from another individual, he said.Before being sentenced, Bolden protested his conviction to Alaimo."I'm wrongly accused. ... I'm not guilty and I'm appealing because it's not right," complained Bolden, who also said he needed treatment for his cocaine addition, not prison.
His attorney, John Gilmore, argued for leniency, telling the judge that Bolden's many children needed him and that his past convictions involved "very small amounts" of drugs.
"He keeps going back to dealing drugs to support his own [drug addiction] needs. He has a large number of children that depend on him, and because he was dealing crack, there is a large racial disparity in sentencing against him," Gilmore said.
In response, McCullough told the judge that Bolden at 30 already has "13 convictions, nine illegitimate children and is a danger to the public."
Three of Bolden's past convictions were for felony drug offenses, court records show.
The judge ordered Bolden, who has been jailed since his arrest, immediately taken to prison to begin serving his sentence.

Tyrone Bolden sentenced to 30 years as a career offender on drug and firearm charges

Tyrone Bolden, 30, who has 13 prior convictions, was sentenced to 30 years as a career offender on drug and firearm charges by Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony Alaimo.Bolden must serve the entire sentence and, upon release from prison, will be supervised for eight years by probation officers."He's a longtime drug dealer, gun-toter and thug. He's earned the status of career offender, and I recommend a life sentence because he's certainly earned it," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Darrin McCullough, arguing for the maximum penalty allowed in the case.During the sentencing, Bolden maintained his innocence and said he needed treatment for a cocaine addiction.A federal jury in Brunswick convicted Bolden on Feb. 5 of his most recent crimes, single counts of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine and possession of a firearm by a felon.Bolden had a loaded .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol to protect his hidden stash of crack on Dec. 12, 2006, when investigators with the Glynn-Brunswick Narcotics Enforcement Team searched his bedroom at his family's Reynolds Street home, according to testimony and evidence during his trial.Investigators discovered about a half-ounce of crack with an estimated street value of $1,200 to $1,400, along with some Xanax tablets in a hidden compartment behind the headboard of Bolden's bed, Capt. Terry Wright, the commander of the enforcement team, told the Times-Union after the sentencing.
The gun was found beneath the mattress of the bed, McCullough said during the sentencing.Wright said Bolden fled before the search but the U.S. Marshals Service arrested him later in Orlando. An investigation by U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents determined Bolden had gotten the pistol from another individual, he said.Before being sentenced, Bolden protested his conviction to Alaimo."I'm wrongly accused. ... I'm not guilty and I'm appealing because it's not right," complained Bolden, who also said he needed treatment for his cocaine addition, not prison.
His attorney, John Gilmore, argued for leniency, telling the judge that Bolden's many children needed him and that his past convictions involved "very small amounts" of drugs.
"He keeps going back to dealing drugs to support his own [drug addiction] needs. He has a large number of children that depend on him, and because he was dealing crack, there is a large racial disparity in sentencing against him," Gilmore said.
In response, McCullough told the judge that Bolden at 30 already has "13 convictions, nine illegitimate children and is a danger to the public."
Three of Bolden's past convictions were for felony drug offenses, court records show.
The judge ordered Bolden, who has been jailed since his arrest, immediately taken to prison to begin serving his sentence.

Drug smugglers arrested for the murder of a revenue intelligence officer Tarun Knti Dutta

Gang of drug smugglers with one of them wanted by the Assam police for the murder of a revenue intelligence officer have been arrested by the North 24
Parganas district police and two vehicles used by them seized.The four were arrested from a flat at Baguihati near the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport on Saturday night, said Additional Superintendent of Police North 24 Parganas, Subrata Sen.Ten kg of gangja, 500 grams of heroin and 21 cell phones were seized from them, he said. They were dentified as Pakhi Miyan alias Hazi Samsul Haque, Karim, Gyanendra Das and Ali Ahmed. After interrogating them the police raided a place in Bally in Howrah district and seized two vehicles used for transporting consignments, Sen said.Of the four Pakhi, originally a resident of Bharat 1village in Assam's Nagaon district was wanted by Assam police for his alleged involvement in the murder of a revenue
intelligence officer, Tarun Knti Dutta in 2006. According to police sources, Dutta was murdered because he conducted a series of raids in the Mourajhar area in Assam, where Pakhi operated from.Pakhi also had 21 drug smuggling cases against him. "He is a very big catch so far as drug peddling in concerned and after interrogation we think we might get some leads," Sen said.

