Ting Ting Tran, 18, of Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, east London, and a 17 year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were arrested

Ting Ting Tran, 18, of Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, east London, and a 17 year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were arrested by UK Border Agency officers at Gatwick Airport, West Sussex, on Thursday morning. Eight kilos (17.6lb) of cocaine was found in baggage on a flight arriving from Barbados.The case was passed to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to continue investigations. No pleas were entered during the teenagers' appearance at Crawley Magistrates' Court. They were remanded in custody to appear via video link at Haywards Heath Magistrates' Court next Wednesday.

Laura Makin and her husband Paul, both 31, were arrested on February 16 on Margarita Island

Laura Makin and her husband Paul, both 31, were arrested on February 16 on Margarita Island for allegedly carrying 53lb (24kg) of cocaine in suitcases. They had been due to board a flight to London at Porlamar airport. Ms Makin, from Merseyside, says she is desperate to see her four children, who are with Venezuelan social workers. She denies any role in drug smuggling. Relatives have flown to the South American country to work with consular officials to bring home the couple's two-year-old twins and Ms Makin's children from a former marriage, aged eight and seven.
It is thought they could fly back to the UK on Sunday. Ms Makin told the BBC's Claire Marshall the director of San Antonio prison had given her permission to see them beforehand. "I don't know when I'll be able to go home. Some people have been waiting here for two years," she said. I didn't know what was going on - this is so messed up "They have told me I'll have to wait at least a month but realistically I think I'll be here for a lot longer than that."
The charity Prisoners Abroad has described conditions in Venezuelan jails as "appalling", with many run by prison gangs with weapons.
Ms Makin said: "I haven't eaten in three days. "You have to know someone to be able to get food in here, and I don't know anyone."
Ms Makin said the 75 women in the prison were locked up at around 4pm each day. She sleeps on mattresses on the floor of a cell with 13 others, including two Dutch women and a Jamaican. They have to step over each other to move around and use a hosepipe in the yard to wash. Ms Makin maintains she knew nothing of any cocaine in the family's three suitcases. She said she was separated from Paul Makin and had merely accompanied him on holiday. She said: "I feel betrayed by him. I didn't know what was going on. "This was the first time I had ever been on holiday. I've got a boyfriend back in England. This is so messed up." Mr Makin has insisted in an interview with the Times that he has "nothing to do with drugs" and believed he was taking diamonds out of the country. "He was obviously stitched up by somebody," said Ms Makin. Her husband is wanted by Merseyside Police for offences related to affray and possession of an offensive weapon. A warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to show up at Liverpool Crown Court on 9 February. Ms Makin said she has been told it could take at least four weeks to gather evidence to prove she was not an accomplice.

Two FIFA agents and several current and former football players with Spanish clubs are under investigation as part of a probe into cocaine trafficking

Two FIFA agents and several current and former football players with Spanish clubs are under investigation as part of a probe into cocaine trafficking, Spanish media reported Wednesday.The operation, carried out in Madrid and the Mediterranean port of Valencia, led to the seizure Wednesday of 600 kilos (1,320 pounds) of cocaine hidden in shipping containers, the online edition of sports daily AS said, citing sources close to the investigation.
The reports did not name which footballers were under investigation but AS said some were from first division side Atletico Madrid as well as from second division side Rayo Vallecano and Poli Ejido which is in the third division.Spain, with its historical and linguistic ties to South America, is Europe’s main entry point for cocaine from the continent, especially from Colombia, the world’s top producer of the drug.Spanish customs agents seized 21.8 tonnes of cocaine in 2008, according to provisional figures, down from 25 tonnes in the previous year.Over 8,000 people were jailed in Spain last year for cocaine trafficking.

Dawn Deveaux tried to sneak in 4.47 grams of heroin into Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock, N.Y.

23-year-old Coram woman was arrested Sunday after she was caught trying to smuggle heroin into a jail in Comstock.Police say Dawn Deveaux tried to sneak in 4.47 grams of heroin into Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock, N.Y. to deliver to an inmate there.Deveaux was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and promoting prison contraband.She was arraigned in Fort Ann Town Court and sent to the Washington County Jail.

Arrest of Ricky Moultrie and Nyah Ricketts on drug distribution/possession, and resisting arrest charges

Arrest of Ricky Moultrie and Nyah Ricketts on drug distribution/possession, and resisting arrest charges. The arrests came about as a result of a month long investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Narcotic Task Force, under the direction of Chief Joseph Macellaro, the Bergen County Police Department under the direction of Chief John Schmidig, and the Paramus Police Department under the direction of Chief Richard Cary.On Wednesday, February 11, 2009, Ricky Moultrie and Nyah Ricketts were arrested by members of the Narcotic Task Force, Paramus Police Department, and the Bergen County Police Department, while attempting to distribute 175 bricks of suspected heroin This estimated street value of the suspected heroin is in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00.) While attempting to effect Ricky Moultrie’s arrest, he fled on foot into Hackensack, New Jersey attempting to elude arrest. He was subsequently apprehended with the assistance of officers from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force, the Paramus Police Department, the Bergen County Police Department, the Maywood Police Department, and the Hackensack Police Department. At the time of Rickett’s arrest he was found to be in possession of suspected Marijuana and $ 1,071.00 in United States Currency which was seized pending civil forfeiture. Prosecutor Molinelli states that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Kim Le Thu,was arrested trying to bring 3 kilograms of heroin into the mainland through Shenzhen

A Vietnamese woman was arrested trying to bring 3 kilograms of heroin into the mainland through Shenzhen on Tuesday night.The seizure was the first this year and the largest in the history of the Shenzhen International Airport border police.Kim Le Thu, 42, arrived at Shenzhen on a flight from Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia. She looked nervous when going through immigration procedures, police said yesterday.Police became more suspicious when the woman, who was alone, was unable to say why she was coming to China. She could not speak Chinese or English.Police later found a large parcel of chocolates inside her luggage. The “chocolates” were very solid and extremely heavy. Police cut open the outer wrapping and found 20 chunks of yellowish powder.The chunks, weighing a total of 2.968 kg, were later tested and found to be heroin, police said.Airport police detected six cases of heroin trafficking over the past year. Three men from the Philippines were caught trying to smuggle 1.2 kg of heroin into Shenzhen in June last year. On July 7, a Filipina was detained after attempting to smuggle 1 kg of heroin into China via Shenzhen.In October last year, four foreigners were jailed for trafficking heroine in Guangzhou. One from Uganda was sentenced to death, suspended for two years, for carrying 2.080 kg of heroin in her luggage.

Marty Pettigrew is facing cocaine and marijuana charges after being stopped by police for speeding Feb. 6.

Marty Pettigrew is facing cocaine and marijuana charges after being stopped by police for speeding Feb. 6.Pettigrew, 47, was pulled over for going 43 mph in a 35-mph zone at Lynchburg and Fieldcrest in the Raleigh area. Also in the car were Andre Banks and Hans Banks, according to the police affidavit.When police pulled the Mercedes over, both Banks men allegedly attempted to hide something.
Police pulled all three men from the car, then found one bag of crack and one bag of pot in the back seat. Brass knuckles were also found. All three denied knowing anything about the drugs.School board member Martavius Jones said Pettigrew had been suspended.
“We received an update from the superintendent to say he was suspended with pay, pending the outcome of a formal investigation,” Jones said.

