Todd R. Willoughby pleaded guilty to one count of possession

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michelle McKenzie sentenced to four years in prison

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

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

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

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

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

Ghul Khan Arghun Shah,Zarbadan Minajan executed for drug smuggling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shant Esrabian, is charged with first-degree murder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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