Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Singer Pete Doherty has been arrested in Germany
Singer Pete Doherty has been arrested in Germany after allegedly throwing a bottle at a parked car window.Doherty, 30, was detained by police after the incident in the Kreuzberg area of Berlin early on Saturday morning. He was released without charge and it is not yet known if any further action will be taken against him. Last week, he was forced to apologise for performing a verse of the German national anthem with Nazi connotations. The singer was booed after singing "Deutschland, Deutschland ueber alles" at a music festival in Munich that was also broadcast live on Bavarian radio. A spokesperson for the singer said: "He deeply apologises if he has caused any offence". Doherty was questioned on Saturday morning after allegedly throwing a bottle near a bar called Trinkteufel. He is due back in the UK for a gig with his band Babyshambles in Sheffield on 10 December.
convicted cocaine trafficker Jano C. Evans has been on the run since fleeing from a work release program in Tampa more than 22 years ago.
convicted cocaine trafficker Jano C. Evans has been on the run since fleeing from a work release program in Tampa more than 22 years ago.
Robert Pattinson has been caught up in another heroin scandal
Robert Pattinson has been caught up in another heroin scandal weeks after dismissing reports he overdosed in New York - U.S. government officials have seized a "Twilight"-themed cache of the drug featuring the actor's face. According to Drug Enforcement Administration officials, heroin baggies featuring a cartoon of Pattinson and other "Twilight" characters were recently seized in West Hempstead, Long Island. Officials say the "Twilight"-themed heroin has been gaining popularity in the months leading up to the much-hyped premiere of the vampire franchise's second installment, "New Moon." The drug bust comes weeks after 23-year-old Pattinson slammed a string of sick rumours suggesting he had succumbed to a heroin overdose. Lashing out at the media for upsetting his family, he said: "I had a heroin overdose in New York (according to the rumours); that was an exciting one for my mother."
Bernard 'Cash' Ellerbe, 20-years-old of New Castle County, was arrested outside of the Galloway Court Apartments
Bernard 'Cash' Ellerbe, 20-years-old of New Castle County, was arrested outside of the Galloway Court Apartments after police responded to reports of a black male subject reportedly selling drugs near the entrance of the complex.
Ellerbe was located by police sitting in a silver Buick SUV along with two female accomplices. New Castle Officers removed Ellerbe from the vehicle and discovered 12 bags of heroin on the floorboard of the vehicle; Ellerbe was then arrested without incident.Police report, the two female occupants were then removed the vehicle and detained while police conducted a search of the vehicle for additional drug paraphernalia.According to officials, during the course of the investigation it was discovered that one of the females had concealed two bags of crack cocaine in her underpants.Ellerbe and his accomplice, Desire Springfield, were charged with trafficking cocaine, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, heroin and several other felony drug offense
Ellerbe was located by police sitting in a silver Buick SUV along with two female accomplices. New Castle Officers removed Ellerbe from the vehicle and discovered 12 bags of heroin on the floorboard of the vehicle; Ellerbe was then arrested without incident.Police report, the two female occupants were then removed the vehicle and detained while police conducted a search of the vehicle for additional drug paraphernalia.According to officials, during the course of the investigation it was discovered that one of the females had concealed two bags of crack cocaine in her underpants.Ellerbe and his accomplice, Desire Springfield, were charged with trafficking cocaine, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, heroin and several other felony drug offense
Robert Bryning, 51, of Winsford, was jailed in for five and a half years last December for possession of cocaine with intent to supply.
Robert Bryning, 51, of Winsford, was jailed in for five and a half years last December for possession of cocaine with intent to supply.
Despite having been unemployed for 19 years, a Proceeds of Crime investigation revealed he managed to buy two properties, took regular exotic holidays, owned a time share in Florida and was a member at an exclusive golf club. He was finally caught when police raided his two houses in Cedar Grove and School Road in June 2007 and found between £3,000 and £5,000 worth of the Class A drug stashed in a cash box in a garden shed. Bryning claimed officers planted the key to the box on his keyring during the raid, but electric scales with traces of cocaine and his DNA on were also recovered from Cedar Grove. After a five-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court he was found guilty by a majority verdict and sentenced to 66 months jail. Cheshire Constabulary’s Financial Investigation Unit began a complex Proceeds of Crime investigation into his finances and froze his assets to stop him from selling any possessions or removing money from his bank accounts. On Thursday, November 26, following a two day hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Fletcher concluded Bryning had benefited from crime and made a confiscation order for £127,438.95 to be paid within six months. If he fails, he will still owe the money and will have a further two years and two months added to his prison sentence. Insp David Snasdell of Winsford NPU, welcomed the news. He said: “We are committed to tackling drugs issues across Winsford and this case shows that it does not end with a prison sentence for convicted drug dealers. When they leave prison, they will not be able to return to the luxuries their life of crime previously afforded them.” Det Sgt Peter Kidd from Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit added: “The proceeds of Crime Act allows the court to order the forfeiture of property or money that we have grounds to believe has come from criminal activity or is going to be used in criminal activity. “This case sends out the very strong message to anyone involved in drugs supply that crime certainly does not pay. “Not only do criminals run the risk of losing their liberty, but our Financial Investigation Unit will use powers available to them under the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act to ensure that those convicted of drug trafficking offences will be stripped of the profits they have made from crime.”
Despite having been unemployed for 19 years, a Proceeds of Crime investigation revealed he managed to buy two properties, took regular exotic holidays, owned a time share in Florida and was a member at an exclusive golf club. He was finally caught when police raided his two houses in Cedar Grove and School Road in June 2007 and found between £3,000 and £5,000 worth of the Class A drug stashed in a cash box in a garden shed. Bryning claimed officers planted the key to the box on his keyring during the raid, but electric scales with traces of cocaine and his DNA on were also recovered from Cedar Grove. After a five-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court he was found guilty by a majority verdict and sentenced to 66 months jail. Cheshire Constabulary’s Financial Investigation Unit began a complex Proceeds of Crime investigation into his finances and froze his assets to stop him from selling any possessions or removing money from his bank accounts. On Thursday, November 26, following a two day hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Fletcher concluded Bryning had benefited from crime and made a confiscation order for £127,438.95 to be paid within six months. If he fails, he will still owe the money and will have a further two years and two months added to his prison sentence. Insp David Snasdell of Winsford NPU, welcomed the news. He said: “We are committed to tackling drugs issues across Winsford and this case shows that it does not end with a prison sentence for convicted drug dealers. When they leave prison, they will not be able to return to the luxuries their life of crime previously afforded them.” Det Sgt Peter Kidd from Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit added: “The proceeds of Crime Act allows the court to order the forfeiture of property or money that we have grounds to believe has come from criminal activity or is going to be used in criminal activity. “This case sends out the very strong message to anyone involved in drugs supply that crime certainly does not pay. “Not only do criminals run the risk of losing their liberty, but our Financial Investigation Unit will use powers available to them under the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act to ensure that those convicted of drug trafficking offences will be stripped of the profits they have made from crime.”
Stephen Worthington, 30, of Alexander Close, Workington, and stephen Jackson, 31, of Westfield View, Flimby, will appear before West Allerdale
Stephen Worthington, 30, of Alexander Close, Workington, and stephen Jackson, 31, of Westfield View, Flimby, will appear before West Allerdale magistrates charged with possession of a class A drug with intent to supply.
Frank Chuckwuma Emeto, a 27-year-old Polish national from Cranstoun Street, Kingsthorpe, was jailed following a successful investigation by HM Revenue
Frank Chuckwuma Emeto, a 27-year-old Polish national from Cranstoun Street, Kingsthorpe, was jailed following a successful investigation by HM Revenue & Customs.
He had concealed the drugs internally by swallowing a total of 103 packages containing the Class A drugs. The drugs are valued at around £45,000. Their value would have doubled or even trebled once 'cut' by drug dealers and sold on local streets.Emeto was arrested by officers from the UK Border Agency when he arrived by coach at Eastern Docks, Dover, on September 20. He had travelled from Belgium.
A search of Emeto's luggage revealed cash of £2,050 in £50 notes and a bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The cash has been detained under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.Malcolm Bragg, assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, said: "It never fails to amaze us that people take such huge risks with their health and freedom to try and make what they think is easy money. "However, we have succeeded through hard work, improved intelligence gathering and the ability of our team of expert officers to disrupt this latest attempt to bring Class A drugs into the area.
"This shows yet again through closely working with our law enforcement partners we will catch and secure a prosecution against anyone attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK."Emeto was sentenced to five years in prison. He pleaded guilty to drug smuggling charges under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.Mr Bragg added: "This is a serious offence which has a significant and damaging affect on all our communities and we would encourage anyone with information relating to illegally imported goods to contact us."
He had concealed the drugs internally by swallowing a total of 103 packages containing the Class A drugs. The drugs are valued at around £45,000. Their value would have doubled or even trebled once 'cut' by drug dealers and sold on local streets.Emeto was arrested by officers from the UK Border Agency when he arrived by coach at Eastern Docks, Dover, on September 20. He had travelled from Belgium.
A search of Emeto's luggage revealed cash of £2,050 in £50 notes and a bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The cash has been detained under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.Malcolm Bragg, assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, said: "It never fails to amaze us that people take such huge risks with their health and freedom to try and make what they think is easy money. "However, we have succeeded through hard work, improved intelligence gathering and the ability of our team of expert officers to disrupt this latest attempt to bring Class A drugs into the area.
"This shows yet again through closely working with our law enforcement partners we will catch and secure a prosecution against anyone attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK."Emeto was sentenced to five years in prison. He pleaded guilty to drug smuggling charges under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.Mr Bragg added: "This is a serious offence which has a significant and damaging affect on all our communities and we would encourage anyone with information relating to illegally imported goods to contact us."
Jeffrey Moklak, 31, of Bridgewater, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Nov. 4 in Bound Brook
Jeffrey Moklak, 31, of Bridgewater, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Nov. 4 in Bound Brook
Vanessa Ruschmann, 53, of Somerville, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Nov. 4 in Bound Brook.
Vanessa Ruschmann, 53, of Somerville, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Nov. 4 in Bound Brook.
Mario Moklak Jr., 23, of Bridgewater, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Nov. 4 in Bound Brook.
Mario Moklak Jr., 23, of Bridgewater, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Nov. 4 in Bound Brook.
Jeffrey Welichko, 22, of Montgomery, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Oct. 7 in Bridgewater.
Jeffrey Welichko, 22, of Montgomery, indicted on a charge of possessing cocaine on Oct. 7 in Bridgewater.
Aikeem J. Williams, 24, of Bridgeton is charged with official misconduct, possession of marijuana
Aikeem J. Williams, 24, of Bridgeton is charged with official misconduct, possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Williams allegedly walked into South Woods with approximately 120 grams of marijuana and then attempted to leave the facility, according to Cumberland County Prosecutor Ron Casella. Williams was detained and a court-authorized search warrant was issued. A search revealed 16 individually wrapped baggies containing marijuana concealed in his Department of Corrections winter jacket, Casella said. A search of his vehicle turned up numerous waxine baggies, which are typically used to package heroin, according to the prosecutor's office.
Williams was committed to the Cumberland County Jail in lieu of $250,000 full cash bail. Williams began his career as a corrections officer in January 2006.
Williams was committed to the Cumberland County Jail in lieu of $250,000 full cash bail. Williams began his career as a corrections officer in January 2006.
Vincent Washington, 45, of 180 Wittum Ave., and Jay Washington, 60, of 38 Acorn St., were arrested following execution of a search warrant
Vincent Washington, 45, of 180 Wittum Ave., and Jay Washington, 60, of 38 Acorn St., were arrested following execution of a search warrant by police at the Wittum Avenue residence, according to officer Charles Youmans, spokesman for Police Commissioner William J . Fitchet. The time of the raid was not immediately available. The two men told authorities they are not related. They were each charged with trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams and violation of a drug free school zone. The Frederick Harris Elementary School on Hartford Terrace is nearby. Youmans said Vincent Washington was also charged with violation of parole. He was released on Sept. 9 after serving 14 years in an Arkansas prison on cocaine trafficking charges. Police seized the five kilos of cocaine or 5,370 grams and $58,402 in cash in the apartment. They were held in lieu of $1 million each on bail over the weekend and were scheduled to be arraigned in Springfield District Court Monday.
John Virgil Punko and Randy Potts, who were arrested four years ago as part of a $10-million police investigation
John Virgil Punko and Randy Potts, who were arrested four years ago as part of a $10-million police investigation that targeted the East End Hells Angels.
“For this I'd sit on Christmas Day,” said B.C. Supreme Court Justice Peter Leask.
“This is the get-things-done courtroom.” Punko will be sentenced the week of Jan. 18 and Potts will be sentenced Jan. 25. Last month, Leask dealt a devastating blow to the Crown’s case at the pending drug trial when he ruled the Crown was prohibited from proceeding on criminal-organization charges against two Hells Angels members. Justice Peter Leask granted a defence application that the Crown cannot proceed at trial on charges that allege the East End chapter of the Hells Angels is a criminal organization. The defence argued that a jury at another trial that ended last summer acquitted Potts and Punko of the criminal-organization charges, so they should not be punished twice. Crown prosecutor Martha Devlin Devlin argued that the criminal-organization charges should not be dropped because the judge could not speculate on why the jury came to the verdict it did on the criminal organization charges.
The judge agreed with the defence. “My decision is the Crown is estopped from leading evidence that the East End charter Hells Angels is a criminal organization,” he ruled. The Crown plans to appeal the judge’s ruling but is awaiting the judge’s reasons. Potts and Punkoi had faced a total of nine charges at trial, including two that alleged they directed the production and distribution of methamphetamine in association with or for the benefit of a criminal organization, namely the East End charter of the Hells Angels. Punko pleaded guilty Monday to three charges on the indictment (Count 2, 3 and 4) and Potts pleaded guilty to four charges (Count 6, 7, 8 and 9), including two of cocaine trafficking in Surrey and New Westminster. The case marked the third failed prosecution on criminal-organization charges against the Hells Angels arising from the police investigation code-named E-Pandora, which ended in 2005 with the arrest of six Hells Angels and a dozen associates.
A 10-month trial ended last July with the jury convicting Potts and Punko on weapons charges. The judge found Potts held the arsenal of weapons for the East End Hells Angels, including grenades, a loaded semi-automatic pistol and three other guns.
Potts, 49, was sentenced to a seven years but effectively received a sentence of time served after being granted double credit for four years served in pre-trial custody. Punko, 43, was convicted of the unauthorized possession of a loaded semi-automatic pistol and sentenced to 15 months in jail, plus a consecutive sentence of four years for counselling a police agent to do damage to a Surrey home where Punko was trying to collect a large amount of money from a man. It was effectively a sentence of time served but Punko was recently denied bail by Leask. Potts is free on bail.
