Jose A. "Flaco" Ortiz sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison yesterday for conspiring to extort $265,000 on behalf of drug dealers

former Boston police officer was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison yesterday for conspiring to extort $265,000 on behalf of Colombian drug dealers while in uniform, one of a series of recent corruption scandals in the Police Department.US District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel sentenced Jose A. "Flaco" Ortiz, 46, formerly of Salem, to 11 years and three months in prison followed by five years of supervised release in connection with extortion and cocaine-related charges."Of all our recent cases combating police corruption, this was among the most egregious," US Attorney Michael J. Sullivan said in a statement after sentencing. "To have a uniformed officer, carrying his badge and weapon, extort money on behalf of a Colombian drug ring cuts at the heart of our system of justice."
Ortiz pleaded guilty on April 29. He was the fifth Boston officer to plead guilty to federal charges since September. All the cases, including one involving three officers, involved drugs.His lawyer, Scott A. Lutes, of Providence, said his client is ashamed and still thinks like a police officer. A few nights ago, Lutes said, Ortiz helped save a fellow inmate who slit his wrists and throat at the Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls.The case against Ortiz stems from an investigation that began in late 2003 or early 2004, according to federal prosecutors. A man identified as Victim A told authorities that two drug dealers approached him and asked whether he knew anyone who might want to participate in drug trafficking.At the advice of the authorities, Victim A introduced the drug dealers to a man supposedly involved in the drug trade. Days later, the drug dealers told Victim A that the man had stolen from them. They blamed Victim A for the theft.
And then, in a startling twist in August 2006, Ortiz showed up in his uniform at Victim A's job in the Boston area, prosecutors said. He said he was there on behalf of drug dealers who would kill Victim A if he didn't pay $265,000.In May, the victim gave Ortiz $4,000 in cash and 4 kilograms of cocaine in a Revere parking lot, a deal Ortiz said would settle the debt. The FBI then arrested Ortiz.

John W. Powers charged with possession of heroin, possession with the intent to distribute,

John W. Powers, 40, of South Sixth Street, sell suspected drugs to two individuals.
Officers in the narcotics unit were reportedly patrolling in the area of Fourth Street and Landis Avenue when they allegedly witnessed Powers talking on a nearby pay phone. At that time, shortly after 10 p.m., an unknown subject walked up to Powers and subsequently purchased what officers believe were drugs, said Ulrich.
However, the subject got away on a New Jersey Transit bus that had stopped at the intersection before officers could move in for the arrest.
According to police, officers observed Powers enter a nearby vehicle and witness a second alleged drug purchase between him and another man, identified as 34-year-old Leard Jones, of Philadelphia. Detectives at the scene reportedly recovered 50 packages (or 250 bundles, or 2,500 individual doses) of heroin, a small amount of marijuana and $5,034 in cash.
Police charged Powers with possession of heroin, possession with the intent to distribute, possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone, possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public park and possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public housing project.
He sits in Cumberland County Jail on $150,000 bail.
This is the second time Powers will face such charges. According to police, he was charged with the same offenses on May 22, following a motor vehicle stop that allegedly yielded 150 bags of confiscated heroin, police said. The case is still pending in court.

Robert Kobash was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of crack cocaine

Robert Kobash, 48, of East Garden Road, on July 21 was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of crack cocaine, possession and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a public school (Maurice Fels School on South Seventh Street), resisting arrest and obstruction of justice. A man allegedly seen buying drugs from Kobash, 32-year-old Victor Torres, of West Chestnut Avenue, was charged with possession of heroin and released on a summons. Kobash is lodged inside Cumberland County Jail on $200,000 bail. According to Ulrich, officers in the area of Seventh and Quince streets last Monday at 7:30 p.m. witnessed Kobash sell drugs from the passenger seat of a vehicle that had just parked near the intersection.

Ricardo Garcia Heredia sentenced to 30 years in prison

A federal jury in Houston found Ricardo Garcia Heredia, 44, of McAllen, guilty in May of multiple counts of conspiracy and drug possession.The former owner of an Edinburg trucking business wasMonday for his role in a drug smuggling and money laundering ring.Prosecutors allege Garcia used his business - Edinburg-based Earth Transportation - as a front to recruit drivers for cocaine shipments that passed through the Rio Grande Valley

Jeffrey Whitehead and Mark Russell were indicted by a federal grand jury July 16 for conspiring to distribute drugs.

Jeffrey Whitehead, 54, of Enfield and Mark Russell, 41, of Lincoln were indicted by a federal grand jury July 16 for conspiring to distribute drugs. Whitefield also was indicted for Social Security fraud. Both men are incarcerated out of state, according to court documents.Their arraignments in U.S. District Court have not been scheduled.A dozen men and women originally were indicted in November on drug conspiracy and other charges for their alleged involvement in distributing more than 11 pounds of cocaine in the Lincoln and Lee area from 2002 through 2005. A superseding indictment issued earlier this month added Whitehead and Russell.Whitehead is scheduled to be released in December after serving nearly two years in federal prison. He was indicted on drug charges in August 2006 after selling cocaine and heroine the previous summer to undercover officers. He was sentenced in January 2007 to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to the charges. He is expected to be credited with time for good behavior and for the 3½ months he was held while awaiting sentencing.Information about the relationship between Mark Russell, incarcerated in North Carolina on unspecified charges, and brothers Richard "Rat" Russell, 48, and Donald "Donnie" Russell, 50, both of Lincoln, was not available Monday. The brothers were indicted last year and have pleaded not guilty to being part of the drug conspiracy.So far, 11 of the original dozen accused conspirators have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their arrests were delayed until May because the alleged ringleader, Michael Mayer, 54, of Jupiter, Fla., and Costa Rica, was living in Central America. Mayer is in the process of being extradited to Maine, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Jeffrey Polk, 36, formerly of Maine, is expected to be released on $100,000 secured bail later this week. One of the original 12 indicted last year, he was arrested more than two months ago while working on an oil rig in northeast Alaska above the Arctic Circle.Polk’s bail is expected to be posted by Willy Lucas, the owner a golf course in Old Town. He also is expected to provide a place for Polk, who will be subject to electronic monitoring, to live and a job.The other defendants, who have pleaded not guilty, in the case are:
Laurent "Larry" Provost, 60, of Woonsocket, R.I.
Daniel "Danny" Littlefield, 49, of Lee.
Troy Littlefield, 42, of Oakfield.
Robert Donath, 28, of Lincoln.
Peter Glidden, 31, of Smithfield.
Nancy Squeglia, 51, of East Millinocket.
Brent "Cowboy" Noyes, 57, of Lincoln.
Preston Chubbuck, 43, of Springfield.
Provost, Chubbuck, Richard Russell and Squeglia are being held without bail. The other defendants, except for Mayer, have been released on bail or are expected to be released.The Littlefield men are related, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, but are not siblings.

David Quick, from Essex, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A drugs after a retrial at the Old Bailey and sentenced

David Quick, from Essex, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A drugs after a retrial at the Old Bailey and sentenced on July 25.Police arrested Quick in a Dartford layby on the A282 when he pulled over to make a handover with the rest of the group.Officers searched the lorry and found 42kg of cocaine.Quick, who denied the charge, told detectives he had no idea about the drugs but the court heard how he took the truck onto a ferry in France having met with 37-year-old Michael Linker to pick up the stash.But when Quick arrived to meet 34-year-old Alister Morin on April 4 last year, police moved in as Linker tried to retrieve the cocaine from the truck.Morin was arrested in Bow Arrow Lane, Dartford, after being tracked driving to the transfer point.Quick had originally stood trial with Morin from Essex, in April.
Morin was convicted for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and imprisoned for 15 years but Quick faced a retrial.Linker from Bristol, and ring-leader, James Scarciglia, aged 30, from Harrow, had both admitted the same charge and were jailed for 14 years and 15 years respectively.Another gang member - Jason Young, aged 37, of Bath Road, Dartford, was sentenced to eight years after pleading guilty to the same charge for acting as a courier.

Francis Salerno, faces charges of possession of a controlled substance

Francis Salerno, faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest. He was arraigned before District Judge Muchael J. Burns and sent to Bucks County prison on $25,000 bail.
Police said they found 13 bags of suspected heroin stamped with the logo “Triple Crown” in green writing, two syringes, a cut-in-half drinking straw and blood-stained cotton swabs.

James Munro was the only Canadian Border Services Agency employee arrested

James Munro, a 26-year-old border guard who worked at Quebec's Lacolle border crossing.Munro was the only Canadian Border Services Agency employee arrested in an investigation that centred on an attempt by people based in Montreal and New Brunswick to smuggle 500 kilograms of Colombian cocaine into Canada.Munro appeared in court Friday in St. Jean sur Richelieu, Que., for a bail hearing. He will learn on Tuesday if he is to be released while he faces eight criminal charges.Two Quebecers who allegedly took part in the conspiracy were arrested in Florida on Tuesday and charged with bringing 25,000 MDMA, or ecstasy, pills into the U.S. as part of a deal made with an undercover FBI agent.The two men -- alleged ringleader Sylvain Levert, 41, of Chambly, and Serge (Frenchy) Desilets, 54, of Maniwaki -- were charged in U.S. District Court in Florida. Affidavits filed in their cases suggest the pair counted on the co-operation of more than one customs agent to smuggle drugs in and out of Canada.The two are suspected of conspiring to smuggle drugs -- including marijuana and ecstasy -- into the United States in exchange for cocaine smuggled into Canada.In one of several references in the affidavit to Desilets or Levert claiming to control border agents, Desilets allegedly told the agent last summer "he could get people into and out of Canada without their having to pass through customs."The "border official" in question is not named in the court document.During Thursday's news conference, RCMP Staff Sgt. Andre Potvin would only say it is possible other border agents would be investigated. On Friday, RCMP Cpl. Elaine Lavergne repeated Potvin's comment, but noted no charges have been filed against other CBSA personnel.

Rodrigo Fiuza has been jailed to 15 years for attempting to smuggle 10 kilos of cocaine into the UK.