Drug smugglers arrested for the murder of a revenue intelligence officer Tarun Knti Dutta

Gang of drug smugglers with one of them wanted by the Assam police for the murder of a revenue intelligence officer have been arrested by the North 24
Parganas district police and two vehicles used by them seized.The four were arrested from a flat at Baguihati near the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport on Saturday night, said Additional Superintendent of Police North 24 Parganas, Subrata Sen.Ten kg of gangja, 500 grams of heroin and 21 cell phones were seized from them, he said. They were dentified as Pakhi Miyan alias Hazi Samsul Haque, Karim, Gyanendra Das and Ali Ahmed. After interrogating them the police raided a place in Bally in Howrah district and seized two vehicles used for transporting consignments, Sen said.Of the four Pakhi, originally a resident of Bharat 1village in Assam's Nagaon district was wanted by Assam police for his alleged involvement in the murder of a revenue
intelligence officer, Tarun Knti Dutta in 2006. According to police sources, Dutta was murdered because he conducted a series of raids in the Mourajhar area in Assam, where Pakhi operated from.Pakhi also had 21 drug smuggling cases against him. "He is a very big catch so far as drug peddling in concerned and after interrogation we think we might get some leads," Sen said.

Yasemin Vatansever and Yatunde Diya are being held in a correctional home for girls in Accra should be released July 17

Two teenage British girls sentenced in January by a Ghana court to one year in prison for smuggling cocaine will serve the full 12 months of their sentence and should be released July 17, a lawyer told AFP today.The sentence included time already served and a British diplomat said at the time of the sentencing the two girls, now aged 17, were likely to be released April 18 as they would qualify for a three-month reduction."The defence lawyer told us that once the girls were sentenced to one year, it would mean nine months as a three-month remission would routinely be allowed provided there was good behaviour," said Sabine Zanker, a lawyer with Fair Trials Abroad, the Britain-based body that provided legal representation for the girls."Until two or three weeks before April 18 it was his understanding they would be released" on that date, she told AFP by telephone from London."But the prison authorities said the reduction would not be applicable to juveniles. The rationale behind this is that the idea of rehabilitation is more important than punishment," Zanker continued.Yasemin Vatansever and Yatunde Diya are being held in a correctional home for girls in Accra.The two were stopped with 300,000 pounds worth of cocaine on July 2 last year, during a joint Ghanaian-British narcotics operation, British officials have said.They had entered the country in late June and been due to board a British Airways flight back to London when they were arrested.

Yasemin Vatansever and Yatunde Diya are being held in a correctional home for girls in Accra should be released July 17

Two teenage British girls sentenced in January by a Ghana court to one year in prison for smuggling cocaine will serve the full 12 months of their sentence and should be released July 17, a lawyer told AFP today.The sentence included time already served and a British diplomat said at the time of the sentencing the two girls, now aged 17, were likely to be released April 18 as they would qualify for a three-month reduction."The defence lawyer told us that once the girls were sentenced to one year, it would mean nine months as a three-month remission would routinely be allowed provided there was good behaviour," said Sabine Zanker, a lawyer with Fair Trials Abroad, the Britain-based body that provided legal representation for the girls."Until two or three weeks before April 18 it was his understanding they would be released" on that date, she told AFP by telephone from London."But the prison authorities said the reduction would not be applicable to juveniles. The rationale behind this is that the idea of rehabilitation is more important than punishment," Zanker continued.Yasemin Vatansever and Yatunde Diya are being held in a correctional home for girls in Accra.The two were stopped with 300,000 pounds worth of cocaine on July 2 last year, during a joint Ghanaian-British narcotics operation, British officials have said.They had entered the country in late June and been due to board a British Airways flight back to London when they were arrested.

Transtar, Neptune Tours, Los Primos, USA-MEX and Ameri-MEX charter services

The indictment identifies five ringleaders who were owners and managers, including three from the area: Abel Trevino Jr., 43, of Houston; Victor Hinojosa, 41, of Houston; and Oscar Jaime Garcia Prado, 42, of Brookshire. Others are Miguel Montemayor, 39, of Roma and Eduardo Trevino, 40, of Linares, Mexico.Those accused as drivers and loaders include: Leticia Enedina Fournier, 58; Guadalupe Karr Cortez, 47; Jesse Trevino, 48; and Alejandro Carmargo-Guerra, 59, all of Houston; Victor Rocha, 39, of Dickinson; and Enrique Alvaro Saldana, 53, of Roma. Another set of defendants is accused of using and paying for drug-transport services: Rafael Armando Ramirez, 32, of Houston; Guadalupe Castaneda, 46, of Roma; Eduardo Cirilo, 43, of Pharr; Eduardo Salinas, 29, of Mission; Jose Armando Muniz, 33, of Weslaco; and Luis Larios, 36, and Robert Salazar Rivera, 48, both of Monterrey.

