Zeta gang leader Gregorio Sauceda Gamboa, one of Mexico's 24 most-wanted drug traffickers arrested

Mexican police on Wednesday arrested suspected Zeta gang leader Gregorio Sauceda Gamboa, one of Mexico's 24 most-wanted drug traffickers.Sauceda Gamboa appears on a list of 24 alleged drug traffickers published by prosecutors in March. Authorities have offered rewards of up to $2.1 million for each suspect. Together with a list of 13 lower-ranking drug suspects, the group covers Mexico's most powerful cartel operators.With Sauceda Gamboa's arrest Wednesday at a home in the border city of Matamoros, across the border from Brownsville, Texas, authorities have arrested five of the 37 whose names appeared on the lists.Sauceda Gamboa, 44, was a former investigative police officer who played a founding role in the Gulf cartel starting in 1996, federal police said.

"Because of his violent character, he was assigned ... to fight off the (rival) Pacific cartel," said Assistant Public Safety Secretary Gen. Javier del Real Magallanes.

The Public Safety Department said the raid on the home was the result of intelligence work and tips.In a reflection of the current swine flu epidemic sweeping Mexico, Sauceda Gamboa was wearing a surgical mask as he was paraded before reporters by police, who also were wearing the masks in addition to the black ski-masks they normally use to hide their identities.Authorities said Wednesday they also seized five rifles and more than 4,500 rounds of ammunition in the raid, and detained a woman believed to be Sauceda Gamboa's wife, along with another man.Sauceda Gamboa helped the Gulf cartel move an average of 10 tons of cocaine and 30 tons of marijuana across the border each month, and briefly headed the gang, police said, although they acknowledged his personal involvement in the operation had declined in recent years.The Zetas are a violent drug gang based in the states along Mexico's Gulf coast, and have been involved in many of the killings that have taken more than 10,650 lives since 2006.

Zeta gang leader Gregorio Sauceda Gamboa, one of Mexico's 24 most-wanted drug traffickers arrested

Mexican police on Wednesday arrested suspected Zeta gang leader Gregorio Sauceda Gamboa, one of Mexico's 24 most-wanted drug traffickers.Sauceda Gamboa appears on a list of 24 alleged drug traffickers published by prosecutors in March. Authorities have offered rewards of up to $2.1 million for each suspect. Together with a list of 13 lower-ranking drug suspects, the group covers Mexico's most powerful cartel operators.With Sauceda Gamboa's arrest Wednesday at a home in the border city of Matamoros, across the border from Brownsville, Texas, authorities have arrested five of the 37 whose names appeared on the lists.Sauceda Gamboa, 44, was a former investigative police officer who played a founding role in the Gulf cartel starting in 1996, federal police said.

"Because of his violent character, he was assigned ... to fight off the (rival) Pacific cartel," said Assistant Public Safety Secretary Gen. Javier del Real Magallanes.

The Public Safety Department said the raid on the home was the result of intelligence work and tips.In a reflection of the current swine flu epidemic sweeping Mexico, Sauceda Gamboa was wearing a surgical mask as he was paraded before reporters by police, who also were wearing the masks in addition to the black ski-masks they normally use to hide their identities.Authorities said Wednesday they also seized five rifles and more than 4,500 rounds of ammunition in the raid, and detained a woman believed to be Sauceda Gamboa's wife, along with another man.Sauceda Gamboa helped the Gulf cartel move an average of 10 tons of cocaine and 30 tons of marijuana across the border each month, and briefly headed the gang, police said, although they acknowledged his personal involvement in the operation had declined in recent years.The Zetas are a violent drug gang based in the states along Mexico's Gulf coast, and have been involved in many of the killings that have taken more than 10,650 lives since 2006.

Jose Ramirez Jr., 31, was arrested Thursday on a charge of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance

Jose Ramirez Jr., 31, was arrested Thursday on a charge of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1 over 4 grams and under 200 grams in a drug-free zone, Wichita County court documents showed. Ramirez’s bond was set at $200,000 and he was in the Wichita County Jail Friday.According to the affidavit:Officers with the Wichita Falls Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit and SWAT Team executed a high-risk narcotics search warrant Thursday at 2115 Shepherd. Officers saw Ramirez, who was named in the warrant, leaving and stopped him. The home sits within 1,000 feet of the Wichita Falls High School soccer fields, which makes it a drug-free zone.Police seized 160 grams of cocaine, with a value of $16,000, from the home, a news release from the police department reported. Police also seized more than $800 in cash, two handguns, a shotgun, a 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a 2002 Chevrolet pickup.The charge is a first-degree felony offense, and a conviction could result in a penalty of five years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, according to police.

Jose Ramirez Jr., 31, was arrested Thursday on a charge of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance

Jose Ramirez Jr., 31, was arrested Thursday on a charge of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1 over 4 grams and under 200 grams in a drug-free zone, Wichita County court documents showed. Ramirez’s bond was set at $200,000 and he was in the Wichita County Jail Friday.According to the affidavit:Officers with the Wichita Falls Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit and SWAT Team executed a high-risk narcotics search warrant Thursday at 2115 Shepherd. Officers saw Ramirez, who was named in the warrant, leaving and stopped him. The home sits within 1,000 feet of the Wichita Falls High School soccer fields, which makes it a drug-free zone.Police seized 160 grams of cocaine, with a value of $16,000, from the home, a news release from the police department reported. Police also seized more than $800 in cash, two handguns, a shotgun, a 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a 2002 Chevrolet pickup.The charge is a first-degree felony offense, and a conviction could result in a penalty of five years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, according to police.

Carlton Brown, 51, had been out on licence since October, when officers found two wraps of cocaine in a car he was driving.

Carlton Brown, 51, had been out on licence since October, when officers found two wraps of cocaine in a car he was driving.
Brown, who lives at the Stoneham Housing Association in Queens Road, Watford, was pulled over by police in London Road, St Albans, on Tuesday, March 24. After a search of the vehicle, police found just over two grams of the class A drug. Brown admitted it was his and pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, at St Albans Magistrates Court on Friday. Brown told probation about his arrest and, despite the offence, has not been recalled to serve the remainder of his sentence. In mitigation the court was told Brown, who has a number of drug dealing convictions, had bought three wraps of cocaine out of boredom. After release from prison on previous occasions he has found work as a qualified bus driver, but “this time the work isn't there”. The court was told he lives on benefits in a room at the hostel and had started to “feel quite low” and "bored”. Although a drug dealer, he had never taken cocaine before, but bought three wraps just days before his arrest. He took one, but did not like it and planned to dispose of the other two, which he left in the passenger's side of the car, his defence said. He was going through a difficult time, but was really “trying to do the right things” the magistrates were told.
The chairman of the bench said the guidelines recommended a medium level community order or fine for simple possession, which Brown has not been convicted of before. He was ordered to pay £252 in fines and costs. A forfeiture and destruction order was made on the drugs.

Carlton Brown, 51, had been out on licence since October, when officers found two wraps of cocaine in a car he was driving.

Carlton Brown, 51, had been out on licence since October, when officers found two wraps of cocaine in a car he was driving.
Brown, who lives at the Stoneham Housing Association in Queens Road, Watford, was pulled over by police in London Road, St Albans, on Tuesday, March 24. After a search of the vehicle, police found just over two grams of the class A drug. Brown admitted it was his and pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, at St Albans Magistrates Court on Friday. Brown told probation about his arrest and, despite the offence, has not been recalled to serve the remainder of his sentence. In mitigation the court was told Brown, who has a number of drug dealing convictions, had bought three wraps of cocaine out of boredom. After release from prison on previous occasions he has found work as a qualified bus driver, but “this time the work isn't there”. The court was told he lives on benefits in a room at the hostel and had started to “feel quite low” and "bored”. Although a drug dealer, he had never taken cocaine before, but bought three wraps just days before his arrest. He took one, but did not like it and planned to dispose of the other two, which he left in the passenger's side of the car, his defence said. He was going through a difficult time, but was really “trying to do the right things” the magistrates were told.
The chairman of the bench said the guidelines recommended a medium level community order or fine for simple possession, which Brown has not been convicted of before. He was ordered to pay £252 in fines and costs. A forfeiture and destruction order was made on the drugs.

Yorgo Zero who fled to the UK has been jailed after he was caught dealing crack cocaine and heroin.

Yorgo Zero who fled to the UK has been jailed after he was caught dealing crack cocaine and heroin.Undercover police trapped Yorgo Zero, 26, during Operation Grassland – one of the UK's biggest ever operations to snare drug dealers.Zero, who sought refuge here in 2000, was jailed for four-and-a-half years at Leeds Crown Court.Prosecutor, Philip Adams, said undercover police set themselves up in a flat in Eastmoor, Wakefield, as a front for the drug sting operation.The court heard Zero, of Beech Avenue, Wakefield, was involved in selling crack cocaine and heroin to officers posing as users over a period of seven days last June.
He met undercover officers at a number of locations to do the deals, including Linton Road at Eastmoor and Westgate in Wakefield city centre.When arrested in a restaurant in Wakefield last December he had 14 wraps of crack cocaine, six wraps of heroin and £773 cash stuffed down his underpants.Zero had admitted a string of charges related to dealing Class A drugs.Jailing him for four-and-a-half years, Judge Kerry Macgill said: "Drug dealers like you are not welcome in this country. It is a matter of discretion for the Home Secretary whether or not you are deported."Operation Grassland has seen sentences of over 100 years handed out to drug dealing criminals.Police arrested 105 people as officers tried to rid the city streets of dealers and drugs in Operation Grasslands.Raids were carried out in Agbrigg, College Grove, Eastmoor, Lupset, Portobello, Horbury and Ossett after officers were given information from members of those communities.So far 78 offenders have been through the courts and have been given jail sentences totalling 109 years.

Yorgo Zero who fled to the UK has been jailed after he was caught dealing crack cocaine and heroin.