Rodrigo Fiuza has been jailed to 15 years for attempting to smuggle 10 kilos of cocaine into the UK.Police said that Rodrigo Fiuza, a Brazilian national of Mile End Road, was arrested on 25 February 2008 following an intelligence-led operation.He was charged in relation to a Class A controlled drug and being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of goods.Fiuza was found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 15 July.He has also been recommended for deportation on completion of his sentence.The estimated street value of the Class A drug found within small statues in a steel drum in a shipment of airfrieght from Brazil in February, was £1,199,560.A search of Fiuza's garage and house revealed a further steel drum containing electronic scales, a large number of mobile phones and a pseudo reference required by HM Revenue and Customs for non-VAT registered traders to import goods from abroad.Further investigations revealed that there had been at least four previous importations by the same organization between February 2005 and October 2007.Detective Inspector Gary Townsend said: "This operation is a great example of how law enforcement agencies in the UK are working together to tackle the trafficking of Class A drugs impacting London's communities.
"This should act as a deterrent to anyone who believes they can get away with importing drugs in this way."

Gangster Anand Patil is believed to be from the Hemant Pujari gang shot dead.

An alleged gangster was killed in a shootout in north-west Mumbai last night. Gangster Anand Patil is believed to be from the Hemant Pujari gang. Crime Branch officials say Patil fired at the officials when he was asked to surrender and was killed in the ensuing shootout. The police said today that Anand Patil, allegedly a member of the Pujari gang, had gone to the Laxmi Industrial Estate in suburban Andheri to meet an accomplice, they said. Acting on information, officials from the Crime Branch of the city police were present there and when Patil arrived they asked him to surrender. The police went on to add, “Patil allegedly fired at the officials who in retailiation opened fire at him and in the ensuing shootout the alleged gangster was killed.”

Eugene Braswell charged with running a drug network, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute.

Northern State Prison guard suspected of running a cocaine trafficking ring in Newark and East Orange was arrested yesterday following an 11-month investigation that began after he fatally shot another man, the state attorney general announced.
No charges have been filed against Eugene Braswell in connection with the August death of Wali Williams, a convicted drug dealer who shot at Braswell while he was sitting on his porch and was killed when the off-duty officer retrieved his gun and returned fire. But the subsequent investigation by the State Police and state Division of Criminal Justice uncovered a massive drug operation being orchestrated by Braswell out of his Grand Avenue home in Newark. Braswell, 29, is charged with running the drug network, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute, distribution, money laundering and conspiracy. There is no evidence that Braswell, who could face 20 years, was trafficking in drugs at the Newark prison, prosecutors said. Braswell's attorney, Paul Bergrin, called his client an outstanding law enforcement officer who is dedicated to public service. "I don't believe the charges have any merit, either legally or factually, and I am totally confident that he will be vindicated and owned an apology for his illegal and unlawful arrest," Bergrin said. "He did absolutely nothing wrong."
State detectives have spent the last 11 months watching and listening in on telephone conversations as Braswell and others in his crew arranged to purchase cocaine in Texas and Florida and drive it back to New Jersey in vehicles that contained trap doors to conceal plastic-wrapped kilograms of cocaine, court documents show.
Braswell had a close call in January when he was stopped by a sheriff's officer in Florida on a motor vehicle violation and a drug dog smelled the presence of narcotics, according to the documents; a search found no drugs, although police did find $25,000 in cash. After developing the case, detectives moved in this month as members of the crew flew to Houston to purchase 20 kilos of cocaine, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed with the court by Detective Sgt. Geoffrey Forker of the State Police's official corruption unit. On July 10, one of Braswell's crew, Delrese Hardy, flew to Houston to arrange the sale with an unknown man, Forker noted. The following day, Hardy purchased the drugs from the man and loaded them into a Dodge van that was driven back to New Jersey by two other crew members, Walter Braden and Shuerod Walton. Unknown to them, two state Division of Criminal Justice detectives were watching the whole thing from a nearby position, and state authorities tracked their cross-country trip using the global positioning system in Braden's phone, Forker said. When the van got into New Jersey, the State Police arrested the men and seized the cocaine. #Braden and Walton, charged with possession with intent to distribute, were ordered held on $500,000 bail. That led to a flurry of calls between Braswell and Hardy about the arrest, including one in which Hardy said he nearly vomited after learning that the drugs had been seized, the affidavit said.
Based on that and other evidence, the state yesterday arrested Braswell; Hardy, 34, of East Orange; Joseph "Wink" Jones, 37, of Newark; and Antwan "Boog" Jones, 36, of Sewaren. Joseph Jones is Braswell's brother-in-law and lives above him at the Grand Avenue home.
All three have convictions for possessing and selling drugs and carrying illegal weapons, the affidavit said. Joseph Jones also was convicted in 1995 for conspiracy to commit homicide.
Authorities also found $16,000 and drug packaging material from Braswell's home and a .357 Magnum in one of his cars, the state said. They also seized both his vehicles, a 2002 Cadillac Escalade and a 2003 Chevrolet van.

Anthony Grady charged with second- degree drug possession

Anthony Grady, 27, was under investigation by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office for drug activity when he was approached Wednesday by officers at Game Stop on Route 206, police said. When the officers identified themselves, Grady fled through the aisles, knocking over a wall display and ducking behind a counter to reach the front door, authorities said. Officers were able to detain Grady, who resisted arrest by flailing his arms and legs, striking and injuring the officers, police said. Once Grady was restrained, police found three bags of co caine in his back pocket, authorities said. A search of Grady's home on Route 206 yielded 28 bags of co caine and $400 in cash, according to authorities.
He was charged with second- degree drug possession with in tent to distribute and third-de gree aggravated assault, authorities said. Because his residence is next to Hillsborough Elemen tary School, Grady also was charged with selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school, a third-de gree offense, police said.
The cocaine seized from Grady and his home is estimated to have a street value of more than $3,000, according to police. Grady was taken to Somerset County Jail, where he was held in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.

Cuong D. Nguyen,Dung Minh Tran, Christopher Leventis charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of mar

Six local men were arrested yesterday morning on drug conspiracy charges following a raid at a McCandless home.The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation that led to the arrests of two men in Florida and six more people in Canada.According to the U.S. attorney's office, the local men who were arrested following an FBI raid on Balmoral Drive have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana.
Those named in the complaint are: Cuong D. Nguyen, 32, of Elliott; Dung Minh Tran, 33, of McCandless; Christopher George Leventis, 34, of Greenfield; Giacinto Rocco Derenzo, 29, of Cranberry; Magdi Milad Louis, 35, of Ross; and Hau Duy Bach, 19, of McCandless.
The criminal complaint is still under seal, and no details related to the case were available. Because they are charged by criminal complaint, a federal grand jury must hand up an indictment within 30 days or the charges will be dismissed.

Susan Curtis admitted charges , possession of amphetamine with intent to supply, possession of cannabis

Police raided Susan Curtis’s Whitley home and discovered Class A and C drugs worth nearly £12,000.Among the haul were amphetamines including speed, cannabis and cannabis resin. She also had drugs paraphernalia including weighing scales, a spoon in a bowl containing white power – amphetamines – and plastic carrier bags used to contain drugs.Reading Magistrates Court heard Curtis, who had never been in trouble with the police before, turned to drug dealing as a way of keeping up-to-date with her mortgage payments so she did not lose her Northumberland Avenue home.
At court on Tuesday, Curtis, who has a disabled son, admitted three charges – possession of amphetamine with intent to supply, possession of cannabis with intent to supply and possession of cannabis resin with intent to supply.Prosecuting, Lorna Tagoe said police carried out a drugs warrant at her home at 1.25pm on Wednesday, April 30.Curtis, along with her daughter and another man, were in the house. Miss Tagoe said: “During the search a large number of items were recovered including a large polythene bag of herbal matter.”
There were also bags containing cannabis, 25 bags of cannabis resin and bags filled with speed, as well as drugs paraphernalia.
All three people in the house were arrested and taken to Reading police station, but only Curtis was charged after her daughter and the man explained they were just visiting. Miss Tagoe said: “She [Curtis] made some admissions during interview.
She said she believed the white power was speed and that she had bought it for £1,000.“She said she would cash the drugs in and sell them.”She had £1,025 of cannabis which she said she would sell for £20 a bag, 309g of cannabis worth £2,230, 569g of amphetamines worth up to £5,690, 126g of cannabis resin worth £395 and 54.6g of powder worth up to £2,540.The cash in her house belonged to her son and was nothing to do with the drugs, the court heard.David Crayford, defending, said Curtis owned her home.“She was very concerned about her son’s future,” he said, before adding worries about how to fulfil her mortgage payments lay heavy on her heart.
“She does not use drugs but knows people who do. She needed a way to get extra funds to keep the house for her son.”Mr Crayford added: “She is 59 and has no previous convictions.“She is not a drug user. This is a somewhat unusual sort of situation.
“I do not think there is any sort of suggestion her home was a drug den.”
The case was adjourned for sentencing at Reading Crown Court, although no date was set. Pre-sentence reports are to be carried out in the meantime.

Anthony Hilenski, faces up to 10 years in prison on the worst of the charges.

Anthony Hilenski, 44, faces up to 10 years in prison on the worst of the charges Authorities said an unidentified woman called Woodbridge police dispatchers on Feb. 22 to report an accident on Liberty and Warner streets involving a man supposedly having a seizure.The dispatcher overheard the woman tell the man to "act normalbecause the police are coming," authorities said.When police arrived, the car was gone. The officers found a broken curb and guide wire for a utility pole. A witness told them a small, light-colored car with a loud muffler was had been involved in the one-car crash.Police spotted Hilenski in the area driving a tan Nissan sedan, authorities said.He was sweating profusely despite temperatures in the 30s and was unable to keep his balance, according to police.He admitted getting into the minor accident with his two young children in the rear of the car, authorities said.He also told police that he had taken phenobarbitol, a sedative, and later admitted to being under the influence of cocaine, authorities said.He eventually acknowledged there were two bags of cocaine in the middle console of the car, authorities said.He was arrested, charged with the two offenses, and released on $30,000 bail. The children were turned over to Hilenski's mother.
He was indicted on the charges in June but failed to show for a hearing July 9.
Hilenski is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds. He has a mole on his right cheek and also has tattoos.His last listed addresses were on the 80 block of Craske Street in Woodbridge, and the 90 block of Warner Street and the 10 block of Mary Avenue in Fords.
Authorities are urging anyone coming into contact with Hilenski not to try to apprehend him.The Prosecutor's Office is offering rewards of up to $500 for information leading to the capture of fugitives wanted on charges in the county.