Ramandeep JOHAL of Renfrewshire, Scotland was charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act (UK) for receiving a package containing 8.83 kilograms of cocaine

Thirty-one year-old Ramandeep JOHAL of Renfrewshire, Scotland was charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act (UK) for receiving a package containing 8.83 kilograms of cocaine.Ramandeep JOHAL of Renfrewshire, Scotland (U.K.) was arrested and charged pursuant to section 4(3)(b) of the Misuse of Drugs Act (United Kingdom) after receiving the package which contained 8.83 kilograms of cocaine recovered from inside the memorial marker. In partnership with the Strathclyde Police, the RCMP conducted an investigation locally in an effort to identify co-conspirators on this matter however, no persons to date have been charged.On June 10th, 2008 members of the Canada Border Service Agency(CBSA) located at the Vancouver International Airport, intercepted a suspicious package that was bound for Glasgow, Scotland. After being examined, this package was found to contain a memorial marker that had an unknown quantity of cocaine secreted within it. CBSA requested the assistance of the RCMP’s Greater Vancouver Drug Section in an effort to conduct a controlled delivery of the memorial marker between Canada and Scotland. The delivery of the parcel was completed with the aid of the RCMP’s Liaison Officer in London, Her Majesties Revenue and Customs (London) and the Strathclyde Police (Scotland). A subsequent undercover operation was conducted by Detectives from the Strathclyde Police Department whereby the delivery of the package was made to a local business address in Glasgow.
This intelligence-led international investigation has successfully disrupted this organized crime process from the smuggling and trafficking of this cocaine. The investigation was a collaborative effort by many officers from CBSA, the RCMP and the Strathclyde Police Department. It is yet another example of our integrated approach and ongoing commitment to detect, dismantle and prosecute organized crime in Canada and abroad.

Marquis Gillespie, 33, and Alissa Malek, 26, both of the 2000 block of Norwich Lane in Bartlett, were arrested

Marquis Gillespie, 33, and Alissa Malek, 26, both of the 2000 block of Norwich Lane in Bartlett, were arrested, Bartlett police Sgt. Michael McGuigan said.
"That's one of the biggest busts that we've had in a long time," he added.Gillespie was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and Malek was charged with a misdemeanor charge of possession of cannabis, McGuigan said.Neighbors made complaints to police about the house, to which McGuigan said police have made prior visits.
Police used a warrant around 7:30 a.m. to search the pair's house and say they found more than 1,500 grams of cocaine, some cannabis, about $3,000 and drug paraphernalia. McGuigan said economic problems don't seem to hurt the illegal drug business."We haven't seen it in our town, but when the economy goes sour, unfortunately we see an increase in drug usage," McGuigan said.Gillespie served 3 1/2 years in prison for a conviction on charges of manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance in 2000 in Cook County, police said.Malek was given a March 6 Rolling Meadows court date after she posted bond. Gillespie remains jailed and awaits a bond hearing, police said.

Rene Abraham Hernandez, 29, was last week charged over the importation of 100kg of cocaine from Mexico into Sydney.

Rene Abraham Hernandez, 29, was last week charged over the importation of 100kg of cocaine from Mexico into Sydney.
After he was arrested on Friday, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) allegedly found identification of a New Zealand police officer and two NSW drivers’ licenses in two names in a black leather bag. Officers from the AFP and the NSW Crime Commission were investigating the February 2008 importation of the drug, which was concealed in 19 tonnes of pavers from Mexico. They were also investigating possible money-laundering by people involved in the importation.Police allege that Mr Hernandez, who was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, was one of at least three people involved. Sydney Central Local Court was today told that Mr Hernandez, who was born in Mexico and became an Australian citizen in 1991, knew that he was being investigated by authorities for almost a year.Before refusing bail, Magistrate Paul Lyon said the amount of money police allege that the “scheme” brought in was enormous. Mr Hernandez is due to appear in Central Local Court on April 29.

Avraham Malachi, 39, of Netanya, whom police identified as the ringleader; Samuel Samuel, 48, originally from Lod and described as the go-between

Four Argentine retirees who made their way to the Netherlands and India from South America allegedly served as couriers in an international drug-smuggling ring thought headed by five Israelis.
Although the retirees initially failed to arouse the suspicion of border police at airports around the world, the Argentines and all five of the Israelis have been arrested in recent weeks. Advertisement An undercover operation lasting more than a year conducted by the Israel police and police departments in other countries found the couriers to have been a lot more than innocents abroad. The four were reportedly caught with large quantities of cocaine and Indian hashish. Suspects were identified as Avraham Malachi, 39, of Netanya, whom police identified as the ringleader; Samuel Samuel, 48, originally from Lod and described as the go-between in Holland; Moshe Luver, 67, of Netanya, said to have recruited the Argentinean drug runners; Viteli Hanukyeb, 28, of Netanya, alleged to have organized the network's operations in India; and Asher Zurik, 20, Malachi's brother-in-law and the one responsible for helping the couriers to move around in South America and India. Conducted in coordination with South American and European police, the investigation uncovered remarkable methods used to hide the drugs, such as stashing just under 10 kilograms of cocaine in more than 1,900 buttons - a measure that was of no help to the elderly drug runner arrested last April at the airport in Lima, Peru. In December, police in Amsterdam uncovered 52kg. of Indian cannabis hidden in suitcases. The network allegedly recruited elderly drug runners, hoping their age would deflect suspicion. It was said to have paid three - Argentinean nationals named as Manuel Maria Mellone, 66; Gerardo Federico Harmeye, 68; and Justo Fernando Brito, 49 - € 5,000 for each smuggling run. The Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court extended the custody of the Israeli suspects until February 22.

Diego Montoya Sanchez once on the FBI's most-wanted list has pleaded not guilty to U.S. cocaine trafficking charges

Reputed Colombian drug kingpin once on the FBI's most-wanted list has pleaded not guilty to U.S. cocaine trafficking charges.Diego Montoya Sanchez entered the plea Thursday before a Miami federal judge. Prosecutors say the 46-year-old Montoya was chief of Colombia's North Valley Cartel that has smuggled vast quantities of cocaine to the U.S. over the years.Montoya was extradited from Colombia in December and is being held without bail. No trial date has been set.Montoya's brother, Eugenio, pleaded guilty in January to trafficking and obstruction of justice charges and agreed to cooperate in the case. He faces up to 30 years in prison. A third Montoya brother also pleaded guilty and is serving U.S. prison time.

Sentenced 32-year-old Maximo Pineda-Buenventura to 17 1/2 years in prison and 30-year-old Teodulo Pineda-Buenventura to 5 years

Sentenced 32-year-old Maximo Pineda-Buenventura to 17 1/2 years in prison and 30-year-old Teodulo Pineda-Buenventura to 5 years for conspiring to deal cocaine. The brothers will be deported to Mexico when they finish their sentences. They were indicted in July 2008 as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking in Jefferson and Dodge counties. Four other defendants have been sentenced to prison. Four more are set to be sentenced next month. One is set to go to trial in March. Four others are fugitives.

Chris Lewis has denied trying to smuggle £200,000 worth of cocaine through Gatwick Airport.