“For this I'd sit on Christmas Day,” said B.C. Supreme Court Justice Peter Leask.
“This is the get-things-done courtroom.” Punko will be sentenced the week of Jan. 18 and Potts will be sentenced Jan. 25. Last month, Leask dealt a devastating blow to the Crown’s case at the pending drug trial when he ruled the Crown was prohibited from proceeding on criminal-organization charges against two Hells Angels members. Justice Peter Leask granted a defence application that the Crown cannot proceed at trial on charges that allege the East End chapter of the Hells Angels is a criminal organization. The defence argued that a jury at another trial that ended last summer acquitted Potts and Punko of the criminal-organization charges, so they should not be punished twice. Crown prosecutor Martha Devlin Devlin argued that the criminal-organization charges should not be dropped because the judge could not speculate on why the jury came to the verdict it did on the criminal organization charges.
The judge agreed with the defence. “My decision is the Crown is estopped from leading evidence that the East End charter Hells Angels is a criminal organization,” he ruled. The Crown plans to appeal the judge’s ruling but is awaiting the judge’s reasons. Potts and Punkoi had faced a total of nine charges at trial, including two that alleged they directed the production and distribution of methamphetamine in association with or for the benefit of a criminal organization, namely the East End charter of the Hells Angels. Punko pleaded guilty Monday to three charges on the indictment (Count 2, 3 and 4) and Potts pleaded guilty to four charges (Count 6, 7, 8 and 9), including two of cocaine trafficking in Surrey and New Westminster. The case marked the third failed prosecution on criminal-organization charges against the Hells Angels arising from the police investigation code-named E-Pandora, which ended in 2005 with the arrest of six Hells Angels and a dozen associates.
A 10-month trial ended last July with the jury convicting Potts and Punko on weapons charges. The judge found Potts held the arsenal of weapons for the East End Hells Angels, including grenades, a loaded semi-automatic pistol and three other guns.
Potts, 49, was sentenced to a seven years but effectively received a sentence of time served after being granted double credit for four years served in pre-trial custody. Punko, 43, was convicted of the unauthorized possession of a loaded semi-automatic pistol and sentenced to 15 months in jail, plus a consecutive sentence of four years for counselling a police agent to do damage to a Surrey home where Punko was trying to collect a large amount of money from a man. It was effectively a sentence of time served but Punko was recently denied bail by Leask. Potts is free on bail.
Thomas Dewayne Ross of Lincoln was held responsible for the distribution of more than 5 ounces of crack cocaine
Thomas Dewayne Ross of Lincoln was held responsible for the distribution of more than 5 ounces of crack cocaine and at least 1 3/4 ounces of powder cocaine.
He pleaded guilty in September.In a press release, U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg said Ross's sentence was enhanced due to prior felony convictions for attempted possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and attempted burglary, both from Douglas County.
He pleaded guilty in September.In a press release, U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg said Ross's sentence was enhanced due to prior felony convictions for attempted possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and attempted burglary, both from Douglas County.
second trial of Amy Cooper, who is charged in connection with a drug conspiracy case.
The prosecution and defense needed four hours Monday to pick 14 jurors out of a pool of more than 40.U.S. District Judge Richard Smoak declared a mistrial in Cooper’s first trial in November when the jury declared themselves hopelessly deadlocked. This jury of 14, including two alternates, is made up of eight women and six men. They will have to decide if Cooper, 35, committed a crime during two telephone calls that lasted less than a minute.“This case is about picking up a telephone and making a simple telephone call,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Gayle Littleton said in her opening statement Monday afternoon.Cooper is charged with a single count of using a telephone May 27 to facilitate the crime of distribution, or possession with intent to distribute, a controlled substance. She faces up to four years in prison.
She is accused of calling a drug dealer to complete a drug transaction between him and her boyfriend, Dr. Michael Reed. Reed, 55, a former surgeon, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess and distribute cocaine and was sentenced in November to almost five years in prison. He was arrested May 27, along with six other men charged in the conspiracy, after officers served a warrant at his Wild Heron residence.
Littleton said Cooper called Hector Melara, who has been charged in the case, and convinced him to wait 10 minutes before coming to her door with a kilo of cocaine. Prosecutors said Cooper needed Melara to wait until her morning guests left, ensuring the “coast would be clear” to make the transaction at the Wild Heron home.
Melara testified Cooper was a recreational drug user and bought small amounts of cocaine from him every few weeks.
Cooper’s attorney, Jim White, said that while his client was guilty of some things, including buying cocaine, taking the kilo from Melara and being Reed’s girlfriend, she is not guilty of the telephone crime. He told the jury that Cooper’s guests already had left for the morning and Reed had just told her that she was going to pay for and receive $30,000 worth of cocaine. Instead of trying to make the drug transaction go smoother, Cooper needed a few moments to herself to mentally prepare for the situation, White said.
She is accused of calling a drug dealer to complete a drug transaction between him and her boyfriend, Dr. Michael Reed. Reed, 55, a former surgeon, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess and distribute cocaine and was sentenced in November to almost five years in prison. He was arrested May 27, along with six other men charged in the conspiracy, after officers served a warrant at his Wild Heron residence.
Littleton said Cooper called Hector Melara, who has been charged in the case, and convinced him to wait 10 minutes before coming to her door with a kilo of cocaine. Prosecutors said Cooper needed Melara to wait until her morning guests left, ensuring the “coast would be clear” to make the transaction at the Wild Heron home.
Melara testified Cooper was a recreational drug user and bought small amounts of cocaine from him every few weeks.
Cooper’s attorney, Jim White, said that while his client was guilty of some things, including buying cocaine, taking the kilo from Melara and being Reed’s girlfriend, she is not guilty of the telephone crime. He told the jury that Cooper’s guests already had left for the morning and Reed had just told her that she was going to pay for and receive $30,000 worth of cocaine. Instead of trying to make the drug transaction go smoother, Cooper needed a few moments to herself to mentally prepare for the situation, White said.
“Those calls were absolutely meaningless,” White said. “They didn’t aid and assist a thing.”
Man Arrested for Cocaine Stuffed Chicken
Man Arrested for Cocaine Stuffed Chicken A man from Guatemala is under arrest after customs inspectors at Dulles International Airport discovered he was carrying a cooked chicken stuffed with more than $4000 worth of cocaine
Cortez R. Arnold, 22, of Markham pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver
Cortez R. Arnold, 22, of Markham pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and was placed on probation for 2½ years. He and the others were accused of having drugs at 17 Grant Ave. in Charleston on March 10.The charge against Arnold was reduced so it no longer required prison time. His probation terms included substance abuse treatment and payment of $4,600 in fines, while jail time was was stayed, meaning he won’t have to serve it if he follows his sentence’s requirements.Circuit Judge Mitchell Shick accepted a plea agreement that Assistant State’s Attorney Tracy Robinson and defense attorney Jeannine Garrett recommended.
Marcus Gipson had pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges on Sept. 14.
Gipson was arrested on April 3, 2008, at Dan Foley Park and charged with possession of about one pound of crack cocaine. Prosecutors said Vallejo detectives and federal drug enforcement agents also seized more than $1,200 and a loaded handgun from Gipson's vehicle.Gipson has three prior felony drug trafficking convictions involving crack cocaine, authorities said.
Shubb also said the severe sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to meet federal sentencing goals for serious drug trafficking crimes.Vallejo police, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Solano County Multijurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team teamed up on the investigation. The Solano County District Attorney's Office also provided assistance.
Shubb also said the severe sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to meet federal sentencing goals for serious drug trafficking crimes.Vallejo police, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Solano County Multijurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team teamed up on the investigation. The Solano County District Attorney's Office also provided assistance.
Thursday, 3 December 2009
35-year-old Filipino is in jail for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs to Peru
35-year-old Filipino is in jail for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs to Peru, the foreign affairs department reported on Friday.The DFA said it received a report from the Philippine Embassy in Santiago, Chile regarding the apprehension of a male Filipino on September 30, 2009."The Filipino national is presently incarcerated at Quencoro Men's Penitentiary at Cusco where he will begin a prison sentence of six years and eight months, including payment of fines, after accepting a plea bargain agreement with the Peruvian authorities," the DFA said in a press statement.
Peruvian authorities nabbed the Filipino national at the Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport while trying to smuggle 6.145 kilos of cocaine alkaloid, which were found inside his hand carry baggage.
"The Filipino was headed for Lima, Peru and to other intermediary points, with Hanoi, Vietnam as the alleged final destination," the DFA said in a statement.
Earlier, two Filipinas were arrested in separate incidents last May and June in Ecuador and Africa for drug trafficking cases."These are seemingly more daring and brazen attempts by drug syndicates in the region to use Filipinos to transport banned substances across international borders," said Philippine Ambassador to Chile, Maria Consuelo Puyat-Reyes.She also stated that the incidents involving Filipino drug mules in Peru and Ecuador are becoming "especially alarming."
Likewise, she warned Filipinos traveling to South America "to be wary of drug syndicates enticing travelers to transport illegal drugs, no matter how lucrative the 'handling' fee may appear.
Peruvian authorities nabbed the Filipino national at the Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport while trying to smuggle 6.145 kilos of cocaine alkaloid, which were found inside his hand carry baggage.
"The Filipino was headed for Lima, Peru and to other intermediary points, with Hanoi, Vietnam as the alleged final destination," the DFA said in a statement.
Earlier, two Filipinas were arrested in separate incidents last May and June in Ecuador and Africa for drug trafficking cases."These are seemingly more daring and brazen attempts by drug syndicates in the region to use Filipinos to transport banned substances across international borders," said Philippine Ambassador to Chile, Maria Consuelo Puyat-Reyes.She also stated that the incidents involving Filipino drug mules in Peru and Ecuador are becoming "especially alarming."
Likewise, she warned Filipinos traveling to South America "to be wary of drug syndicates enticing travelers to transport illegal drugs, no matter how lucrative the 'handling' fee may appear.
Alan Edwards and his wife Tina, of Kings Norton, were key players in a sophisticated "carousel" trafficking ring
Alan Edwards and his wife Tina, of Kings Norton, were key players in a sophisticated "carousel" trafficking ring that used the same goods to hide drugs.
A shipment of industrial rollers was employed to hide cocaine, cannabis and the potentially deadly cutting agent phenacetin.But their conspiracy unravelled when a Brussels warehouse employee became suspicious of the goods. He secretly marked the shipment and called in the Belgian authorities when it came through again one week later.A search disclosed the rollers contained 20kg of cocaine, 365kg of herbal cannabis and 10kg of phenacetin. Belgian police contacted the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) who launched a surveillance operation to find out where the drugs were headed.Officers looked on as Alan Edwards drove the drugs from Birmingham to Dublin, where Irish police picked up the trail. The international investigation found the rollers were sent back and forth between Holland, where they were filled with drugs, and Dublin, where they were unloaded.A second company, Birmingham-based JBS Transport, was also found to be linked to the drug smuggling operation.Investigators found a consignment of sea scooters and mini-motorbikes that repeatedly travelled between Holland and Dublin concealed cocaine.Edwards and his wife, both aged 50, were found guilty of drugs offences at Birmingham Crown Court today, a Soca spokesman said.Also found guilty were driver John Gilbert, 49, of Birmingham Road, Oldbury, JBS Transport manager Barry Phipps, 46, of Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, and driver David Cullen, 53, of Quinton, Birmingham. The gang will be sentenced at a later date.
A shipment of industrial rollers was employed to hide cocaine, cannabis and the potentially deadly cutting agent phenacetin.But their conspiracy unravelled when a Brussels warehouse employee became suspicious of the goods. He secretly marked the shipment and called in the Belgian authorities when it came through again one week later.A search disclosed the rollers contained 20kg of cocaine, 365kg of herbal cannabis and 10kg of phenacetin. Belgian police contacted the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) who launched a surveillance operation to find out where the drugs were headed.Officers looked on as Alan Edwards drove the drugs from Birmingham to Dublin, where Irish police picked up the trail. The international investigation found the rollers were sent back and forth between Holland, where they were filled with drugs, and Dublin, where they were unloaded.A second company, Birmingham-based JBS Transport, was also found to be linked to the drug smuggling operation.Investigators found a consignment of sea scooters and mini-motorbikes that repeatedly travelled between Holland and Dublin concealed cocaine.Edwards and his wife, both aged 50, were found guilty of drugs offences at Birmingham Crown Court today, a Soca spokesman said.Also found guilty were driver John Gilbert, 49, of Birmingham Road, Oldbury, JBS Transport manager Barry Phipps, 46, of Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, and driver David Cullen, 53, of Quinton, Birmingham. The gang will be sentenced at a later date.
Arrested during the search was 36-year-old Javier Martinez and his girlfriend, 35-year-old Valentina Lopez.
Arrested during the search was 36-year-old Javier Martinez and his girlfriend, 35-year-old Valentina Lopez.Both were being held on suspicion of possession of cocaine for sale and possession of methamphetamine for sale.Besides cocaine, Angeja says task force members also found $15,000 worth of crystal methamphetamine, $3,400 worth of rock cocaine and about $100 worth of Ecstacy pills.
Frank Lee Grigsby, 36, waived a pre-sentencing report after pleading no contest to drug possession
Frank Lee Grigsby, 36, waived a pre-sentencing report after pleading no contest to drug possession and immediately received the term with credit for 81 days. Other charges were dismissed. Authorities arrested Grigsby Sept. 23 after transportation security screeners said they found the drugs and lights in his baggage. Grigsby had just upgraded his seat to first class and boarded the Continental Airlines flight when authorities took him into custody, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Grigsby allegedly told authorities he was transporting the seven individually wrapped bricks of marijuana back to Baton Rouge, La. personally because he was getting ripped off when having it mailed. He planned to both use it personally and sell it to friends in the rap industry.
Grigsby allegedly told authorities he was transporting the seven individually wrapped bricks of marijuana back to Baton Rouge, La. personally because he was getting ripped off when having it mailed. He planned to both use it personally and sell it to friends in the rap industry.
Romell Wilburn, 33, is charged with one count of bringing contraband into a penal institution
Romell Wilburn, 33, is charged with one count of bringing contraband into a penal institution, a felony, according to Cook County State’s Attorney’s office spokesman Andy Conklin.Officials said whoever Romell Wilburn was providing the drugs to may have run out, which is possibly why he was bringing in more.
Cook County Sheriff's Office Wilburn, a five-year veteran of the jail, was arrested Monday after a search revealed he was carrying three packages of tobacco laced with marijuana, Conklin said.“He made arrangements between inmates and people on the outside to smuggle in tobacco laced with marijuana,” Conklin said, citing court records. Cook County Sheriff's Dept. spokesman Steve Patterson said Wilburn was assigned to Division 10, a maximum security portion of the jail that houses inmates with psychiatric issues. The department searched the division following Wilburn's arrest, but did not find any drugs. Patterson said whoever Wilburn was providing the drugs to may have run out, which is possibly why he was bringing in more Monday.