Arrested a doctorate degree holder, Mr. Asianya Okey Francis, from Anambra State, with 100 wraps of cocaine concealed in his stomach.

Arrested a doctorate degree holder, Mr. Asianya Okey Francis, from Anambra State, with 100 wraps of cocaine concealed in his stomach. The suspect was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, during the screening of passengers of a Virgin Nigeria flight to London.A statement by Ofoyeju Mitchell, NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, this morning, disclosed that Asianya left Nigeria for the United States in search of greener pastures in 1978.
He had his first and second degrees in Architectural construction at Texas Southern University in 1982 and 1983. He later proceeded to study Business Philosophy at Carolina Christian University, Mapo Shad, United States, where he obtained his doctorate degree in 1995.In his confessional statement, Asianya, a father of three, said that he indulged in the criminal act in a desperate bid to save his 15-year-old daughter that has a hole in the heart.“My 15-year-old daughter has a hole in the heart and I have spent so much. I owe my child any sacrifice but I did not know it was a big mistake. In my consciousness I felt it will be good for the child. Though I weighed the options, now I know better that I was rash in my decision,” he lamented.The suspect, who is from Nnenwi Local Government Area of Anambra State, further disclosed that he was promised 4,000 pounds sterling to embark on the journey.
Reacting to the arrest, the anti-narcotics agency’s chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, described the involvement of Asianya in drugs as sad and disheartening.
“It is sad and disheartening for the suspect to be involved in drug trafficking. This arrest and others have shown that there is no escape route for drug traffickers. Nothing will provide a safe canopy for the ignoble trade, not even academic qualifications,” Giade stated.Also arrested are a Ghanian businessman, Wanye Christopher, 38, and six others.
The names of other suspects are Zadil Al-Husen, 41; Steve Obehi Mato, 44; Emenike Kelechi Calistus, 34; Abagala Chikelu Daniel, 48; Kalu Benjamin, 32 and Charles Aidoyen, 33. The arrests took place between 14th and 20th July, 2008.
The Ghanaian, Wanye Christopher, was arrested on Friday 18, 2008, at about 11 a.m., during screening of passengers on Qatar Airways, on his way to Thailand.
The Accountancy graduate at Kumasi Polytechnic is based in Accra where he runs a boutique. Wanye confessed to have swallowed 49 wraps of cocaine weighing 967 grammes which he bought for 18,000 dollars. NDLEA said the suspects will soon be charged to court.At the time of filing this report, P.M.News was still trying to confirm if Mr. Asianya Okey Francis actually attended the Carolina Christian University, Mapo Shad, United States of America, as he claimed, and whether he actually bagged a doctorate degree.

David Crowley was incarcerated on a parole violation when police received an anonymous tip that he has drugs

David Crowley, 22, was incarcerated on a parole violation when police received an anonymous tip that he has drugs. Upon searching his cell, police say they found 19 tie off bags of crack/cocaine hidden in a pair of socks. Police say the drugs totaled 9 grams in weight.

Crystal Peguero, 17, of Schenectady, was arrested on unrelated drug charges when police say they found 2 tie off bags of crack/cocaine hidden inside of her bra.
Each suspect is set to be arraigned in Colonie Town Court.

Robert Dupree White is accused of selling cocaine to an undercover informant

Robert Dupree White, 33, is accused of selling cocaine to an undercover informant working for the Muncie-Delaware County Drug Task Force, and the informant's wife.
Defense attorney Jake Dunnuck on Monday told Delaware Circuit Court 2 jurors that his client did not deal or possess cocaine on Nov. 29, 2006, as prosecutors allege."The evidence will not bear out what is being said here," Dunnuck said.
Chief Deputy Prosecutor Jeffrey Arnold told jurors they would both see and hear the drug deal, which allegedly occurred at 3600 S. Mock Ave. Informant Mike Davis was wearing a wire, Arnold said, and DTF officers videotaped the transaction.
"There will be no question," the chief deputy prosecutor said.Dunnuck said the DTF's use of confidential informants would come under scrutiny during the trial, along with the investigation that targeted White.
In his opening statements, Arnold maintained Davis was not working off any charges and helped the DTF at the insistence of his wife, who was troubled by the informant's cocaine habit.In 1995, White won round one of his courtroom battle with prosecutors, in part because then-defense attorney Jack Quirk thwarted then-Deputy Prosecutor Mark McKinney's bid to introduce key evidence. A prosecution witness also failed to show up for that trial.In 1996, the DTF arrested White again on three dealing-in-cocaine charges, and he was found convicted by a Delaware Superior Court 1 jury the following year. Judge Robert Barnet Jr. then sentenced White to two 20-year prison terms and one six-year sentence, all to run concurrently.
White was on parole in that case when he was arrested on the pending charges.
White is the cousin of Dallas White, convicted in 1997 of murdering Pizza Junction manager Sandra Bellomy. Dallas White, now 30, is serving a 55-year sentence, and is set to be released in 2024, according to state Department of Correction records.

Anthony Taylor and Timothy Visneau Each was charged with trafficking cocaine in excess of 200 grams.

Anthony Taylor, 28, of 587 Beacon Circle, and Timothy Visneau, 27 of 76 Keith St., and 126 Union St., apartment 715, Westfield. Each was charged with trafficking cocaine in excess of 200 grams. Springfield Police Sgt. John M. Delaney, aide to Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said police had 76 Keith St. under surveillance after developing information that it was a source of drug activity. Taylor and Visneau were both considered suspects, he said. Officers observed Visneau pacing on the sidewalk in front of 76 Keith St. shortly after 7:30 p.m., Delaney said.
After a few moments, officers observed a Toyota SUV turn onto Keith Street, drive past the house, make a U-turn and then stop in front. The driver, Taylor, got out and began talking with Visneau for a few moments. Officers moved in when Visneau and Taylor unloaded a blue ice cooler from the rear of the vehicle, Delaney said. Taylor tried to flee and was tackled by officers. Inside the cooler, police found two bricks of pure cocaine, weighing 2,110 grams, or 4.6 pounds. Visneau was found in possession of $22,000 in cash wrapped in a Dunkin' Donuts bag, Delaney said.
Delaney said the arrests are a part of Fitchet's targeting of illegal drugs, prostitution and gang activity in the lower Belmont Avenue area. Delaney said police suspect the cocaine would have been converted into crack cocaine and sold on the streets of Springfield. Each pleaded innocent at their arraignments in Springfield District Court. Taylor was ordered held on $100,000 cash bail, while Visneau was ordered held on $15,000 bail. Each is due back in court on Aug. 20 for a bind-over hearing to determine if their cases should be moved to Superior Court.
Delaney said police doubt Taylor gave his real name at the time of arrest. He had identification on him that gave his name as Andre Taylor, he said. Police are also checking with U.S. Immigration to determine if he is in the country legally.

A Pole and a citizen of Guinea in West Africa have been detained at Warsaw’s International Airport, attempting to smuggle cocaine into the country

A Pole and a citizen of Guinea in West Africa have been detained at Warsaw’s International Airport, attempting to smuggle cocaine into the country in their stomachs.The Pole had swallowed 53 capsules, each containing about 10 grams of the drug, and African as many as 140 capsules. The market value of the smuggled narcotics is about half a million zlotys, an equivalent of 150, 000 euros.
The Police and customs officers were tipped off that the traffickers would be arriving to Warsaw. As nothing was found in their luggage, the two men were subjected to X-ray tests. They began their journey in Guinea, flying to Warsaw via Paris and Brussels. Drug smuggling carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Martin Wanden,Perry Wharrie,Joe Daly each denied three charges including possessing cocaine for sale or supply at Dunlough Bay on July 2nd 2007.

The three were convicted of possessing cocaine for sale or supply. They were arrested after their boat capsized. During the 42-day trial, the court heard "some idiot" had put diesel into the engine instead of petrol. Perry Wharrie, 48, of Pryles Lane, Essex, Joe Daly, 41, of Carisbrook Avenue, Bexley, and Martin Wanden, 45, of no fixed address, also known as Anthony Claud Linden, had denied the charges. On 2 July last year, a stranger ran into a farmhouse near Mizen Head in west Cork looking for help for a companion with whom he had been fishing, he claimed, when their boat overturned in rough seas. The farmer called the emergency services who saved the man's life but they also recovered 61 suspicious packages floating in the water around the upturned rigid inflatable boat. Perry Wharrie (48) of Pyrles Lane, Loughton, Essex and Joe Daly (41) of Carrisbrooke Avenue, Bexley, Kent each denied three charges including possessing cocaine for sale or supply at Dunlough Bay on July 2nd 2007.The jury deliberated for six hours.The huge haul of cocaine which weighs over 1,500 kilos was recovered from Dunlough Bay at the end of the Mizen Peninsula by gardai and customs officers assisted by local coastguard units, an Irish Coastguard helicopter and both Castletownbere and Baltimore lifeboats.The jury of nine men and two women saw CCTV footage from a number of premises in west Cork, as well as at Pembroke Docks on the night a boat later found in Dunlough Bay was brought to Ireland.The jury began their deliberations at Cork Circuit Criminal Court this morning by viewing CCTV footage from the Harbour View Hotel in Schull on the night of July 1st 2007 - the night before the drug smuggling operation went awry.

US $10m for the capture of Gibrilla Kamara ( GK ), one of the main suspects

Police in Freetown yesterday confirmed the apprehension of a key suspect (name withheld) in connection with the unscheduled landing of an aircraft loaded with cocaine at the Freetown International. The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGSL), Oliver Sumasa, interviewed by a local radio station , disclosed that the police arrested a key suspect while another major one is at large. The AISLP , presently heading investigations team into the unscheduled landing of an aircraft loaded with cocaine at Sierra Leone's Freetown International Airport, also announced that Police have placed at stake US $10m for the capture of Gibrilla Kamara ( GK ), one of the main suspects .Mr. Sumasa made the statement during a radio interview with the We Yone radio talk-show "APC on Target" programme.
The Police boss revealed that traffickers have identified Sierra Leone and other West African countries including Senegal as a transit point for drugs into other parts of the continent and into the world and traffickers are coming because cocaine is not known in this part of the continent. He explained that SLP, in collaboration with Scotland Yard detectives, have been able to lay hands on 'revealing' documents .He also said that while on investigation Police have also discovered documents at some places the police officer stopped short of naming. Mr. Sumasa said that those evidence have been taken to the United Kingdom by Scotland Yard detectives to trace their origin through laboratory test and he affirmed that the Police have been mandated to destroy the 73.5kg of cocaine.
He implored the public to cooperate with the Police with vital information to help them in their investigation into the drugs case, noting that "we need support and information from people regarding the whereabouts of prime suspects and on the whole matter."AIGSL Sumasa reiterated that these particular cocaine and arms and ammunitions traffickers are a special group that have earmarked/identified Sierra Leone, Senegal and other Africans countries as a soft zones for drug trafficking and traffickers in the continent and other parts of Europe and America. He said that security measures have been put in place at the Freetown International Airport with the robust manning of the port by both the SLP and the Reublic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces' Military Police Wing .