Yorgo Zero who fled to the UK has been jailed after he was caught dealing crack cocaine and heroin.Undercover police trapped Yorgo Zero, 26, during Operation Grassland – one of the UK's biggest ever operations to snare drug dealers.Zero, who sought refuge here in 2000, was jailed for four-and-a-half years at Leeds Crown Court.Prosecutor, Philip Adams, said undercover police set themselves up in a flat in Eastmoor, Wakefield, as a front for the drug sting operation.The court heard Zero, of Beech Avenue, Wakefield, was involved in selling crack cocaine and heroin to officers posing as users over a period of seven days last June.
He met undercover officers at a number of locations to do the deals, including Linton Road at Eastmoor and Westgate in Wakefield city centre.When arrested in a restaurant in Wakefield last December he had 14 wraps of crack cocaine, six wraps of heroin and £773 cash stuffed down his underpants.Zero had admitted a string of charges related to dealing Class A drugs.Jailing him for four-and-a-half years, Judge Kerry Macgill said: "Drug dealers like you are not welcome in this country. It is a matter of discretion for the Home Secretary whether or not you are deported."Operation Grassland has seen sentences of over 100 years handed out to drug dealing criminals.Police arrested 105 people as officers tried to rid the city streets of dealers and drugs in Operation Grasslands.Raids were carried out in Agbrigg, College Grove, Eastmoor, Lupset, Portobello, Horbury and Ossett after officers were given information from members of those communities.So far 78 offenders have been through the courts and have been given jail sentences totalling 109 years.

Peter Kelly, aged 30, of Woodland Walk, Castlefield, admitted three counts of supplying heroin and cocaine in November.

Peter Kelly, aged 30, of Woodland Walk, Castlefield, admitted three counts of supplying heroin and cocaine in November.

Aaron Kelly, aged 27, of Woodland Walk, Castlefield, admitted five counts of supplying heroin and cocaine in November and December.

Aaron Kelly, aged 27, of Woodland Walk, Castlefield, admitted five counts of supplying heroin and cocaine in November and December.

Peter Kelly, aged 30, of Woodland Walk, Castlefield, admitted three counts of supplying heroin and cocaine in November.

Peter Kelly, aged 30, of Woodland Walk, Castlefield, admitted three counts of supplying heroin and cocaine in November.

Aaron Kelly, aged 27, of Woodland Walk, Castlefield, admitted five counts of supplying heroin and cocaine in November and December.

Aaron Kelly, aged 27, of Woodland Walk, Castlefield, admitted five counts of supplying heroin and cocaine in November and December.

John Waring, aged 31, of Woodland Walk, Runcorn, admitted three counts of supplying heroin in September.

John Waring, aged 31, of Woodland Walk, Runcorn, admitted three counts of supplying heroin in September.

Darren Hall, aged 24, of Bamford Close, Runcorn, admitted three counts of supplying heroin in September and December.

Darren Hall, aged 24, of Bamford Close, Runcorn, admitted three counts of supplying heroin in September and December.

John Waring, aged 31, of Woodland Walk, Runcorn, admitted three counts of supplying heroin in September.

John Waring, aged 31, of Woodland Walk, Runcorn, admitted three counts of supplying heroin in September.

Darren Hall, aged 24, of Bamford Close, Runcorn, admitted three counts of supplying heroin in September and December.

Darren Hall, aged 24, of Bamford Close, Runcorn, admitted three counts of supplying heroin in September and December.

Paul Cashen, aged 21, of Wavertree, admitted nine counts of supplying heroin and cocaine during October

Paul Cashen, aged 21, of Wavertree, admitted nine counts of supplying heroin and cocaine during October

Roy Taggart, aged 44, of Speke, admitted 11 counts of supplying heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in September and October.

Roy Taggart, aged 44, of Speke, admitted 11 counts of supplying heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in September and October.

Paul Cashen, aged 21, of Wavertree, admitted nine counts of supplying heroin and cocaine during October

Paul Cashen, aged 21, of Wavertree, admitted nine counts of supplying heroin and cocaine during October

Roy Taggart, aged 44, of Speke, admitted 11 counts of supplying heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in September and October.

Roy Taggart, aged 44, of Speke, admitted 11 counts of supplying heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in September and October.

Eamon Tierney, aged 42, ofWindmill Hill, admitted four counts of supplying heroin and cocaine on October 7.

Eamon Tierney, aged 42, ofWindmill Hill, admitted four counts of supplying heroin and cocaine on October 7.

Peter Fortune, aged 22, of Old Sawn, admitted four counts of supplying heroin and cocaine in October.

Peter Fortune, aged 22, of Old Sawn, admitted four counts of supplying heroin and cocaine in October.

Eamon Tierney, aged 42, ofWindmill Hill, admitted four counts of supplying heroin and cocaine on October 7.

Eamon Tierney, aged 42, ofWindmill Hill, admitted four counts of supplying heroin and cocaine on October 7.

Peter Fortune, aged 22, of Old Sawn, admitted four counts of supplying heroin and cocaine in October.

Peter Fortune, aged 22, of Old Sawn, admitted four counts of supplying heroin and cocaine in October.

Connor Hart, aged 19, from Liverpool, admitted 10 counts of supplying heroin and cocaine between September and November.

Connor Hart, aged 19, from Liverpool, admitted 10 counts of supplying heroin and cocaine between September and November.

Bernard Shaw, aged 44, of Frodsham, admitted 10 counts of supplying heroin and cocaine between October and November.

Bernard Shaw, aged 44, of Frodsham, admitted 10 counts of supplying heroin and cocaine between October and November.

Connor Hart, aged 19, from Liverpool, admitted 10 counts of supplying heroin and cocaine between September and November.

Connor Hart, aged 19, from Liverpool, admitted 10 counts of supplying heroin and cocaine between September and November.

Bernard Shaw, aged 44, of Frodsham, admitted 10 counts of supplying heroin and cocaine between October and November.

Bernard Shaw, aged 44, of Frodsham, admitted 10 counts of supplying heroin and cocaine between October and November.

Gary Worsley, aged 47, of Cambridge Street, Widnes, admitted one count of supplying heroin on August 4.

Gary Worsley, aged 47, of Cambridge Street, Widnes, admitted one count of supplying heroin on August 4.

Gary Worsley, aged 47, of Cambridge Street, Widnes, admitted one count of supplying heroin on August 4.

Gary Worsley, aged 47, of Cambridge Street, Widnes, admitted one count of supplying heroin on August 4.

Lisa Wardle, aged 28, of Wavertree, admitted two counts of supplying cocaine and heroin on July 17.

Lisa Wardle, aged 28, of Wavertree, admitted two counts of supplying cocaine and heroin on July 17.

Georgina Grant, aged 46, of Levens Way, Widnes, admitted one count of supplying cocaine on August 13.

Georgina Grant, aged 46, of Levens Way, Widnes, admitted one count of supplying cocaine on August 13.

Lisa Wardle, aged 28, of Wavertree, admitted two counts of supplying cocaine and heroin on July 17.

Lisa Wardle, aged 28, of Wavertree, admitted two counts of supplying cocaine and heroin on July 17.

Georgina Grant, aged 46, of Levens Way, Widnes, admitted one count of supplying cocaine on August 13.

Georgina Grant, aged 46, of Levens Way, Widnes, admitted one count of supplying cocaine on August 13.

Paul Geddes, aged 26, of Wavertree, admitted eight counts of supplying heroin and cocaine between July and August.

Paul Geddes, aged 26, of Wavertree, admitted eight counts of supplying heroin and cocaine between July and August.

Paul Geddes, aged 26, of Wavertree, admitted eight counts of supplying heroin and cocaine between July and August.

Paul Geddes, aged 26, of Wavertree, admitted eight counts of supplying heroin and cocaine between July and August.

David Mufford, 44, from Devon, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply

David Mufford, 44, from Devon, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, in the Irish Republic. The 1.9 tonnes of cocaine, worth about 675 million euros (£610m), were recovered off the Irish coast in 2007. Mufford, of Clennon Lane, Torquay, will be sentenced on 8 May with Philip Doo, from Brixham, Devon, and Christopher Wiggins, from Malaga, Spain. Doo and Wiggins pleaded guilty to the same charge last week.

David Mufford, 44, from Devon, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply

David Mufford, 44, from Devon, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, in the Irish Republic. The 1.9 tonnes of cocaine, worth about 675 million euros (£610m), were recovered off the Irish coast in 2007. Mufford, of Clennon Lane, Torquay, will be sentenced on 8 May with Philip Doo, from Brixham, Devon, and Christopher Wiggins, from Malaga, Spain. Doo and Wiggins pleaded guilty to the same charge last week.

Eric Leal, 29, of the 11000 block of Vista del Sol, was arrested

Eric Leal, 29, of the 11000 block of Vista del Sol, was arrested April 17 in a bar's parking lot at 1709 Saul Kleinfeld Drive on charges of possession of cocaine, two family violence warrants and 11 outstanding traffic warrants.Police approached Leal while he was sitting in a vehicle. He was arrested on the warrants and police later found 26 baggies of cocaine weighing 14 grams.

Eric Leal, 29, of the 11000 block of Vista del Sol, was arrested

Eric Leal, 29, of the 11000 block of Vista del Sol, was arrested April 17 in a bar's parking lot at 1709 Saul Kleinfeld Drive on charges of possession of cocaine, two family violence warrants and 11 outstanding traffic warrants.Police approached Leal while he was sitting in a vehicle. He was arrested on the warrants and police later found 26 baggies of cocaine weighing 14 grams.

Ryan Falvey, 19, of the 1900 block of Paseo Rio, was arrested

Ryan Falvey, 19, of the 1900 block of Paseo Rio, was arrested about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Circle K store at 11701 Montwood. Police said they found him in possession of 14.1 grams of the drug. Falvey was arrested on charges of possession of cocaine and manufacture delivery of controlled substance.

Ryan Falvey, 19, of the 1900 block of Paseo Rio, was arrested

Ryan Falvey, 19, of the 1900 block of Paseo Rio, was arrested about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Circle K store at 11701 Montwood. Police said they found him in possession of 14.1 grams of the drug. Falvey was arrested on charges of possession of cocaine and manufacture delivery of controlled substance.