The department began investigating Wilburn when the internal investigations division received a tip he was bringing the drugs from his car to the jail while on duty, Patterson said. The department set up a surveillance camera and recorded Wilburn going out to his car after his shift began, getting marijuana-laced tobacco and bringing it back in. He was arrested when he re-entered the building, Patterson said. Sheriff's department investigators are working to determine who was paying him for the drugs.
Cook County Sheriff's Office Wilburn, a five-year veteran of the jail, was arrested Monday after a search revealed he was carrying three packages of tobacco laced with marijuana, Conklin said.“He made arrangements between inmates and people on the outside to smuggle in tobacco laced with marijuana,” Conklin said, citing court records. Cook County Sheriff's Dept. spokesman Steve Patterson said Wilburn was assigned to Division 10, a maximum security portion of the jail that houses inmates with psychiatric issues. The department searched the division following Wilburn's arrest, but did not find any drugs. Patterson said whoever Wilburn was providing the drugs to may have run out, which is possibly why he was bringing in more Monday.
The department began investigating Wilburn when the internal investigations division received a tip he was bringing the drugs from his car to the jail while on duty, Patterson said. The department set up a surveillance camera and recorded Wilburn going out to his car after his shift began, getting marijuana-laced tobacco and bringing it back in. He was arrested when he re-entered the building, Patterson said. Sheriff's department investigators are working to determine who was paying him for the drugs.
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Larry G. Baldwin, 61 Charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin
Charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin – a felony offense – were:
• Larry G. Baldwin, 61
• Matthew E. Baldwin, 27, Larry’s son; and
• Paula Holland, 43
Also arrested during the traffic stop, but charged
Five Keyser residents were arrested Thursday afternoon and charged with dealing heroin following a week-long investigation by the Keyser City Police Department and the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation, which was triggered by a citizen tip, culminated early Thursday afternoon in a controlled buy in Keyser. Following that monitored transaction, Keyser Police conducted a traffic stop on St. Cloud Street involving the vehicle in which the alleged drug peddlers were riding. with misdemeanor possession only, was Jared N. Citarelli, 21, of Keyser.
Seized during the 2:15 p.m. traffic stop was a small amount of heroin as well as the vehicle itself, a Dodge Neon, because it was involved in the alleged drug transaction.
As a result of the traffic stop, law enforcement officers obtained a warrant to search a residence on Limestone Road near Mill Meadow Park. Charged with felony possession with intent to distribute following that operation were:
• Mark C. Brant, 38 and
• Joletta Rebovich, 42, both also of Keyser.
Seized during the raid on Limestone Road was drug paraphernalia, a small amount of U.S. currency and a Dodge van.
Following their arrest, the suspects were transported to the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail. Larry Baldwin complained of chest pains during his arrest, and was transported to Potomac Valley Hospital, where he was held overnight in a guarded room. He was transported to the regional jail Friday afternoon.
Police credited the citizen who provided the tip with providing information that allowed officers to make the drug arrests. “That started it all,” a Keyser Police spokesman said
• Larry G. Baldwin, 61
• Matthew E. Baldwin, 27, Larry’s son; and
• Paula Holland, 43
Also arrested during the traffic stop, but charged
Five Keyser residents were arrested Thursday afternoon and charged with dealing heroin following a week-long investigation by the Keyser City Police Department and the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation, which was triggered by a citizen tip, culminated early Thursday afternoon in a controlled buy in Keyser. Following that monitored transaction, Keyser Police conducted a traffic stop on St. Cloud Street involving the vehicle in which the alleged drug peddlers were riding. with misdemeanor possession only, was Jared N. Citarelli, 21, of Keyser.
Seized during the 2:15 p.m. traffic stop was a small amount of heroin as well as the vehicle itself, a Dodge Neon, because it was involved in the alleged drug transaction.
As a result of the traffic stop, law enforcement officers obtained a warrant to search a residence on Limestone Road near Mill Meadow Park. Charged with felony possession with intent to distribute following that operation were:
• Mark C. Brant, 38 and
• Joletta Rebovich, 42, both also of Keyser.
Seized during the raid on Limestone Road was drug paraphernalia, a small amount of U.S. currency and a Dodge van.
Following their arrest, the suspects were transported to the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail. Larry Baldwin complained of chest pains during his arrest, and was transported to Potomac Valley Hospital, where he was held overnight in a guarded room. He was transported to the regional jail Friday afternoon.
Police credited the citizen who provided the tip with providing information that allowed officers to make the drug arrests. “That started it all,” a Keyser Police spokesman said
Two foreigners were arrested in Sliema
Two foreigners were arrested in Sliema, on the north east coast of Malta, after one of them was found with cocaine capsules in his stomach, the local police reported.
The offender, 36, born in the Dominican Republic but with residence in Spain, was found with 80 capsules hidden in his stomach, containing approximately 800g of cocaine.The second detainee is a 35-year-old woman. They had arrived in Malta through a direct flight from Brussels and were sent to Mater Dei hospital where medical examinations took place.
The offender, 36, born in the Dominican Republic but with residence in Spain, was found with 80 capsules hidden in his stomach, containing approximately 800g of cocaine.The second detainee is a 35-year-old woman. They had arrived in Malta through a direct flight from Brussels and were sent to Mater Dei hospital where medical examinations took place.
Two foreigners were arrested in Sliema
Two foreigners were arrested in Sliema, on the north east coast of Malta, after one of them was found with cocaine capsules in his stomach, the local police reported.
The offender, 36, born in the Dominican Republic but with residence in Spain, was found with 80 capsules hidden in his stomach, containing approximately 800g of cocaine.The second detainee is a 35-year-old woman. They had arrived in Malta through a direct flight from Brussels and were sent to Mater Dei hospital where medical examinations took place.
The offender, 36, born in the Dominican Republic but with residence in Spain, was found with 80 capsules hidden in his stomach, containing approximately 800g of cocaine.The second detainee is a 35-year-old woman. They had arrived in Malta through a direct flight from Brussels and were sent to Mater Dei hospital where medical examinations took place.
Travis A. Capozzi, 18, of the Town of Tonawanda, and Angel Natal, 30, of Buffalo, were stopped by troopers assigned to the city
Travis A. Capozzi, 18, of the Town of Tonawanda, and Angel Natal, 30, of Buffalo, were stopped by troopers assigned to the city as part of Operation Impact.An odor of marijuana came from the vehicle, and a subsequent search revealed the heroin under the driver's seat and the last bit of a marijuana cigarette in the glove box, state police said. A deck is a street term for the 1 to 15 grams of heroin in a bag, according to law enforcement sources.Both men, who were taken to the Erie County Holding Center, were charged with third- and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of marijuana.
William Ernest Sigley Burns, 63, admitted conspiring to supply both heroin and cocaine while he was employed as the caretaker at St Mark’s Elm Tree Pr
William Ernest Sigley Burns, 63, admitted conspiring to supply both heroin and cocaine while he was employed as the caretaker at St Mark’s Elm Tree Primary School in Bishopton Road West.Burns, who is no longer employed at the school, was arrested after drugs were seized from his home 10 yards from the school’s nursery building.
Burns, now of St Cuthbert’s Road, was granted bail and will return to court on December 18 for sentencing.His accomplice, Stephen Michael Sparrow, 23, also of St Cuthbert’s Road, has pleaded guilty to the same charges and is also awaiting sentence.During a previous hearing, the court heard police stopped a BMW on April 2 which is alleged to have been driven by Burns. Crack cocaine with a street value of £1,690 was seized along with heroin. Heroin and Class C drugs were found in his bungalow.
Burns, now of St Cuthbert’s Road, was granted bail and will return to court on December 18 for sentencing.His accomplice, Stephen Michael Sparrow, 23, also of St Cuthbert’s Road, has pleaded guilty to the same charges and is also awaiting sentence.During a previous hearing, the court heard police stopped a BMW on April 2 which is alleged to have been driven by Burns. Crack cocaine with a street value of £1,690 was seized along with heroin. Heroin and Class C drugs were found in his bungalow.
police detained four persons in Belgrade on suspicion of drug smuggling
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dacic today stated that the police detained four persons in Belgrade on suspicion of drug smuggling.
Dacic specified that they are suspected of smuggling five kilograms of cocaine from Paraguay to Serbia, adding that group’s leader, Nebojsa Lukic from Belgrade, was also arrested. The operation was carried out in cooperation with German police and customs officers, adding that it is more proof of Serbia’s determination to clamp down on crime and corruption. The operation was carried out by the Serbian police, Counter-Organised Crime Directorate (SBPOK) and the intelligence unit, Dacic added.
Dacic specified that they are suspected of smuggling five kilograms of cocaine from Paraguay to Serbia, adding that group’s leader, Nebojsa Lukic from Belgrade, was also arrested. The operation was carried out in cooperation with German police and customs officers, adding that it is more proof of Serbia’s determination to clamp down on crime and corruption. The operation was carried out by the Serbian police, Counter-Organised Crime Directorate (SBPOK) and the intelligence unit, Dacic added.
Stephanie Thomas, 43, was said to have been a naive housewife flattered by the attentions of Matthew Wright, 38, who introduced her to cocaine
Stephanie Thomas, 43, was said to have been a naive housewife flattered by the attentions of Matthew Wright, 38, who introduced her to crime and cocaine soon after they met in January last year. woman was sweet-talked by her boyfriend into smuggling cocaine from Venezuela wrapped up in her bikini bottoms.Seven months later the pair were caught with cocaine worth £80,000 after landing at Manchester Airport after a trip to South America.At the time Wright -- of Alfred Street, Wigan -- was on bail after being caught with £2,000 of forged bank notes after trying to pass one of them off at a Chorley hardware store. He later admitted that he had smuggled the cocaine in a bid to make 'easy money' and had roped Thomas -- of Cameron Place, Wigan -- who has children aged from four to 22, into his scheme.One of the blocks of cocaine was found inside a sock inside a trolley the pair had brought back. The other was found inside a beach bag, concealed by bikini bottoms.Wright paid for the flights out to Venezuela, where Thomas took a 'bad dose' of cocaine and became sick -- meaning the pair missed their original flight home. Later, a dealer's list of customers was found at her address in Wigan, the court heard.The couple had also travelled to Colombia -- famous for its cocaine trade -- before jetting out to Venezuela.Wright admitted his offence but Thomas was found guilty at trial. Sentencing the pair for importing class A drugs, Judge David Hernandez said Wright had taken Thomas with him to give himself a 'veneer of respectability,' while she had 'knowledge' of what he was up to. Wright was sentenced to a total of eight years and eight months for importing cocaine and possessing the forged notes, while Thomas was given four years and six months in jail.Mike O'Grady, of Revenue and Customs said: "There is no excuse for any person to get involved in this illegal and harmful trade. Today, Wright and Thomas are paying the price for their parts in an international criminal network."Working with our law enforcement colleagues both in the UK and abroad sharing intelligence we will take every action to detect, seize and bring those smuggling drugs into the country before the courts.
"This is an illegal trade which damages the lives of local people and finances wider criminal organizations."
"This is an illegal trade which damages the lives of local people and finances wider criminal organizations."
Saturday, 31 October 2009
ringleader, Brian McCulloch, 39, from Paisley, who was caught on tape boasting that he made £20,000 a day selling the drug
ringleader, Brian McCulloch, 39, from Paisley, who was caught on tape boasting that he made £20,000 a day selling the drug, was jailed for 10 years. The court was told that he was caught when he bought a BMW jeep, which had a police listening device installed inside, from his co-accused Stephen Jamieson. Jamieson, 26, also from Paisley and who was jailed for eight years, used his profits to buy a £115,000 Lamborghini car, an £1,800 dog and three watches together costing £10,315. Steven Caddis, 30, and Gary Caddis were sentenced to six years and five years. The court was told that the men were overheard by police using codewords while discussing buying and selling cocaine, mentioning prices that ran into tens of thousands of pounds. Strathclyde Police searched 171 houses and questioned 146 people. Officers have so far seized drugs and drug-related material worth £8.8 million, £445,000 in cash, two Mac-10 machineguns and an assortment of sawn-off shotguns, rifles, handguns and ammunition. They also took three Range Rovers, one BMW X5, one BMW X3, one Lexus and one Porsche Cayenne, as well as five Rolex watches, two Cartier watches and one Breitling watch. At an earlier hearing all four men admitted dealing cocaine. Jamieson also pleaded guilty to money laundering. Judge Lord Pentland said the sentences reflected “society’s condemnation” of the activities of gangs such as McCulloch’s. He told him: “It is a trade which wreaks so much misery on its users and their families. It is clear that you were one of those particularly concerned with organising and running an extensive criminal scheme involving large amounts of cocaine. The quantities and values of the drugs involved were substantial.”
The judge commended the police for their “skill and diligence” in bringing the gang to justice.
The judge commended the police for their “skill and diligence” in bringing the gang to justice.
Friday, 30 October 2009
indictment charging Eric McPeters, Dean Moya and Richard Vickery with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine
indictment charging Eric McPeters, Dean Moya and Richard Vickery with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. All three men are from Helmet, California. Investigators say the Department of Homeland Security tracked the aircraft from northern New Mexico on October 22nd. A drug-sniffing dog helped officers locate a huge stash of cocaine in two large suitcases on the plane.
Each defendant faces a minimum prison term of ten years if convicted on the charges.
Each defendant faces a minimum prison term of ten years if convicted on the charges.
18-year-old Shea (shay) Fraser,Judge Fraser's daughter was taken into custody Tuesday
Judge Fraser's daughter was taken into custody Tuesday in Marysville in central Ohio and charged with two counts of trafficking in heroin, one count of heroin possession and one count of complicity related to heroin trafficking.Police say she was among 18 people arrested from an undercover investigation. She remained jailed Thursday, awaiting an initial court appearance. A message seeking comment was left for her attorney.
Arrested Charles Edward Smith, 32, after a reverse purchase of drugs at a hotel
Arrested Charles Edward Smith, 32, after a reverse purchase of drugs at a hotel and brief foot pursuit in July 2008. Prosecutors said deputies found more than 100 grams of cocaine in Smith's possession.Smith admitted to buying about four ounces of the substance for $3,780 at the hotel.Smith's attorney told Hayes that his client, who has a vision problem that made it difficult to keep a job, got swept into dealing drugs because the money was too good and too quick.Prosecutors agreed to charge Smith with trafficking between 28 and 100 grams of cocaine provided that he serve 15 years and pay a $50,000 fine. Had Smith been convicted by trial, he would have faced a sentence of seven to 25 years.