Paul Birkenshaw jailed for three-and-half years for three charges of supplying heroin

Paul Birkenshaw, 28, of Sycamore Avenue, Peacock, Wakefield, jailed for three-and-half years for three charges of supplying heroin, Paul Kay, 27, jailed for three years for three charges of supplying heroin, Craig Hampshire, 31, of Wrenthorpe Lane, Wrenthorpe, jailed for two years for three charges of supplying class A drugs and Gareth Lee Price, 28, jailed for three years for supplying heroin.
Police spent months gathering evidence before making their move.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Beldon who led the investigation said: "This operation was set up to remove Class A drug dealers from the streets of the Wakefield District and put them behind bars where they belong."I hope this sends a clear message to dealers that we will use a variety of tactics to disrupt their activity, and make them face the consequences of their actions.
"We also realise that the disruption to the markets means that drug users have also had their supply cut, and we have been supported by workers from the Drug Interventions Programme to offer support to those affected."Drug misuse cuts across all communities and breeds crime, violence and anti-social behaviour. We will not tolerate this sort of illegal activity and we would ask for the public's continued support in helping us put a stop to it."People should feel reassured that where we receive information, we will act on it. This operation has demonstrated we will put in the time and resources to get positive results."
Detective Sergeant Paul Dignan from DIP said: "The operation provided us with an opportunity to engage with drug users and steer them towards treatment while there was a shortage of drugs following the arrest of the dealers.
"We engaged with a total of 106 people, 67 of whom were already in treatment at the time, the remaining 37 were offered help too. Work continues with drug users to encourage them into treatment and to break the cycle between drugs and crime."
Crime Manager of Wakefield District Division, Detective Chief Inspector Dean Henson said: "These results are excellent and testament to work carried out by a number of police officers and partners.Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Wakefield supported by the Neighbourhood Drug Team and detectives will continue to pursue criminals involved in drug dealing, we will act on all community information relating to drugs and we will make life very uncomfortable for anyone involved in the business of illicit drug supply and associated criminality.He added: "I would urge members of the public who suspect that anyone is involved in crime to contact their local NPT or ring Crimestoppers anonymously where we are supporting Dob in a Dealer and Bag a Burglar campaigns."

Shawn Sadler, aka Tagulifu Barber or Carlos T. Watts sentenced to 20 years and 10 years of supervised release.

Shawn Sadler, aka Tagulifu Barber or Carlos T. Watts, 37, of Ladson, was sentenced to 20 years and 10 years of supervised release. Sandy Sandiford, 37, of New York, was sentenced to 5 years, 10 months in prison, and five years supervised release.
Sadler and Sandiford were arrested in July 2002 sitting in a car outside a Northeast Richland County home after a deputy found $120,000 in cash in the trunk. Officers obtained a search warrant and found more than seven kilograms of cocaine inside the home and a car with electronically controlled hidden compartments for drug smuggling in the garage. Service records found inside indicated Sadler had driven the car.Other members of the conspiracy have been sentenced.

James Douglas Willson retired Des Plaines pilot convicted of international drug trafficking in Morocco

Imprisoned since early May,James Douglas Willson was convicted after a Cessna 337 he reportedly was flying was seized by Moroccan police on a rural road, according to a statement from the Moroccan news agency.retired Des Plaines pilot convicted of international drug trafficking in Morocco isn't getting adequate medical care and may not survive his 7-year prison sentence, a family member says.
James Douglas Willson, 67, suffers from diabetes and kidney failure and has lost 35 pounds, said his daughter, Marilyn Brief."My dad's body is shutting down," Brief said. "He's dying."Willson piloted the twin-engine plane and landed it in Morocco to load drugs, according to the statement, which said two Moroccans also received prison sentences. Brief and Mouafik Anis, Willson's Moroccan attorney, said that Willson was a passenger on the plane, which took off in Spain but was forced to make an emergency landing in Morocco.A friend of Willson's recently delivered the plane to Spain and asked him to take a training flight with the pilot to make sure he could use the equipment, Brief said.After the emergency landing, Willson was arrested, although no drugs were found on him or in the plane, Anis said during a telephone interview from Morocco."How can we charge someone with trafficking drugs when we did not find any drugs?" Anis said. "You must find drugs."Willson was sentenced June 16. The case is in the appeals process, Anis said.Willson is at a disadvantage in the Moroccan court system, according to Anis, who said he isn't always given advance notice of court dates. It is up to him, he said, to provide translations for his client.The U.S. Embassy in Morocco referred all questions to U.S. State Department officials in Washington, D.C.Steve Royster, a State Department spokesman, said he could not say whether the embassy was involved in ensuring a translator was present at Willson's court proceedings. But he said at least one hearing was postponed because a translator was not available.Royster said the consular office in Morocco made sure Willson's U.S. health records were sent to the prison doctor."Whenever an American is detained overseas, we have a role to make sure he's getting access to the legal system and conditions that are humane," he said.Representatives have visited Willson twice and spoken to him on the phone several times.The consular staff also speaks to Willson's attorney almost daily and the prison doctor regularly, he said.
The consular staff reported that Willson is about to be transferred to a larger prison with a better medical facility. Embassy officials also worked with Willson's attorney to make sure the family could visit him in prison in June.
"We're continuing to monitor the case," Royster said.
U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) said he has talked with Brief and helped her get in touch with government officials to assist her father.
"I just can't imagine what [she] is going through," he said.
Willson is housed in a facility without a roof or air conditioning, Brief said.
During his career, Willson flew planes for Ryan's Aviation and Atlas Air cargo carrier out of O'Hare International Airport, she said.
The Chicago native also worked as a pilot for Midway Airlines, a commercial airline that was based at Midway Airport.
My dad has only been an upright citizen—an ordinary, working man," Brief said. "It's like they think my father is disposable, and he's not!"

Stanton Clay, from North Shields, was arrested coming through the Tyne Tunnel in May last year carrying two kilos of cocaine

Northumbria Police set out to infiltrate and dismantle a major cocaine syndicate which had connections from Tyneside to Merseyside.This £100,000 haul of high-grade cocaine was seized as part of their racket before it was distributed on the region’s streets.Five members of the gang were sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court following Operation Skopie – a probe into drug dealing and money laundering.
The investigation was launched after Stanton Clay, from North Shields, was arrested coming through the Tyne Tunnel in May last year carrying two kilos of cocaine worth between £80,000 and £100,000.Clay was subsequently convicted of conspiring to supply class A drugs and jailed for four years on April 11.Police officers uncovered evidence which linked Clay to criminals involved in trafficking class A drugs from Merseyside to North Tyneside.
Gang leader Anthony Goicoechea was using his sandwich bar, Cafe 34, as a cover.
During raids at Rennington Close, Cullercoats, and a nearby rented garage, officers recovered 1.3 kilos of cocaine worth more than £75,000. They also discovered scales, self-sealing bags, a debtors list and mobile phones.Detective Chief Inspector Tim Walker, of the force’s Crime Operations section of the Crime Department, said: “These individuals represented organised crime. They were involved in the distribution of hard drugs throughout the North Tyneside area. The sentencing today sends out a very clear message that people who harm our communities will be pursued by the police and dealt with by the courts.”The gang’s crime base for manufacturing the narcotics was smashed, including a cocaine-press, which was uncovered in a house.
Now the men from North Tyneside, and one from Liverpool, have been jailed after admitting their parts in the supply or money laundering from the profits of drugs.
Operation Skopie led to raids in December. Links were also made to an address in Bootle, Liverpool, where officers found the cocaine press as part of a sophisticated set-up to process the illicit haul.The men had been charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and were due to go to trial, but all pleaded guilty to other drugs-related charges at Newcastle Crown Court.
Howard Harrison, 26, of Ayres Terrace, North Shields, admitted conspiracy to supply class A drugs at an earlier hearing. He was locked up for three and a half years.
Steven Taylor, 25, of Rennington Close, Cullercoats, also pleaded guilty to supplying earlier on in the court process. He was sentenced to four and a half years.
Stephen Smith, 20, of Sunley Avenue, Cullercoats, admitted two counts of supplying cocaine. He was given a 12-month jail term suspended for two years, plus 100 hours of unpaid work.
Anthony Giocoechea, 27, of Newington Drive, North Shields, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years after he admitted money laundering and his brother, Darren Giocoechea, 22, of Knotts Flats, Tynemouth, admitted five counts of supplying and money laundering and was jailed for two years.
Robert Speakman, 40, of Liverpool, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to supplying 2kg of cocaine after being caught on May 22 last year. He was given 300 hours of community service and a three-year supervision order.
Stanton Clay, in his 50s, from North Shields, was also arrested on that date in possession of 2kg of cocaine with intent to supply, and was given four years’ imprisonment.A total of nine suspects were initially arrested and taken in for questioning.
Northumbria Police last month revealed a tough purge on drugs criminals during one week in May led to 93 arrests and more than £200,000 of drugs recovered. During a range of strikes for National Tackling Drugs Week, the force seized 1,062 cannabis plants, confiscated 14 weapons and shut down 10 cannabis farms.