Chris Lewis has denied trying to smuggle £200,000 worth of cocaine through Gatwick Airport. Chris Lewis, 41, who played 32 Tests and 53 one-day internationals in the 1990s, appeared at Croydon Crown Court along side co-defendant basketball player Chad Kirnon, 27 who also pleaded not guilty.The two men were arrested at Gatwick Airport on December 8. The drug was in liquid form concealed in fruit tins and discovered as part of routine checks at the airport.
Both were remanded in custody and their trial listed for May 11.

Antone J. Chacartegui was charged with felony trafficking of a controlled substance.

Antone J. Chacartegui was charged with felony trafficking of a controlled substance.After a two-month investigation, Boise police's narcotics unit obtained a warrant to search a home in the 2300 block of State Street. When they searched the home at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, they found multiple baggies containing a combined 46.2 grams of heroin (street value of $7,000), 9.8 grams of marijuana, scales, cash and other drug paraphernalia.

Donaciano Rivera, was arrested at his home in the 6000 block of Dias Avenue in Sacramento

Donaciano Rivera, was arrested at his home in the 6000 block of Dias Avenue in Sacramento. “A confidential source contacted us about Rivera and his alleged activities as a heroin dealer,” Curran stated. From that point on, he said, a month-long investigation was initiated.The heroin’s street value was estimated at more than $36,000, Curran reported.When he was taken into custody, Rivera had more than $7,100 in cash at his residence, a sheriff’s department report said.Rivera was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail and faces charges of possession for sale of a controlled substance, carrying a concealed firearm not registered to owner, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and violation of probation.Curran said that an investigation was “still ongoing.”
According to jail records, Rivera was scheduled to be arraigned in court on Thursday.Aside from the Rivera arrest, Curran said that the narcotics enforcement team — also known as the “street team” — has been busy this year.“Since the beginning of this year, they (the street team) have taken more than 61 suspects into custody,” he said. Most of those arrests have been for selling narcotics or narcotics related activities. “The team has also seized more then $30,000 in drug money and have taken six guns off of the streets.”
Over 26 pounds of marijuana and 50 grams of methamphetamine have also been seized by the team since their new operations started last month.

Paul Makin and his wife Laura, were detained by police at Porlamar airport allegedly carrying 52lb of cocaine

Paul and Laura Makin from Birkenhead, Merseyside, were arrested at the airport of Isla Margarita, a resort island off Venezuela's Caribbean coast, after allegedly packing 23.7kg (52lb) of the drug - worth an estimated £1.2m - into their luggage.Their children, two-year-old twins and a boy and girl aged seven and eight, have been taken into care by Venezuelan social services and are expected to return to Britain later this week. The family were attempting to board a flight home after a package holiday on the island of Margarita. According to reports in Venezuela, their cases were searched and found to contain false bottoms concealing several bags of drugs. Family members arrived this afternoon to help care for the children who had been placed in the care of local social services. The couple were held at a local command of the national guard before being seen by a judge. They are being held in the San Antonio prison, where drug trafficking cases make up 85 per cent of the 1,300 prisoners, according to guards. They are being held separately in male and female wings, Mrs Makin in an individual cell and her husband in a group dormitory. The couple have yet to be charged and have not been seen by a lawyer or a representative of the British Embassy. "It's a process," said one guard, who declined to be named. Investigations are ongoing and prosecutors now have 45 days to bring charges or release the couple. Luis Moreno, the director of the prison, said the arrests came as the authorities were trying to smash a smuggling ring. "There are never just two, there are always more, at least 15 or 20. Therefore we have to be very careful about letting information out." The British authorities were already seeking Mr Makin when he was arrested. Merseyside Police said today that he had been due to attend Liverpool Crown Court on February 9 accused of affray and possession of an offensive weapon. When he did not attend the trial a judge issued a warrant for his arrest. He is alleged to have threatened a man with what was believed to be a machete in Prenton last September. It is understood that the family went on holiday three weeks ago but did not return, as expected, after a week. Customs officers at Porlamar said that drugs-smuggling to and from the island is becoming an increasingly frequent occurrence, with Venezuelan territory being used as a trafficking route between Colombia and the United States and Europe.

UNCW students Christopher Misenheimer, 20, and Nina Esquire, 19, are charged with conspiracy to traffic in heroin

UNCW students Christopher Misenheimer, 20, and Nina Esquire, 19, are charged with conspiracy to traffic in heroin, three counts of trafficking in heroin, manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and conspiring to sell and deliver cocaine.Michael Gerrod Jones is charged with conspiracy to sell and deliver cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in heroin, manufacturing a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.UNCW student Jonathan Paker is charged with conspiracy to traffic in heroin, possession of cocaine, felony possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, conspiracy to sell and deliver cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The residence, in a cluster of three buildings of condominiums where Parker, Esquire and Jones lived, was used to manufacture and sell drugs, Ciamillo said.The arrests were the result of a monthlong undercover investigation that culminated when a search warrant was served at the address at 3 p.m., according to Ciamillo.
Also seized were a supply of powder blue glycine bags used to package the heroin, as well as the rubber stamps and ink pads used to mark the bags with “think happy thoughts” for branded street sale. Officials also confiscated sifters and grinders used to turn the drug into powder form, and dark blue balloons used to store and transport heroin.Misenheimer is being held under $325,000 bond. Jones, Parker and Esquire are each being held under $225,000 bonds.
More arrests are pending, Ciamillo said. Heroin has been a serious problem in New Hanover County, he said, and the squad has been working to put a “substantial dent” in its manufacture and sale.

Dancehall artiste Munga Honourable, whose given name is Damion Rhoden, pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana

Dancehall artiste Munga Honourable, whose given name is Damion Rhoden, pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday.Rhoden appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Glen Brown.The court was told that on the day in question, the police searched Rhoden and a small quantity of ganja found. Rhoden was sentenced to pay $200 or serve seven days in jail.The deejay is known for such hits as Wine Pan It and Bad From Mi Born.

South African Airways 15 members of the flight crew, including the pilot, were being held by officers

15 members of the flight crew, including the pilot, were being held by officers after five kilos of a substance thought to be cocaine with and estimated street value of £250,000 pounds was allegdly discovered in a bag. The crew was trying to clear customs at London's Heathrow Airport following a 12-hour flight from Johannesburg when they were stopped and searched. Bob Gaiger, spokesman for HM Revenue and Customs, said the alleged drugs were discovered after the crew were selected for a customs' check as they entered the UK on Monday. "Crew members are subject to the same customs checks as any other person when entering the UK," he said. "Those arrested are now being held in custody and will be interviewed by HMRC investigation officers." It was the second time in four weeks that an entire crew from a South African Airways flight from Johannesburg to Heathrow had been arrested.
On January 21 10 women and five men from a Johannesburg to London flight were arrested after £310,000 pounds worth of cannabis and cocaine were seized. They were bailed to return to Heathrow Police Station on March 23.