Transtar, Neptune Tours, Los Primos, USA-MEX and Ameri-MEX charter services

The indictment identifies five ringleaders who were owners and managers, including three from the area: Abel Trevino Jr., 43, of Houston; Victor Hinojosa, 41, of Houston; and Oscar Jaime Garcia Prado, 42, of Brookshire. Others are Miguel Montemayor, 39, of Roma and Eduardo Trevino, 40, of Linares, Mexico.Those accused as drivers and loaders include: Leticia Enedina Fournier, 58; Guadalupe Karr Cortez, 47; Jesse Trevino, 48; and Alejandro Carmargo-Guerra, 59, all of Houston; Victor Rocha, 39, of Dickinson; and Enrique Alvaro Saldana, 53, of Roma. Another set of defendants is accused of using and paying for drug-transport services: Rafael Armando Ramirez, 32, of Houston; Guadalupe Castaneda, 46, of Roma; Eduardo Cirilo, 43, of Pharr; Eduardo Salinas, 29, of Mission; Jose Armando Muniz, 33, of Weslaco; and Luis Larios, 36, and Robert Salazar Rivera, 48, both of Monterrey.

Eighteen people have been charged in the alleged Mexican drug importation ring that used modified commercial buses

Eighteen people have been charged in the alleged Mexican drug importation ring that used modified commercial buses to smuggle cocaine and marijuana to Houston, Dallas and other U.S. cities.A 16-count federal indictment unsealed Wednesday charges the defendants with drug trafficking and money laundering among other felonies that carry penalties up to life in prison.At least 10 defendants, including several from the Houston area, were arrested Wednesday. The list includes owners, managers, drivers and loaders. The indictment alleges that the owners and managers of Transtar, Neptune Tours, Los Primos, USA-MEX and Ameri-MEX charter services transported drugs in exchange for thousands of dollars in kickbacks from cartels. The managers used their share to pay drivers and loaders. The companies have offices and terminals in Houston, San Antonio, Roma, Rio Grande City and across the border in Monterrey, Mexico.Drug dealers paid $500 to get one kilo of cocaine from south of the border to Houston and as much as $7,000 to get the same load all the way to New York.White House Drug Czar John Walters, in Houston Wednesday for a news conference about the investigation, said this case shows officials are "taking meat off the bone" by reducing the flow of drugs into the United States and forcing smugglers to resort to sophisticated schemes to avoid detection."They are paying sums they never paid before because it's more dangerous to bring drugs into the United States because we are creating more risk at the border and inside the United States," Walters said."Our goal is to reinforce what's going well in these individual cases on a wider and wider scale and drive the information that these cases give us back to the top of these criminal organizations. ... "Walters also credited cooperation from the Mexican government.Officials said the operation sent millions to Mexico and linked it to Mexican and South American drug cartels, but declined to offer specifics. U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle said unsuspecting passengers who booked seats on the buses secretly packed with illegal drugs were in potential danger, but traveled unharmed.Authorities were alerted in 2001 about allegations that passenger bus services were fronts for drug smuggling. Officials opened an investigation in 2003. The probe was nicknamed Operation Road King II and continued through last month.During the undercover operation, officials seized 570 kilograms of cocaine, 3,000 pounds of marijuana and thousands in cash, DeGabrielle said.Cocaine and marijuana were found in clandestine nooks in luggage compartments, undercarriages and other places in at least seven vehicles, he said. Contraband is alleged to have been smuggled from the Rio Grande Valley to Houston, Dallas, Allentown, Pa., and Joliet, Ill.Prosecutors pursued criminal charges last year. A Houston grand jury handed down an indictment on March 31. The government also seeks forfeiture of eight Houston homes that were allegedly purchased with the proceeds of the enterprise.All 18 in Houston's indictment are charged in the conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana and face a minimum sentence of 10 years if convicted. Most are also included in the conspiracy to launder drug proceeds, which carries up to 20 years upon conviction. The other 14 counts of the indictment involve aiding and abetting the possession of drugs with intent to distribute, which carries a range of punishments from five years to life imprisonment plus millions of dollars in fines.

Eighteen people have been charged in the alleged Mexican drug importation ring that used modified commercial buses