Franller Villanueva was shot three times after running from troopers and pointing a gun at one

Franller Villanueva, 20, of Jefferson Ave., was shot three times after running from troopers and pointing a gun at one, State Police Lt. James Barnes said. Villanueva, who underwent surgery this morning at Wilson Regional Medical Center in Johnson City, remained in critical condition this afternoon, Barnes said.He gave this account of the incident:The incident began about 2:25 a.m. today when someone reported that there was a man with a gun outside a Washington Avenue tavern. When troopers Michael Woytach and Keith E. Blanchfield arrived to assist Endicott police, a bystander said the man with the gun was Villanueva, and pointed to a man who was leaving the area on a bicycle.Woytach gave chase in his Chevrolet Tahoe and Blanchfield pursued on foot as Villanueva rode to Jefferson Avenue. Near 10 Jefferson Ave., the Tahoe and the bicycle collided, and Villanueva ran down the driveway. When Woytach left the Tahoe and gave chase, Villanueva made a threatening move with a semi-automatic handgun. Woytach fired six shots, striking Villanueva three times.Villanueva did not fire. Neither trooper was hurt.
Troopers later determined that Villanueva was wanted on an Ulster County Court warrant charging him with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, crack cocaine. The charge is a felony.The investigation continues, state police said.

Edgar "el Chamaco" Santana was arrested by Drug Enforcement Agents for allegedly helping broker cocaine shipments from Central America through Puerto

Edgar "el Chamaco" Santana was arrested by Drug Enforcement Agents for allegedly helping broker cocaine shipments from Central America through Puerto Rico to New York.Santana is a welterweight with a 24-3 record and 15 knockouts. His fights have been seen on HBO and other sports channels and he trained at Gleason's gym, according to his online biography. As Santana was led away by authorities Friday, the boxer just shook his head when asked what this arrest might mean for his career. He was wearing a t-shirt that read, "The pressure of survival in the big city will make you lose sight of your dream .. Hang in there."Santana's next fight was scheduled for August 6 and was planned to be televised on ESPN.Santana is one of 12 suspects charged in the case. Investigators said hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and drugs were seized in the year-long investigation. DEA agents said the cocaine was shipped in packages sent via the U.S. mail.
The investigation, dubbed "Operation Special Delivery," revealed that after being shipped to New York, the drugs were the sold on the streets of the Bronx, Queens and Harlem, agents said.The alleged ringleader, Angel Colon, was also arrested. The suspects are expected to be arraigned late Friday.

Iver Lopez was arrested on two drug charges and a motor vehicle violation.

Iver Lopez, 54, of Pembroke Pines, Fla., was arrested on two drug charges and a motor vehicle violation. He will be arraigned Wednesday, prosecutors said.Arkansas highway police stopped a shipment of cocaine that they estimate is worth more than $4 million.Police said the drugs were found in a tractor-trailer that stopped at the Alma Highway Police Station on Interstate 40 in Crawford County. During the inspection, police found 440 pounds of cocaine. Highway Police Chief Ron Burks said the find amounts to the largest discovery of illegal drugs by the agency this year.
His truck contained produce and was believed to be traveling from California to Maryland.

Ricardo Plaza and Francisco Mejias, were arrested on federal warrants for selling more than 100 grams of heroin

10-month investigation into illegal gang activity in Lowell culminated in 10 arrests Friday, as well as the seizure of several bags of marijuana and nearly $70,000 in cash, according to the Boston Globe.
The raid also netted more than a dozen firearms, including semiautomatic handguns, a MAC-11 machine pistol, and a rifle with a bayonet attached, police say.
City, state and federal police officers took part in the investigation, which targeted the Tiny Rascal Gang, a group from California whose members are largely of Southeast Asian descent. Police Superintendent Kenneth Lavallee said the gang now has roughly 100 members in the Lowell area, following an increase in the city’s Cambodian population.
"We're talking a violent criminal enterprise that was very significant in the city of Lowell," Lavallee said. "We've made a major move here.”
The Tiny Rascals have allegedly been involved in a series of violent crimes over the last 10 years, including 5 homicides and over 20 assaults.
Mayor Edward C. Caulfield was shocked at the extent of the gang's firepower, which allegedly also included a range of rare knives. "Believe me, I've never seen anything like these things in my life," Caulfield said. "It's almost like a James Bond movie."Among the alleged gang members arrested yesterday, four were charged in federal indictments, police Lieutenant William Busby said.
Shane Carney, 32, was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. Eden Hok, 22, was charged with dealing guns without a license. Vila Malakham, 24, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Saravy Sok, 19, was charged with possessing an unregistered firearm.Four people were arrested on state indictments, Busby said.
Savong Moun, 22, was charged with three counts of distributing the drug ecstasy. Eric O'Brien, 23, was charged with three counts of distributing benzylpiperazine and three counts of distributing a counterfeit drug. Jonathan Sheehan, 27, and Sophandara Sok, 18, were charged with possession of gun ammunition without proper identification, selling a gun and ammunition without a license, and unlawful possession without a license.Two other men, Ricardo Plaza and Francisco Mejias, were arrested on federal warrants for selling more than 100 grams of heroin, Busby said.
Lowell police, State Police, US Attorney Michael Sullivan's office, the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI contributed to the investigation, officials said.Additional charges will likely be filed against the defendants, according to Busby. He described the initial arrests as an effort to get the suspects behind bars while more information is uncovered

Peter Lloyd faces 20 years in jail and 15 strokes of a cane if convicted on serious drug charges.

ABC's director of news will travel to Singapore this week in the hope of speaking with the broadcaster's South Asia correspondent, Peter Lloyd, who faces 20 years in jail and 15 strokes of a cane if convicted on serious drug charges.
News boss John Cameron will be the second senior ABC executive to fly to Singapore - the head of ABC's legal services, Rob Simpson, arrived on Friday - following Lloyd's arrest on Thursday.
The journalist has been charged with trafficking about one gram of methamphetamine to a Singaporean for $S100 ($75) at a hotel early this month and for allegedly being in possession of about one gram of the stimulant methamphetamine, also known as ice.
The ABC was unwilling to comment on Lloyd's predicament yesterday, but in a statement said that Mr Simpson was yet to meet directly with Lloyd.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith is also due to arrive in Singapore late tonight for previously arranged ASEAN discussions.
However, the minister's office said he was likely to engage the Singapore Government in discussions about Lloyd's case only if there were any limitations placed on normal consular access to Lloyd. Currently, the Australian high commissioner in Singapore is providing assistance facilitated by Singapore authorities.
Consular officials attended last week's private court hearing in the prison ward of Changi General Hospital where Lloyd, 41, was charged.He was being treated for an eye infection he contracted while on leave from his New Delhi posting. He was set to return to Australia next month to host a new breakfast program on ABC2.
A bail of $S60,000, with the surety of a Singapore national, has been placed upon Lloyd. It is not known whether he will meet those bail conditions.
Lloyd's next court hearing is scheduled for Friday.

Aftab Ahmed,Nadheem Moghul were arrested last Monday as they travelled via Colombo into Maldives, with heroin in their stomachs

Two Pakistanis were caught on July 14 with 122 “bullets” of heroin in their stomachs, attempting to smuggle the drugs into the Maldives, police have said. Two Maldivians have also been arrested over the case.The four were arrested in a joint operation between customs and police, said Mohamed JInah, head of the police Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), at a Thursday press briefing. Aftab Ahmed, 49 and Nadheem Moghul, 41, were arrested last Monday as they travelled via Colombo into Maldives, with heroin in their stomachs weighing a total of 865.094 grams, according to Jinah. The two Maldivians arrested are Visham Shafeeq, 23, and Ahmed Nabeel, 22. Jinah described Visham as “deeply involved” in the drugs trade, and said Nabeel is Visham’s “partner”. “We noticed the two tried to find the drugs in order to sell them on two occasions during the operation we conducted,” he said. Visham is “reported to play a big role in bringing in the most dangerous type of heroin, or pure heroin.”According to Jinah, the Internal Intelligence Department’s information showed Visham had smuggled in drugs through a Pakistani and people of other nationalities. The DEU continues to receive information on the drugs trade and those involved in it via the International Intelligence department, says Jinah.
The Maldives has seen a rise in arrests relating to drugs in recent months, particularly relating to trafficking via air routes.In April four Pakistani citizens and one Tanzanian were arrested at Malé International Airport as they attempted to smuggle 189 bullets of drugs via the Maldives to Tanzania.
In March, two Sri Lankans were arrested with heroin worth over US $1 million in hidden compartments in their luggage as they entered the Maldives, again at Malé International Airport. The drugs they carried were also said to have originated in Pakistan.
Meanwhile five men have now been sentenced to life over a November 2.18 kilo drugs haul. One of the men in the case, Azmath Khan, is a Pakistani citizen.
The high-profile case includes allegations of an international drugs ring with links in Pakistan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
The government’s National Narcotics Control Bureau (NNCB) says about 10,000 to 12,000 of the country’s youth are drug addicts, and according to the government, more than 80 per cent of inmates are in prison over drug-related crimes.
Government has repeatedly faced accusations of failing to control the country's drugs trade, but launched its first Drug Control Masterplan in May.

Dennis Pamplin arrested Brian Henry assisted Dennis Pamplin in packaging more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana

A year-long police investigation is said to have uncovered evidence that five shipments of marijuana were sent from New Jersey to Bermuda during the past 12months. Those details are contained in a press statement on the US Drug Enforcement Agency website, which went on to add that the arrests were made on Tuesday after a police dog sniffed out 700lbs of marijuana hidden inside concrete pillars at a warehouse in Orange, New Jersey.Two men – one of them the husband of a Bermuda MP – have been arrested in the US accused of sending cannabis worth $15 million to Bermuda.
One of the arrested men is Dennis Pamplin, who is the husband of UBP MP Patricia Gordon-Pamplin. The other man is Brian Henry.Last night, Shadow Minister of Works and Engineering Mrs Gordon-Pamplin, expressed shock at the news."I don't know enough. I need to digest what's going on. I am not really in a position to comment. If their (police) suggestion is true, I am shocked and that's all Ican say,"she said. According to Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) New Jersey they, along with members of the Orange Police Department, seized the 700 pounds of marijuana and subsequently arrested Mr. Pamplin and Mr. Henry.
The US agency's press release said the investigation began in July 2007 and involved the Bermuda Police Service."During this time period, Brian Henry assisted Dennis Pamplin in packaging more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana for approximately five different shipments that were transported overseas from the Port of Newark in New Jersey to Bermuda."Andrew Boyce, Chief Inspector and the spokesman for the Bermuda Police Service estimated that the marijuana would be worth more than $15 million on the streets of Bermuda. He said: "This operation is a clear indication of the long and productive relationship between the DEA and the Bermuda Police Service. "The quantity of drugs seized is very significant from the Bermuda perspective, as a weight could be sold on the streets of Bermuda for more than $15 million.
"We will provide whatever support and assistance that is required by the DEA to make this case a success." According to the DEA, on Tuesday a canine trained in the detection of narcotics alerted an area near six concrete pillars that later revealed to have a metal cylinder about five feet high by one foot wide inside.Inside each of those was an individually wrapped, vacuum-sealed discs which contained the suspected marijuana.
Also seized from within the warehouse were scales, hydraulic pressing machines, vacuum-sealing materials, and disc shaped steel moulds.This is not the first time Pamplin, who is American, has been in trouble with the US authorities.
Last year he was arrested in Chatham, New Jersey on August 28 along with two other men when more than $100,000 was found on them.According to reports in the Morristown Daily Record, Police had responded to reports of erratic driving and upon searching Pamplin's SUV found envelopes filled with $47,000 in cash.
The other two men were in a second car where the additional money was discovered by Police.Pamplin's lawyer Paul Bergrin had said the $47,000 seized from his client was legitimate cash he intended to use to buy music recording equipment.
In his most recent run-in with the law, both Pamplin and Henry were charged in the Southern District of New York with conspiracy to unlawfully, intentionally and knowingly distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 1,000 kilos and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana.
Henry was remanded into custody of the USMarshals Service with no bail and Pamplin was remanded into custody of the USMarshals Service in lieu of a $3 million personal recognisance bond.
Special Agent in Charge of the DEA, New Jersey Division, Gerard P. McAleer added: "This paradise island nation has not been immune to the ill effects of drug trafficking and the arrest of these men will have a profound affect on the availability of drugs in Bermuda. "The Bermuda Police Service has always worked diligently with the DEA to thwart drug traffickers working between our countries."

Peter Lloyd ABC foreign correspondent formally charged at a private hearing in Changi General Hospital's prison ward with trafficking and possession

ABC foreign correspondent and accused drug trafficker Peter Lloyd has been discharged from a Singapore hospital and offered bail ahead of his next court appearance on Friday.The public broadcaster sent its senior legal adviser, Rob Simpson, to help Lloyd, who was formally charged at a private hearing in Changi General Hospital's prison ward with trafficking and possession of the methamphetamine ice. Lloyd, the ABC's South Asia correspondent, was on leave in Singapore when arrested on Wednesday. News of the arrest of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) much respected South Asian correspondent Peter Lloyd has left his colleagues and the company management quite stunned and shocked.
Most of them in New Delhi and back at the company's headquarters in Australia are still unable to comprehend how a journalist so versed in Asian drug laws could be accused of breaking them.
According to news.com.au, Lloyd could face harsh punishment, including being caned 15 times and sentenced to 20 years in prison for violating Singapore's strict drug laws.Lloyd, 41, who reports for ABC from New Delhi, was arrested on Wednesday for supplying, possessing and trafficking methamphetamine, or ice. His arrest took place in a Singapore hospital where he was being treated for an eye infection. He was in the city on a holiday. Singapore court documents released last night show Lloyd was charged with trafficking about 1g gram of methamphetamine to a Singaporean for 100 Singapore dollars (75 dollars) at a hotel early this month. He also faces a second charge for allegedly being in possession of methamphetamine.
"It is not looking very good and people are in genuine shock because the accusations are so out of character. That it has happened in Singapore makes it that much worse - any foreign correspondent in Asia knows better than to break the law there or in other parts of Asia," an ABC source was quoted, as saying.
Meanwhile, ABC's new breakfast program has been thrown into turmoil by Lloyd's arrest, as he was due to launch and co-host the new four hour news Breakfast TV program on ABC2 with Virginia Trioli in September.
It is understood Lloyd flew to Singapore from Indonesia this week where he visited his estranged wife Kirstyn and their two children. They now live in Jakarta where she works, and colleagues confirmed they separated six months ago after Lloyd came out as a gay man.Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau moved on Lloyd after a Singapore man, 31, was found with 0.6g of ice in his apartment.
Officers alleged it was supplied by Lloyd. He was then arrested, and officers alleged a further 0.8g of ice plus implements to administer the drug were found.
A spokesperson for the CNB said Lloyd had been offered bail and his case had been fixed for next mention on July 25.
Lloyd was appointed ABC correspondent in New Delhi in 2006 and reports for ABC TV and radio.
He had spent the previous four years in Bangkok. He has extensively covered the Schapelle Corby and Bali Nine drug cases. He also covered the case of Australian Nguyen Tuong Van, executed by Singapore in 2005 for heroin trafficking.
The ABC said it had sent a lawyer to represent Lloyd. Singapore lawyer Shashi Nathan, who is not representing Lloyd, said the reporter may have to provide about 38,000 dollars to 53,000 dollars to get bail

Martin Wanden’s six-bedroom home is to be auctioned after being seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit.

Martin Wanden’s six-bedroom home with sweeping sea views at Llandudno, Cape Town, is to be auctioned after being seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit.Wanden is on trial in the Cork Circuit Criminal Court after being arrested in July last year — while bobbing in the sea, off the Irish coast, along with bales of cocaine worth R1-billion. The drug bust set off an international probe, involving authorities in SA, who investigated alleged money laundering, and the US, UK and Spain. authorities hope the luxury home, which boasts a spa-bath, a wraparound terrace with a pool, four-car garage and views of the coast, will fetch around R14-million.
An inflatable boat and a black Range Rover — reportedly given to the builder of the house by Wanden’s wife, Sonya (who was found hanged this year in a psychiatric hospital in Britain) when she tried to dispose of their assets.
Wanden has denied being the driver of the boat that capsized with the drugs about 48km off the west Cork coast.Wanden told the Cork Circuit Criminal Court that he had been camping when he received a call from a friend, Charles Goldie, who claimed to be experiencing difficulty while fishing at sea. Wanden claimed an argument broke out between him and Goldie when one of three men transferred drugs onto the boat he took to rescue them. He said he was pushed into the capsized boat and left stranded at sea with the drugs.Jonathan Smiedt, of ClareMart Auction Group who will be auctioning the mansion, said they had received five offers for the house — four of them local.The AFU’s Hermione Cronje said this was the second case the unit had helped a foreign government wrap up. The first case was a request from the Nigerian government involving a politician, Diepreye Alamiyeseigha, who was embroiled in a money-laundering scandal in 2006.
“This sends out a message to criminals trying to hide the proceeds of their crimes that South Africa is not a haven for them,” said Cronje.

Brian D. Underwood and Holly J. King arrested by Sun Prairie police and state Department of Justice agents.

Brian D. Underwood, 31, and Holly J. King, 38, were indicted in April for using a residence at 1106 Pine St. to make methamphetamine after being arrested by Sun Prairie police and state Department of Justice agents.
Although cooking the ingredients to make methamphetamine creates a strong odor, Sun Prairie police didn't receive a tip about Underwood's activity until earlier this year, said Assistant U.S. Attorney David Reinhard.
After their search of Underwood's garage, authorities brought in a hazardous waste cleanup team to remove contaminate residue and equipment from the once-functioning methamphetamine lab, he said.Prior to obtaining a search warrant, police learned that Underwood had acquired 140 grams of pseudoephedrine from area pharmacies, said Reinhard. Underwood told authorities that he made methamphetamine three times a week between March 9, 2007 and March 18, 2008, Reinhard said.Reinhard said Underwood made about 200 grams of methamphetamine during the past year, which he characterized as "quite a lot."Underwood faces statutory maximum penalties of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine at a Sept. 24 sentencing before U.S. District Court Judge Barbara Crabb. Underwood's actual sentence will reflect the amount of methamphetamine he made, his role in the offense, prior convictions and his agreement to plead guilty.

Brandon Drumgoole was found guilty of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia

Brandon Drumgoole was found guilty of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia charges last week in Jackson County District Court.According to the Jackson County Clerk of Court’s Office, Drumgoole has appealed the convictions and has an Aug. 25 date in Superior Court. WCU spokesman Daniel Hooker said Drumgoole has been suspended indefinitely depending the outcome of his appeal.
A 6-6, 230-pound senior defensive end from Greensboro who transferred from Wake Forest, Drumgoole started eight games last season and finished with 55 tackles, fifth-best on the team. Drumgoole, who also started four games in 2006 and finished with 28 tackles, received sentences of 45 days suspended for 24 months, supervised probation and a fine of $100 and costs on each of the two convictions. Since Wagner replaced Kent Briggs as head coach in January, at least 14 players who were on the team last season have been dismissed or left the team, including 10 who have started games.

Brandon Drumgoole was found guilty of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia

Brandon Drumgoole was found guilty of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia charges last week in Jackson County District Court.According to the Jackson County Clerk of Court’s Office, Drumgoole has appealed the convictions and has an Aug. 25 date in Superior Court. WCU spokesman Daniel Hooker said Drumgoole has been suspended indefinitely depending the outcome of his appeal.
A 6-6, 230-pound senior defensive end from Greensboro who transferred from Wake Forest, Drumgoole started eight games last season and finished with 55 tackles, fifth-best on the team. Drumgoole, who also started four games in 2006 and finished with 28 tackles, received sentences of 45 days suspended for 24 months, supervised probation and a fine of $100 and costs on each of the two convictions. Since Wagner replaced Kent Briggs as head coach in January, at least 14 players who were on the team last season have been dismissed or left the team, including 10 who have started games.

Sotiris Christos Andreas has been jailed for 14-and-a-half years

Sotiris Christos Andreas, of The Ridgeway, Enfield, was caught when customs officers searched his car in Dover last September.They discovered 20 kilos of cocaine in a false floor which ran the length of the vehicle.Over 14 kilos of the cocaine were 100 per cent pure and the entire haul had a street value of £800,000 which would have increased significantly when cut by drug dealers.
Mr Andreas, who turned 50 two days before he was sentenced on Friday at Canterbury Crown Court, denied the charge of being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on importing a class A drug.Also convicted was Cypriot national Pavlos Petrou Andronicou, 61, who lived in St Ann's Road, Edmonton, before being sent to Belmarsh Prison where he is serving two and a half years for importing cannabis.He also denied the charge and received a 19-year sentence after being found guilty.

