All articles tagged with #cocaine trafficking
A Springfield aide to Governor Maura Healey was arrested for allegedly trafficking eight kilograms of cocaine and possessing a firearm without a license, leading to his firing and ongoing legal proceedings.
LaMar Cook, a former deputy director for the governor’s regional office in Springfield, was arraigned on charges of cocaine trafficking, gun possession without a license, and driving without a license after receiving a large drug delivery at the state building.
Colombian authorities arrested Giuseppe Palermo, an alleged leader of the Italian 'ndrangheta mafia, in Bogotá. He is accused of overseeing cocaine shipments and managing trafficking routes to Europe, highlighting the international reach of the mafia and the ongoing drug trade expansion. The operation involved Colombian, Italian, British authorities, and Europol.
Colombian authorities arrested Giuseppe Palermo, an alleged leader of the Italian Ndrangheta mafia involved in overseeing cocaine shipments and trafficking routes to Europe, in a coordinated operation with international law enforcement agencies, highlighting the ongoing global drug trade and mafia influence.
An international anti-drug operation led by Colombia has seized six 'narco subs' filled with cocaine, part of a larger bust involving 62 countries that captured over 1,400 metric tons of drugs. Among the haul was 225 metric tons of cocaine, including 5 tons found on a semi-submersible vessel en route from Colombia to Australia. This operation highlights the increasing targeting of Australia by international drug cartels due to high cocaine demand and prices. 'Narco subs' have been used since the late 1990s to evade law enforcement.
Mexican drug cartels have infiltrated and allied with local criminal gangs in Ecuador, leading to a surge in violence and unrest. The cartels use Ecuador as a primary drug distribution point for cocaine from Colombia and Peru, with the country's Guayaquil Port serving as a key logistics hub. The recent storming of an Ecuadorian TV station by armed men is linked to a prison escape of a local gang leader, highlighting the ominous connection between Mexican cartels and the escalating violence in the small South American country. The government has declared an "internal armed conflict" and is cracking down on criminal groups, but critics are concerned about the military response's long-term effectiveness. The influence of Mexican cartels in Ecuador has led to a wave of assassinations, including that of a high-profile prosecutor investigating drug-related cases.
Griselda Blanco, known as the "Cocaine Godmother," was a ruthless Colombian drug lord whose empire flooded Miami with cocaine, amassing $80 million monthly and being linked to around 200 murders. Her son, Michael Corleone Blanco, reflects on his upbringing in the drug-trafficking world and the luxury lifestyle it afforded. A Netflix series, "Griselda," depicts her reign, but has sparked controversy and a lawsuit from Blanco. Griselda's violent legacy in the Miami drug wars is remembered by law enforcement and residents, and her son aims to move past it and provide a safe environment for his family.
A long-time Oracle engineer, Brian Krewson, is accused by the DOJ of helping imprisoned cocaine dealers hide and launder $54 million worth of cryptocurrency. Krewson, who also works as a party entertainer, allegedly stored the crypto for his friends who were convicted of cocaine trafficking. One of the dealers claims the crypto was acquired legitimately. Krewson has not been charged with any federal crime, and his attorney has not commented on the allegations. The evidence against Krewson includes phone calls made from prison and the transfer of the funds to a DOJ wallet during a police raid on his home.
Antran Hall, a "Most Wanted" man who had been living under a fake name for 17 years, was arrested in Detroit after fooling his wife and children with his false identity. Hall had been convicted for cocaine trafficking and failure to stop for police in 2006 but had evaded capture and twice failed to appear on warrants. After receiving information earlier this year, United States Marshals located and apprehended Hall, who had successfully deceived his family with his alias. He is currently held at the Wayne County Detention Center and will be extradited back to South Carolina.
An American Airlines mechanic, Paul Belloisi, has been convicted of conspiring to import and possess cocaine after he was caught trying to smuggle 10 bricks of cocaine weighing 25.56 pounds, worth approximately $285,000 to $320,000, in an electronics compartment under the cockpit of a jetliner at JFK Airport. Belloisi faces up to 20 years in prison. Law enforcement officials praised the collaborative efforts of CBP officers and HSI special agents in identifying and arresting Belloisi, who abused his position of trust and undermined the security of a vital border crossing.