Crime Correspondent

Cornelius Roets pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to the importation of herbal cannabis

Cornelius Roets pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to the importation of herbal cannabis

Cornelius Roets, 44, was stopped by customs officers after flying in from South Africa via Amsterdam in February.When they asked if he had p...

Manuel and Mario Bonilla, face counts of conspiracy and operating a continuing criminal enterprise

The brothers, Manuel and Mario Bonilla, face counts of conspiracy and operating a continuing criminal enterprise. The others face a conspiracy count. The Oklahoma defendants are Mario Bonilla, 23, of Tulsa; Holly King, 29, of Wann; Cecilia Lorena Bonilla, 20, of Tulsa; Michelle Moreno, 27, of Tulsa; and Felix McVay, 51, of Haskell.Manuel Bonilla and one other defendant remain at large. Both live in Mexico.The indictment alleges the smugglers used vehicles for occasional shipments of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and guns from Juarez, Mexico, since 2001.Some of the defendants also face counts of using a phone to commit a crime, bulk cash smuggling, using a gun in a drug-trafficking crime, traveling across the U.S. border in a racketeering crime and possessing large quantities of drugs.In addition to the criminal charges, prosecutors are seeking a $6 million judgment against the defendants. They say that represents the amount obtained through the conspiracy. federal indictment unsealed today accuses 11 people of involvement in a smuggling operation that moved large amounts of drugs from Mexico to the Tulsa and Kansas City areas.

Manuel and Mario Bonilla, face counts of conspiracy and operating a continuing criminal enterprise

The brothers, Manuel and Mario Bonilla, face counts of conspiracy and operating a continuing criminal enterprise. The others face a conspira...

In the Comfort Zone Hedge fund manager Matthew MacIsaac of MM Asset Management Inc had been charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine.

Mr. MacIsaac, ranked among Canada's most successful fund managers, had been charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine. He was among 33 people arrested after police raided a bar called the Comfort Zone at 4:30 a.m. on a Sunday. Sources say Mr. MacIsaac, who lives in a nearby loft, tried to explain the $600 in cash in his pockets to police by saying: "I'm a hedge fund manager."The arrest came after a six-week investigation known as Project White Rabbit, a probe that began when a 26-year-old Hamilton man died of an accidental overdose after allegedly purchasing drugs at the Comfort Zone. Police seized heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and GHB - known as the date rape drug - valued at $30,000 at the club, along with $35,000 cash."Drugs were being used openly; drugs were being sold openly," said Toronto Detective Sergeant Ed Roseto.Over two weeks, MM Asset Management repeatedly denied any involvement by an executive with the firm, until Mr. MacIsaac's lawyer, Austin Cooper, confirmed Friday that his client works at the hedge fund, and had been charged. He said the fund manager, who is free on bail, has yet to enter a plea.MM Asset Management executive Ben Cubitt insisted two weeks ago that the Mr. MacIsaac who serves as the fund's secretary was not the same Mr. MacIsaac charged after the raid. Mr. MacIsaac's first lawyer, Lenny Hochberg, declined to comment when asked if he was representing the same Mr. MacIsaac who worked at the fund.Mr. Cooper quickly confirmed the affiliation when he was asked on Friday. He also said there had been no attempt to hide the information. "He is a good man," Mr. Cooper said. "I'm afraid that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and that police made a sweep and arrested everybody in the place. Of course, we are going to defend him vigorously." Mr. MacIsaac likely earned $3-million last year. He and partner Hillel Meltz, MM Asset Management's president, and two remaining colleagues at the $300-million fund would have split $10-million of performance-based fees on a fund that returned 17 per cent for investors. Through his lawyer, Mr. MacIsaac declined to be interviewed. Mr. Meltz was unavailable last week. A rival fund manager said Mr. MacIsaac is building a sprawling cottage near Tofino, on Vancouver Island. MM Asset Management runs what's known as an event-driven fund called MMCap Fund Inc. that plays takeovers and other stock market moves. It has stakes in a number of small Canadian resource companies. The fund was launched in 2002 and has among the highest returns in the industry, with 20-per-cent plus performance in five of the past six years and two years of 40-per-cent-plus returns. Among its backers are Arrow Hedge Partners Inc., a well-known fund-of-funds manager that has $20-million invested. Sources say Toronto-based MM Asset Management has told its institutional and wealthy individual clients about the charges against Mr. MacIsaac. Investors in the fund say Mr. Meltz flew back from his home in Israel to help deal with the issue. "These guys are great traders, they've put up great numbers. Obviously, though, this problem is a setback,' said one investor in MM Asset Management.The "setback" began with a St. Patrick's Day celebration that saw Mr. MacIsaac attend two parties before heading to the Comfort Zone club about 4 a.m., sources said. He took about $800 out of bank machines for the evening and had $600 in his pocket when he was arrested. There were 150 people in the club at the time.He was allegedly approached for drugs by the undercover police officer, a source said. Mr. MacIsaac allegedly tracked down some drugs and gave them to her. When she insisted on paying him, he allegedly refused. The hedge fund filed a report on charges facing Mr. MacIsaac with the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) a few days after the arrest, sources said. The regulator must be notified if a registered company executive is charged with a criminal offence. The OSC put out a notice last Thursday stating that Mr. MacIsaac's registration - which is needed for him to manage money - is now being reviewed monthly, rather than undergoing the typical annual review. MM Asset Management's principals started their careers at Connecticut-based K2 Advisors LLC, a large U.S. hedge fund that states on its website that it "adheres to the highest standards of ethical conduct in an era of increased scrutiny and transparency."