Ricardo Sanchez and Daniel Troya could face the death penalty if convicted on charges related to the murders of Jose Luis Escobedo, his wife Yessica,

Ricardo Sanchez and Daniel Troya could face the death penalty if convicted on charges related to the murders of Jose Luis Escobedo, his wife Yessica, and their sons Luis Julian and Luis Damian.Husband, wife and two children from Greenacres found shot to death off Florida's Turnpike in northern Port St. Lucie.Much of the testimony this week, however, has centered on Danny Varela, who is accused of heading up the drug ring for which Escobedo allegedly acted as a drug connection.This morning, former drug dealer Mario Calderon testified that he purchased 2 to 3 kilos of cocaine from Varela per week between 2005 and 2006.Calderon, currently serving a 42-month prison sentence on drug charges, told jurors Sanchez and another co-defendant, Liana Lee Lopez, typically delivered the drugs, though Varela accompanied Sanchez on one occassion.Defense attorney pressed Calderon on how his own criminal activities might lead him to be deported back to his native Guatemala, something Calderon testified he was hoping to avoid by cooperating in the case.Monday, an alleged former drug associate turned DEA informant Malik Mullino testified that he, too, bought large quantities of cocaine from Varela.U.S. District Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley over defense objections allowed Mullino to tell jurors that he and Varela had met at a prison work camp and did business together in 2004 and 2005, a year before the incidents with which the four are charged in federal indictments.Hurley, however, did keep Mullino from mentioning the details of a conversation he had with one of Varela's girlfriends, Draciena Berrios, who Mullino told investigators had confided in him that Varela's drug business had gotten so big that he had to hire enforcers to protect him.
Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy John Halloran this morning testified about a July 10, 2006 incident where he tried to pull over Sanchez while he was riding in a Ford Taurus.According to Halloran, Sanchez led him on a chase before crashing the car into a tree, trying to run away with a shoebox under his arm, and eventually dropping the shoebox before he was caught.Inside the shoebox, Halloran testified, he found a large quantity of cocaine.

Michael B. Armstrong, 20, and Frederick Stockton, 24, are charged with possession of crack cocaine

Michael B. Armstrong, 20, and Frederick Stockton, 24, are charged with possession of crack cocaine and possession of a firearm by a felon.Police said an attempted traffic stop led to the arrests of two men on drug and gun charges following a crash in Riviera Beach.
According to Riviera Beach police, Armstrong and Stockton were traveling in a 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo when they made an illegal U-turn at the intersection of Military Trail and Blue Heron Boulevard. An officer witnessed the illegal traffic procedure and attempted to stop the car as it pulled into a gas station on Military Trail. Instead, the car sped off on Military Trail and attempted to turn north on Military Trail when it was struck by a 2001 Acura, police said.The driver of the Acura lost control of the vehicle and struck another vehicle. Neither driver was injured.
Police said Armstrong, the driver, and Stockton had to be removed at gunpoint. They both suffered minor injuries in the crash.A loaded gun was found in the floorboard on the driver's side and another gun was found under the front passenger seat, police said. One of the guns was reported stolen in a burglary in Jupiter last year, police said.Four bags of crack cocaine were also found in the Monte Carlo, police said.

Zanada Moses of Baltimore, Md., was indicted on charges of importation of and possession with the intent to distribute heroin

woman arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on heroin smuggling charges has been indicted by a federal grand jury.U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias said on Wednesday that 24-year-old Zanada Moses of Baltimore, Md., was indicted on charges of importation of and possession with the intent to distribute heroin with an estimated street value of $1 million.Nahmias said Moses arrived at the airport after a flight from Panama City, Panama, on Jan. 15.He said that during a customs inspection, officers recovered about two pounds of heroin, with some of it hidden inside the defendant's body and some taped to her stomach.Her attorney, Thomas Hawker, said he will enter a not guilty plea. Arraignment is expected later this week.

Yahya Abdulkadir and Yosuf Said had been arrested by Ethiopian police after they collapsed while on board two separate Ethiopian airline flights

Two suspected Tanzanian drug traffickers have in the last two weeks died in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa of overdose. The two, Yahya Abdulkadir and Yosuf Said had been arrested by Ethiopian police after they collapsed while on board two separate Ethiopian airline flights from Tanzania to China and China to Tanzania via Addis Ababa.Some of the heroin pellets ingested by the suspects burst in their stomachs resulting in their deaths. They collapsed in the air planes and were rushed to different hospitals in Addis Ababa where they were in admitted. Hospital sources told the Nation in Addis Ababa that more than 109 drug capsules were found in the stomach of one of the suspected drug traffickers travelling from Tanzania to China on an Ethiopian Airlines plane two weeks ago. He died last week after intensive medical care in Addis Ababa. Dr Behailu Haile, medical Director of Hayat hospital in Addis said doctors found a bunch of capsules containing around 15 grammes of heroin each in the suspect’s stomach. The other Tanzanian also arrested during his trip from China to Tanzania via Addis Ababa died yesterday while trying to smuggle drug pellets. They burst in his stomach. Doctors said more than 42 drug capsules were found in his stomach. Seventeen pellets were surgically removed before he died on Monday.

Krishen Kumar Bhantoo, 41, of Goldsmith Road, was sentenced to seven years at Croydon Crown Court today

Krishen Kumar Bhantoo, 41, of Goldsmith Road, was sentenced to seven years at Croydon Crown Court today. He was intercepted by the UK Border Agency after flying into the UK from Grenada in September with the drugs, which had a street value of around £80,000, in his luggage. He was charged with being knowingly concerned in the importation cocaine by HM Revenue and Customs. Peter Avery, assistant director of criminal investigations for HMRC, said: “Our investigators continue to play a key role in protecting communities by reducing the availability of drugs on UK streets.
“Our efforts will continue to reduce the devastating impact drugs have on individuals and local communities. ”

Former Falcons RB Jamal Anderson Arrested on Cocaine Charges

Former Falcons RB Jamal Anderson Arrested on Cocaine Charges.United States of Americal Anderson was arrested early Sunday for possession of both marijuana and cocaine. Anderson, who was booked into the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, was arrested at the Peachtree Tavern in Buckhead, a suburb of Atlanta.The Fulton Country sheriff's office says that Jamal Anderson's first hearing is scheduled for Monday. He is being charged with a misdemeanor for marijuana possession and a felony for possession of cocaine.

Brian Howes, 44, and , Kerry Ann Shanks, 30, are wanted by US authorities as part of an investigation into the alleged production of crystal meth.

Brian Howes, 44, and his pregnant wife, Kerry Ann Shanks, 30, are wanted by US authorities as part of an investigation into the alleged production of crystal meth.
The couple, now of Bo’ness, West Lothian, could face 82 charges of supplying chemicals over the internet to people believed to be involved in producing methamphetamine.The charges carry a potential jail penalty of almost 100 years.
A Scottish sheriff last year approved the extradition and referred the case to Scottish ministers for a decision.Scottish justice secretary Kenny MacAskill signed the extradition order but the pair appealed. Now the High Court in Edinburgh is to hear the appeal, starting on March 4.

Stanley Maxwell, 37, was arrested on narcotics charges.

The search warrant and arrest was the result of a multi-agency investigation. Over 130 grams of crack cocaine were seized, in addition to a 9mm handgun and a police scanner. "The Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force continues to be aggressive in their pursuit of illegal activity in Columbia County. This house was in a residential, family neighborhood. We are hoping that with this arrest, the neighborhood will be a safer place for those families", stated Sheriff Mark Hunter. Stanley Maxwell was taken to a Federal holding facility in Jacksonville. He is being charged with Trafficking in Cocaine. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Jacksonville, will be prosecuting Mr. Maxwell.