Eight people have been arrested by the national police in Tenerife on charges of trafficking 800 grams of cocaine
Eight people have been arrested by the national police in Tenerife on charges of trafficking 800 grams of cocaine worth around 46,000 euros. The raids followed the detention of two suspects at Los Rodeos airport.One of the suspects was carrying a large amount of coke that he had digested into his body. He was taken to hospital in order to remover the drugs safely from his intestines. Subsequently several raids were carried out on houses on the island.The police found the 800 grams of cocaine and an equivalent amount of another power that they believe would be used to “cut” with the coke to double its volume. All of the eight arrested have records for drug trafficking and robbery with violence or intimidation.
John W. Bradberry, 39, of York, York County; and Terrance D. Pemberton, 39, of Harrisburg; were stopped last Friday
John W. Bradberry, 39, of York, York County; and Terrance D. Pemberton, 39, of Harrisburg; were stopped last Friday around 12:20 a.m. around mile marker 57, state police at Fogelsville said.Police said the men were pulled over because the tint on the windows was illegal. Two pounds and six ounces of cocaine were seized along with drug paraphernalia.Both were arraigned on charges of possession, possession with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal conspiracy and committed to Lehigh County jail under $50,000 bail.Pemberton, who also is known as Eric M. Lang, remains in jail. Bradberry posted bail the same day of his arrest and was released, according to court records.
Kevin Thomas, 47, of Route 52, was convicted Thursday of criminal sale of a controlled substance
Kevin Thomas, 47, of Route 52, was convicted Thursday of criminal sale of a controlled substance, a felony, following a jury trial in Ulster County Court.
Witnesses testified during the trial Thomas sold cocaine to a confidential informant of the Ulster County Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team on April 30.
Thomas remains jailed pending his sentencing, scheduled for Dec. 18.
Witnesses testified during the trial Thomas sold cocaine to a confidential informant of the Ulster County Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team on April 30.
Thomas remains jailed pending his sentencing, scheduled for Dec. 18.
extradition request for Christopher "Dudus" Coke
extradition request for Christopher "Dudus" Coke in August, has so far only responded with requests for more information about the gun and drug trafficking charges against the reputed gang leader.Coke, identified by the U.S. Justice Department as one of the world's most dangerous drug kingpins, allegedly controls a band of gunmen inside Tivoli Gardens, a barricaded neighborhood of Kingston, the capital of Jamaica and a city with one of the highest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere.U.S. authorities are voicing frustration that Jamaica is not moving more quickly to honor a mutual extradition treaty."The U.S. government is looking forward to the Jamaican government respecting their obligations under the treaty," Patricia Attkisson, spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, said Thursday.The political opposition has also criticized the government for putting Jamaica into what it calls a standoff over Coke, who is known for his loyalty to the Jamaica Labor Party. Island gangs have loose affiliations with both major parties — a legacy of the 1970s, when political factions provided the guns to intimidate rivals."The cascading effect of international reaction to the administration's inaction could lead ultimately to Jamaica being labeled and declared a 'rogue state,' with lasting adverse implications for our people," said Peter Bunting, a lawmaker with the opposition People's National Party.A government spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.
Adrian Mosley, 39, and Anissa Mosley, 41, appeared on Thursday in a Beaumont federal courtroom, where they were formally charged with drug possession
Adrian Mosley, 39, and Anissa Mosley, 41, appeared on Thursday in a Beaumont federal courtroom, where they were formally charged with drug possession and intent to distribute cocaine.The case began July 29 when Beaumont police stopped their car for a routine traffic violation. A search of the vehicle netted 28 kilograms of cocaine, officials said.They were arrested Oct. 22 after a federal grand jury indicted them on the drug trafficking charges. A later search of their home in Pearland uncovered a cocaine processing lab, weapons, ledgers used in the drug trafficking and a money counting machine.Investigating the couple are the Drug Enforcement Administration's Galveston office, the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office and the Beaumont Police Department.
Michael Shawcross, 26, was stopped by officers from the UK Border Agency at Heathrow Airport as he stepped off a flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil
Michael Shawcross, 26, was stopped by officers from the UK Border Agency at Heathrow Airport as he stepped off a flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil, in September. He had been backpacking in South America before heading back to the UK.Shawcross, of Lower House Lane, Norris Green, was interviewed by officers from HM Revenue and Customs as investigators carried out tests on his rucksack and sleeping bag.Isleworth crown court heard the drugs had been washed with a liquid which was then impregnated into the lining of the bags.The 4kgs of 100% proof cocaine would be worth nearly £900,000 on the streets, HMRC said.On September 5, Shawcross pleaded guilty to trying to smuggle the drugs and he was sentenced to eight years behind bars, with a travel restriction order for three years after his release.Peter Avery, Assistant Director of HMRC Criminal Investigations, said: "We will continue to work closely with our UK Border Agency colleagues to detect and seize drugs smuggled into the UK and prosecute those involved."
Charged 30-year-old Eric Wayne McPeters, 40-year-old Dean Bryan Moya and 31-year-old Richard Allen Vickery of Hemet, Calif
Charged 30-year-old Eric Wayne McPeters, 40-year-old Dean Bryan Moya and 31-year-old Richard Allen Vickery of Hemet, Calif., with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.The Department of Homeland Security last Thursday identified a suspicious aircraft that had landed in Liberal. Liberal police were contacted and they requested assistance from the Southwest Kansas Drug Taskforce and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.A drug-sniffing dog was brought from the Beaver County (Okla.) Sheriff's Office and it hit on the 1964 Cessna 210D twice, according to a court document. A search warrant was obtained, and investigators found two suitcases containing 50 individually wrapped bricks of cocaine.Moya and Vickery were arrested at the Liberal Inn, but McPeters has not yet been taken into custody.Authorities said the plane was forced to land in Liberal because of bad weather.
33-year-old Bum Gu Kim and other members of his ring would buy cocaine from a source in Arizona and drive it up to Buffalo, N.Y.,
33-year-old Bum Gu Kim and other members of his ring would buy cocaine from a source in Arizona and drive it up to Buffalo, N.Y., where they crossed the border into Canada, Kim admitted. While in Canada, they would exchange the cocaine for Ecstasy and bring it back to Maryland, where they sold it wholesale to area drug dealers. The cocaine was allegedly purchased from Leonardo Aldana, an Arizona man who is currently awaiting sentencing after being convicted of distributing cocaine and methamphetamine. After listening to a phone conversation between Kim and a co-conspirator in June 2007, federal agents followed Kim to a parking lot near Arundel Mills Mall, where they watched him sell drugs to another person, court documents said. When agents attempted to pull the customer over, the customer fled and tossed 4,800 Ecstasy pills out his window. When the pills were tested in a federal lab, authorities say they found MDMA -- the chemical compound in Ecstasy -- and methamphetamine, more commonly known as speed. Prosecutors said they believed Kim distributed more than 400 pounds of Ecstasy because of the number of deals they overheard him arranging from taps on his cell phone. Kim was eventually arrested after the Internal Revenue Service linked him to the money-laundering scheme, court documents said. Kim would take the cash proceeds of from selling the Ecstasy and use it to pay off credit advances taken out at casinos in Buffalo and Ontario, Canada. He pleaded guilty to the drug distribution charge and money laundering in October 2008, court records show, nearly a year after federal authorities brought his drug-trafficking scheme to a halt. "Money laundering is not a victimless crime, said IRS Special Agent C. Andre Martin. "The underground, untaxed economy harms the nation's economic strength."
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Yacub Koger, 36, of Chicago, formerly of Mattoon, was sentenced on the charge of delivery of a controlled substance
Yacub Koger, 36, of Chicago, formerly of Mattoon, was sentenced on the charge of delivery of a controlled substance to which he pleaded guilty in July. He admitted selling cocaine in Mattoon on Aug. 4, 2006, and charges that also accused him of selling the drug on two other days during the same month were dismissed.When Koger pleaded guilty, the agreement in his case was that the conviction required a prison sentence of six to 30 years because of his prior convictions. Assistant State’s Attorney Mick McAvoy agreed at that time to ask for no more than a 10-year prison sentence.An investigation into Koger’s criminal record revealed that Koger wasn’t eligible for that sentencing range, though a three- to seven-year prison term was required. Records showed that Koger had earlier criminal convictions but none of them were a level of offense to make the longer term mandatory.
Stephen Hawken, aged 48, was jailed for 11 years at Plymouth Crown Court yesterday after being described as "high up the tree" of dealing Class A drug
Stephen Hawken, aged 48, was jailed for 11 years at Plymouth Crown Court yesterday after being described as "high up the tree" of dealing Class A drugs in the city.
Speaking after sentencing, detectives who uncovered Hawken's secret arsenal described him as "an extremely dangerous man" who was a key figure in supplying cocaine and amphetamine to Plymouth's streets.His arrest came after a dramatic three-hour siege involving armed police at Hawken's exclusive Derriford property last November, ending only when he was shot with a baton round and Taser.
The court heard how shaven-headed Hawken had hidden parts of his guns everywhere from his coffee machine to behind the walls of his plush house in the private Delgany Drive.Thousands of pounds worth of drugs were found buried in next door's garden and a shotgun was found in a container on land near the house, the court heard.Prosecutor Jo Martin said Hawken's arrest was triggered by a separate drugs raid at a house in Warwick Avenue, Whitleigh.Officers seized amphetamines – but cocaine belonging to Hawken was not found, prompting he and another man to go to the address and recover it.Ms Martin told the court how they had gone back to Delgany Drive and buried the drugs, along with a cutting agent, in a garden belonging to Hawken's next door neighbour.The plastic container – covered in Hawken's fingerprints – was eventually found by a sniffer dog after the siege, she said.
The court heard how, on November 12, police swooped on the property and found a Taurus 9mm handgun and a stun-gun inside, the handgun disassembled and stashed in parts all over the house.Behind a double oven was the body, while the spring was found in the bottom of a gas fire and the 9mm barrel in Hawken's bar.
An empty pistol magazine was found behind plasterboard in his utility room, the court heard, and the top part – along with the stun-gun – were found in his wall-mounted coffee machine.There was ammunition behind the kitchen sink and 113 bullets soaking in oil – a process that maximises their performance – in Hawken's garage.
He told police in interviews that he knew nothing about the weapons, Ms Martin said, claiming they belonged to the previous owner of the house.
But the court heard how police widened their search after realising the extent of the haul and found a container on nearby land belonging to Hawken.
Inside was a shotgun, complete with ammunition.
Hawken's weapons were so well hidden, the court heard, that as recently as May a plumber working on a toilet in the house – which has since been repossessed – discovered another pistol magazine, this time containing seven live bullets.
Ms Martin told Judge Francis Gilbert QC that the guns and drugs combined showed Hawken had "high involvement in the Plymouth drugs scene".
She said: "They were all part of Stephen Hawken's armoury, to keep him high up the tree in the drugs scene.
"He was some way up the chain of command."
Hawken, wearing a shirt, jacket and jeans, appeared nervous as he sat in the dock fidgeting and making eye contact with the dozen or so family and friends there to support him.
He had been due to face trial but entered last-minute guilty pleas to seven of the nine counts against him.
They included possessing a class B drug – 345g of one per cent amphetamine – with intent to supply and a class A drug – 1,011g of nine per cent cocaine – also with intent, as well as possession of a stun gun, a handgun, a double-barrelled over-and-under shotgun, and ammunition without certificates.
The court heard how he had collected a string of convictions for drugs and firearms offences over the last two decades, already serving prison sentences totalling nine and a half years.
They date back to 1986 when, aged just 23, Hawken was caught in possession of a shotgun and ammunition without a certificate.
Since 1995 he has been convicted of possessing more ammunition, cannabis, amphetamines, MDMA and £20,000 in counterfeit currency.
Llewellyn Sellick, for Hawken, said his client deserved credit for his guilty plea, albeit last-minute.
"It was somewhat courageous of him to face reality," he said.
Mr Sellick told the court how, since last being released from prison, Hawken had built up a "thriving" company – Ace Plant Hire – and employed between six and eight people, subcontracting many more.
He had purchased his luxury house and won a number of large contracts, including working on a city police station.
But a developer Hawken was working with in Mannamead went bust in October last year, the court heard, owing him £100,000.
Since his arrest, Mr Sellick told the court, Hawken had lost both his home and his company.He said: "It was in the autumn of 2008 that things went terribly wrong.
"This is a man who had done considerably well – he's now gone right back to zero again."He added that the stun-gun found by police was missing a prong and a battery, meaning it would not have worked.Hawken was also charged with five fly-tipping offences between January 17 and February 23 last year.The court heard how building materials from a site in Stonehouse his firm was working at had been dumped in Dartmoor beauty spots.
A wood in Bickleigh, a car park in Roborough Down and an area near Meavy were among those littered in rubble, which included large wooden doors.
The mess cost more than £1,600 to clear up.
Speaking after sentencing, detectives who uncovered Hawken's secret arsenal described him as "an extremely dangerous man" who was a key figure in supplying cocaine and amphetamine to Plymouth's streets.His arrest came after a dramatic three-hour siege involving armed police at Hawken's exclusive Derriford property last November, ending only when he was shot with a baton round and Taser.
The court heard how shaven-headed Hawken had hidden parts of his guns everywhere from his coffee machine to behind the walls of his plush house in the private Delgany Drive.Thousands of pounds worth of drugs were found buried in next door's garden and a shotgun was found in a container on land near the house, the court heard.Prosecutor Jo Martin said Hawken's arrest was triggered by a separate drugs raid at a house in Warwick Avenue, Whitleigh.Officers seized amphetamines – but cocaine belonging to Hawken was not found, prompting he and another man to go to the address and recover it.Ms Martin told the court how they had gone back to Delgany Drive and buried the drugs, along with a cutting agent, in a garden belonging to Hawken's next door neighbour.The plastic container – covered in Hawken's fingerprints – was eventually found by a sniffer dog after the siege, she said.
The court heard how, on November 12, police swooped on the property and found a Taurus 9mm handgun and a stun-gun inside, the handgun disassembled and stashed in parts all over the house.Behind a double oven was the body, while the spring was found in the bottom of a gas fire and the 9mm barrel in Hawken's bar.
An empty pistol magazine was found behind plasterboard in his utility room, the court heard, and the top part – along with the stun-gun – were found in his wall-mounted coffee machine.There was ammunition behind the kitchen sink and 113 bullets soaking in oil – a process that maximises their performance – in Hawken's garage.
He told police in interviews that he knew nothing about the weapons, Ms Martin said, claiming they belonged to the previous owner of the house.
But the court heard how police widened their search after realising the extent of the haul and found a container on nearby land belonging to Hawken.
Inside was a shotgun, complete with ammunition.
Hawken's weapons were so well hidden, the court heard, that as recently as May a plumber working on a toilet in the house – which has since been repossessed – discovered another pistol magazine, this time containing seven live bullets.