Nicholaus Searles on three counts of dealing a schedule IV substance charged with one count is a Class A felony

Nicholaus Searles made his initial appearance Friday in La Porte Circuit Court on three counts of dealing a schedule IV substance. One count is a Class A felony, which in Indiana is punishable by anywhere from a 20- to 50-year sentence.According to court documents, Searles is accused of selling heroin on three occasions beginning Aug. 19, 2008, in the 700 block of Jackson Street. Police said he helped carry out a $60 exchange at that location.Five days later, police observed Searles sell heroin in the 1300 block of West Indiana 2 near Al's Supermarket after he pulled up in a gold van. On Aug. 29, Searles again sold about $60 in heroin after meeting a buyer in the 300 block of I St.He was overheard telling the customer he was trying to "make rent," police said.Searles once lived in the 500 block of Ohio Street, and when asked by Judge Tom Alevizos where he resides now, the defendant replied "nowhere." Most recent documents filed in the case list Searles as homeless.
Searles also asked the court for a public defender, saying, "I don't have any family or friends."He also revealed money he was making at a construction job he worked at until last week was going for drugs.The court as part of its standard procedure also asked Searles if he was under the influence of any foreign substances to make sure he understood the proceedings. He said the only effects he was feeling were from "heroin withdrawals."Searles said the only money he has is an account at La Porte County Jail to buy snacks and other supplies. Alevizos placed a hold on $100 of that money to help reimburse the county for the expense of his public defender.
Searles was given a Oct. 13 trial date.

Nicholaus Searles on three counts of dealing a schedule IV substance charged with one count is a Class A felony

Nicholaus Searles made his initial appearance Friday in La Porte Circuit Court on three counts of dealing a schedule IV substance. One count is a Class A felony, which in Indiana is punishable by anywhere from a 20- to 50-year sentence.According to court documents, Searles is accused of selling heroin on three occasions beginning Aug. 19, 2008, in the 700 block of Jackson Street. Police said he helped carry out a $60 exchange at that location.Five days later, police observed Searles sell heroin in the 1300 block of West Indiana 2 near Al's Supermarket after he pulled up in a gold van. On Aug. 29, Searles again sold about $60 in heroin after meeting a buyer in the 300 block of I St.He was overheard telling the customer he was trying to "make rent," police said.Searles once lived in the 500 block of Ohio Street, and when asked by Judge Tom Alevizos where he resides now, the defendant replied "nowhere." Most recent documents filed in the case list Searles as homeless.
Searles also asked the court for a public defender, saying, "I don't have any family or friends."He also revealed money he was making at a construction job he worked at until last week was going for drugs.The court as part of its standard procedure also asked Searles if he was under the influence of any foreign substances to make sure he understood the proceedings. He said the only effects he was feeling were from "heroin withdrawals."Searles said the only money he has is an account at La Porte County Jail to buy snacks and other supplies. Alevizos placed a hold on $100 of that money to help reimburse the county for the expense of his public defender.
Searles was given a Oct. 13 trial date.

Daniel Rendon-Herrera, known by the alias "Don Mario," was charged with conspiring to support the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia

Daniel Rendon-Herrera, known by the alias "Don Mario," was charged with conspiring to support the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC) rightist paramilitary group, which the U.S. State Department has designated a foreign terrorist organization. He also was charged with conspiring to import thousands of kilograms of cocaine into the United States.Acting U.S. Attorney Lev Dassin unsealed the grand jury indictment against Rendon-Herrera and five others on Tuesday. If convicted, Rendon-Herrera faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.The once-feared cocaine baron was captured last week, with authorities saying he was hiding under a palm tree in the jungles of northern Antioquia province. He is in custody in Colombia."The charges against Rendon-Herrera and his capture represent significant steps in the fight against the most dangerous narco-terrorist groups," Dassin said in a statement.Rebekah Carmichael, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan, declined comment when asked if U.S. authorities had requested extradition.Colombian Defense Minster Juan Manuel Santos told reporters at the time of the arrest that Rendon-Herrera, who once offered his gunmen a $1,000 reward for each policeman they killed, is responsible for at least 3,000 murders.His ruthless style recalled that of Colombia's best-known drug baron, Pablo Escobar, who waged war against the state in the 1980s until he was gunned down by security forces on a Medellin rooftop in 1993.
Rendon-Herrera is the brother of a jailed paramilitary warlord known as "El Aleman," or "The German," a nickname he earned for his reputation of enforcing strict discipline among his troops.
Rendon-Herrera is accused of running cocaine trafficking in the area controlled by his brother in the 1990s, when right-wing paramilitaries battled leftist guerrillas for control of rural Colombia.The South American country, the world's largest cocaine producer, has become less violent under President Alvaro Uribe, who has used billions of dollars in U.S. military aid to battle the guerrillas and disarm the paramilitaries.Much of the cocaine is smuggled to the United States through Mexico, where thousands of people have been killed by Mexican cartels that have taken over from Colombian gangs as the dominant drug traffickers in the Americas.

Daniel Rendon-Herrera, known by the alias "Don Mario," was charged with conspiring to support the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia

Daniel Rendon-Herrera, known by the alias "Don Mario," was charged with conspiring to support the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC) rightist paramilitary group, which the U.S. State Department has designated a foreign terrorist organization. He also was charged with conspiring to import thousands of kilograms of cocaine into the United States.Acting U.S. Attorney Lev Dassin unsealed the grand jury indictment against Rendon-Herrera and five others on Tuesday. If convicted, Rendon-Herrera faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.The once-feared cocaine baron was captured last week, with authorities saying he was hiding under a palm tree in the jungles of northern Antioquia province. He is in custody in Colombia."The charges against Rendon-Herrera and his capture represent significant steps in the fight against the most dangerous narco-terrorist groups," Dassin said in a statement.Rebekah Carmichael, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan, declined comment when asked if U.S. authorities had requested extradition.Colombian Defense Minster Juan Manuel Santos told reporters at the time of the arrest that Rendon-Herrera, who once offered his gunmen a $1,000 reward for each policeman they killed, is responsible for at least 3,000 murders.His ruthless style recalled that of Colombia's best-known drug baron, Pablo Escobar, who waged war against the state in the 1980s until he was gunned down by security forces on a Medellin rooftop in 1993.
Rendon-Herrera is the brother of a jailed paramilitary warlord known as "El Aleman," or "The German," a nickname he earned for his reputation of enforcing strict discipline among his troops.
Rendon-Herrera is accused of running cocaine trafficking in the area controlled by his brother in the 1990s, when right-wing paramilitaries battled leftist guerrillas for control of rural Colombia.The South American country, the world's largest cocaine producer, has become less violent under President Alvaro Uribe, who has used billions of dollars in U.S. military aid to battle the guerrillas and disarm the paramilitaries.Much of the cocaine is smuggled to the United States through Mexico, where thousands of people have been killed by Mexican cartels that have taken over from Colombian gangs as the dominant drug traffickers in the Americas.

Benito Hernandez organization bought the narcotic along the Mexican border, transport it in vehicles to Williamson County and sell it

Benito Saucedo Hernandez bought the narcotic along the Mexican border, transport it in vehicles to Williamson County and sell it to local distributors, authorities said. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent Greg Thrash said law enforcement officials had known of Hernandez's organization for several years, but Hernandez was skilled in surveillance and flew under the radar. That is, until Monday, when authorities caught up with him. "They all finally raise their head, and their head gets caught in the net," Thrash said. By Monday, federal and local law enforcement authorities had arrested Hernandez and 11 others in Taylor and Elgin. Eight of them, including Hernandez, were arrested Monday when officials simultaneously executed four narcotics search warrants. Officials also seized two guns, about a half a kilogram, or about a pound, of cocaine and approximately $20,000 during the searches, Thrash said. The arrests came after more than two years of investigation into cocaine distribution in the Taylor area, Thrash said. He said Hernandez was the leader and others arrested were either buying cocaine from him or helping him sell it.
"He was essentially a wholesaler," Thrash said. "The Benito Hernandez organization was quite significant. And it's extremely significant in a smaller town such as Taylor." Thrash did not have a dollar estimate of how much money officials think Hernandez was making. Hernandez and eight others were indicted in federal court April 7 on charges of conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, according to court documents. The first charge is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison; the second charge is punishable by up to 20 years. Officials did not release the names of those who are indicted but not in custody.
In addition to Hernandez, the following people face federal charges: Arturo Garcia, 34, of Taylor; Pauline Gamboa, 34, of Leander; Gabriel Anthony Ross, 28, of Taylor; Ivan Navaro Almazon, 25, of Elgin; Willson Chealiang Ng, 37, of Austin; Slade Leighton Brockman, 28, of Granger; and Higinio Almazan, 26, of Elgin.
Also, Carmene Dominguez, 42, and Javri Euan, 17, both of Taylor, and Mario Almazan of Elgin were charged with possession of cocaine, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Eduardo Garcia, 19, of Taylor was charged with possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail.

Benito Hernandez organization bought the narcotic along the Mexican border, transport it in vehicles to Williamson County and sell it

Benito Saucedo Hernandez bought the narcotic along the Mexican border, transport it in vehicles to Williamson County and sell it to local distributors, authorities said. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent Greg Thrash said law enforcement officials had known of Hernandez's organization for several years, but Hernandez was skilled in surveillance and flew under the radar. That is, until Monday, when authorities caught up with him. "They all finally raise their head, and their head gets caught in the net," Thrash said. By Monday, federal and local law enforcement authorities had arrested Hernandez and 11 others in Taylor and Elgin. Eight of them, including Hernandez, were arrested Monday when officials simultaneously executed four narcotics search warrants. Officials also seized two guns, about a half a kilogram, or about a pound, of cocaine and approximately $20,000 during the searches, Thrash said. The arrests came after more than two years of investigation into cocaine distribution in the Taylor area, Thrash said. He said Hernandez was the leader and others arrested were either buying cocaine from him or helping him sell it.
"He was essentially a wholesaler," Thrash said. "The Benito Hernandez organization was quite significant. And it's extremely significant in a smaller town such as Taylor." Thrash did not have a dollar estimate of how much money officials think Hernandez was making. Hernandez and eight others were indicted in federal court April 7 on charges of conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, according to court documents. The first charge is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison; the second charge is punishable by up to 20 years. Officials did not release the names of those who are indicted but not in custody.
In addition to Hernandez, the following people face federal charges: Arturo Garcia, 34, of Taylor; Pauline Gamboa, 34, of Leander; Gabriel Anthony Ross, 28, of Taylor; Ivan Navaro Almazon, 25, of Elgin; Willson Chealiang Ng, 37, of Austin; Slade Leighton Brockman, 28, of Granger; and Higinio Almazan, 26, of Elgin.
Also, Carmene Dominguez, 42, and Javri Euan, 17, both of Taylor, and Mario Almazan of Elgin were charged with possession of cocaine, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Eduardo Garcia, 19, of Taylor was charged with possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail.