Maribel Delgado was arrested Wednesday by Santa Barbara Sheriff Deputies

Maribel Delgado was arrested Wednesday by Santa Barbara Sheriff Deputies after serving a search warrant at her home on the 600 block of Eucalyptus Avenue.Delgado who was in a car outside of her home at the time of the search, was found to be in possession of over 9 ounces of cocaine. A search of Delgado's other vehicle turned up another 4 ounces of cocaine.According to sheriff officials the drugs were in Disney packaging and clearly visible to her children.Deputies placed Delgado under arrest and released her children to Child Welfare Services. Delgado was booked in Santa Barbara County Jail on $200,000 bail.

Alejandro Melendez rang police in Cleveland, Ohio, because he felt he was in danger – then asked them to hold on while he made a drug deal.

Man rang police in Cleveland, Ohio, because he felt he was in danger – then asked them to hold on while he made a drug deal.
Alejandro Melendez was arrested after the call and charged with possessing cocaine.Police said Melendez called the emergency services hotline late at night to report that two men with guns were watching him.

Velasquez-Hernandez,tried to smuggle in a suitcase through Baltimore-Washington international airport

Authorities seized more than 14 pounds of cocaine worth $650,000 that had been stuffed inside dried soup packets, which a Salvadoran man tried to smuggle in a suitcase through Baltimore-Washington international airport, U.S. customs officials said.Jon Marsicano Jr., an agent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said in a sworn statement that Felix Velasquez-Hernandez was caught with the drug-filled soup packages when he tried to leave Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on Jan. 31.Marsicano is assigned to an anti-smuggling detail at BWI. He wrote in the statement he was responding to a tip about cocaine smuggling from El Salvador. Another agency, a drug-sniffing dog and its handler joined him to search the luggage of passengers arriving on a flight from Houston.The team approached Velasquez-Hernandez, who had a valid U.S. visa and was supposed to return to El Salvador, when he would be paid $400, he later told Marsicano.When Velasquez-Hernandez agreed to have his luggage searched, the team found six boxes of soup in one of his bags, Marsicano wrote. Each soup box contained 11 packets of soup mix, but only six packets held dried soup.When the team tore open a packet and found cocaine, Velasquez-Hernandez began crying, Marsicano wrote.The other 60 packets held 14 1/2 pounds of cocaine.Velasquez-Hernandez told Marsicano he didn't know cocaine was in the luggage. He said a woman Velasquez-Hernandez knew in Sonsonate, El Salvador, had asked him to fly to the United States with the luggage.Velasquez-Hernandez was instructed to take the luggage to a Hyattsville man and stay with him until his return flight.Velasquez-Hernandez is being held without bail. No lawyer is listed for him."Cocaine is not grown in Maryland, it's coming through in planes, trains, automobiles and ships," said U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein.Rosenstein said hiding the cocaine in soup packets was unusual, adding, "one of the challenges to law enforcement is that traffickers use every conceivable means."

Camren Jones prison guard was sentenced last Friday to more than three years in prison for delivering heroin

In Walla Walla, Washington, a former Washington State Penitentiary prison guard was sentenced last Friday to more than three years in prison for delivering heroin, cocaine, methadone, and marijuana to an inmate. Former guard Camren Jones, 20, must also pay $13,000 -- the cost of locking down the prison to search other inmates for drugs. Jones will likely serve his sentence out of state for his own safety.

Maurice Melton,arrested Monday for helping an imprisoned cocaine dealer escape.

In New Castle, Indiana, a prison guard at the New Castle Correctional Facility was arrested Monday for helping an imprisoned cocaine dealer escape. Maurice Melton, 38, is accused of silencing a door alarm at a minimum security dorm to help the inmate escape, then driving him to Indianapolis. Prison officials said Melton expected to be paid for his help. But now, Melton has been demoted from correctional facility guard to Henry County Jail inmate. The New Castle prison is privately operated by the CEO Group (formerly Wackenhut), and Melton is a CEO Group employee. He has been suspended without pay, too.

Deputy Michael Arrington faces felony charges for marijuana distribution and "crossing a guard line with drugs."

In Augusta, Georgia, a Richmond County deputy sheriff was arrested January 29 for selling marijuana to inmates at the Richmond County Jail. Deputy Michael Arrington, a two-year veteran of the department, was arrested at the jail and is being held there out of general population. He faces felony charges for marijuana distribution and "crossing a guard line with drugs."

Luke Holland, 42, is accused of reaping $9,000 for numerous drug sales to inmates over a nine-month period.

In Levittown, New York, a Nassau County jail guard was arrested last Friday for smuggling marijuana, Oxycontin, and cigarettes in for prisoners. Luke Holland, 42, is accused of reaping $9,000 for numerous drug sales to inmates over a nine-month period. Holland is charged with receiving reward for official misconduct in the second degree, a Class E felony carrying a maximum of four years in prison. Holland has been suspended without pay by the Nassau County Sheriff's Department and is free on cash bail.

Detectives in the Major Narcotics Unit, are accused of misusing confidential informants to lure drug dealers, then stealing their cars.

In Fresno, California, two Fresno Police Department narcotics officers were arrested last Friday on auto theft charges. A third faces misdemeanor charges for providing false information to investigators in the case. Officers Paul Cervantes, 32, and Hector Becerra, 33, both detectives in the Major Narcotics Unit, are accused of misusing confidential informants to lure drug dealers, then stealing their cars. They now face felony auto theft charges. Officer Richard Epps is accused of lying to investigators. Prosecutors said at least one case has had to be dropped because the pair were involved, and more could follow. A fourth Fresno narc, Ubaldo Garza, was not arrested, but investigators seized about 10 vehicles from his home. Garza also owns a business where investigators said they observed activities "consistent" with a "chop shop," where stolen cars are dismantled and their parts sold. On Wednesday, Fresno police announced they were shutting down the entire narcotics unit pending a review.

In Galveston, Texas, drugs have gone missing from the police evidence room -- again

Galveston, Texas, drugs have gone missing from the police evidence room -- again. Police Chief Charles Wiley reported January 29 that when officers went to destroy drugs that had already had their day in court, they found small bags of marijuana, cocaine, hydrocodone, and Xanax were no longer there. When they began checking on evidence for cases still pending, they found more missing drugs. Prosecutors have now put on hold all pending drug cases that rely on drug evidence until they can verify the evidence still exists, just as they did last year, when another cache of missing drug evidence led to the dismissal of 21 cases, the firing of the police chief and a detective, and the indictment of a clerk who worked in the evidence room. Reforms were supposed to have been put in place after last year's scandal, but it's not clear they have been. If they have, it doesn't look like they're working.

Sheriff Bill Keating a former Montague County sheriff pleaded guilty January 29 to extorting sexual favors from a woman

Fort Worth, Texas, a former Montague County sheriff pleaded guilty January 29 to extorting sexual favors from a woman as the price of avoiding a drug charge. Former Sheriff Bill Keating, 62, went down for a November drug raid at a home where the victim and her boyfriend lived. The boyfriend was arrested on outstanding warrants and removed by sheriff's deputies, who then searched the house and found meth paraphernalia. Sheriff Keating shooed the remaining deputy out of the bedroom, closed the door, and told the victim, "You are about to be my new best friend." He then threatened to arrest her on drug charges unless she "assisted" him by performing oral sex on him on multiple occasions and becoming a snitch for him. She eventually went to outside authorities instead, and now Keating is headed for the big house. He will be sentenced in May, when he faces up to 10 years. But that may just be the beginning of the story. Local prosecutors said they expected to indict Keating and as many as a dozen jail employees on charges they had sex with prisoners and smuggled in contraband to the county jail.