Ms Martin told Judge Francis Gilbert QC that the guns and drugs combined showed Hawken had "high involvement in the Plymouth drugs scene".
She said: "They were all part of Stephen Hawken's armoury, to keep him high up the tree in the drugs scene.
"He was some way up the chain of command."
Hawken, wearing a shirt, jacket and jeans, appeared nervous as he sat in the dock fidgeting and making eye contact with the dozen or so family and friends there to support him.
He had been due to face trial but entered last-minute guilty pleas to seven of the nine counts against him.
They included possessing a class B drug – 345g of one per cent amphetamine – with intent to supply and a class A drug – 1,011g of nine per cent cocaine – also with intent, as well as possession of a stun gun, a handgun, a double-barrelled over-and-under shotgun, and ammunition without certificates.
The court heard how he had collected a string of convictions for drugs and firearms offences over the last two decades, already serving prison sentences totalling nine and a half years.
They date back to 1986 when, aged just 23, Hawken was caught in possession of a shotgun and ammunition without a certificate.
Since 1995 he has been convicted of possessing more ammunition, cannabis, amphetamines, MDMA and £20,000 in counterfeit currency.
Llewellyn Sellick, for Hawken, said his client deserved credit for his guilty plea, albeit last-minute.
"It was somewhat courageous of him to face reality," he said.
Mr Sellick told the court how, since last being released from prison, Hawken had built up a "thriving" company – Ace Plant Hire – and employed between six and eight people, subcontracting many more.
He had purchased his luxury house and won a number of large contracts, including working on a city police station.
But a developer Hawken was working with in Mannamead went bust in October last year, the court heard, owing him £100,000.
Since his arrest, Mr Sellick told the court, Hawken had lost both his home and his company.He said: "It was in the autumn of 2008 that things went terribly wrong.
"This is a man who had done considerably well – he's now gone right back to zero again."He added that the stun-gun found by police was missing a prong and a battery, meaning it would not have worked.Hawken was also charged with five fly-tipping offences between January 17 and February 23 last year.The court heard how building materials from a site in Stonehouse his firm was working at had been dumped in Dartmoor beauty spots.
A wood in Bickleigh, a car park in Roborough Down and an area near Meavy were among those littered in rubble, which included large wooden doors.
The mess cost more than £1,600 to clear up.
Chase Charles Inward, 25, is charged with escaping lawful custody and property damage.
Calgary police have recaptured a man who escaped custody by climbing through a bathroom ceiling after complaining of feeling ill.Police say the suspect had originally been arrested Tuesday on several property crime and transit violation warrants. While being processed, he complained of a medical problem and was taken to a downtown medical facility to be checked out.He was taken to a bathroom to provide a urine sample, and climbed out through a false ceiling by removing a tile.He was arrested Wednesday evening at an apartment complex.
Wilfredo Rodriguez Rosado. American Airlines employees that were caught up in the drug bust
Just recently, nine workers from American Airlines were charged with participating in a drug smuggling ring. This scheme saw cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico to the United States mainland by way of airport flights.The American Airlines employees that were caught up in the drug bust, turned out to be a mix of baggage handlers and other members of the ground crew. Apparently they took part in sending at least 19,840 pounds of cocaine into parts of the United States. Some of the locations where drugs were shipped to include Miami, Orlando, and New Jersey.Officers from the United States Drug Enforcement Administrations, as well as members from the FBI, arrested 22 members of the alleged smuggling ring, which does include the nine American Airlines workers. The raids took place early Tuesday and were called Operation Heavy Cargo.One of the employees that agreed to surrender was the ringleader, Wilfredo Rodriguez Rosado. The other men that were arrested were found in other cities all across the United States Caribbean territory and in Miami. A spokeswoman for American Airlines did confirm the arrests but was not able to give out any other kinds of details on the matter.Puerto Rico is actually a favored transshipment point for South American cocaine and heroin. This is because, once the drugs are able to reach the Caribbean islands, they no longer have to make it past customs. The drugs are free to make their way to the American market. Although security at the airport is tight, some say that this proves that it could be better.
Francisco Flores, 46, a former Brooklyn police sergeant, was arrested at his Staten Island home and ordered detained
Francisco Flores, 46, a former Brooklyn police sergeant, was arrested at his Staten Island home and ordered detained until a Friday bail hearing, according to a news release from the New Jersey District of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.The second suspect, Eduardo Baez, 36, of Brooklyn was arrested Wednesday afternoon and will likely appear in federal court today. Joseph James, 45, and Paul Nunez-Vargas, 32, both of Brooklyn were arrested August 27 and released on bail in connection with the alleged conspiracy, according to the news release.Federal authorities said the four men traveled from New York City to Elizabeth, N.J. August 12 in three separate cars -- snaking up and down dead end street to evade law enforcement surveillance -- as they scouted a neighborhood where they planned to buy drugs.The suspect’s driving didn’t fool federal agents who had been watching the group.“Based on my training and experience I recognize this driving pattern as counter-surveillance commonly used by narcotics traffickers to detect the presence of law enforcement,” one ICE Special Agent said in a criminal complaint.As agents watched, James exited a Mercedes carrying a plastic bag. He was confronted by authorities and said he was in the area to “do something that I know I shouldn’t be doing,” and to “buy three keys,” referring to cocaine, according to the complaint.Nunez-Vargas was in the same car and made similar statements to agents. Investigators reported they found $75,000 in the plastic bag and $22,500 in the Mercedes after the men consented to a search.
Flores, the retired sergeant, and Baez were stopped in a nearby convenience store. Both men allowed agents to search their cars with $500 in cash was found in Flores’ and a hidden compartment was found in Beaz’s car, according to a news release.According to the criminal complaint, Flores told agents he had recently retired from the NYPD and claimed he was in the area to purchase a motorcycle with friends in the Mercedes. Agents said he later changed his story and denied knowing the other men arrested. All four men have been charged with “conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine,” and could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Flores, the retired sergeant, and Baez were stopped in a nearby convenience store. Both men allowed agents to search their cars with $500 in cash was found in Flores’ and a hidden compartment was found in Beaz’s car, according to a news release.According to the criminal complaint, Flores told agents he had recently retired from the NYPD and claimed he was in the area to purchase a motorcycle with friends in the Mercedes. Agents said he later changed his story and denied knowing the other men arrested. All four men have been charged with “conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine,” and could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Ravi David Singh of Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara was yesterday remanded to prison
Ravi David Singh of Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court accused of having a quantity of cocaine at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri.The man pleaded not guilty to the charge of trafficking in narcotics.He denied that on September 12 at the CJIA he trafficked in 3.19 kilogrammes of cocaine.The magistrate subsequently ordered that Singh be remanded to prison and transferred the case to the Providence Magistrate’s Court for October 23.The prosecution stated that the cocaine was in Singh’s luggage.
Derek Archie, who also goes by the name "Diese (pronounced Dice) Game" was arrested at the Days Inn
Derek Archie, who also goes by the name "Diese (pronounced Dice) Game" was arrested at the Days Inn in Auburn on Feb. 8 by the Finger Lakes Drug Task Force. When officers searched Archie's hotel room they found cocaine in his clothing, as well as hidden inside a secret compartment inside a safe that looked like a peanut butter jar, District Attorney Jon Budelmann said. Police also found glassine envelopes and $160 previously used in a drug sale that took place in the room, he said. Archie has prior convictions, that combined with his conviction Wednesday in a bench trial before visiting Wayne County Judge Stephen R. Sirkin, could push his sentence up to 12 years, Budelmann said. The case was tried by Assistant District Attorney Rome Canzano
Richard Munro, 23, from East Kilbride, admitted being concerned in the supply of amphetamine and cocaine.
Richard Munro, 23, from East Kilbride, admitted being concerned in the supply of amphetamine and cocaine. He was granted bail, and will be sentenced next month.
The court heard that Munro had been staying with a girlfriend in Fortrose, the village next to Rosemarkie, at the time of the offence.
The court heard that Munro had been staying with a girlfriend in Fortrose, the village next to Rosemarkie, at the time of the offence.
Kevin Lamar Nash, 35, was booked into the Sacramento County Jail Wednesday on charges of possession rock cocaine for sale
Kevin Lamar Nash, 35, was booked into the Sacramento County Jail Wednesday on charges of possession rock cocaine for sale, transportation of a controlled substance and manufacturing rock cocaine after the Folsom Police SWAT team searched a home in the 1800 block of Swinton Drive in Folsom. Nash was reportedly using the home to convert powder cocaine into the more valuable rock cocaine, officials said.
“We located 20 ounces of rock cocaine,” said Jason Browning, spokesman for the Folsom Police Department. “Two more ounces were found in (Nash’s) possession at the time of his arrest.” Nash is being held on $300,000 bail. An enhancement was added requiring that he prove the source of his bail funds, officials said.
Luis Ramirez, 33, and David Guerrero, 29 arrested
arrested two men — Luis Ramirez, 33, and David Guerrero, 29 — and seized 10 kilograms of cocaine after stopping a vehicle near Interstate 37 and East Southcross Boulevard.Apprehension of the two men led authorities to two other locations on the South and West sides where 4 kilograms of cocaine and about $12,000 in cash were seized, said Sgt. Dave Berrigan with the Police Department's Tactical Response Unit.
Theresa Duarte former Montgomery County English teacher was sentenced to six months in jail Thursday for distributing cocaine to a student
Theresa Duarte former Montgomery County English teacher was sentenced to six months in jail Thursday for distributing cocaine to a student, according to attorneys in the case. apologized to the Thomas S. Wootton High School community for the embarrassment caused by the crime, said her attorney, William Brennan.
Duarte, once dubbed "the coolest woman alive" by students who put together a Wootton yearbook, had pleaded guilty to distribution. Brennan said she provided cocaine to a student at her home. Duarte is due to report to jail Monday, and also faces three years of supervised probation, said Emily White, a spokeswoman for the Montgomery County state's attorney's office.
Duarte, once dubbed "the coolest woman alive" by students who put together a Wootton yearbook, had pleaded guilty to distribution. Brennan said she provided cocaine to a student at her home. Duarte is due to report to jail Monday, and also faces three years of supervised probation, said Emily White, a spokeswoman for the Montgomery County state's attorney's office.
Efrain Bonilla Cardona, 41 of Chaska, and Jaime Borja Gama, 32 of Shakopee, were arrested
Efrain Bonilla Cardona, 41 of Chaska, and Jaime Borja Gama, 32 of Shakopee, were arrested Aug. 24 during a separate investigation. Gama drove Cardona two separate times to meet an undercover SWMDTF agent. Cardona sold over 10 grams of cocaine to the agent and Gama was in procession of cocaine also, according to the sheriff's office.If convicted, Cordona faces up to 25 years in prison and Gama faces up to five years.
Manuel Fabian Hernandez, 29 of Belle Plaine, was arrested Sept. 3 after he sold one ounce of cocaine
Manuel Fabian Hernandez, 29 of Belle Plaine, was arrested Sept. 3 after he sold one ounce of cocaine to a SWMDTF agent, according to Sheriff Olson. More cocaine was found in Hernandez's vehicle, the sheriff's office said. If convicted, Hernandez faces up to 30 years in prison.
Rahim Jaffer,to fight liquor, cocaine charges
Rahim Jaffer, a former Conservative MP, was driving in his wife's riding last Friday when he was pulled over for speeding by police in Palgrave, Ont., near Toronto. He was alone in the vehicle, a Ford Escape.A roadside screening device was used to get a breath sample from Mr. Jaffer, who was then arrested and taken to the Caledon OPP station, where he provided two more breath samples while being held in cells for about four hours. He was charged with impaired driving, possession of cocaine and speeding, before being released. His licence was also suspended for 90 days.
"I intend to fight the serious accusations that have been made against me," Mr. Jaffer, 37, said in a written statement emailed yesterday to the Edmonton Journal.
"I am innocent and am confident of full exoneration. I cannot express how grateful I am for the support of my family and friends and I ask that you respect their privacy as I strive to clear my name."He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 19 in Orangeville."I take this very seriously," Ms. Guergis told reporters who thronged about her as she got out of her government limousine. "I love my husband very much and I don't really have enough information to give you a fuller comment. If you do [want to] talk about it, please call my husband."When a reporter asked if she was in the car when Mr. Jaffer was pulled over, she said firmly, "No, I was not, and we have a very important event today. Do not disrespect that."Ms. Guergis was surrounded by several Conservative MPs and ministers including Defence Minister Peter Mac-Kay, Heritage Minister James Moore, Trade Minister Stockwell Day and Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt.Mr. Jaffer was a four-term MP, first elected in 1997 at age 25. Last fall, he was the only Conservative to lose a riding in Alberta. The party selected a new candidate, Ryan Hastman, to challenge Edmonton-Strathcona MP Linda Duncan whenever another federal election is called.On Parliament Hill, politicians from all parties had little to say about Mr. Jaffer's arrest and what, if any, implications it might have for Ms. Guergis' political position."This is an unfortunate matter," Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff said. "This is a man who held public trust, and it's before the courts and I have no further comment to make about it." An advisor in Mr. Ignatieff's office said he has instructed his MPs not to discuss or attempt to make a political issue out of the matter.Said NDP MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis: "I hope he gets the help he needs and I hope, you know, Helena is going to be strong in this relationship throughout all of this."
"I intend to fight the serious accusations that have been made against me," Mr. Jaffer, 37, said in a written statement emailed yesterday to the Edmonton Journal.
"I am innocent and am confident of full exoneration. I cannot express how grateful I am for the support of my family and friends and I ask that you respect their privacy as I strive to clear my name."He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 19 in Orangeville."I take this very seriously," Ms. Guergis told reporters who thronged about her as she got out of her government limousine. "I love my husband very much and I don't really have enough information to give you a fuller comment. If you do [want to] talk about it, please call my husband."When a reporter asked if she was in the car when Mr. Jaffer was pulled over, she said firmly, "No, I was not, and we have a very important event today. Do not disrespect that."Ms. Guergis was surrounded by several Conservative MPs and ministers including Defence Minister Peter Mac-Kay, Heritage Minister James Moore, Trade Minister Stockwell Day and Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt.Mr. Jaffer was a four-term MP, first elected in 1997 at age 25. Last fall, he was the only Conservative to lose a riding in Alberta. The party selected a new candidate, Ryan Hastman, to challenge Edmonton-Strathcona MP Linda Duncan whenever another federal election is called.On Parliament Hill, politicians from all parties had little to say about Mr. Jaffer's arrest and what, if any, implications it might have for Ms. Guergis' political position."This is an unfortunate matter," Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff said. "This is a man who held public trust, and it's before the courts and I have no further comment to make about it." An advisor in Mr. Ignatieff's office said he has instructed his MPs not to discuss or attempt to make a political issue out of the matter.Said NDP MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis: "I hope he gets the help he needs and I hope, you know, Helena is going to be strong in this relationship throughout all of this."