Karla Von Hagen 18 months for the crack cocaine, six months for the marijuana and three months for a breach of undertaking.

Karla Von Hagen, 18 at the time of the offence, broke down in tears in the courtroom as the sentence was read and was taken away by provincial courthouse security.
Judge Tom Ferris gave Von Hagen 18 months for the crack cocaine, six months for the marijuana and three months for a breach of undertaking. The sentences are to be served concurrently, meaning at the same time.
Von Hagen admitted to smuggling a package in her vaginal cavity into the prison Saskatchewan Penitentiary, but claimed she didn’t do the packaging and didn’t know what was in it.
When she got to the prison, Von Hagen was tested and searched for drugs and brought into an interview room. She was nervous, according to the Crown, and after a trip to the bathroom produced the package. Inside the package, prison staff found two rocks of crack and about $160-$200 worth of marijuana. She was released on undertaking, until she was observed by police drinking beer at a local bar in March 2007 and charged with the breach. She pleaded guilty to possession for the purpose of trafficking and failure to comply to condition of undertaking.

Gavin Archibald Thorburn appeared at Solihull Magistrates Court yesterday.

Gavin Archibald Thorburn, of Scatterill Close, Bradwell, appeared at Solihull Magistrates Court yesterday.He was arrested last Monday after he landed at Birmingham international airport on a flight from Nairobi via Dubai.Officers from the newly formed UK Border Agency (UKBA) seized the drugs which were found concealed in luggage.Mr Thorburn was charged with attempting to import three kilos of cocaine with a value of £120,000 - this would have doubled or even trebled once 'cut' by drug dealers.He has not yet made a plea and was remanded until August.
Steve Roper, Detection Manager for UKBA, said: "This is an excellent result and an example of good joint working by our teams of officers.
We will continue to work with our partners in HMRC to tackle smugglers who attempt to bring goods illegally into the UK.
"We hope this sends out a clear message that our approach is one of zero tolerance.
"Regional airports should not be seen as a 'soft touch' for smuggling activities."

Stuart Wood shoplifter was told by a judge that he was being locked up as a favour after being caught for a fresh spate of offences.

shoplifter was told by a judge that he was being locked up as a favour after being caught for a fresh spate of offences.Judge Peter Bowers told hopeless drug-addict Stuart Wood: "By the time you come out, you will be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, as they say."After jailing Wood for two-and-a-half years, the judge added: "Get yourself on a drug-free wing, if you can, and sort your life out."The only thing I can do is give you a sufficiently long sentence so by the time you come out you won't have the same dependency upon drugs."Teesside Crown Court heard that Wood went on a month-long shoplifting spree shortly after being freed from jail in April for similar offences.The 30-year-old racked up 14 offences in and around his home town after repeatedly being caught and given bail either by police or magistrates.
In all, he committed 11 thefts from shops and one burglary, failed to surrender to court and failed to give a sample for a drugs test.The shoplifting was carried out at convenience stores in Stockton as well as nearby Thornaby and Norton, and included aftershave and alcohol.Alasdair Campbell, prosecuting, told the court that the burglary was at a Stockton post office after Wood sneaked into a store room.
Wood was caught on closed circuit television cameras at most of the shops, and the total value of the goods he stole was £472, said Mr Campbell.He was twice arrested after each spate, but was freed on bail either after being quizzed or put before Teesside Magistrates' Court.The judge questioned him being given bail, and said: "For goodness sake, he had committed ten thefts. They should have given him the key to the shop."He told Wood, of Cheshire Road, Norton: "It is dismal reading, this record of yours, but I have got some sympathy for your plight."You are clearly a drug addict and the only way you can feed your habit is by stealing.
"I understand every time you are given bail there is an inevitability your drug craving is requiring you to do something to get drugs."
Peter Wishlade, mitigating, said jobless Wood got involved in drugs after the death of his grandmother when he was 18, and had a £500-a-week habit.He added: "While I don't want to criticise the magistrates, he would not be appearing for this catalogue of offences had he not been given bail."Wood admitted all the charges.

Trevor Bowman member of a County Durham drugs gang who has been on the run from police for 11 years is now believed to be abroad

MEMBER of a County Durham drugs gang who has been on the run from police for 11 years is now believed to be abroad, a court was told yesterday.Police have been trying since 1997 to arrest Trevor Bowman on a judge's warrant, Teesside Crown Court was told.Bowman and four other men were convicted at Teesside Crown Court on April 16 1997 of being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Bowman disappeared before he could be sentenced but the others were jailed for between 12 months and three years.
Prosecutor Shaun Dodds said it was believed that Bowman is abroad.The hearing was adjourned for another year to try to trace Bowman, whose last known address was Hollyhurst Road, West Cornforth.

Michael Hunt admitted two charges of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply and one of possessing a Class C drug

Michael Hunt’s home in Haswell Court, Stockton, was searched by police on April 19 last year and Hunt, 30, threw a package containing 24.3g of heroin, worth £2,430 on the streets, out of a window, Teesside Crown Court heard.Digital scales and 11 pieces of paper carrying his phone number were also found, said prosecutor Harry Hadfield.While on bail during long delays bringing the case to court, Hunt was caught with heroin on April 1 this year.He ran from police in Talbot Street, Stockton and discarded three packages in a garden. They contained a total of 280.6g of heroin, worth £14,180.A drugs squad officer believed only a trusted member of the illicit drugs market would be caught with that amount, the court heard.
Hunt had some scales in his pocket and 2.3g of cannabis.He admitted two charges of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply and one of possessing a Class C drug. He had previous convictions, but none for drug dealing.
Brian Russell, for Hunt, said: “The people who are up the hierarchy are not stupid enough to be seen walking around the streets with £14,000 worth of heroin. They employ patsies - people to take the risk on their behalf.” He said Hunt was intimidated to transport and store drugs, gaining only drugs for his own use.
The judge, Recorder Henry Prosser, accepted he was not at the top of the hierarchy, but dealing was taking place at Hunt’s house and the offences were “hugely serious”.
Hunt’s partner at the time of the first raid, Leanne Saunders, 26, a Stockton Council drug support worker, who also worked with drugs group PANIC, was given an 18-month conditional discharge with £100 costs.She admitted possession of 0.02g of heroin - traces found in a Kinder Egg. It was accepted she relapsed into heroin use and was not involved in dealing. She had not been in trouble since.

Paul Edward Russon charged with possessing large quantities of cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis resin with intent to supply.

Paul Edward Russon, 34, of Bickersteth Close, Stockton, is charged with possessing large quantities of cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis resin with intent to supply.
He is also charged with five firearms offences - possessing two prohibited weapons, a Beretta 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a .38 revolver, and possessing a silencer and 9mm and .38 rounds of ammunition without a certificate.
Russon did not enter any pleas to the charges as he appeared at Teesside Crown Court via video link to Holme House Prison in Stockton today.No bail application was made during the short hearing and Judge Peter Bowers remanded Russon in custody until a plea and case management hearing on August 29.Russon was arrested in connection with the police search of a home on Bickersteth Road on June 24.Officers found handguns, ammunition and quantities of cannabis, amphetamine and cocaine believed to have a potential street value of more than £1 million.

Tanweer Razak, Piotr Izbicki, Rukhsar Bashier and Ajaz Arif all deny conspiring to produce cannabis.

Four men are accused of involvement in a plot to produce cannabis after more than 1,100 plants with a potential value of up to £250,000 were found in four Middlesbrough homes, pictured above the cannabis farm found in the house on Roworth Road.The crops were seized in a series of police raids on Roworth Road, Arlington Road, Ambleside Grove and Glenfield Drive in October last year.
Prosecutor Sarah Mallett said the properties were bought to set up sophisticated factories which suggested commercial cultivation and national distribution of the drug. Tanweer Razak, Piotr Izbicki, Rukhsar Bashier and Ajaz Arif all deny conspiring to produce cannabis.Defence barristers made closing speeches yesterday, saying there was a lack of evidence of knowledge or agreement in a conspiracy, or linking the accused to the cannabis.Taxi driver Razak, 28, is alleged to be the unscrupulous, money-motivated “mastermind” or “top man”. His counsel, Caroline Goodwin, said if he was the brains of the outfit, he did it in “the most cack-handed way”.The Crown say Izbicki, 26, acted as a go-between and was heavily involved in the day-to-day management of the properties.His barrister David Lamb said the builder was just a worker who thought he was doing a fair day’s work “in the wrong place at the wrong time”.One “Mr Tai” was said to be “a dark figure lurking behind the conspiracy” who exerted a grip on others, threatened Izbicki and abused Arif’s trust.The prosecution said Arif, 33, bought all four homes in 2007. Arif said he knew nothing of the cannabis production until he was arrested.
Peter Sabiston, for Arif, said he was “given a few bob to tell a few white lies on a mortgage application form and ask no further questions”.
It is alleged that 34-year-old Bashier was an investor financing the illicit enterprise.Stan Reiz, for Bashier, said he was a credible, respectable, successful businessman and the only evidence against him was five banker’s drafts said to be deposits for the properties.
Judge Michael Taylor is to sum up the case against the four, all from Reading. On his direction earlier in the trial, the jury acquitted a fifth defendant, Tokeer Akhtar, 27, also from Reading.
Proceeding

Savdhul Zaman former England international light welterweight boxer found guilty

Savdhul Zaman is a former England international light welterweight boxer. He and John Coltman, aged 27, one of his tenants in Stainton Street, North Ormesby, denied charges of conspiracy to supply Class C drugs but were found guilty by a jury.Another tenant, Zameer Ahmed, aged 25, admitted the charge.
The trio were all sentenced at Teeside Crown Court. Coltman, now of Longlands Road, Middlesbrough, was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, with 80 hours of unpaid work.Ahmed, of Pickering Road, Thornaby, near Stockton, was given a nine-month sentence, suspended for a year, with 150 hours of community work.
During the court case Zaman, of Westbourne Grove, North Ormesby, claimed he was not aware of illegal activity involving about £12,000 worth of cannabis at the house. He said his fingerprints were found on packages of the drug because he had touched them as he tidied the house before putting it up for sale.
Another man, Richard Bellamy, 23, from Wharncliffe Side, Sheffield, who was accused of acting as a courier for the Class C drug, was cleared of conspiracy.• A recent police operation involving Haringey Council uncovered 13 illegally converted houses of multiple occupation (HMO). They also found 15 premises using illegal electricity and four others were found to be using an illegal gas supply.
The council is now considering appointing a ‘HMO tsar’ to deal with dodgy landlords.
The fears of tenants and their neighbours have been rising due to the increase in the number of HMOs in the area recently.
This has led to practices such as landlords creating fire risks by doing their own rewiring to bypass electric meters. Many landlords have legally applied for and been granted HMO licences in Haringey – close to 200 since 2006 – and are controlled by legislation.But others have been found breaching HMO laws relating to planning consent and conversions

Timothy Jones was convicted of distribution of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute

Timothy Jones, 37, of Youngstown, Ohio, was convicted of distribution of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in a bench trial before Superior Court Judge Julie Marino. Jones and his girlfriend, Joan Davis, was arrested Aug. 23, 2007 by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force after detectives saw Davis conduct a hand-to-hand cocaine deal with a third party. In February Davis pled guilty and attempted to exonerate Jones by claiming he was not involved in her cocaine sale or possession. During the trial, both Jones and Davis testified Jones was not involved in Davis' drug activities. But Marino found their testimony was not credible, and that Jones and Davis worked together
to sell cocaine. At the time of his arrest, Jones was on probation for a February 2006 conviction for distribution of drugs in Union County. Jones also has a 1991 conviction for aggravated assault in Ohio. Because of his record, Jones is eligible to be sentenced to an extended term of up to 10 years in prison. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 5.