Police arrested four people Thursday morning at the home of a man on house arrest.

Police arrested four people Thursday morning at the home of a man on house arrest.Police with the Metro Special Operations Section carried out a search warrant of 2901 Westmoor Drive about 6:55 a.m., where they found what they believe to be 10 grams of cocaine and about 1.5 grams of heroin, as well as a large quantity of money.
In addition to the suspected drugs, police also found three adult pit bulls and five puppies, which were removed by South Bend Animal Control.Four people inside the home were arrested. A 28-year-old man, who lived in the home, was accused of dealing and possession of cocaine, possession of heroin and maintaining a common nuisance.
Two other people living in the home, a 24-year-old woman and a 30-year-old male, also were accused of maintaining a common nuisance. The fourth man was accused of visiting a common nuisance.
Police say the 28-year-old was on a home monitor through the Ducomb Center for a previous conviction of dealing cocaine.
All four were booked into the St. Joseph County jail; formal charges have not been filed.

Shounna Hines, 24, of Caulton Street, Nottingham, has been charged with attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK, after cocaine worth at least £90,000

Shounna Hines, 24, of Caulton Street, Nottingham, has been charged with attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK, after cocaine worth at least £90,000 was found in baggage, and the separate seizure of cannabis.She appeared before Solihull magistrates yesterday and was remanded in custody until next Tuesday

Arrested of Tyree Rudolph, 26, for possessing powder cocaine and a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, police said.

New Orleans police officers nabbed two men in separate incidents with cocaine and guns on city streets. Monday -- In the 1600 block of Terpsichore Street, a stop for a traffic violation led to the arrest of Tyree Rudolph, 26, for possessing powder cocaine and a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, police said.Tuesday -- In the 700 block of St. James Street, officers, responding to a suspicious call, found Lilton Curtis, 26, in possession of crack cocaine and a handgun, according to reports. Police listed his last known address as 1421 Constance St.

Arthur Michael Kinsella sentenced on Wednesday to a year in prison for failing to appear for his arraignment in August 2005.

Arthur Michael Kinsella, 48, of St. John, New Brunswick, was convicted in August after a four day jury trial of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone between January 2003 and December 2004 and of possession with the intent to distribute oxycodone in March 2005.
A different jury found him guilty in April 2008 of failing to appear in court 2½ years earlier.In addition to the sentence on the drug charges, U.S. District Judge John Woodcock sentenced Kinsella on Wednesday to a year in prison for failing to appear for his arraignment in August 2005. The two sentences are to be served consecutively.Kinsella faced up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.Assistant U.S. Attorney John “Jack” Nichols recommended that Woodcock sentence Kinsella to between 10 and 12½ years in prison due to the number of drugs he sold in Bangor. Virginia Villa, the federal public defender who represented Kinsella, urged the judge to use a more conservative calculation in deciding how many pills her client distributed and sentence him to between 6½ and eight years in prison.Kinsella was arrested in Brewer in March 2005 with a prescription bottle with his name on it that contained 90 oxycodone pills. The bottle was found in his mother’s purse. He was released on bail on April 1, 2005, and indicted by a federal grand jury 12 days later.When he did not show up for his arraignment five months later, a warrant was issued for his arrest. Kinsella was arrested and extradited from Canada in September 2007. He has been held without bail since then.
Kinsella’s mother told police at the time of her son’s arrest that he had picked her up and they were going to Bangor International Airport to pick up her daughter. She said her son had asked her to put the pills in her purse and did not declare them when they crossed the border at the Milltown bridge crossing in Calais.
Federal prosecutors learned of Kinsella’s alleged drug activities in December 2004 from a defendant who then was awaiting sentencing on federal drug charges, according to court documents. He told prosecutors that he obtained an average of 150 oxycodone pills a month from Kinsella and distributed them in the Bangor area

Brett Raymond Stevens, 44, was yesterday granted bail after appearing in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on six charges, including drug trafficking.

Brett Raymond Stevens, 44, was yesterday granted bail after appearing in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on six charges, including drug trafficking.He was arrested on Tuesday as part of a wider police investigation in which high-performance street vehicles worth millions of dollars were seized at Yatala and 15 search warrants served across the Gold and Sunshine coasts, Brisbane and in NSW.Others arrested have yet to face court.Mr Stevens, known as 'The Boss', is also charged with producing ecstasy at his Narangba home north of Brisbane between August, 2007, and the day of his arrest.He also faces a charge of producing cannabis there between August and November, 2008, and supplying ecstasy to a person at Coomera in July last year.He is charged with possessing a further $99,700 suspected of being used in connection with drugs in December last year.Police opposed bail yesterday, tendering a lengthy document outlining allegations accumulated during the year-long operation by Queensland Police, Australian Crime Commission and Crime and Misconduct Commission.The court was told it included references to the money allegedly being used to pay off tax and drug debts.Defence solicitor Andrew Bale said Mr Stevens was unable to mount a surety for bail because authorities had recently secured a court order freezing his assets, including money from his race car fabrication businesses.Magistrate Sheryl Cornack noted Mr Stevens had known he was under surveillance for some time and had made no moves to flee the jurisdiction or interfere with witnesses.She also noted Mr Stevens' trademark hairdo as he entered the dock, asking: 'Did he do that voluntarily to his own hair?'Bail was granted on conditions Mr Stevens live at his Narangba home, report twice a week to police and not contact a list of people alleged to be co-accused or witnesses in the case.
The Australian Drag Racing Association yesterday released a statement saying the sport had worked hard to promote a family-friendly activity and it had drug testing for competitors at all levels.At his final race meeting at Willowbank last December, Mr Stevens was presented with a plaque in recognition of his 18 years in the sport.Raceway managing director Steve Betts said Mr Stevens had been a willing volunteer in the promotion of Willowbank and the sport before his retirement.Yatala-based drag racing legend Victor Bray said the community was dismayed by the allegations.Mr Bray said a lot of effort had gone into the image of drag racing.
"It's a very, very family-oriented sport," he said."We have a lot of fans in the younger generation and there's no longer any alcohol at the track."Mr Stevens is due to reappear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 30 for a committal mention.