Philip Doo, 52, and Christopher Wiggins, 42, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply of cocaine from South America

Philip Doo, 52, and Christopher Wiggins, 42, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply of cocaine from South America believed to be worth more than 650 million euro (£580 million).Doo, from Devon, and Wiggins, based in the Costa del Sol in Spain, pleaded guilty at a brief hearing in Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
The pair were detained after Irish navy, gardai and customs swooped on the 60ft ocean-going boat, Dances With Waves, 170 miles off the west Cork coast last November.Intelligence agencies had tracked the boat for two months across the Atlantic.A third man, David Mufford, of Torquay, Devon, is also accused of being involved in the smuggling operation and will be brought before the court on Monday to enter a plea.The two men spoke quietly in soft English accents as they entered their guilty pleas in the packed courtroom.Doo, of Higher Manor Road, Brixham, wore a dark sweatshirt and lowered his balding head. Wiggins, of Estepona, Malaga, wore a pair of glasses and dark checked shirt.The two drug smugglers showed no emotion as they were led away by prison guards.Judge Patrick J Moran remanded them in custody to be sentenced on May 8.

Philip Doo, 52, and Christopher Wiggins, 42, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply of cocaine from South America

Philip Doo, 52, and Christopher Wiggins, 42, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply of cocaine from South America believed to be worth more than 650 million euro (£580 million).Doo, from Devon, and Wiggins, based in the Costa del Sol in Spain, pleaded guilty at a brief hearing in Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
The pair were detained after Irish navy, gardai and customs swooped on the 60ft ocean-going boat, Dances With Waves, 170 miles off the west Cork coast last November.Intelligence agencies had tracked the boat for two months across the Atlantic.A third man, David Mufford, of Torquay, Devon, is also accused of being involved in the smuggling operation and will be brought before the court on Monday to enter a plea.The two men spoke quietly in soft English accents as they entered their guilty pleas in the packed courtroom.Doo, of Higher Manor Road, Brixham, wore a dark sweatshirt and lowered his balding head. Wiggins, of Estepona, Malaga, wore a pair of glasses and dark checked shirt.The two drug smugglers showed no emotion as they were led away by prison guards.Judge Patrick J Moran remanded them in custody to be sentenced on May 8.

Ian Maynard, 32, Kevin Anthony Campbell, 23, Mark Anthony Holmes, 22, and Paul Matthew Burke, 23,convicted

Ian Maynard, 32, Kevin Anthony Campbell, 23, Mark Anthony Holmes, 22, and Paul Matthew Burke, 23, All four admitted conspiring to supply Class A, B and C drugs – cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis – at Teesside Crown Court yesterday. More than £300,000 worth of drugs, along with a steel press, a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges, kilos of bulking agents and drugs paraphernalia were seized in Middlesbrough and Guisborough. The haul came from a drugs factory set up in Campbell’s Guisborough flat, three shipping containers and a car. The seized drugs had an estimated street value of between £500,000 and £840,000. Campbell also pleaded guilty to possession of an illegal firearm.

Ian Maynard, 32, Kevin Anthony Campbell, 23, Mark Anthony Holmes, 22, and Paul Matthew Burke, 23,convicted

Ian Maynard, 32, Kevin Anthony Campbell, 23, Mark Anthony Holmes, 22, and Paul Matthew Burke, 23, All four admitted conspiring to supply Class A, B and C drugs – cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis – at Teesside Crown Court yesterday. More than £300,000 worth of drugs, along with a steel press, a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges, kilos of bulking agents and drugs paraphernalia were seized in Middlesbrough and Guisborough. The haul came from a drugs factory set up in Campbell’s Guisborough flat, three shipping containers and a car. The seized drugs had an estimated street value of between £500,000 and £840,000. Campbell also pleaded guilty to possession of an illegal firearm.

Joan Polanco, 23, of 261 Riverdale Ave. in Yonkers and Juan Santos, 35, of 934 Ogden Ave. in the Bronx, were arrested.

Joan Polanco, 23, of 261 Riverdale Ave. in Yonkers and Juan Santos, 35, of 934 Ogden Ave. in the Bronx, were arrested.traffic stop on Riverdale Avenue last night led members of the Yonkers Street Crime Unit to an apartment with $37,000 worth of heroin, police said.Police recovered 2,450 glassine envelopes of heroin, $7,000 in cash, and drug packaging material, police said.Police gave this account:Officers Christopher Hutter and Richard Devito stopped a car at 9:25 p.m. in front of 435 Riverdale Ave. after the driver failed to signal for a turn, police said.Inside the car the officers spotted glassine envelopes of heroin on the floor.
The officers obtained a search warrant for Polanco's Riverdale Avenue. Members of the Street Crime Unit and Narcotics Unit executed the search warrant on Polanco's home last night and found the majority of the heroin confiscated as well as the drug paraphernalia and money.Polanco is charged with second- and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, felonies, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.Santos was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.

Joan Polanco, 23, of 261 Riverdale Ave. in Yonkers and Juan Santos, 35, of 934 Ogden Ave. in the Bronx, were arrested.

Joan Polanco, 23, of 261 Riverdale Ave. in Yonkers and Juan Santos, 35, of 934 Ogden Ave. in the Bronx, were arrested.traffic stop on Riverdale Avenue last night led members of the Yonkers Street Crime Unit to an apartment with $37,000 worth of heroin, police said.Police recovered 2,450 glassine envelopes of heroin, $7,000 in cash, and drug packaging material, police said.Police gave this account:Officers Christopher Hutter and Richard Devito stopped a car at 9:25 p.m. in front of 435 Riverdale Ave. after the driver failed to signal for a turn, police said.Inside the car the officers spotted glassine envelopes of heroin on the floor.
The officers obtained a search warrant for Polanco's Riverdale Avenue. Members of the Street Crime Unit and Narcotics Unit executed the search warrant on Polanco's home last night and found the majority of the heroin confiscated as well as the drug paraphernalia and money.Polanco is charged with second- and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, felonies, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.Santos was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.

Daniel Rendon Herrera, alias "Don Mario", was surrounded and arrested in the jungles of northern Antioquia province

Daniel Rendon Herrera, alias "Don Mario", was surrounded and arrested in the jungles of northern Antioquia province, from where his gang smuggled tonnes of cocaine from the Caribbean coast toward the United States, officials said.As authorities closed in on his smuggling operation earlier this year, Rendon Herrera offered his gunmen $1,000 for every officer they murdered.Rendon Herrera has been charged by U.S. authorities, a spokesman for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said in Washington. The spokesman was unable to say when or whether his extradition would be sought by the United States.Rendon Herrera belonged to one of the paramilitary groups that began demobilizing after a 2003 peace deal with the government, but he refused to confess his crimes as required under the accord and went into hiding.

Daniel Rendon Herrera, alias "Don Mario", was surrounded and arrested in the jungles of northern Antioquia province

Daniel Rendon Herrera, alias "Don Mario", was surrounded and arrested in the jungles of northern Antioquia province, from where his gang smuggled tonnes of cocaine from the Caribbean coast toward the United States, officials said.As authorities closed in on his smuggling operation earlier this year, Rendon Herrera offered his gunmen $1,000 for every officer they murdered.Rendon Herrera has been charged by U.S. authorities, a spokesman for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said in Washington. The spokesman was unable to say when or whether his extradition would be sought by the United States.Rendon Herrera belonged to one of the paramilitary groups that began demobilizing after a 2003 peace deal with the government, but he refused to confess his crimes as required under the accord and went into hiding.

Jamaliah Yacab, 24, and Maryati Sipon, 27, faced a capital charge as the amount of heroin came to 16.53g.

Jamaliah Yacab, 24, and Maryati Sipon, 27, faced a capital charge as the amount of heroin came to 16.53g. FOR $300 each, two women risked their lives to help smuggle in 2.5kg of heroin-laced powder. The prosecution amended the charge to trafficking at least 14.99g of heroin and they pleaded guilty on Monday. The court was not told why the amount of heroin was reduced. Anyone convicted of trafficking in more than 15g of heroin is hanged. Deputy Public Prosecutor Ng Cheng Thiam told the High Court that the heroin was hidden in a box of detergent among other household items brought in through the Woodlands Checkpoint by Jamaliah, a Malaysian, at 5.30pm on Dec 31, 2007. While Jamaliah carried the drugs, Maryati, a Singaporean, was the money mule.
According to court documents, a ringleader met Maryati at a coffee shop near the Lavender MRT station early that day. He allegedly handed her $30,500 and instructed her to convert it into Malaysian ringgit and to give it to a man, known only as Boy Cino, in Johor Baru (JB). For this task, she received $300. She handed the RM69,690 to Boy Cino at about noon at a taxi stand at City Square in JB. She then returned to Singapore. Two hours later, Boy Cino arranged for Jamaliah to meet him in JB. He gave her RM400 and the plastic bags containing detergent and other items. When she delivered these to 42-year-old Kharul Anwar Zaini that evening, she got another $50. The women, who will be sentenced in two weeks time, face a minimum jail term of 20 years. The maximum is a life sentence. They are spared the mandatory 15 strokes of the cane.

Jamaliah Yacab, 24, and Maryati Sipon, 27, faced a capital charge as the amount of heroin came to 16.53g.