Eighteen people have been charged in the alleged Mexican drug importation ring that used modified commercial buses to smuggle cocaine and marijuana to Houston, Dallas and other U.S. cities.A 16-count federal indictment unsealed Wednesday charges the defendants with drug trafficking and money laundering among other felonies that carry penalties up to life in prison.At least 10 defendants, including several from the Houston area, were arrested Wednesday. The list includes owners, managers, drivers and loaders. The indictment alleges that the owners and managers of Transtar, Neptune Tours, Los Primos, USA-MEX and Ameri-MEX charter services transported drugs in exchange for thousands of dollars in kickbacks from cartels. The managers used their share to pay drivers and loaders. The companies have offices and terminals in Houston, San Antonio, Roma, Rio Grande City and across the border in Monterrey, Mexico.Drug dealers paid $500 to get one kilo of cocaine from south of the border to Houston and as much as $7,000 to get the same load all the way to New York.White House Drug Czar John Walters, in Houston Wednesday for a news conference about the investigation, said this case shows officials are "taking meat off the bone" by reducing the flow of drugs into the United States and forcing smugglers to resort to sophisticated schemes to avoid detection."They are paying sums they never paid before because it's more dangerous to bring drugs into the United States because we are creating more risk at the border and inside the United States," Walters said."Our goal is to reinforce what's going well in these individual cases on a wider and wider scale and drive the information that these cases give us back to the top of these criminal organizations. ... "Walters also credited cooperation from the Mexican government.Officials said the operation sent millions to Mexico and linked it to Mexican and South American drug cartels, but declined to offer specifics. U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle said unsuspecting passengers who booked seats on the buses secretly packed with illegal drugs were in potential danger, but traveled unharmed.Authorities were alerted in 2001 about allegations that passenger bus services were fronts for drug smuggling. Officials opened an investigation in 2003. The probe was nicknamed Operation Road King II and continued through last month.During the undercover operation, officials seized 570 kilograms of cocaine, 3,000 pounds of marijuana and thousands in cash, DeGabrielle said.Cocaine and marijuana were found in clandestine nooks in luggage compartments, undercarriages and other places in at least seven vehicles, he said. Contraband is alleged to have been smuggled from the Rio Grande Valley to Houston, Dallas, Allentown, Pa., and Joliet, Ill.Prosecutors pursued criminal charges last year. A Houston grand jury handed down an indictment on March 31. The government also seeks forfeiture of eight Houston homes that were allegedly purchased with the proceeds of the enterprise.All 18 in Houston's indictment are charged in the conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana and face a minimum sentence of 10 years if convicted. Most are also included in the conspiracy to launder drug proceeds, which carries up to 20 years upon conviction. The other 14 counts of the indictment involve aiding and abetting the possession of drugs with intent to distribute, which carries a range of punishments from five years to life imprisonment plus millions of dollars in fines.

Jarvis McKenzie, a/k/a "Jay Rock," faces a mandatory minimum of twenty ( 20 ) years imprisonment and a maximum of Life on the charges.

A federal jury convicted Jarvis McKenzie, a/k/a "Jay Rock," age 30, of Columbia, on drug and firearms violations. McKenzie was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of crack and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; three counts of use of a telephone to further a drug felony; and felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. McKenzie faces a mandatory minimum of twenty ( 20 ) years imprisonment and a maximum of LIFE on the charges.The case arose out of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) led Columbia Violent Gang Task Force into the illegal activities of members of the Gangsta Killer Bloods set of the Bloods street gang. The FBI obtained information from confidential sources, cooperating defendants and federally issued wiretaps.
The investigation identified McKenzie as one of the primary suppliers of cocaine and crack cocaine to the gang members. In January of 2007, federal agents executed nine federal search warrants at various residences, including McKenzie's. Agents seized over $250,000 in cash from McKenzie's residence, as well as two automobiles and two firearms. Over $320,000 in cash was seized overall in the nine searches. McKenzie is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition based upon his prior state convictions for voluntary manslaughter, possession of a firearm during a violent crime and possession of crack.
This case was investigated by agents of the FBI's Columbia Violent Gang Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey D. Haynes and Jane B. Taylor of the Columbia office

Jarvis McKenzie, a/k/a "Jay Rock," faces a mandatory minimum of twenty ( 20 ) years imprisonment and a maximum of Life on the charges.

A federal jury convicted Jarvis McKenzie, a/k/a "Jay Rock," age 30, of Columbia, on drug and firearms violations. McKenzie was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of crack and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; three counts of use of a telephone to further a drug felony; and felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. McKenzie faces a mandatory minimum of twenty ( 20 ) years imprisonment and a maximum of LIFE on the charges.The case arose out of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) led Columbia Violent Gang Task Force into the illegal activities of members of the Gangsta Killer Bloods set of the Bloods street gang. The FBI obtained information from confidential sources, cooperating defendants and federally issued wiretaps.
The investigation identified McKenzie as one of the primary suppliers of cocaine and crack cocaine to the gang members. In January of 2007, federal agents executed nine federal search warrants at various residences, including McKenzie's. Agents seized over $250,000 in cash from McKenzie's residence, as well as two automobiles and two firearms. Over $320,000 in cash was seized overall in the nine searches. McKenzie is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition based upon his prior state convictions for voluntary manslaughter, possession of a firearm during a violent crime and possession of crack.
This case was investigated by agents of the FBI's Columbia Violent Gang Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey D. Haynes and Jane B. Taylor of the Columbia office