Artulo Sanders major cocaine drug dealer in Michiana went to prison for 12 to 20 years

Major cocaine drug dealer in Michiana went to prison for 12 to 20 years Friday morning in Cass County Circuit Court.Prosecutor Victor Fitz said Friday morning during sentencing that Artulo Sanders, 33, of 1334 Markle St., Elkhart, Ind., had enough cocaine to get every man, woman and child high in all of Cass County and St. Joseph County."This was his livelihood. He was doing this for years. In the last two years he was involved with the distribution of 10 kilograms worth $500,000 to $1 million."Fitz said he carried a gun, and it wasn't just a one-time deal.He said the whole community was affected by what he did in asking for 15 years minimum.He said it would send a strong message that drug dealers will meet with severe consequences.
After Judge Michael Dodge imposed the prison term which was more than the minimum 10-1/2 years in Sanders' guideline range to a high 17 1/2 years, his family became extremely emotional while leaving the courtroom.Sanders had two defense attorneys, Thomas Swisher of Dowagiac and Tod Urban of Chicago. Urban said he can't be punished for what he has been charged with in the past. He said he is employed and has held three jobs and has six children, two of whom sent letters to the court.
Urban said he accepts responsibility for what he did in asking for the minimum of 10-1/2 years.Sanders apologized for what he did and said he did the wrong thing.Dodge said it was Jan. 7, 2008, when Michigan State Police troopers stopped a vehicle in Edwardsburg at Redfield Street and M-62 in which Sanders was a passenger.
Officers became suspicious after finding marijuana in the vehicle and called in a search dog.The dog sniffed out more than 1,000 grams of cocaine in a hidden compartment in the car.Dodge said his past record is not extensive, however, in considering the large quantity of cocaine, the judge could see no substantial or compelling reason to deviate below the minimum range.He ordered $1,630 in costs.

Arrested three suspects identified as Larry Don Sullen (B/M 23 yoa), Rudolph Jamarion Peacock (B/M 19 yoa) and Bridgette Joetta Pelham (W/F 24 yoa)

Arrested three suspects identified as Larry Don Sullen (B/M 23 yoa), Rudolph Jamarion Peacock (B/M 19 yoa) and Bridgette Joetta Pelham (W/F 24 yoa) all from the Hartford, Alabama area. All three suspects have been charged with sale of controlled substance (crack cocaine) and booked into the Holmes County Jail. This was after the three individuals traveled to a location in the Esto Community and were involved in the sale crack cocaine to an undercover officer. During the investigation, a large amount of crack cocaine was seized along with U.S. Currency. Also, Peacock has outstanding warrants in Geneva County for possession of controlled substance. Sheriff Tim Brown states, “As long as people choose to continue to sell, possess or buy illegal drugs in our county and communities then we will aggressively investigate, apprehend and convict those individuals. Sheriff Brown goes on to say, “These type of investigations require a great number of man hours and I commend the investigators associated with this investigation for their hard work and commitment to this case.”

Bryan Williams and Troy Morris, were both arrested by the police and brought before the court yesterday

The driver and passenger, Bryan Williams and Troy Morris, were both arrested by the police and brought before the court yesterday. Allegations in case are that the police intercepted the vehicle sometime after 7 p.m. after being tipped off with the information. An initial search of the vehicle, on the spot, did not turn up any illegal substance. However, when the vehicle was searched in detail at the Narcotics headquarters the following day, almost six kilo-grams of cocaine was found hidden in a concealed compartment close to the trunk of the vehicle. The men were subsequently charged with possession of, dealing in, taking steps to export, trafficking and conspiracy to export cocaine. Both men have, however, denied knowledge or ownership of the find. When the case appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, Williams' attorney said his client borrowed the vehicle from the owner and had no knowledge of the drug. She also noted that the compartment in which it was found was not a concealed one, as the investigating officer had outlined, but was a standard feature of vehicles of those make, allowing for the storage of lug tools. The Star has learnt that vehicle belonged to Williams' brother, who was now in police custody. All three men are to attend court today when the matter will again be mentioned.

Raphael Espinal is being held after authorities at Logan International Airport allegedly found about two kilograms of cocaine in a secret compartment

Boston man is being held after authorities at Logan International Airport allegedly found about two kilograms of cocaine in a secret compartment in his luggage.
Bail was set at $200,000 for 21-year-old Raphael Espinal following his arraignment Monday in East Boston District Court. The Suffolk District Attorney's office says Espinal was arrested by customs agents Saturday night after getting off a flight from the Dominican Republic.After a routine initial search of his luggage, prosecutors say Espinal was sent to a secondary inspection area for a further search, which revealed the false compartment in his suitcase.Espinal faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years if convicted on a charge of trafficking in more than 200 grams of cocaine. A call to Espinal's attorney, Robert Benson, was not immediately returned.

Gregory T. Kaczmarek the city's ex-police chief was handcuffed and hauled off to start a two-year prison sentence for his role in a major drug ring.

Gregory T. Kaczmarek and his wife were spotted buying cocaine outside a local video rental store, the city's ex-police chief was handcuffed and hauled off to start a two-year prison sentence for his role in a major drug ring.At his sentencing Monday in Schenectady County Court for criminal possession of a controlled substance, Kaczmarek apologized to people in "law enforcement and the legal system." "It is my fault, my responsibility, and I accept that," he said before Judge Karen Drago meted out the sentence. Later, in the same courtroom, Lisa Kaczmarek, 49, the former chief's wife, received a six-month jail term for attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance. Her voice trailed off and she wept as she apologized for her wrongdoing. Lisa Kaczmarek, who wore orange prison garb, had turned herself in last month to begin her incarceration at Warren County Jail. Her sentence includes probation for up to five years. The husband and wife were part of a group of some two dozen people who funneled large quantities of cocaine and heroin from Long Island and Manhattan onto the streets of Schenectady. The ringleaders, Kerry Kirkem and Oscar Mora, pleaded guilty to more serious charges and are serving stiff prison terms. All but three of the guilty defendants have now been sentenced. One man charged in the ring remains at large. A probe led by the state attorney general's office initially ensnared Lisa Kaczmarek and her son Miles Smith in May 2008. Gregory Kaczmarek was charged in September. The Kaczmareks at first faced longer sentences on more serious charges. His attorney had said that Kaczmarek pleaded guilty to protect his wife from having to go to prison. On Monday, Assistant Attorney General Michael Sharpe disputed that contention. He said that on Feb. 2 and 6, 2008, Kaczmarek ordered two "eight-balls of cocaine" outside the video rental store and that the Kaczmareks used some of the cocaine and sold some of it.Kaczmarek, whose sentence included a year of postrelease supervision, had previously surrendered his badge, weapons and nurse's license. He will continue to receive his $36,096 annual police pension. He retired in September 2002, according to the state comptroller's office. In court, Greg Kaczmarek defended former Mayor Albert P. Jurczynski, who was chastised in 1996 when he made Kaczmarek the city's top cop at a time when rumors swirled about his drug use. Lisa Kaczmarek's lawyer, Kevin Luibrand, called her behavior "aberrational.The judge noted that Lisa Kaczmarek relapsed after the family restaurant business closed down. "Your demise is your relapse," Drago said, adding the case illustrates that drug addiction affects people in all walks of life. State investigators amassed hours of secretly recorded telephone conversations. In one, Lisa Kaczmarek is heard pleading for a shipment of cocaine with Kirkem for her husband's 56th birthday. In another recorded call, she suggested the ex-chief could transport cocaine for the ring and would "flash his badge" if there was trouble.While Sharpe characterized the couple as members of the drug organization's "lower echelon," he said when Gregory Kaczmarek became aware of the mounting evidence against him he realized it was in his best interest to start talking with authorities about his involvement.Drago said it was "enormously disappointing" to have the former police chief in her court, but she also pointed out that the sentences the couple received were appropriate because they had no prior criminal history and never received pay from the drug dealing. She disagreed with Sharpe that Kaczmarek had a greater moral responsibility to uphold the law because of his job and rank. "The position of being chief doesn't in and of itself warrant a harsher sentence," Drago said.