Jamaliah Yacab, 24, and Maryati Sipon, 27, faced a capital charge as the amount of heroin came to 16.53g. FOR $300 each, two women risked their lives to help smuggle in 2.5kg of heroin-laced powder. The prosecution amended the charge to trafficking at least 14.99g of heroin and they pleaded guilty on Monday. The court was not told why the amount of heroin was reduced. Anyone convicted of trafficking in more than 15g of heroin is hanged. Deputy Public Prosecutor Ng Cheng Thiam told the High Court that the heroin was hidden in a box of detergent among other household items brought in through the Woodlands Checkpoint by Jamaliah, a Malaysian, at 5.30pm on Dec 31, 2007. While Jamaliah carried the drugs, Maryati, a Singaporean, was the money mule.
According to court documents, a ringleader met Maryati at a coffee shop near the Lavender MRT station early that day. He allegedly handed her $30,500 and instructed her to convert it into Malaysian ringgit and to give it to a man, known only as Boy Cino, in Johor Baru (JB). For this task, she received $300. She handed the RM69,690 to Boy Cino at about noon at a taxi stand at City Square in JB. She then returned to Singapore. Two hours later, Boy Cino arranged for Jamaliah to meet him in JB. He gave her RM400 and the plastic bags containing detergent and other items. When she delivered these to 42-year-old Kharul Anwar Zaini that evening, she got another $50. The women, who will be sentenced in two weeks time, face a minimum jail term of 20 years. The maximum is a life sentence. They are spared the mandatory 15 strokes of the cane.

Saudi judge named Hamad Salim bin Naif had been arrested in the Gulf emirate on charges of possessing and using drugs.

Saudi judge named Hamad Salim bin Naif, who served as head of an Islamic court, had been arrested in the Gulf emirate on charges of possessing and using drugs.The ministry, in its first official reaction to the report, said that "none of the judges affiliated to the justice ministry has the name mentioned in this report”.
"The ministry stated that it has no information about the report published in the Emirati newspaper Khaleej Times and quoted by Agence France Presse and then Internet sites about the Dubai police's arrest of a Saudi judge," the official SPA news agency said.According to the English-language Khaleej Times, the suspect confessed that he and his wife take drugs and said he brought the confiscated hashish from Saudi Arabia for their personal use.
Sharia courts in Saudi Arabia impose tough penalties for drug-related charges, and drug trafficking is punishable by death in the ultra-conservative kingdom.The United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is a member, also imposes severe penalties for all drug-related offences. Four years in prison is the usual sentence for possession while trafficking carries the death penalty.

Saudi judge named Hamad Salim bin Naif had been arrested in the Gulf emirate on charges of possessing and using drugs.

Saudi judge named Hamad Salim bin Naif, who served as head of an Islamic court, had been arrested in the Gulf emirate on charges of possessing and using drugs.The ministry, in its first official reaction to the report, said that "none of the judges affiliated to the justice ministry has the name mentioned in this report”.
"The ministry stated that it has no information about the report published in the Emirati newspaper Khaleej Times and quoted by Agence France Presse and then Internet sites about the Dubai police's arrest of a Saudi judge," the official SPA news agency said.According to the English-language Khaleej Times, the suspect confessed that he and his wife take drugs and said he brought the confiscated hashish from Saudi Arabia for their personal use.
Sharia courts in Saudi Arabia impose tough penalties for drug-related charges, and drug trafficking is punishable by death in the ultra-conservative kingdom.The United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is a member, also imposes severe penalties for all drug-related offences. Four years in prison is the usual sentence for possession while trafficking carries the death penalty.

Two British men face jail terms of four years each after being arrested in the tourist hot-spot of Dubai for possessing small quantities of drugs

Two British men face jail terms of four years each after being arrested in the tourist hot-spot of Dubai for possessing small quantities of drugs, the 7Days newspaper reported on Tuesday. The unnamed men are in the twenties and were caught by customs officers at Dubai airport carrying Cocaine and Marijuana.Both men admitted to the charge of possessing illegal narcotics and will be sentenced later this month.

Two British men face jail terms of four years each after being arrested in the tourist hot-spot of Dubai for possessing small quantities of drugs

Two British men face jail terms of four years each after being arrested in the tourist hot-spot of Dubai for possessing small quantities of drugs, the 7Days newspaper reported on Tuesday. The unnamed men are in the twenties and were caught by customs officers at Dubai airport carrying Cocaine and Marijuana.Both men admitted to the charge of possessing illegal narcotics and will be sentenced later this month.

Australian has been jailed for four years in the Gulf emirate of Dubai

Australian has been jailed for four years in the Gulf emirate of Dubai after being found with 0.55 grams (0.019 ounces) of cannabis and testing positive for the drug, a newspaper reported on Thursday.The 43-year-old, whose name was given only as S.A., was convicted of "possessing and consuming" cannabis. He was arrested at Dubai airport on January 14 after arriving from the Congo, the Khaleej Times daily said.In an unrelated incident, a 38-year-old German was arrested on Monday as he boarded a flight to Britain carrying four kilos of cocaine in his suitcase.The newspaper said the man had admitted he was given the drugs during a three-day trip to Dubai by an African man who told him to hand the package over to an accomplice when he arrived in Britain.The German, identified only as H.M., confessed during interviews that he had made several previous drug smuggling trips to the emirate, the newspaper added.
Dubai, one of the seven member states in the United Arab Emirates, is a popular tourist destination and imposes tough penalties for all drug-related offences.Four years is the usual sentence for possession while trafficking carries the death penalty.

Australian has been jailed for four years in the Gulf emirate of Dubai

Australian has been jailed for four years in the Gulf emirate of Dubai after being found with 0.55 grams (0.019 ounces) of cannabis and testing positive for the drug, a newspaper reported on Thursday.The 43-year-old, whose name was given only as S.A., was convicted of "possessing and consuming" cannabis. He was arrested at Dubai airport on January 14 after arriving from the Congo, the Khaleej Times daily said.In an unrelated incident, a 38-year-old German was arrested on Monday as he boarded a flight to Britain carrying four kilos of cocaine in his suitcase.The newspaper said the man had admitted he was given the drugs during a three-day trip to Dubai by an African man who told him to hand the package over to an accomplice when he arrived in Britain.The German, identified only as H.M., confessed during interviews that he had made several previous drug smuggling trips to the emirate, the newspaper added.
Dubai, one of the seven member states in the United Arab Emirates, is a popular tourist destination and imposes tough penalties for all drug-related offences.Four years is the usual sentence for possession while trafficking carries the death penalty.

Ben Yussef Isaac, a tennis trainer was convicted by an Egyptian court for five years and a fine of 10,000 pounds ($2000) after he was arrested

Ben Yussef Isaac, a tennis trainer was convicted by an Egyptian court for five years and a fine of 10,000 pounds ($2000) after he was arrested at the Movenpick Resort Taba Hotel by hotel security personnel who discovered 500 grams of hashish in his bag."We routinely check foreign visitors and nationals who come here because incidents of smuggling are numerous," a security official, who did not disclose his name told AlArabiya.net.Taba, Egypt's busiest border crossing with Israel, is a major transit route for migrants, asylum-seekers and drug smugglers. The conviction is the latest in drug smuggling trend that plagues Egyptian/Israeli border crossings. "He told authorities the drug was for personal use, but the amount is too huge for personal use." Mukhtar Madi from the prosecutions department in Taba told AlArabiya.net. "It is definitely a case of drug trade." he added.Penalties for possession, trafficking or use of illegal drugs in Egypt are severe, and convicted offenders get long jail sentences and heavy fines while those in the drug industry could end up with capital punishment.

Ben Yussef Isaac, a tennis trainer was convicted by an Egyptian court for five years and a fine of 10,000 pounds ($2000) after he was arrested

Ben Yussef Isaac, a tennis trainer was convicted by an Egyptian court for five years and a fine of 10,000 pounds ($2000) after he was arrested at the Movenpick Resort Taba Hotel by hotel security personnel who discovered 500 grams of hashish in his bag."We routinely check foreign visitors and nationals who come here because incidents of smuggling are numerous," a security official, who did not disclose his name told AlArabiya.net.Taba, Egypt's busiest border crossing with Israel, is a major transit route for migrants, asylum-seekers and drug smugglers. The conviction is the latest in drug smuggling trend that plagues Egyptian/Israeli border crossings. "He told authorities the drug was for personal use, but the amount is too huge for personal use." Mukhtar Madi from the prosecutions department in Taba told AlArabiya.net. "It is definitely a case of drug trade." he added.Penalties for possession, trafficking or use of illegal drugs in Egypt are severe, and convicted offenders get long jail sentences and heavy fines while those in the drug industry could end up with capital punishment.

Timothy Rutherford who worked as a civil contractor with British forces in southern Iraq was arrested last September while crossing into Kuwait

Timothy Rutherford British expat was sentenced to life in jail Sunday by Kuwait's criminal court after he was caught smuggling hashish and alcohol into the oil-rich emirate from neighboring Iraq in the latest case of drug trafficking that suggests a surge in abuse of illicit stimulants in the Arab world at large.Timothy Rutherford who worked as a civil contractor with British forces in southern Iraq was arrested last September while crossing into Kuwait with 49 kilos (108 pounds) of hashish, liquor and cash.
As a trade free zone Dubai is perhaps the busiest drug gateway in the GulfAlthough Sunday's verdict is not final and can be appealed, it is standard in a country where penalties for possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs in Kuwait are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.In February 2009 three Americans were caught allegedly peddling marijuana in Kuwait City's downtown after using the military postal service to smuggle marijuana into the country.Three major drug raids in Dubai recently – all involving foreigners -- yielded a haul of 651,000 Captagon pills at the airport, and several kilograms of heroin intercepted by police and customs officers.

Timothy Rutherford who worked as a civil contractor with British forces in southern Iraq was arrested last September while crossing into Kuwait

Timothy Rutherford British expat was sentenced to life in jail Sunday by Kuwait's criminal court after he was caught smuggling hashish and alcohol into the oil-rich emirate from neighboring Iraq in the latest case of drug trafficking that suggests a surge in abuse of illicit stimulants in the Arab world at large.Timothy Rutherford who worked as a civil contractor with British forces in southern Iraq was arrested last September while crossing into Kuwait with 49 kilos (108 pounds) of hashish, liquor and cash.
As a trade free zone Dubai is perhaps the busiest drug gateway in the GulfAlthough Sunday's verdict is not final and can be appealed, it is standard in a country where penalties for possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs in Kuwait are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.In February 2009 three Americans were caught allegedly peddling marijuana in Kuwait City's downtown after using the military postal service to smuggle marijuana into the country.Three major drug raids in Dubai recently – all involving foreigners -- yielded a haul of 651,000 Captagon pills at the airport, and several kilograms of heroin intercepted by police and customs officers.