In the Comfort Zone Hedge fund manager Matthew MacIsaac of MM Asset Management Inc had been charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine.

Mr. MacIsaac, ranked among Canada's most successful fund managers, had been charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine. He was among 33 ...

Quoc Viet Lai accused of taking bribes to smuggle almost $4 million in drug money out of the country

The Australian Crime Commission has accused senior Vietnam Airlines pilot Quoc Viet Lai of taking bribes to smuggle almost $4 million in drug money out of the country in previous trips dating back to 2005.He is alleged to have picked up suitcases of cash in Melbourne and Sydney and carried them onto planes back to Vietnam, using his privileged status as an airline pilot to bypass customs bag checks. The experienced pilot was charged last night with 40 counts of money laundering and will appear in a Sydney court today.The arrest gives a glimpse into one of the nation's most secretive and significant operations fighting organised crime.In its last annual report, the Crime Commission revealed that since March 2005, Operation Gordian had arrested 63 people, stopped the sale of drugs worth $1 billion and tracked $93 million in drug money leaving Australia. That figure is believed to have ballooned since then.Lai is the second international pilot from Vietnam's government-owned carrier to be arrested by the commission for allegedly carrying suitcases filled with drug money onto planes bound for Vietnamese airports.The first pilot, Van Dang Tran, was jailed for 4½ years last August for attempting to smuggle $6.5 million out of Australia.Lai, who was arrested yesterday morning after flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney, is accused of collecting the proceeds of drug sales on 17 occasions in 2005 and 2006 from Vietnamese money remitters in Footscray and the Sydney suburb of Cabramatta.Operation Gordian, which includes assistance from the Australian Federal Police, Austrac and state police forces, monitors drug money as it leaves Australia instead of retrospectively tracing proceeds of crime after a drug bust.The operation has uncovered how several sophisticated drug syndicates send their money from drug sales in Australia back to South-East Asia via electronic money transfers and physical couriers. John Broome, former chairman of the Australian Crime Commission's predecessor, the National Crime Authority, said Australia was a highly lucrative market for South-East Asian drug barons. "If we don't stop the laundering of funds out of Australia, we are giving them enough to buy a huge amount of extra heroin to send back here," he said. Recent media reports have revealed that Australian law enforcement agencies are concerned about an increase in the amount of heroin reaching Australia.Mr Broome, who has been a critic of the lack of action taken by some agencies to combat money laundering, said it was too early to tell whether last year's changes to anti-money-laundering legislation were having an effect. He said an obsession with terrorism meant some agencies had "dropped the ball" on organised crime. "If you ask what is more damaging to Australian society, major crimes like drug trafficking and money laundering or terrorism, the answer is clear: it is drug trafficking and money laundering."It is estimated that between $2 billion and $3 billion is laundered in Australia each year.The arrest of a second international airline pilot also puts the focus back on airport security. While recent changes, arising from the 2005 Wheeler report on airport security, would have reduced the alleged ease with which the pilots allegedly smuggled the drug money onto their planes, sources say vulnerabilities remain.

Quoc Viet Lai accused of taking bribes to smuggle almost $4 million in drug money out of the country

The Australian Crime Commission has accused senior Vietnam Airlines pilot Quoc Viet Lai of taking bribes to smuggle almost $4 million in dru...