Jonah M. Simoneau, remains at York County Prison on $150,000 bail.

29-year-old man accused of possession with intent to deliver $17,000 in cocaine "mistakenly believed" he'd avoid police by making the drop during the Super Bowl, but authorities said he was arrested during the third quarter.
Pennsylvania State Police arrested Jonah M. Simoneau, formerly of Salem, Ala., at 8:45 p.m. Sunday in a parking lot on East Market Street in Springettsbury Township. Investigators allege Simoneau has transported large amounts of cocaine from Alabama to York County during the past two years.Authorities said the arrest stems from an ongoing drug investigation conducted by Springettsbury Township Police, state police and York County Drug Task Force detectives. Police confiscated the drugs and the 2005 Lexus GS300 Simoneau drove.

Adelmo Perlaza-Montano,owner of three fishing boats that were seized after authorities found them smuggling cocaine from Colombia

Owner of three fishing boats that were seized after authorities found them smuggling cocaine from Colombia pleaded guilty this morning to a federal drug offense.Adelmo Perlaza-Montano, 50, faces 10 years to life in prison on a charge of conspiring to possess cocaine with intent to distribute.Perlaza-Montano, who was extradited recently from Colombia, agreed to cooperate in Operation Panama Express, a wide-ranging, Tampa-based investigation of maritime drug smuggling in the eastern Pacific Ocean.The defendant belonged to a drug trafficking organization headed by Daniel Segura-Rodriguez, who also has been arrested in Colombia and is awaiting extradition, investigators say.For at least six years, Perlaza-Montano owned or was administrator for fishing vessels used to transport multi-ton shipments of cocaine to Mexico, according to his plea agreement. The drugs were destined for the United States.

Eddie J. Dorantes, 41, and Oscar F. Chong-Aguirre, 52. Both men are from Las Vegas, Nevada. They are accused of hauling more than 500 pounds cocaine

Eddie J. Dorantes, 41, and Oscar F. Chong-Aguirre, 52. Both men are from Las Vegas, Nevada. They are accused of hauling more than 500 pounds of cocaine through the Ozarks.The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested the men Friday night, after they stopped for a routine truck inspection at the weigh station on Interstate 44 in Newton County."During conversation with the driver and passenger, the commercial vehicle officer became suspicious of criminal activity and requested a trooper and an agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration respond to the weigh station," the patrol says in a news release. "The officers were then granted consent to search the tractor-trailer unit. Located in the trailer were 227 kilogram-sized bundles of cocaine concealed within the load of produce."

Alexander Armando Martin, 45, of Naples placed under arrest for possession of Cocaine

Master Officer Drew McGregor responded to the area of 3rd Avenue North and 10th Street regarding a suspicious vehicle. The reporter, Ana Hernandez, is the manager of the River Park Apartments. Hernandez reported seeing a white male driving a black Mercedes-Benz sedan in the area attempting to purchase drugs. Officer McGregor observed a vehicle matching the description, driving through an alley towards 2nd Avenue North. The vehicle traveled West on 2nd Ave N towards 10th St. almost causing a crash when it went through a STOP sign. Officer McGregor stopped the car as it traveled South on 10th St., coming to a stop in the 1100 block of Central Ave. The driver was identified as Alexander Armando Martin, 45, of Naples. When asked for his license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance, Martin seemed to have difficulty locating the documents. Although Officer McGregor never asked, Martin seemed to feel the need to explain his presence by voluntarily offering names of people he was friends with in the River-Park neighborhood. Officer Ricardo Vazquez arrived to assist in the investigation. Martin was asked for permission to search his vehicle for illegal narcotic or weapons, he agreed. While the vehicle was being searched by Officer Vazquez, Martin began to tell Officer McGregor about his troubled life, including his one time addiction to Crack Cocaine. Again, Martin was not asked any questions related to this topic, he simply offered the information voluntarily.Officer Vazquez located a small white piece of a substance, under the driver’s seat, believed to be Crack Cocaine. A field test performed the officers indicated positive for Cocaine. At this time, Martin was placed under arrest for possession of Cocaine, a third degree felony.A further search of the vehicle reveled two more pieces of the same substance under the driver’s seat. Martin was booked into the Naples Jail Center.

George Noil and Brandon Noil, who were living in the New Llano area, were arrested on the charges of firearm possession by a convicted felon,

George Noil and Brandon Noil, who were living in the New Llano area, were arrested on the charges of firearm possession by a convicted felon, possession of Xanax and possession of marijuana.The arrest came after residents complained of possible drug activity in the area of the Mona Lisa Apartments.

Martin Miranda Barrera, Leo Rodriguez Ornelas,Ricardo Ornelas,Jessica Alicia Rocha,Arthur Trevor Palmer,arrested on charges of conspiracy

Martin Miranda Barrera, 30, of Leesburg; Leo Rodriguez Ornelas, 51, of Pittsburg; Ricardo Ornelas, 25, of Pittsburg; Arthur Trevor Palmer, 30, of Pittsburg; Jessica Alicia Rocha, 20, of Mount Pleasant; and Jerimiah Lee Wilson, 27, of Mount Pleasant were all arrested on federal felony charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to law enforcement records.Ornelas Sr. and Ricardo Ornelas are father and son, according to Pittsburg Police Chief Richard Penn.
"These arrests are the culmination of efforts by local, state and federal authorities all working in conjunction with each other," said Penn."This is still an ongoing investigation and that more arrests are pending," Penn stressed. According to Penn, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshal Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Longview Special Weapons and Tactics Team, the Camp County Sheriff's Office and the Pittsburg Police Department all took part in the arrests and the investigation."This isn't just a six-month investigation," Penn said. "This investigation has been going on for quite some time and is, as I said, still continuing," he added."All the agencies involved put in an exhaustive amount of work on this effort," said Penn.

Swiss police have stumbled across a large marijuana plantation while using Google Earth

Swiss police have stumbled across a large marijuana plantation while using Google Earth, the search engine company's satellite mapping software.Police said the find was part of a bigger investigation that led to the arrest of 16 people and seizure of 1.1 tonnes of marijuana.Officers discovered the hemp field in the northeastern canton (state) of Thurgau last year while investigating an alleged drug ring, said the head of Zurich police's specialist narcotics unit Norbert Klossner.The plantation, measuring almost 7,500 square metres, was hidden inside a field of corn.But officers using Google Earth to locate the address of two farmers suspected of involvement in the drug operation quickly spotted the illegal crop.
"It was an interesting chance discovery," said Klossner.

Convicted Areewa Saray of aggravated first-degree murder on Thursday in the deaths of 20-year-old Linda Nguyen and her boyfriend, 24-year-old Kevin Me

21-year-old Tacoma man faces life in prison after being convicted of killing two people who worked as guards for an indoor marijuana-growing operation in Everett.
A Snohomish County jury convicted Areewa Saray of aggravated first-degree murder on Thursday in the deaths of 20-year-old Linda Nguyen and her boyfriend, 24-year-old Kevin Meas.They were killed July 2, 2007, inside a house where they were paid to care for an indoor marijuana-growing operation.Prosecutors said Saray and a co-defendant hoped to steal thousands of dollars in drug money, and intended to kill the couple inside the home.Saray is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 13.His co-defendant, 25-year-old Sarouen Phai, is scheduled to go on trial for murder in March.