Rolondo Guzman, 36, pleaded not guilty to four counts of distribution of cocaine

Rolondo Guzman, 36, pleaded not guilty to four counts of distribution of cocaine, the day after Salem police arrested him following a two-week investigation.Police Detective William Jennings began investigating after getting a tip that two drug dealers, "Willie" and "Nick," had recently started doing business in the city, prosecutor Caleb Weiner said. An undercover officer arranged to meet "Nick" — later identified as Guzman — in a gas station parking lot on Boston Street on the night of March 31. The officer used marked money to purchase a small quantity of cocaine, about $40 worth. She made several other transactions with "Nick" and "Willie" on April 1 and April 3. The final deal was set up for April 8. That's when police moved in and arrested Guzman. They found three bags of cocaine in a Perry Ellis perfume bottle, some cash, which included the money used in the most recent transaction, and cell phones, including one with the number the officer had used to set up the drug deals. Police are still working to identify the second man. Weiner asked Salem District Court Judge Richard Mori to set bail at $25,000 cash, noting Guzman's ties to the Dominican Republic. Defense lawyer Ray Buso argued that Guzman has lived in the United States for 17 years and has a family here. He offered to surrender Guzman's Dominican passport. Buso pointed to Guzman's record, which includes prior arrests on charges including armed home invasion, but no convictions. Judge Richard Mori set bail at $5,000 cash, an amount that was posted immediately by Guzman's family.Guzman is due back in court on May 28.

Rolondo Guzman, 36, pleaded not guilty to four counts of distribution of cocaine

Rolondo Guzman, 36, pleaded not guilty to four counts of distribution of cocaine, the day after Salem police arrested him following a two-week investigation.Police Detective William Jennings began investigating after getting a tip that two drug dealers, "Willie" and "Nick," had recently started doing business in the city, prosecutor Caleb Weiner said. An undercover officer arranged to meet "Nick" — later identified as Guzman — in a gas station parking lot on Boston Street on the night of March 31. The officer used marked money to purchase a small quantity of cocaine, about $40 worth. She made several other transactions with "Nick" and "Willie" on April 1 and April 3. The final deal was set up for April 8. That's when police moved in and arrested Guzman. They found three bags of cocaine in a Perry Ellis perfume bottle, some cash, which included the money used in the most recent transaction, and cell phones, including one with the number the officer had used to set up the drug deals. Police are still working to identify the second man. Weiner asked Salem District Court Judge Richard Mori to set bail at $25,000 cash, noting Guzman's ties to the Dominican Republic. Defense lawyer Ray Buso argued that Guzman has lived in the United States for 17 years and has a family here. He offered to surrender Guzman's Dominican passport. Buso pointed to Guzman's record, which includes prior arrests on charges including armed home invasion, but no convictions. Judge Richard Mori set bail at $5,000 cash, an amount that was posted immediately by Guzman's family.Guzman is due back in court on May 28.

Dale Markle, 27, of Washington, was arrested on Thursday, April 9, and charged with possession of cocaine

Dale Markle, 27, of Washington, was arrested on Thursday, April 9, and charged with possession of cocaine after police found several vials of the drug in his car, which was parked at police headquarters. Markle had come to police headquarters at about 7:20 p.m. to turn himself in on a $145 warrant that originated out of Clinton Township, police said. While Markle was inside posting bail, Patrolman Matthew Murphy, who was just beginning his patrol shift, walked past a vehicle in the parking lot of police headquarters and observed a crack pipe clearly visible on top of the center console, police said. Patrolman Murphy soon determined that Markle had driven the vehicle to police headquarters.
A subsequent investigation produced five vials containing cocaine and cocaine residue inside of the vehicle, police said.Markle was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, being under the influence of cocaine and operating a motor vehicle while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, police said. Bail was set at $5,000.When he was unable to post the necessary bail, Markle was transported to the Hunterdon County Jail. Patrolman David Formalarie assisted.

Dale Markle, 27, of Washington, was arrested on Thursday, April 9, and charged with possession of cocaine

Dale Markle, 27, of Washington, was arrested on Thursday, April 9, and charged with possession of cocaine after police found several vials of the drug in his car, which was parked at police headquarters. Markle had come to police headquarters at about 7:20 p.m. to turn himself in on a $145 warrant that originated out of Clinton Township, police said. While Markle was inside posting bail, Patrolman Matthew Murphy, who was just beginning his patrol shift, walked past a vehicle in the parking lot of police headquarters and observed a crack pipe clearly visible on top of the center console, police said. Patrolman Murphy soon determined that Markle had driven the vehicle to police headquarters.
A subsequent investigation produced five vials containing cocaine and cocaine residue inside of the vehicle, police said.Markle was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, being under the influence of cocaine and operating a motor vehicle while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, police said. Bail was set at $5,000.When he was unable to post the necessary bail, Markle was transported to the Hunterdon County Jail. Patrolman David Formalarie assisted.

Timothy Williams, 38, and Melinore Fair, 57, were arrested

Two Miami men were arrested after detectives say they seized more than 12 pounds of cocaine during a traffic stop.On Thursday at approximately 7:03 p.m., members of the Lee County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Division conducted a traffic stop on a black Ford Taurus traveling on I-75 near mile marker 143/Bayshore Road. They say they pulled the vehicle over for traveling too closely behind another vehicle. Investigators say they made contact with the driver of the Taurus and observed several indicators of criminal activity.The Lee County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit responded to assist with the investigation. Agency canine Sapper alerted detectives to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. They searched the suspect's vehicle and found a total of five kilos of cocaine, worth an estimated street value of $150,000, concealed under a rear seat. Deputies say each kilo was packaged in the shape of a brick, wrapped in black electrical tape. Combined, the five packages weighed a total of 12.6 pounds.Timothy Williams, 38, and Melinore Fair, 57, were arrested.Both subjects were transported to the Lee County Jail. Due to the large of narcotics present in the vehicle, the Fort Myers Drug Enforcement Agency assumed the investigation and is charging both suspects with federal drug charges.

Timothy Williams, 38, and Melinore Fair, 57, were arrested

Two Miami men were arrested after detectives say they seized more than 12 pounds of cocaine during a traffic stop.On Thursday at approximately 7:03 p.m., members of the Lee County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Division conducted a traffic stop on a black Ford Taurus traveling on I-75 near mile marker 143/Bayshore Road. They say they pulled the vehicle over for traveling too closely behind another vehicle. Investigators say they made contact with the driver of the Taurus and observed several indicators of criminal activity.The Lee County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit responded to assist with the investigation. Agency canine Sapper alerted detectives to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. They searched the suspect's vehicle and found a total of five kilos of cocaine, worth an estimated street value of $150,000, concealed under a rear seat. Deputies say each kilo was packaged in the shape of a brick, wrapped in black electrical tape. Combined, the five packages weighed a total of 12.6 pounds.Timothy Williams, 38, and Melinore Fair, 57, were arrested.Both subjects were transported to the Lee County Jail. Due to the large of narcotics present in the vehicle, the Fort Myers Drug Enforcement Agency assumed the investigation and is charging both suspects with federal drug charges.

charged Phillip L. Brewer, 27, and Christopher D. Brewer with possession with intent to distribute cocaine

charged Phillip L. Brewer, 27, of the 22000 block of Coverdale Road near Bridgeville, and Christopher D. Brewer, 22, of Webbs Lane in Dover, with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, possession with intent to distribute prescription pills, maintaining a dwelling for drug sales and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Phillip Brewer was also charged with trafficking cocaine and manufacturing cocaine.He was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $482,000 cash only bail.Christopher Brewer, who was additionally charged with resisting arrest, is jailed after failing to post bail of $10,500 cash.State police spokesman Sgt. Joshua Bushweller said troopers raided Phillip Brewer’s Coverdale Road home Thursday night and seized 225 grams of a cocaine mixture that was being processed into crack cocaine in his kitchen.Detectives also seized 4.1 grams of crack cocaine in his front pocket, Bushweller said.Found in the residence were 20 Hydrocodone pills, 45 Xanax pills, 14 prescription Tylenol pills, ammunition of a .380 caliber and 9mm handguns, 18 grams of marijuana and $522 in suspected drug money.
At the time of the raid, Brewer’s cousin Christopher was inside the residence.

charged Phillip L. Brewer, 27, and Christopher D. Brewer with possession with intent to distribute cocaine

charged Phillip L. Brewer, 27, of the 22000 block of Coverdale Road near Bridgeville, and Christopher D. Brewer, 22, of Webbs Lane in Dover, with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, possession with intent to distribute prescription pills, maintaining a dwelling for drug sales and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Phillip Brewer was also charged with trafficking cocaine and manufacturing cocaine.He was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $482,000 cash only bail.Christopher Brewer, who was additionally charged with resisting arrest, is jailed after failing to post bail of $10,500 cash.State police spokesman Sgt. Joshua Bushweller said troopers raided Phillip Brewer’s Coverdale Road home Thursday night and seized 225 grams of a cocaine mixture that was being processed into crack cocaine in his kitchen.Detectives also seized 4.1 grams of crack cocaine in his front pocket, Bushweller said.Found in the residence were 20 Hydrocodone pills, 45 Xanax pills, 14 prescription Tylenol pills, ammunition of a .380 caliber and 9mm handguns, 18 grams of marijuana and $522 in suspected drug money.
At the time of the raid, Brewer’s cousin Christopher was inside the residence.

Donald Lyons, a high-level cocaine trafficker tied to the Independent Soldiers street gang.