Saturday, 4 July 2009
John Henry Sutton was sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine
John Henry Sutton was sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine.John Henry Sutton pleaded guilty in March todistributing the drug in the Lincoln area from January 2005 to September 2008.U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf also ordered Sutton to serve five years on supervised release.Sutton has been in continuous custody since Marc
Duc Vi Huynh, a Canadian citizen, was sentenced yesterday in federal court on charges that he distributed more than 200,000 Ecstasy pills
Duc Vi Huynh, a Canadian citizen, was sentenced yesterday in federal court on charges that he distributed more than 200,000 Ecstasy pills in the Houston area. Authorities believe Huynh took part in a ring that distributed Ecstasy all over the southern U. S. Huynh was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 3,4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly called Ecstasy or MDMA, with a sentence of 240 months confinement in a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility without parole. Huynh pleaded guilty to the federal drug trafficking offense in November 2008. He has been in custody since his arrest by FBI agents and the Houston Police Department (HPD) officer who jointly investigated the case.In July 2007, acting on a tip from a cooperating witness, FBI agents and HPD officers of the FBI-HPD Asian Organized Crime Task Force stopped a car driven by Khoa Tuan Nguyen and Anh Biet Ngo and discovered approximately 22,000 Ecstasy/MDMA pills. After determining that additional contraband was likely to be hidden in a nearby associated townhouse, agents and officers established surveillance of the townhouse. Numerous people were seen entering and/or leaving the townhouse with suspicious packages. Each person departing the townhouse with a suspicious package was stopped by HPD patrol officers. Each stop resulted in additional arrests as additional amounts of Ecstasy/MDMA were discovered and seized. During that one month, agents recovered approximately 117,000 MDMA pills as part of their task force effort and Huynh was subsequently identified as the person who provided all of the Ecstasy/MDMA pills, which came from Canada, that were intercepted by law enforcement in July 2007.
Shortly after the July 2007 enforcement action, through yet another source of information, Huynh was contacted by telephone to discuss the purchase of an additional 150,000 Ecstasy/MDMA pills for $375,000.00. Huynh agreed to the deal and traveled to Huntsville, Texas on Dec. 21, 2007 for the transaction with an undercover FBI agent. During the meeting, Huynh explained to the agent that the pills were being transported by third parties unknown to him and that he could communicate with them only by calling a telephone number in Canada that was answered by yet another person who acted as a "cutout" to protect the MDMA load and all concerned parties from law enforcement detection. The Ecstasy/MDMA pills never materialized for this deal. Huynh subsequently explained to the agent that the drivers were "sick," meaning had been arrested in another state. Through further investigation, the FBI later learned that Tennessee law enforcement officers had intercepted a vehicle bearing approximately 250,000 MDMA pills during the relevant time-frame. FBI agents believed the intercepted shipment was intended, in part, to fill the order placed by the undercover agent. Through his conversation with the agent, Huynh clearly implicated himself in the conspiracy to supply the MDMA pills intercepted by the FBI in July 2007 and was later arrested.To date, the following seven additional co-conspirators have been charged, convicted and sentenced as a result of the investigation leading to the arrest of Huynh: Dung Hoang Nguyen (156 months), Hoang-Nam Nguyen (68 months), An Biet Ngo (70 months), Toan Bao Nguyen (60 months), Khoa Tuan Nguyen (65 months), Son Anh Nguyen (46 months) and Toan Huu Pham (12 months). Thuc Tri Phan jumped bond after pleading guilty in connection with this conspiracy and remains a fugitive. A warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. All seven are U. S. citizens.The FBI-HPD Asian Organized Crime Task Force is part of an ongoing multi-agency approach to identifying, infiltrating and prosecuting organized crime in the Houston area. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Mark W. White III and Joseph Magliolo are handling the prosecution of these cases.
Shortly after the July 2007 enforcement action, through yet another source of information, Huynh was contacted by telephone to discuss the purchase of an additional 150,000 Ecstasy/MDMA pills for $375,000.00. Huynh agreed to the deal and traveled to Huntsville, Texas on Dec. 21, 2007 for the transaction with an undercover FBI agent. During the meeting, Huynh explained to the agent that the pills were being transported by third parties unknown to him and that he could communicate with them only by calling a telephone number in Canada that was answered by yet another person who acted as a "cutout" to protect the MDMA load and all concerned parties from law enforcement detection. The Ecstasy/MDMA pills never materialized for this deal. Huynh subsequently explained to the agent that the drivers were "sick," meaning had been arrested in another state. Through further investigation, the FBI later learned that Tennessee law enforcement officers had intercepted a vehicle bearing approximately 250,000 MDMA pills during the relevant time-frame. FBI agents believed the intercepted shipment was intended, in part, to fill the order placed by the undercover agent. Through his conversation with the agent, Huynh clearly implicated himself in the conspiracy to supply the MDMA pills intercepted by the FBI in July 2007 and was later arrested.To date, the following seven additional co-conspirators have been charged, convicted and sentenced as a result of the investigation leading to the arrest of Huynh: Dung Hoang Nguyen (156 months), Hoang-Nam Nguyen (68 months), An Biet Ngo (70 months), Toan Bao Nguyen (60 months), Khoa Tuan Nguyen (65 months), Son Anh Nguyen (46 months) and Toan Huu Pham (12 months). Thuc Tri Phan jumped bond after pleading guilty in connection with this conspiracy and remains a fugitive. A warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. All seven are U. S. citizens.The FBI-HPD Asian Organized Crime Task Force is part of an ongoing multi-agency approach to identifying, infiltrating and prosecuting organized crime in the Houston area. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Mark W. White III and Joseph Magliolo are handling the prosecution of these cases.
John Wallas the "controlling mind" at the heart of a planned and organised commercial enterprise in drugs
John Wallas the "controlling mind" at the heart of a planned and organised commercial enterprise in drugs.The 29-year-old, of Knebworth Court, Ingleby Barwick, was jailed for eight years at Teesside Crown Court.Officers found drugs worth between £71,000 and £299,000 when they raided a flat he rented on Hadleigh Walk, Ingleby Barwick.They discovered more than four kilos of amphetamine with a maximum street value of £260,000 and cocaine worth a maximum of £39,130.More than 25kg of bulking agents were found along with a cocaine-flecked mixing bowl and other evidence of cocaine production, such as gas masks.The judge told Teesside Crown Court yesterday how Wallas drew others into the drugs plot, including his younger brother Mark and cousin Craig Francis.Mark Wallas, 25, was sent to prison for three years. The judge said he played a limited but important and necessary role in drugs distribution.The police stopped him driving on the A689 towards Hartlepool on the afternoon of October 30 last year, said prosecutor Christopher Attwooll.
A bag containing £38,260 cash was found in the passenger seat footwell of the Volkswagen Passat. Wallas had keys to the flat on Hadleigh Walk.The Wallas brothers, who had no previous convictions, both admitted conspiring to supply cocaine. Mark Wallas also admitted possessing criminal property - the cash.Francis, 26, was the only one of five men not to be sent away.At his home on Victoria Road, Thornaby on November 20, police found digital scales and a metal safe carrying cocaine traces, and almost half a kilo of mixing agents.He paid for an order for 50kg of cutting agents which were delivered to Mark Wallas' home on Trent Avenue, Thornaby.
The judge said he played a very limited role and gave him a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years with 200 hours' unpaid work.David Breeze, 25, of The Birches, Middlesbrough, received a two-year prison term after he was "heavily involved" in amphetamine production.And Lee Cope, 24, of Marton Road, Middlesbrough, was locked up for 25 months. The judge said he was "lawless and feckless" and took a "depressingly casual" attitude to preparing the Class B drug.All five men admitted conspiracy to supply amphetamine in October and November last year. Francis also admitted cocaine possession.Police kept the men under observation and listened to telephone conversations in John Wallas' BMW with references to drugs supply and amphetamine production.The investigation was part of 'Operation Kiev', a long-running covert operation by the Cleveland Police Organised Crime Unit which led to another drugs gang being locked up for 22 years in April.Defence barristers tried to argue that the kilos of low-purity illegal narcotics were "very small quantities".
They said the men acted out of character and showed regret and remorse for being involved in areas of the "despicable enterprise" for a short time, often due to personal and financial difficulties.Kevin Metzger, defending John Wallas, said: "This was an aberration in what was otherwise an exemplary life."John Hurlock, representing, Mark Wallas, said the educated ex-RAF man and charity worker ran an errand for his brother: "He's lost everything that mattered to him as a result of that temporary loss of sense."Francis' counsel Andrew Turton said the former care home worker innocently stored items at his home as a favour, thinking the chemicals were for body-building.Now the men face having cash and assets stripped from them as proceeds of crime.Detective Chief Inspector Rob Donaghy, head of serious and organised crime in Cleveland Police, said today: "This was a well-organised drug manufacturing and distribution outfit making significant amounts of money."The sentences passed send out a strong message to those involved in dealing drugs on the streets of Teesside that we will not tolerate it."A team of detectives worked over a significant period of time to painstakingly piece together the evidence."We are relentless in our pursuit of drug dealers. We will target these people and we will use any lawful tactics to bring them to justice."
A bag containing £38,260 cash was found in the passenger seat footwell of the Volkswagen Passat. Wallas had keys to the flat on Hadleigh Walk.The Wallas brothers, who had no previous convictions, both admitted conspiring to supply cocaine. Mark Wallas also admitted possessing criminal property - the cash.Francis, 26, was the only one of five men not to be sent away.At his home on Victoria Road, Thornaby on November 20, police found digital scales and a metal safe carrying cocaine traces, and almost half a kilo of mixing agents.He paid for an order for 50kg of cutting agents which were delivered to Mark Wallas' home on Trent Avenue, Thornaby.
The judge said he played a very limited role and gave him a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years with 200 hours' unpaid work.David Breeze, 25, of The Birches, Middlesbrough, received a two-year prison term after he was "heavily involved" in amphetamine production.And Lee Cope, 24, of Marton Road, Middlesbrough, was locked up for 25 months. The judge said he was "lawless and feckless" and took a "depressingly casual" attitude to preparing the Class B drug.All five men admitted conspiracy to supply amphetamine in October and November last year. Francis also admitted cocaine possession.Police kept the men under observation and listened to telephone conversations in John Wallas' BMW with references to drugs supply and amphetamine production.The investigation was part of 'Operation Kiev', a long-running covert operation by the Cleveland Police Organised Crime Unit which led to another drugs gang being locked up for 22 years in April.Defence barristers tried to argue that the kilos of low-purity illegal narcotics were "very small quantities".
They said the men acted out of character and showed regret and remorse for being involved in areas of the "despicable enterprise" for a short time, often due to personal and financial difficulties.Kevin Metzger, defending John Wallas, said: "This was an aberration in what was otherwise an exemplary life."John Hurlock, representing, Mark Wallas, said the educated ex-RAF man and charity worker ran an errand for his brother: "He's lost everything that mattered to him as a result of that temporary loss of sense."Francis' counsel Andrew Turton said the former care home worker innocently stored items at his home as a favour, thinking the chemicals were for body-building.Now the men face having cash and assets stripped from them as proceeds of crime.Detective Chief Inspector Rob Donaghy, head of serious and organised crime in Cleveland Police, said today: "This was a well-organised drug manufacturing and distribution outfit making significant amounts of money."The sentences passed send out a strong message to those involved in dealing drugs on the streets of Teesside that we will not tolerate it."A team of detectives worked over a significant period of time to painstakingly piece together the evidence."We are relentless in our pursuit of drug dealers. We will target these people and we will use any lawful tactics to bring them to justice."
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Darnell Williams, 23, and Eric Villalona, 25, both of York, Pa., were arrested as a result of a motor vehicle stop
Darnell Williams, 23, and Eric Villalona, 25, both of York, Pa., were arrested as a result of a motor vehicle stop conducted by Warren Township Police Sgt. Troy Cline.
Forrest stated that pair were stopped for a motor vehicle violation on Route 78 in Warren at 8:30 p.m. June 4. As Cline approached the vehicle he reportedly saw a large quantity of marijuana on Villalona's lap.Villalona was also found to be in possession of an additional quantity of marijuana hidden on him. The Somerset County Sheriff's Department K-9 unit was utilized to assist with the search of the vehicle and cocaine, more marijuana and drug paraphernalia was discovered inside the vehicle, police said. The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force also responded to Warren Township Police Headquarters to assist in the investigation.Forrest states that the street value of the cocaine seized is approximately $21,000 and the marijuana, approximately $3,000.Williams was arrested and charged first-degree possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, third-degree possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and disorderly person's possession of drug paraphernalia.Villalona was arrested and charged with first-degree possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, third-degree possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and disorderly person's possession of marijuana under 50 grams and disorderly person's possession of drug paraphernalia.
Williams and Villalona were lodged in the Somerset County Jail with bail to be set.
Forrest stated that pair were stopped for a motor vehicle violation on Route 78 in Warren at 8:30 p.m. June 4. As Cline approached the vehicle he reportedly saw a large quantity of marijuana on Villalona's lap.Villalona was also found to be in possession of an additional quantity of marijuana hidden on him. The Somerset County Sheriff's Department K-9 unit was utilized to assist with the search of the vehicle and cocaine, more marijuana and drug paraphernalia was discovered inside the vehicle, police said. The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force also responded to Warren Township Police Headquarters to assist in the investigation.Forrest states that the street value of the cocaine seized is approximately $21,000 and the marijuana, approximately $3,000.Williams was arrested and charged first-degree possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, third-degree possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and disorderly person's possession of drug paraphernalia.Villalona was arrested and charged with first-degree possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, third-degree possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and disorderly person's possession of marijuana under 50 grams and disorderly person's possession of drug paraphernalia.
Williams and Villalona were lodged in the Somerset County Jail with bail to be set.
Clarence Goodwin to serve 21 years and 10 months in federal prison.
Clarence Goodwin to serve 21 years and 10 months in federal prison.Goodwin had been facing a minimum 20 years after his arrest last summer.Authorities said on April 18, 2008, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force began a series of controlled buys of crack cocaine with the assistance of a confidential informant who knew Goodwin.The CI spoke with Goodwin by phone that day and agreed to buy a half ounce of cocaine for $500. Later, that day he purchased 8.2 grams of cocaine from Goodwin.The CI told agents that in addition to his purchase, there was a crack cookie of approximately 10 ounces and 30-40 crack rocks in Goodwin's house.Over a period through June 16, 2008, the CI made a total of five purchases of cocaine from Goodwin. The total buy was 71.9 grams.The CI would either get the cocaine directly from Goodwin or from his associate, Avery Morris, authorities said.Also sentenced to federal prison for selling drugs was Austin "Ira" Dodd. He got 33 months.Authorities said Dodd was involved in a cocaine ring in Bradley County. In April 2008, the Bradley County Sheriff's Office along with the ATF began a series of controlled buys of crack cocaine.On April 28, 2008, a confidential informant met Dodd and Raymond Gaines. He bought 2.7 grams of cocaine from Gaines. On May 1, he bought 5.1 grams of cocaine from Dodd.On May 2, Dodd introduced the CI to another drug seller, and he bought 1.8 grams of cocaine from him. He later bought another 3.2 grams of cocaine from Dodd. On June 18, he bought 3.2 grams of cocaine from Dodd.The total amount of cocaine sold by Dodd to the CI was 13.1 grams, authorities said.