Maurice Johnson was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison

Maurice Johnson was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and will remain on supervised probation 10 more years after that following a sentencing hearing Monday in Chattanooga on a federal cocaine distribution guilty plea.The 38-year-old former Sweetwater High School basketball star pleaded guilty in April to one count of a multi-count indictment that charged him with running a major crack cocaine ring out of a Madisonville game room.Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Neff said Johnson tried to withdraw his guilty plea at the last minute, however Judge R. Allan Edgar ruled the defendant did not meet the criteria to be granted a plea withdrawal.Johnson’s criminal past bumped up the minimum sentence requirement on his latest conviction.“He had a federal felony drug conviction (in 2001) and that bumped it up from 10 to 20 years,” Neff said of the minimum sentence Johnson could serve.The court waived any major fines against Johnson because of his inability to pay but Johnson is to pay a $100 special assessment.
Johnson had gotten previous charges for the same alleged crimes dismissed last year because a judge ruled his right to a speedy trial had been violated.However, the judge’s ruling left the door open for prosecutors to revisit the Madisonville game room case.A federal grand jury indicted Johnson on the same charges again late last yearAuthorities said Johnson began running a crack cocaine ring out of the M & M Game Room and Deli on Tellico Street in Madisonville not long after his release from prison in 2005 on a drug conviction.Officers from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Madisonville and Sweetwater police departments arrested Johnson near I-75 on March 31, 2006.Police said Johnson tried to swallow drugs when the officer closed in.
Authorities contend Johnson’s drug operation was substantial.“The cost of drugs can vary,” then Sheriff Doug Watson said at the time. “But he was probably making about $36,000 a week selling crack cocaine.”Neff said there is no parole for federal sentences and Johnson would have to serve at least 85 percent, 17 years, of his sentence.Neff said prisoners serving federal sentences have a chance to meet good behavior and other criteria to reduce their term from 100 percent to 85 percent.
Johnson has a July 31 motions hearing pending on murder charges in Cleveland.
Johnson stands charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the 1999 shooting deaths of three people in a Cleveland apartment.Two other suspects are charged in connection with the fatal shootings.

Vernon Lee Nolan charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine

Vernon Lee Nolan of 850 Adams Creek Road was arrested at his home by Craven County Sheriff narcotics officers. He is charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, selling and delivering cocaine and trafficking in cocaine. To be charged with trafficking in cocaine, a suspect must have possession of more than 28 grams.Narcotics officer Russ Akers said cocaine with a street value of $10,000 was confiscated from Nolan, along with several hundred dollars.Akers said the arrest came after a number of undercover drug buys from Nolan.
Nolan is in jail with his bail set at $75,000.

Dillon O'Brien charges alleged that he brought a controlled drug, diamorphine, vodka and mobile phones to prisoners at Mountjoy

Dillon O'Brien (36), of Clonsilla, Dublin, was charged with 14 offences between January 2005 and March 2007. The charges alleged that he brought a controlled drug, diamorphine, vodka and mobile phones to prisoners at Mountjoy, contrary to section 6(2), of the Criminal Law Act 1976. One charge alleged the prison officer conspired with Wayne Bradley and another person to commit a breach of section 83 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 by supplying cocaine to David Mulvey, contrary to common law, between March 12 and March 12 last year.Garda David Carolan told Judge Miriam Malone in the Circuit Criminal Court that O'Brien was arrested at 6.50am yesterday.
He was remanded on bail of €1,000 and ordered to sign on three times a week at Blanchardstown garda station. O'Brien will reappear at Dublin District Court on August 26. The four other men were all remanded on bail by Judge Malone to appear at the same court on July 29. Sean Hinchon (30), of St Ronan's Close, Clondalkin, Dublin, faced three charges alleging that between January 1, 2005, and March 15 last year, he conspired with Dillon O'Brien and another person to bring diamorphine into Mountjoy. Three charges alleging he brought mobile phones into the jail between January 1, 2005 and March 15, 2007 were also laid against him.
Thomas Hinchon (28), of St Ronan's Close, Clondalkin, faced three charges of conspiring with Dillon O'Brien and another person to bring diamorphine into the prison and three charges relating to smuggling in a mobile phone.
Paul Dixon (27), of Valeview Drive, Finglas, appeared on six charges of unlawful possession of controlled drugs, including cocaine and cannabis resin in cell 26, on landing B3 of the prison, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Acts, on March 15, 2007. Nigel Curran (32), of Corduff Gardens, Blanchardstown, was charged that between March 9, 2007 and April 3, 2007, he stole assorted "Profitline" hairdressing products and 208 packets of ventolin evohaler from United Drug Pharmaceutical Products' premises at Magna Business Park in City West, Dublin contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

Barenaked Ladies singer Steven Page has been arrested in New York with possession of cocaine.

Steven Page, 38, is charged with possession of a controlled substance. Police said Page was released on $10,000 bail.
Barenaked Ladies singer Steven Page has been arrested in New York with possession of cocaine.Police in Syracuse, N.Y. said Page was arrested Friday along with two American women after police noticed something suspicious in an apartment in the village of Fayette.As [the officers] approached the apartment they saw people in the window sitting at a table and it looked like they were engaged in something. There was a white capsule and a white powdery substance that later tested positive for cocaine." said Capt. Bill Bleyle with the Manlius Police Department in New York State.Bleyle said a further search of the apartment turned up more cocaine and some marijuana. However he said the charges in connection with Page only related to the cocaine.Page's manager, Terry McBride, said he cannot comment while the matter is before the courts, but added he's confident his client will be cleared of all charges.Until then, said McBride, it's "business as usual for the Barenaked Ladies."
Page is scheduled to appear in court July 17.

Joseph Gardner and Irene Gardner were arrested

Joseph Gardner, 68, and Irene Gardner, 66, were arrested about 7 a.m., police said. Police had a search and seizure warrant for the Gardners' home as part of an investigation into the distribution of cocaine, police said. Members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the canine units of the Manchester Police Department and the Norwich Police Department assisted Plainfield police, police said. Each Gardner was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of cocaine within 1,500 feet of a school and possession of cocaine within 1,500 feet of a school with intent to sell, police said.
Each Gardner was released on $10,000 bail and is scheduled to appear at Danielson Superior Court on July 28.

Yasemin Vatansever and Yatunde Diya to be freed

Yasemin Vatansever and Yatunde Diya, both 17 and from north London, were given year-long sentences by a court in Accra after their arrests last July at Kotoka Airport in the capital, Accra. Some 13lb of cocaine with a street value of about £300,000 was found in their luggage.

Naomi Williams of London was arrested at the Norman Manley International Airport last month while preparing to board a flight to England.

Naomi Williams of London was arrested at the Norman Manley International Airport last month while preparing to board a flight to England.The narcotics police say three pounds of cocaine which is worth millions on the streets in England was found in her luggage.When captured Ms Williams, a student at a University in England said nothing.Tuesday, she clutched a Bible while her attorney Lancelot Clarke applied for bail.Senior Magistrate Glen Brown had initially offered bail amounting to $5 million but reduced the figure to $3 million at the request of her attorney.
She is to return to court on September 3. In recent months, the narcotics police have reported an increase in the trafficking of cocaine out of the country.

Aaron Washington accused of delivering cocaine to a Juneau woman that police later arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

"It's not like I've never done anything wrong," Aaron Washington said.
Aaron Washington, a 42-year-old merchant, stands accused of delivering cocaine to a Juneau woman that police later arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. The driver told police she was selling the drug for Washington. Charges were brought by a grand jury indictment based on witness testimony. In September, Washington will again face a jury as a codefendant in a larger trial wherein the state alleges he conspired to run a criminal enterprise that imported and sold pounds of cocaine in Juneau since 2003 with alleged partner Vonnie Williams, 44. A joint investigation between the Juneau police and Alaska State Troopers resulted in 19 drug-related charges against Washington. A woman who claims to have been Washington's source of "kilo after kilo" of cocaine is behind 11 of the charges. The organized crime is thought to be the first of its kind in Juneau. In a jailhouse interview, Washington said police and prosecutors were pushing on him a larger title than is real. If the police had arrested a "ring leader" as claimed, there would be less drugs on the street, he said. "Nothing has slowed down," he said. Following jury selection, the Juneau District Attorney's Office is expected to call expert witnesses to identify what police found on the woman as cocaine. Testimony claiming the cocaine was Washington's is expected also, according to court records. Police have yet to connect any drugs directly to Washington. Instead they claim he used women as "drug mules" to bring drugs in from the Lower 48. Washington has been held in Lemon Creek Correctional Center on $75,000 bail since police arrested him at his girlfriend's home in the Mendenhall Valley last spring. In recent filings, Washington's girlfriend asked the court to lift a no-contact order in an effort to plan for their wedding. Washington said he was a legit businessman with stores in Juneau and Oregon before his arrest. Careful with his words, Washington said he wasn't exactly "innocent" either.