Lyons was caught on secret video and audiotape giving a kilogram of cocaine to career criminal turned secret agent Scotty "Taz" Robertson during a meeting inside a Kelowna hotel room. He was also implicated in various phone taps against other accused as being a major supplier of cocaine to Manitoba.His carefree world came crashing down 15 months ago in an undercover Winnipeg police sting. Now he’s lost everything - his pricey properties, his possessions and his freedom. Lyons, 36, was sentenced Friday to eight and a half years in prison under a joint recommendation from Crown and defence lawyers. He gets double-time credit for his pre-trial custody, leaving him with another six years behind bars. He also agreed to pay a $26,000 fine and forfeit $75,000 in property, including a Cadillac Escalade seized by police.
"Individuals like Mr. Lyons cause irreparable harm to the community," federal prosecutor Chris Mainella told court Friday. He said a message needs to be sent that Manitoba "is not a friendly place for drug traffickers."Lyons is the 15th accused from "Project Drill" to plead guilty and be sentenced. Only three others who were arrested in December 2007 remain before the courts. Mainella said the Independent Soldiers only began to emerge in Canada in 2004 but have grown to several hundred members in B.C. and Alberta. They are aligned with the Hells Angels, and Lyons was good friend with Kelowna Hells chapter vice-president Lester Jones, who has already admitted to his role in Project Drill."They look after me, I look after them," Jones was overheard on a phone tap telling an associate about his relationship with Lyons and the Independent Soldiers.Police lured Lyons and Jones into a trap by having the agent come to them on the guise the cocaine currently being supplied to Manitoba dealers was of poor quality. Jones bragged that he could easily fix that, bragging that B.C. cocaine was "(expletive) mint", court was told.However, Jones arranged one shipment to the agent in which the drugs were only about 14 per cent pure. Police had the agent fly to B.C. to confront Jones about the extreme diluting. Jones promised to take care of the problem, and got Lyons to meet with the agent and provide a new kilogram which was 97 per cent pure, court was told.Defence lawyer Josh Weinstein said his client isn’t a lost cause and has many redeeming qualities, including a three-year-old stepson he loves dearly.
"I’m sorry to everyone for my crime and everyone it’s affected. I’m aware of all the people I’ve let down. I’m thankful to get a second chance," Lyons said in a brief statement to the court Friday. Queen’s Bench Justice John Scurfield said it’s clear Lyons had a "trusted" role within organized crime and was able to live a "lavish life" thanks to drug profits.Lyons has not put all his legal troubles behind him. He’s still facing weapons charges in B.C. after police found 19 guns, a grenade and two Tasers hidden in a safe under a staircase during a search of his $1.2 million Kelowna rental home. Lyons was actually arrested by police at his other property - a condo in Vancouver which Mainella told court cost "seven figures."

Donald Lyons, a high-level cocaine trafficker tied to the Independent Soldiers street gang.

Lyons was caught on secret video and audiotape giving a kilogram of cocaine to career criminal turned secret agent Scotty "Taz" Robertson during a meeting inside a Kelowna hotel room. He was also implicated in various phone taps against other accused as being a major supplier of cocaine to Manitoba.His carefree world came crashing down 15 months ago in an undercover Winnipeg police sting. Now he’s lost everything - his pricey properties, his possessions and his freedom. Lyons, 36, was sentenced Friday to eight and a half years in prison under a joint recommendation from Crown and defence lawyers. He gets double-time credit for his pre-trial custody, leaving him with another six years behind bars. He also agreed to pay a $26,000 fine and forfeit $75,000 in property, including a Cadillac Escalade seized by police.
"Individuals like Mr. Lyons cause irreparable harm to the community," federal prosecutor Chris Mainella told court Friday. He said a message needs to be sent that Manitoba "is not a friendly place for drug traffickers."Lyons is the 15th accused from "Project Drill" to plead guilty and be sentenced. Only three others who were arrested in December 2007 remain before the courts. Mainella said the Independent Soldiers only began to emerge in Canada in 2004 but have grown to several hundred members in B.C. and Alberta. They are aligned with the Hells Angels, and Lyons was good friend with Kelowna Hells chapter vice-president Lester Jones, who has already admitted to his role in Project Drill."They look after me, I look after them," Jones was overheard on a phone tap telling an associate about his relationship with Lyons and the Independent Soldiers.Police lured Lyons and Jones into a trap by having the agent come to them on the guise the cocaine currently being supplied to Manitoba dealers was of poor quality. Jones bragged that he could easily fix that, bragging that B.C. cocaine was "(expletive) mint", court was told.However, Jones arranged one shipment to the agent in which the drugs were only about 14 per cent pure. Police had the agent fly to B.C. to confront Jones about the extreme diluting. Jones promised to take care of the problem, and got Lyons to meet with the agent and provide a new kilogram which was 97 per cent pure, court was told.Defence lawyer Josh Weinstein said his client isn’t a lost cause and has many redeeming qualities, including a three-year-old stepson he loves dearly.
"I’m sorry to everyone for my crime and everyone it’s affected. I’m aware of all the people I’ve let down. I’m thankful to get a second chance," Lyons said in a brief statement to the court Friday. Queen’s Bench Justice John Scurfield said it’s clear Lyons had a "trusted" role within organized crime and was able to live a "lavish life" thanks to drug profits.Lyons has not put all his legal troubles behind him. He’s still facing weapons charges in B.C. after police found 19 guns, a grenade and two Tasers hidden in a safe under a staircase during a search of his $1.2 million Kelowna rental home. Lyons was actually arrested by police at his other property - a condo in Vancouver which Mainella told court cost "seven figures."

Kathleen Ann Elisabeth, 31, and Christa Mary, 30, were arrested in February on the island of Lombok. They remain in police custody.

Kathleen Ann Elisabeth, 31, and Christa Mary, 30, were arrested in February on the island of Lombok. They remain in police custody.
“The two women were arrested in February while they were smoking cannabis,” Central Lombok police chief Suryanto told AFP.The two kindergarten teachers went to Indonesia on their winter break. They were found to be in possession of 3.6 grams of cannabis when they were arrested at the hotel they were staying at.The Jakarta Post reports:“It’s an order from the top, as long as the case is being processed, the two Canadians remain in custody. Since their case is being handled by the Lombok police station, that’s where they are being held,” West Nusa Tenggara regional police spokesman Tribudi Pangestuti said.The police had reportedly followed the pair for days before the arrest. In Indonesia marijuana is classified the same as heroin.The Canadian embassy cannot arrange for release from prison when Canadians are arrested aboard nor can the embassy post bail, pay for lawyers or pay your fines. They are not allowed to seek preferential treatment for you nor have Canadians exempted from the due process of local laws.What the embassy can do is conduct prison visits and ensure treatment consistent with what would be expected by the host country’s own citizens and contact your next of kin about the situation you are in. They can give you a list of English speaking lawyers and direct you to information about local laws.Canadian citizens arrested aboard should inform the arresting authorities that you wish to have the nearest Canadian government office abroad notified immediately of your arrest.Always remember when traveling aboard that you have to obey the laws of the land. If you break the law in another country, you are subject to that country’s judicial system.

Kathleen Ann Elisabeth, 31, and Christa Mary, 30, were arrested in February on the island of Lombok. They remain in police custody.

Kathleen Ann Elisabeth, 31, and Christa Mary, 30, were arrested in February on the island of Lombok. They remain in police custody.
“The two women were arrested in February while they were smoking cannabis,” Central Lombok police chief Suryanto told AFP.The two kindergarten teachers went to Indonesia on their winter break. They were found to be in possession of 3.6 grams of cannabis when they were arrested at the hotel they were staying at.The Jakarta Post reports:“It’s an order from the top, as long as the case is being processed, the two Canadians remain in custody. Since their case is being handled by the Lombok police station, that’s where they are being held,” West Nusa Tenggara regional police spokesman Tribudi Pangestuti said.The police had reportedly followed the pair for days before the arrest. In Indonesia marijuana is classified the same as heroin.The Canadian embassy cannot arrange for release from prison when Canadians are arrested aboard nor can the embassy post bail, pay for lawyers or pay your fines. They are not allowed to seek preferential treatment for you nor have Canadians exempted from the due process of local laws.What the embassy can do is conduct prison visits and ensure treatment consistent with what would be expected by the host country’s own citizens and contact your next of kin about the situation you are in. They can give you a list of English speaking lawyers and direct you to information about local laws.Canadian citizens arrested aboard should inform the arresting authorities that you wish to have the nearest Canadian government office abroad notified immediately of your arrest.Always remember when traveling aboard that you have to obey the laws of the land. If you break the law in another country, you are subject to that country’s judicial system.

one of the suspects, surnamed Chen, purchased the heroin in Thailand and hid it in the wall of a specially made 20-kilogram iron barrel

Two individuals have been arrested for allegedly smuggling 4,705 grams of heroin into Taiwan, police in Kaohsiung announced Saturday.
Police said one of the suspects, surnamed Chen, purchased the heroin in Thailand and hid it in the wall of a specially made 20-kilogram iron barrel to skirt its detection by X-ray machines.Chen also tightly sealed the lid of the barrel with wax and covered it in butter to prevent sniffing dogs from picking up the illicit drug's scent.He then mailed the barrel to Taiwan by air mail to a Kaohsiung County resident surnamed Fu, declaring the shipment as motorbike parts and components.Acting on a tip, police raided Fu's residence in Kaohsiung County Friday and seized the heroin before arresting Chen in Kaohsiung City later the same day.

one of the suspects, surnamed Chen, purchased the heroin in Thailand and hid it in the wall of a specially made 20-kilogram iron barrel

Two individuals have been arrested for allegedly smuggling 4,705 grams of heroin into Taiwan, police in Kaohsiung announced Saturday.
Police said one of the suspects, surnamed Chen, purchased the heroin in Thailand and hid it in the wall of a specially made 20-kilogram iron barrel to skirt its detection by X-ray machines.Chen also tightly sealed the lid of the barrel with wax and covered it in butter to prevent sniffing dogs from picking up the illicit drug's scent.He then mailed the barrel to Taiwan by air mail to a Kaohsiung County resident surnamed Fu, declaring the shipment as motorbike parts and components.Acting on a tip, police raided Fu's residence in Kaohsiung County Friday and seized the heroin before arresting Chen in Kaohsiung City later the same day.