Vidal Gerardo Sepulveda 41-year-old Laredo International Airport police officer pleaded guilty to selling cocaine to a confidential FBI source
Arrested Vidal Gerardo Sepulveda in September 2008.The 41-year-old Laredo International Airport police officer pleaded guilty to selling cocaine to a confidential FBI source on several occasions.Prosecutors said Sepulveda was in uniform during at least one of the transactions.Sepulveda appeared before U.S. District Judge George P. Kazen on Friday afternoon.Kazen sentenced Sepulveda to one year and eight months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised released during which he must pay a $7,500 fine.The federal ordered that Kazen would be allowed to remain free on bond until he is required to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
Mohammed Faisal and Roohul Amin, who were involved with running Yorkshire College in Bradford jailed for 16 years
Mohammed Faisal and Roohul Amin, who were involved with running Yorkshire College in Bradford for foreign students have been jailed for 16 years at Bradford Crown Court for smuggling heroin into the UK in the post.Two men who ran colleges for foreign students have been jailed for 16 years at Bradford Crown Court for smuggling heroin into the UK in the post.A third man was given 10 years for money laundering but acquitted of smuggling. Another was cleared altogether. All had pleaded not guilty. Yorkshire College, based in Bradford and Manchester, attracted hundreds of students, mostly from Pakistan. Some were legitimate, but for many it was a cover for illegal entry.The two convicted of conspiring to import heroin were Mohammed Faisal and Roohul Amin, who were involved with running Yorkshire College in Bradford.
They and the third man, Ali Ifthikar, were convicted of money laundering.
The fourth defendant, Mohammed Alamgir, was found not guilty on both counts by the jury at Bradford Crown Court. The jury had been told that 13 kg of heroin worth £650,000 was seized by customs officers after a series of parcels were sent in the post from Pakistan to addresses controlled by the men. Other members of the gang have managed to escape justice by fleeing overseas Another 7 kg of heroin was also seized in Pakistan. However much more heroin did reach the men.
Analysis of financial accounts at the college and at a Bradford money exchange business ran by two of the men shows that more than £1.2m in profits was sent out of the country to the north west frontier province of Pakistan. The authorities in Britain say the money is now untraceable, and fear that it might be used to prolong the fighting going on in the area between the Pakistani army and the Taliban.
Several other people involved in the conspiracy have fled the UK and are believed to be in Pakistan. Away from the court, Detective Inspector Gary Curnow of West Yorkshire Police said officers had managed to disrupt a major drugs smuggling gang.
"It's a significant amount from a well organised consortium importing heroin from Pakistan," he said. "These are people who are organised, resilient, and bringing into the country vast amounts of heroin which are then dealt on the streets."
s."A third man was given 10 years for money laundering but acquitted of smuggling. Another was cleared altogether. All had pleaded not guilty. Yorkshire College, based in Bradford and Manchester, attracted hundreds of students, mostly from Pakistan.
Some were legitimate, but for many it was a cover for illegal entry. The two convicted of conspiring to import heroin were Mohammed Faisal and Roohul Amin, who were involved with running Yorkshire College in Bradford. They and the third man, Ali Ifthikar, were convicted of money laundering. The fourth defendant, Mohammed Alamgir, was found not guilty on both counts by the jury at Bradford Crown Court.
The jury had been told that 13 kg of heroin worth £650,000 was seized by customs officers after a series of parcels were sent in the post from Pakistan to addresses controlled by the men. Other members of the gang have managed to escape justice by fleeing overseas Another 7 kg of heroin was also seized in Pakistan. However much more heroin did reach the men. Analysis of financial accounts at the college and at a Bradford money exchange business ran by two of the men shows that more than £1.2m in profits was sent out of the country to the north west frontier province of Pakistan. The authorities in Britain say the money is now untraceable, and fear that it might be used to prolong the fighting going on in the area between the Pakistani army and the Taliban. Several other people involved in the conspiracy have fled the UK and are believed to be in Pakistan. Away from the court, Detective Inspector Gary Curnow of West Yorkshire Police said officers had managed to disrupt a major drugs smuggling gang. "It's a significant amount from a well organised consortium importing heroin from Pakistan," he said. "These are people who are organised, resilient, and bringing into the country vast amounts of heroin which are then dealt on the streets."
Friday, 5 June 2009
Mexican Mafia selling methamphetamine in Sandbridge?
Mexican Mafia selling methamphetamine in Sandbridge?A couple who moved here from Florida set up a meth operation at different condominiums and homes in the seaside neighborhood.A quick investigation with the help of an informant led to the arrests of the couple in late April after they received a 2-1/2-pound package of crystal meth in the mail.Jose Luis Gamez Jr., 29, and his girlfriend, Kristina Marie Crane, 19, each pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court to drug distribution charges. They remain in jail pending sentencing.The FBI is investigating reports from the informant that Gamez, who goes by George, "may be associated with the Mexican Mafia," according to an FBI affidavit filed in federal court.The Mexican Mafia is an extremely violent, largely prison-based gang located predominantly in California and Texas. Two years ago, Texas executed a Mexican Mafia "general" linked to 15 murders.The FBI describes the gang as a "militant revolutionary group" that has alliances with the Aryan Brotherhood, a white supremacy movement. In Los Angeles, the two groups have conspired over the past 20 years to kill rival black drug dealers.Gamez and Crane lived for a time in a rented house on Salmon Lane, a few blocks from the store.The couple also rented different condo units on Sandpiper Road from March 2 until their arrest.Chandler Dennis, a former civic league president just back from a Bermuda cruise, said the most serious crime she ever hears about in Sandbridge is someone rifling through cars. She thought that's what a reporter came to talk to her about Thursday.On the arrests of Gamez and Crane, she said she can breathe a sigh of relief after the fact.Gamez admitted to authorities that he is a longtime meth user and dealer and that he has been affiliated with gangs, according to the court records, which do not provide further detail of his gang activity. Meth, a highly addictive stimulant, produces an intense rush when smoked.Gamez told the agents he has been dealing meth in the area since November and has sent more than $200,000 in drug proceeds to people in Florida, California and Mexico at the direction of his supplier, identified in court papers only as "Vale."
After their arrest, Gamez and Crane agreed to cooperate with the FBI and the Virginia State Police.On April 24, state charges were dropped and they were released from jail.For the next week, the FBI had Gamez make several phone calls to Vale in Florida, setting up more drug transactions, many of which were recorded.Their cover was blown when Vale learned that agents showed up at his rental office, in Davenport, Fla., asking about Crane, the court records say.Vale told Gamez that he moved from that rented home to an undisclosed location.On May 12, Gamez and Crane were arrested on the federal charges.FBI spokesman Phil Mann declined to comment about the ongoing investigation, but sources involved said any possible gang connection would be in Florida, where Gamez is from, and not Sandbridge.Gamez has a string of drug arrests dating back more than 10 years.He has a meth distribution case pending in the Florida appeals court.Kelley Collier, his attorney in that case, said he has never heard of any gang connection with Gamez in that case or other criminal actions against Gamez that he has handled.
After their arrest, Gamez and Crane agreed to cooperate with the FBI and the Virginia State Police.On April 24, state charges were dropped and they were released from jail.For the next week, the FBI had Gamez make several phone calls to Vale in Florida, setting up more drug transactions, many of which were recorded.Their cover was blown when Vale learned that agents showed up at his rental office, in Davenport, Fla., asking about Crane, the court records say.Vale told Gamez that he moved from that rented home to an undisclosed location.On May 12, Gamez and Crane were arrested on the federal charges.FBI spokesman Phil Mann declined to comment about the ongoing investigation, but sources involved said any possible gang connection would be in Florida, where Gamez is from, and not Sandbridge.Gamez has a string of drug arrests dating back more than 10 years.He has a meth distribution case pending in the Florida appeals court.Kelley Collier, his attorney in that case, said he has never heard of any gang connection with Gamez in that case or other criminal actions against Gamez that he has handled.
Friday, 29 May 2009
38-year-old Andre L. Hutchins and his 31-year-old wife, Talitha N. Hutchins ran a sophisticated cocaine-trafficking ring from their home
38-year-old Andre L. Hutchins and his 31-year-old wife, Talitha N. Hutchins ran a sophisticated cocaine-trafficking ring from their home in the 2700 block of Jacobs Creek Run, according to court documents.The 61-page federal criminal complaint released Thursday outlined the activities of the other members of the conspiracy, much of which was captured through cell phone conversations intercepted through numerous wire taps, according to court documents.Andre Hutchins’ 73-year-old mother, Arielean Hutchins, was also charged, accused of letting her son use her John Street home as a stash house, according to court documents.Also charged in the trafficking scheme are Charles Dies, 52; Paris Jones, 37; Takiesha McGlaston, 34; Adrian Lee, 37; Kevin Porter, 51; John Minniefield, 31; Greg Johnson, 38; Derrick Tennant, 32; Lakeshia Dominguez, 31; Frederick Parrish, 29; Michael Watson, 33; Brad Moore, 23; and Michael Lamb, 47.Earlier this week, officers served a number of search warrants at 15 locations throughout Fort Wayne, including two storage units. According to court documents, officers found $7,200 in cash and guns in the Hutchins’ home, bundles of cash in the two storage units used by Jones, as well as another $37,000 and a handgun at Jones’ home in the 13100 block of Bolinni Lane. At Dies’ Decatur Road home, police found a kilogram of cocaine and $30,000 in cash.The investigation began through the undercover work of the Fort Wayne Police Department about eight months ago as they looked at the activities of Watson, officials said."Fort Wayne police alone could not have taken this investigation this far," Police Chief Rusty York said.Through that investigation, the other law enforcement agencies became involved, culminating in a string of federal wire taps earlier this year, undercover drug buys and surveillance of the parties involved, according to court documents.
Andre Hutchins organized the enterprise, according to federal officials, lining up orders and arranging distributors via throw-away cell phones, Capp said."There were hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of phone calls," Capp said. "It was non-stop. … Sometimes the principals in the conspiracy never, ever touched the dope."Thomas Gancarz, The FBI’s Indianapolis Division assistant special agent in charge, said the criminal charges were first public work of the Safe Streets Task Force, which has officially operated since late April.And standing before the bank of microphones and TV cameras, Gancarz issued a warning to those involved with drugs and violent crimes in Fort Wayne."This behavior will not be tolerated," he said.The U.S. Attorney’s Office will seek to have all those arrested held in jail pending trial, Capp said.
The 16 people named in the complaint are all charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine from July 2008 to May 2009. Dies, Lee and Porter are also charged with possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Jones was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Zoe Shepherd could spend nearly 50 years in a South American jail.
The 19-year old Brit is awaiting trial in Bolivia accused of smuggling 49 grams of cocaine.If she is found guilty, she could be sentenced to one year behind bars for each gram – worth about £50.And charity workers warned yesterday that the youngster from an English village would face a life of hell inside one of the notorious lock-ups in capital La Paz.Prisons Abroad spokesman Matthew Pinches said: “People inside these prisons are very vulnerable.“They are lawless and a dangerous place to be because guards have very little to do with the inside.“They stay on the exterior to stop prisoners absconding.”Zoe, of Menea, Cambridgeshire, was searched and arrested at Santa Cruz airport last month. She had toldcolleagues she was taking time off work at a hair salon called Curl Up And Dye to visit her dad in Spain.
One friend said yesterday: “I’ve worked with Zoe for two years and this is all so completely out of character. She’s a lovely girl. “This could be the end of her life as she knows it. I really feel for her and her family.”Zoe’s MP, Malcolm Moss, said she had been visited by a British consular official and had been allowed to use her mobile phone to call home.
One friend said yesterday: “I’ve worked with Zoe for two years and this is all so completely out of character. She’s a lovely girl. “This could be the end of her life as she knows it. I really feel for her and her family.”Zoe’s MP, Malcolm Moss, said she had been visited by a British consular official and had been allowed to use her mobile phone to call home.
South African woman hiding nearly a kilo (2.2 pounds) of cocaine in her body was arrested in Brazil
South African woman hiding nearly a kilo (2.2 pounds) of cocaine in her body was arrested in Brazil as she went to check in for a flight to Rio de Janeiro with a connection to Europe, officials said Thursday.X-rays confirmed that the woman had capsules containing the drug in her stomach, vagina and rectum. They were removed by surgery, Brazilian police said.Officers were alerted to the suspect by an anonymous tip-off before she turned up in Sao Paulo's domestic airport for the Rio flight. She was to have flown out to Madrid and Istanbul.The woman faces international drug trafficking charges and could be sentenced to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Raymundo Aguirre-Robles, 28,was riding a motorcycle in the 3900 block of State Road 70
Raymundo Aguirre-Robles, 28,was riding a motorcycle in the 3900 block of State Road 70 and arrested him on a charge of driving with a suspended license. A search of a compartment under the motorcycle’s seat revealed more than 500 grams of cocaine. Deputies also searched Aguirre-Robles’ home and found more 1,100 grams of cocaine there, the sheriff’s report said. Aguirre-Robles faces two counts of trafficking in cocaine and was being held in the Manatee County jail on $102,220 bond.
Victor Hugo Lopez maintained that he wasn't aware of how 32 kilograms, or more than 70pounds, of cocaine was hidden away in tires
Victor Hugo Lopez maintained that he wasn't aware of how 32 kilograms, or more than 70pounds, of cocaine was hidden away in the tires of a passenger bus on a 2007 trip from Mexico to the Triangle.Lopez was sentenced Thursday to 22 months in prison by Wake Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway, who veered away from the mandatory three-year prison term to give the defendant a sentence equaling the amount he had spent in jail awaiting a trial.Lopez, who is in the country illegally, was given credit for the months he spent in jail and will face deportation to Mexico, likely within three days.Ridgeway presided over a trial last month of Gerardo Vilchez, 51, Lopez's co-defendant and the driver of the bus, who was freed from his 21-month stay in jail after a jury cleared him of several cocaine trafficking charges. Vilchez is a U.S. citizen who lives in Mexico.Though he pleaded guilty Thursday, Lopez did so under what's known as an Alford agreement. An Alford agreement allows a person to enter into a guilty plea if it is in his or her best interest, but the defendant still does not admit committing the crime.Lopez maintained from the time of his arrest throughout his nearly two-year stay in the Wake County jail that he didn't know about the $3.2 million worth of cocaine elaborately stowed away in the bus tires, said Robert Padovano, Lopez's court-appointed lawyer, and David Sherlin, the Wake assistant district attorney who prosecuted the case.