Mohsen Youssefinejad was convicted by a jury in February of two drug-related felonies for receiving 14 pounds of the drug via mail

Mohsen Youssefinejad was convicted by a jury in February of two drug-related felonies for receiving 14 pounds of the drug via mail to his Santa Ana business.The Lake Forest man has been sentenced to four years in prison for smuggling $3 million worth of opium that was concealed in hollow wooden picture frames. Customs officials found the drug stuffed into decorative frames in New York, but monitored its delivery to Youssefinejad. When he picked up the crate on June 9, he was arrested.

Mohsen Youssefinejad was convicted by a jury in February of two drug-related felonies for receiving 14 pounds of the drug via mail

Mohsen Youssefinejad was convicted by a jury in February of two drug-related felonies for receiving 14 pounds of the drug via mail to his Santa Ana business.The Lake Forest man has been sentenced to four years in prison for smuggling $3 million worth of opium that was concealed in hollow wooden picture frames. Customs officials found the drug stuffed into decorative frames in New York, but monitored its delivery to Youssefinejad. When he picked up the crate on June 9, he was arrested.

Jason Richards along with his accomplices Jonathon Reed, 31, Ryan Sweeny, 27, from Milton Road, Wellingborough and Andrew Martin, 31,pleaded guilty

Jason Richards ,St Ives Road, Wyken on August 13 last year and arrested the 37-year-old.The raid was one of ten co-ordinated police strikes to take place across the UK.Other raids took place in Northamptonshire, Southampton, London and Buckinghamshire and three further arrests were made.They came as the result of a ten-week long police investigation into the supply of cannabis by the criminal gang. Officers recovered cannabis with an estimated street value of £1million from and £100,000 in cash during the raids on the gang members homes.Coventry man Richards, along with his accomplices – Jonathon Reed, 31, who played his part in the gang while serving a sentence at an open prison, Ryan Sweeny, 27, from Milton Road, Wellingborough and Andrew Martin, 31, of Bridle Road, Burton – pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis and concealment of criminal property.Reed and Richards also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply a class C drug – testosterone –at Huntington Crown Court.Yesterday the gang appeared at the same court to be sentenced.Reed was ordered to serve six years in prison and Sweeney and Martin were handed four-and-a-half year sentences each.The judge told them their guilty pleas would see their sentences reduced by a third.Coventry man Richards will be sentenced at a later date.Speaking after the court hearing, Detective Inspector Steve O’Farrell, senior investigating officer from Thames Valley Police, said: “These men were involved in a highly organised operation to supply cannabis.“The fact they have received custodial sentences reinforces the message that Thames Valley Police are disrupting organised criminal gangs and sending them to prison.”

Jason Richards along with his accomplices Jonathon Reed, 31, Ryan Sweeny, 27, from Milton Road, Wellingborough and Andrew Martin, 31,pleaded guilty

Jason Richards ,St Ives Road, Wyken on August 13 last year and arrested the 37-year-old.The raid was one of ten co-ordinated police strikes to take place across the UK.Other raids took place in Northamptonshire, Southampton, London and Buckinghamshire and three further arrests were made.They came as the result of a ten-week long police investigation into the supply of cannabis by the criminal gang. Officers recovered cannabis with an estimated street value of £1million from and £100,000 in cash during the raids on the gang members homes.Coventry man Richards, along with his accomplices – Jonathon Reed, 31, who played his part in the gang while serving a sentence at an open prison, Ryan Sweeny, 27, from Milton Road, Wellingborough and Andrew Martin, 31, of Bridle Road, Burton – pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis and concealment of criminal property.Reed and Richards also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply a class C drug – testosterone –at Huntington Crown Court.Yesterday the gang appeared at the same court to be sentenced.Reed was ordered to serve six years in prison and Sweeney and Martin were handed four-and-a-half year sentences each.The judge told them their guilty pleas would see their sentences reduced by a third.Coventry man Richards will be sentenced at a later date.Speaking after the court hearing, Detective Inspector Steve O’Farrell, senior investigating officer from Thames Valley Police, said: “These men were involved in a highly organised operation to supply cannabis.“The fact they have received custodial sentences reinforces the message that Thames Valley Police are disrupting organised criminal gangs and sending them to prison.”

David Hernandez of Logansport guilty of a class A felony charge of dealing in cocaine.

29-year-old David Hernandez of Logansport guilty of a class A felony charge of dealing in cocaine. He sentenced Hernandez to the maximum permitted under the plea agreement.Hernandez and his wife, 22-year-old Siomara Figueroa, were among five people arrested in October in a raid on two homes led by the Cass County Drug Task Force. All five were charged with class A felonies carrying a sentence of up to 50 years in prison.Hernandez signed a plea deal that capped the overall sentence at 30 years, with the executed portion limited to 20 years. The deal also called for prosecutors to drop their case against Figueroa, who sat in the courtroom Tuesday. Because Hernandez was too emotional to read his prepared statement to the court, an interpreter read it aloud in English.
In the letter, Hernandez asked for forgiveness not only from the court, but from God and his wife and children, who he wanted to be reunited. He admitted his wrongdoing and said he would accept the punishment.Chief Deputy Prosecutor Lisa Swaim called Sgt. Jim Klepinger of the drug task force to testify. She asked him about the investigation into Hernandez’s drug-dealing operation. Klepinger said the task force recorded four controlled buys using a confidential informant. The amounts varied from 3.5 grams up to 28.5 grams.It takes three grams to constitute a class A felony under Indiana law.Klepinger added that officers also seized another 28.5 grams when they raided the two homes.Swaim referred to Hernandez as a “high-level dealer,” and Klepinger agreed. On cross examination, Indianapolis attorney Jason Reyome wanted to know whether Klepinger’s consideration of Hernandez as a big-time dealer was relative to the community where he was arrested. He said drug investigations in other communities net kilos, not mere ounces.
“I don’t consider ounces to be minor,” Klepinger responded.
Swaim pointed out that Hernandez was not a cocaine user but strictly a seller. She said his actions put the community at risk.
“He made it his business to enter the country illegally and sell poison,” Swaim said in court.Once he finishes his sentence, Hernandez will be deported to Mexico. Swaim said that if he ever returned to the United States, he would face an additional 10 years in the DOC for probation violation.Reyome had argued that the judge should suspend his client’s sentence for the benefit of taxpayers in these difficult economic times. If the entire sentence were suspended, Hernandez would be deported immediately, Reyome said, and that would eliminate the cost of housing him as an inmate. If Hernandez returned, which Reyome said would be unlikely even though his wife and children are legal residents of the United States, he would face a 30-year prison term.Maughmer wanted to know what then would happen to the punishment deserved for violating the laws of a sovereign nation. Reyome said Hernandez had already served five months in jail. The judge expressed his concern that sending Hernandez back to Mexico without proper punishment would set an undesired precedent.U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement already deported one defendant. Earlier this month, an immigration officer removed 24-year-old Martin Rafael Hernandez from the jail after the prosecutor’s office dismissed its case.Both Martin and David Hernandez, along with Figueroa and 33-year-old Javier Serrato and 34-year-old Maria Isabel Cabbrera, were arrested Oct. 23 when officers served search warrants at 1517 George St. and 312 19th St.

David Hernandez of Logansport guilty of a class A felony charge of dealing in cocaine.

29-year-old David Hernandez of Logansport guilty of a class A felony charge of dealing in cocaine. He sentenced Hernandez to the maximum permitted under the plea agreement.Hernandez and his wife, 22-year-old Siomara Figueroa, were among five people arrested in October in a raid on two homes led by the Cass County Drug Task Force. All five were charged with class A felonies carrying a sentence of up to 50 years in prison.Hernandez signed a plea deal that capped the overall sentence at 30 years, with the executed portion limited to 20 years. The deal also called for prosecutors to drop their case against Figueroa, who sat in the courtroom Tuesday. Because Hernandez was too emotional to read his prepared statement to the court, an interpreter read it aloud in English.
In the letter, Hernandez asked for forgiveness not only from the court, but from God and his wife and children, who he wanted to be reunited. He admitted his wrongdoing and said he would accept the punishment.Chief Deputy Prosecutor Lisa Swaim called Sgt. Jim Klepinger of the drug task force to testify. She asked him about the investigation into Hernandez’s drug-dealing operation. Klepinger said the task force recorded four controlled buys using a confidential informant. The amounts varied from 3.5 grams up to 28.5 grams.It takes three grams to constitute a class A felony under Indiana law.Klepinger added that officers also seized another 28.5 grams when they raided the two homes.Swaim referred to Hernandez as a “high-level dealer,” and Klepinger agreed. On cross examination, Indianapolis attorney Jason Reyome wanted to know whether Klepinger’s consideration of Hernandez as a big-time dealer was relative to the community where he was arrested. He said drug investigations in other communities net kilos, not mere ounces.
“I don’t consider ounces to be minor,” Klepinger responded.
Swaim pointed out that Hernandez was not a cocaine user but strictly a seller. She said his actions put the community at risk.
“He made it his business to enter the country illegally and sell poison,” Swaim said in court.Once he finishes his sentence, Hernandez will be deported to Mexico. Swaim said that if he ever returned to the United States, he would face an additional 10 years in the DOC for probation violation.Reyome had argued that the judge should suspend his client’s sentence for the benefit of taxpayers in these difficult economic times. If the entire sentence were suspended, Hernandez would be deported immediately, Reyome said, and that would eliminate the cost of housing him as an inmate. If Hernandez returned, which Reyome said would be unlikely even though his wife and children are legal residents of the United States, he would face a 30-year prison term.Maughmer wanted to know what then would happen to the punishment deserved for violating the laws of a sovereign nation. Reyome said Hernandez had already served five months in jail. The judge expressed his concern that sending Hernandez back to Mexico without proper punishment would set an undesired precedent.U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement already deported one defendant. Earlier this month, an immigration officer removed 24-year-old Martin Rafael Hernandez from the jail after the prosecutor’s office dismissed its case.Both Martin and David Hernandez, along with Figueroa and 33-year-old Javier Serrato and 34-year-old Maria Isabel Cabbrera, were arrested Oct. 23 when officers served search warrants at 1517 George St. and 312 19th St.