Lopez and Vilchez were arrested in July 2007 and charged with drug trafficking violations that could have hit both men with at least a 14-year prison sentence.
At the time of their arrest in the summer of 2007, the two had driven to the Atlanta area to drop off passengers and then were instructed by a dispatcher for the Texas-based bus line to head to Raleigh to pick up more passengers and return to Mexico. Vilchez had driven the bus from Monterrey, Mexico, and Lopez boarded in Houston.
But the bus was having mechanical problems, and the two were diverted by the dispatcher to a small tire shop, Solis Tires, in downtown Zebulon to have the brakes and heating system of the bus looked at, Sherlin said.On their way to the tire shop, they were pulled over by a Wake sheriff's deputy who found it odd that a bus with Texas plates was driving around Zebulon's streets with no passengers, Sherlin said. At the same time, a Wake sheriff's detective assigned to a Drug Enforcement Administration task force received a tip from a confidential informant: Cocaine hidden in the tires of buses was being off-loaded at the shop, Sherlin said.
Staff members at Solis Tires did not respond Thursday afternoon to a request for comment about the case.Deputies and investigators, with the help of a dog trained to detect drugs, then found the cocaine wrapped in several layers of material to prevent detection and bolted to the inside of the tires. It took several hours to extract the cocaine from the tires.Vilchez and Lopez were the only people to be arrested in connection with the cocaine seizure. Sherlin said the investigation is still open.
Lopez and Vilchez were arrested in July 2007 and charged with drug trafficking violations that could have hit both men with at least a 14-year prison sentence.
At the time of their arrest in the summer of 2007, the two had driven to the Atlanta area to drop off passengers and then were instructed by a dispatcher for the Texas-based bus line to head to Raleigh to pick up more passengers and return to Mexico. Vilchez had driven the bus from Monterrey, Mexico, and Lopez boarded in Houston.
But the bus was having mechanical problems, and the two were diverted by the dispatcher to a small tire shop, Solis Tires, in downtown Zebulon to have the brakes and heating system of the bus looked at, Sherlin said.On their way to the tire shop, they were pulled over by a Wake sheriff's deputy who found it odd that a bus with Texas plates was driving around Zebulon's streets with no passengers, Sherlin said. At the same time, a Wake sheriff's detective assigned to a Drug Enforcement Administration task force received a tip from a confidential informant: Cocaine hidden in the tires of buses was being off-loaded at the shop, Sherlin said.
Staff members at Solis Tires did not respond Thursday afternoon to a request for comment about the case.Deputies and investigators, with the help of a dog trained to detect drugs, then found the cocaine wrapped in several layers of material to prevent detection and bolted to the inside of the tires. It took several hours to extract the cocaine from the tires.Vilchez and Lopez were the only people to be arrested in connection with the cocaine seizure. Sherlin said the investigation is still open.
Tamar Peebles, 27, had admitted to accepting $1,500 from an undercover investigator
Tamar Peebles, 27, had admitted to accepting $1,500 from an undercover investigator and picking up what she thought was heroin and marijuana for delivery to the prison. She pleaded guilty to one count of attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance and one count of receiving a bribe. Peebles was one of six city jail guards swept up in a 16-month sting operation that found guards willing to deliver contraband to inmates in return for cash. Cases for the other five are still pending.
Former trooper John Foley, 64,pleaded guilty May 20 to cocaine conspiracy and distribution charges.
Former trooper John Foley, 64, a 37-year veteran of the force, was arrested in December 2007 by FBI, DEA, and state and local officers for peddling cocaine in Saugus. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when sentenced July 29.Saugus, Massachusetts, a former Massachusetts state trooper pleaded guilty May 20 to cocaine conspiracy and distribution charges.
Former officer Joseph Kelley, who resigned from the force in February, is charged with one count of trafficking in opiate derivatives
Former officer Joseph Kelley, who resigned from the force in February, is charged with one count of trafficking in opiate derivatives after police found 200 oxycodone tablets and various other pills and liquids. Police obtained a warrant for Kelley's home as part of an "ongoing OxyContin investigation," they said.
Thomas Walker, 22,charged with bribery and tampering with a government document.
Community Supervision and Corrections Department employee Thomas Walker, 22, had worked for the county for only two months when he accepted money from an undercover district attorney's office investigator to report a clean urine sample when the investigator didn't provide one at all. He is charged with bribery and tampering with a government document. He has resigned after being told he would be fired. Walker faces up to 20 years in prison for bribery.
Arthur Shannon Sizer, 31, of Ruther Glen pleaded guilty to three counts of distributing cocaine.
Arthur Shannon Sizer, 31, of Ruther Glen pleaded guilty to three counts of distributing cocaine. He was sentenced Tuesday to 75 years, with all but 10 years suspended.Prosecutor Glen Henkle, who will handle narcotics cases for the county, presented evidence that Sizer had distributed cocaine since March 2004. By 2008, Henkle said, Sizer was moving one kilo a month. Sizer had made 400 cocaine sales in Caroline in 2008, according to Henkle's evidence.Authorities considered Sizer to be a big-time drug dealer in the county and said he was at or near the top of a cocaine distribution ring with sources from New York to Richmond.Next month, Sizer will face a judge in Caroline again on a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon.Kenneth Eugene Crutchfield of Woodford, who was said by authorities to be a lower-level dealer under Sizer, was given two life sentences with all but seven years suspended.
He was convicted of conspiring to distribute cocaine and distributing cocaine--his third offense.Henkle is seeking to have Crutchfield's earlier suspended sentences revoked.
He was convicted of conspiring to distribute cocaine and distributing cocaine--his third offense.Henkle is seeking to have Crutchfield's earlier suspended sentences revoked.
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
34-year-old Jose Esparza and his 55-year-old mother, Lydia Esparza, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess cocaine with intent to distribute
34-year-old Jose Esparza and his 55-year-old mother, Lydia Esparza, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess cocaine with intent to distribute.The U.S. Attorney's Office says a December search of the woman's Odessa home led to recovery of more than a kilogram of cocaine.The Esparzas acknowledged he was a cocaine dealer and she let him store the drugs at her place.Lydia Esparza faces from five to 40 years in prison, plus a maximum $2 million fine.Jose Esparza, with a previous drug conviction, faces 10 years to life in prison and a possible $4 million fine. Details on the earlier narcotics case were not immediately released.
Francisco Torres-Felix, 44, entered his plea Monday before U.S. District Judge Ronald Whyte, of San Jose.
Francisco Torres-Felix, 44, entered his plea Monday before U.S. District Judge Ronald Whyte, of San Jose. He's scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 3.He pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute 15 kilograms of cocaine; carrying and possessing a firearm in relation to these crimes; being an illegal immigrant in possession of two firearms — a .25-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a .38-caliber semi-automatic pistol; and illegal re-entry following deportation. Torres-Felix had been indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2007, and a superseding indictment was filed in April. He pleaded guilty just as jury selection was to begin for his trial.The maximum penalty on the drug charges is life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and a fine of up to $400,000; having a firearm in relation to drug trafficking adds another 5 years to that minimum as well as an additional fine of up to $250,000. Firearm possession by an illegal immigrant is punishable by up to 10 years and $250,000, while illegal re-entry is punishable by up to two years and $250,000; Torres-Felix also is subject to deportation after serving his sentence.Torres-Felix is the second of two defendants to plead guilty after a joint investigation between the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with help from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Alonso Rodriguez-Castellanos pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. He hasn't been sentenced yet.The DEA had gotten a tip that Rodriguez-Castellanos was negotiating a big cocaine deal, arranging for Torres-Felix to deliver the drug at a parking lot in Hayward. Federal agents arrested them there with the cocaine, finding one handgun in Torres-Felix's vehicle and another later at his home. Prosecutors at the time estimated the cocaine's street value at about $1 million.
Anthonia Rouga McWhorter was charged Thursday through Lake County Superior Court with dealing in cocaine
Anthonia Rouga McWhorter was charged Thursday through Lake County Superior Court with dealing in cocaine, a class B felony, and resisting law enforcement, a class D felony.Lake Station narcotics officers had done surveillance at local truck stops prior to stopping McWhorter at 4:30 p.m. at the Travel Port of America, 1201 Ripley St., McDaniel said.When pulled over, McWhorter attempted to avoid police by putting his car into reverse.Instead of getting away, McWhorter rammed into an unmarked police car causing minor damage, McDaniel said.
Thirty-two-year-old Joseph Griffin of Waterbury pleaded guilty Thursday to the charges
Thirty-two-year-old Joseph Griffin of Waterbury pleaded guilty Thursday to the charges in New Haven federal court. Prosecutors say that in January and February of this year, Griffin sold crack cocaine to someone who was working with police. A search of Griffin's home turned up more of the drug. Griffin is being sentenced in August and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and could be fined up to $2 million.
Ricky Beavers, 54, pleaded guilty on May 6 to three counts of delivery of cocaine
Ricky Beavers, 54, pleaded guilty on May 6 to three counts of delivery of cocaine. In exchange for his plea, King County prosecutors agreed to recommend he serve a prison term at the low end of the sentencing range.During Friday's sentencing hearing, Beavers apologized. His lawyer, David Gehrke, said that when Beavers was arrested he was using crack cocaine and selling the drug to support his habit.
"I have repented to the Lord and have turned my life around," Beavers said before Superior Court Judge Steven Gonzalez sentenced him.Beavers' wife and his pastor were in court Friday to support him. Gehrke said Beavers, who has no prior criminal history, kicked his drug habit through religion.The length of the sentence means Beavers will serve his time in state prison rather than county jail.Beavers was arrested by King County sheriff's deputies and Metro Transit Police on Feb. 11 while he was driving Route 42 near South Leo Street and Beacon Avenue South.The arrest came after an investigation lasting several weeks in which transit police made several undercover drug buys from Beavers, according to charging papers.
Some, but not all, of the buys were made aboard Metro buses, police said.The sales, which ranged from $60 to $120 for 0.7 to 1.5 grams of cocaine, also took place at Beavers' house in South Seattle and in Tukwila, according to charging papers.
Though it is clear Beavers dealt crack while on his route, "we have no indication that he was selling to passengers," sheriff's spokesman Sgt. John Urquhart said. Rather, customers who knew the driver would meet him along his route and make their purchases, police said.Police said the investigation was triggered by a tip from another Metro employee. Beavers has since resigned from Metro.
"This is the first time I can recall a situation of this nature, and we employ 2,200 operators," Metro spokeswoman Rochelle Ogershok said shortly after Beavers' arrest.
"I have repented to the Lord and have turned my life around," Beavers said before Superior Court Judge Steven Gonzalez sentenced him.Beavers' wife and his pastor were in court Friday to support him. Gehrke said Beavers, who has no prior criminal history, kicked his drug habit through religion.The length of the sentence means Beavers will serve his time in state prison rather than county jail.Beavers was arrested by King County sheriff's deputies and Metro Transit Police on Feb. 11 while he was driving Route 42 near South Leo Street and Beacon Avenue South.The arrest came after an investigation lasting several weeks in which transit police made several undercover drug buys from Beavers, according to charging papers.
Some, but not all, of the buys were made aboard Metro buses, police said.The sales, which ranged from $60 to $120 for 0.7 to 1.5 grams of cocaine, also took place at Beavers' house in South Seattle and in Tukwila, according to charging papers.
Though it is clear Beavers dealt crack while on his route, "we have no indication that he was selling to passengers," sheriff's spokesman Sgt. John Urquhart said. Rather, customers who knew the driver would meet him along his route and make their purchases, police said.Police said the investigation was triggered by a tip from another Metro employee. Beavers has since resigned from Metro.
"This is the first time I can recall a situation of this nature, and we employ 2,200 operators," Metro spokeswoman Rochelle Ogershok said shortly after Beavers' arrest.
Timothy Ballard of northeast Leland arrested Thursday for allegedly trafficking crack cocaine.
The Pender County Sheriff Narcotics Unit arrested a man Thursday for allegedly trafficking crack cocaine.During a two month investigation, officers were able to seize multiple ounces of crack cocaine from Timothy Ballard of northeast Leland.
The Pender County Sheriff's Department said Ballard has a history of drug convictions. He is being held in the Pender County Jail on a million dollar-plus bond.
The Pender County Sheriff's Department said Ballard has a history of drug convictions. He is being held in the Pender County Jail on a million dollar-plus bond.
Tamara M. Dunlap has been jailed on charges of selling drugs outside a New Paltz adult entertainment club.
Newburgh woman has been jailed on charges of selling drugs outside a New Paltz adult entertainment club.Police say they caught Tamara M. Dunlap, 21, just after 5 p.m. Wednesday selling cocaine to someone in the parking lot outside the club on Route 299.Members of the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team, a multi-agency detail, were acting on a complaint about drug sales outside the premises.
Dunlap was charged with two counts each of third-degree criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance, felonies. She was arraigned and sent to Ulster County Jail.
Dunlap was charged with two counts each of third-degree criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance, felonies. She was arraigned and sent to Ulster County Jail.
Forty-eight-year-old Horacio Uffre pleaded guilty in October and was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Portland.
Forty-eight-year-old Horacio Uffre pleaded guilty in October and was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Portland.Sentence 12 years and six months in prison for cocaine and heroin trafficking in the Saco area.
Uffre's arrest capped a 2007 investigation by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency that led to the seizure of heroin and crack cocaine with a street value of $140,000. A money counting machine, digital scales and a handgun were also recovered.
Uffre's arrest capped a 2007 investigation by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency that led to the seizure of heroin and crack cocaine with a street value of $140,000. A money counting machine, digital scales and a handgun were also recovered.
Timothy Alan Hann of 12429 Creagerstown Road in Thurmont, Md., who was charged with one count each of possession of cocaine and possession of CDS
Timothy Alan Hann of 12429 Creagerstown Road in Thurmont, Md., who was charged with one count each of possession of cocaine and possession of CDS paraphernalia.
Rodney V. Wolfe of 13217 Independence Road in Clear Spring, who was charged with one count each of distribution of cocaine
Rodney V. Wolfe of 13217 Independence Road in Clear Spring, who was charged with one count each of distribution of cocaine, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of cocaine and possession of CDS paraphernalia
Tory Renee Wantz of 5640 Fort Ritchie Road in Sabillasville, Md., who was charged with one count each of conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Tory Renee Wantz of 5640 Fort Ritchie Road in Sabillasville, Md., who was charged with one count each of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and common nuisance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