Nicholas Vacca,Anthony Vacca two counts of possession of a Class B substance, one count of possession of a Class D substance with intent to distribute

Nicholas Vacca, 23, and Anthony Vacca, 25, were to be arraigned this morning in Dedham District Court on two counts of possession of a Class B substance, one count of possession of a Class D substance with intent to distribute and conspiracy to violate the Controlled Substance Act, said Dedham Police Detective Robert Walsh. Anthony Vacca was also charged with possession of a stun gun, found in his bedroom at the 130 Oak St. residence, Walsh said. Walsh also said Nicholas Vacca used to coach Pop Warner football in Dedham, though he said he did not have any other details on the man's association with youth football.The brothers shared the house with their parents, Donna Vacca, 49, and Michael Vacca, 50, who will be summoned to court on charges of drug possession resulting from a small amount of cocaine and marijuana found in their bedroom during the investigation, Walsh said. Donna Vacca was charged with operating an uninsured motor vehicle on the day her sons were arrested.After getting a search warrant, officers with the Norfolk County Police Anti-Crime Task Force entered the house disguised as Department of Public Works employees to avoid being spotted by the suspects, who had set up a surveillance camera on the roof of the house with a monitor in the bedroom to keep a lookout for police, said Walsh. Customers, mostly from Dedham and West Roxbury, were using an aluminum ladder to climb in and out of the bedroom window of one of the brothers, said Walsh. The arrests were made by a law enforcement group comprised of Norfolk County towns whose police chiefs have signed a memorandum of understanding granting task force officers powers of arrest outside their normal jurisdiction. About a dozen Oxycontin pills, half an ounce of marijuana "packaged for distribution," and a few Suboxone pills were seized from the house, said Walsh. Suboxone is a prescription medication that treats addiction to opiates, like Oxycontin.Oxycontin costs about $1 a milligram, said Walsh, so one 80-miligram pill can go for $80. "It's very lucrative. What makes Oxycontin and Oxycodone so dangerous is that the people who use them recreationally get hooked on them, and if they don't get the pills, they get sick," said Walsh. "It makes it an insidious drug." When users can no longer afford Oxycontin, they switch to heroin, said Walsh. "At that point, they're not getting high, they're just holding sickness at bay." A Suboxone pill, which helps to diminish the symptoms of opiate withdrawal, goes for $10-$15 a pill on the street, said Walsh. "Everyone knows heroin is a dangerous drug," said Walsh. "But a lot of kids who abuse prescription drugs don't realize they're flirting with danger."

Nicholas Vacca,Anthony Vacca two counts of possession of a Class B substance, one count of possession of a Class D substance with intent to distribute

Nicholas Vacca, 23, and Anthony Vacca, 25, were to be arraigned this morning in Dedham District Court on two counts of possession of a Class...

Said Othman found dead with 71 bags of cocaine hidden inside his body .

Said Othman, 38, was discovered by workmen clearing a grass verge on the A45 near Stretton-on-Dunsore, Warks.Police fear the married man fro...

Jury took just over four hours to clear Ian Rush.

Ian Rush accused of setting up a company to continue the work of a Lowestoft couple, who supplied high speed boats to international drug smugglers, has been found not guilty.Following a four week trial at Ipswich Crown Court, a jury took just over four hours to clear Ian Rush.The ending of the case has cleared the way for the sentencing of Ellen George, 41, from Colville Road, Lowestoft, who was one of the owners of the business which HM Revenue and Customs alleged Rush had succeeded. George has pleaded guilty to money laundering offences after Customs investigators, working in co-operation with the authorities in Spain, searched her home in Lowestoft and discovered £1.2 million in cash stashed in holdalls, cupboards and under the stairs. During Rush's trial, the prosecution alleged that he had worked with Neil Davison and Ellen George, who ran Crompton Marine and who specialised on manufacturing high speed inflatable boats, HM Revenue and Customs claimed that after Davison and George were arrested in March 2004, Rush set up his own business, Nautexco Marine to continue supplying boats to drug smugglers. Davison, also of Colville Road, is currently on bail in Spain accused of drug smuggling offences. Rush, a father-of-three from Brand End Road, Butterwick, near Boston pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to retain the proceeds of drug smuggling and conspiracy to acquire criminal property.Giving evidence, Rush had earlier told the jury that he had been unaware of the activities of Davison and George, who operated from the Brook Yachts site in Lowestoft, and for who he had delivered boats to Spain.

Jury took just over four hours to clear Ian Rush.

Ian Rush accused of setting up a company to continue the work of a Lowestoft couple, who supplied high speed boats to international drug smu...

David Munoz arrested in El Paso, Texas

The FBI arrested 52-year-old David Munoz on Thursday in El Paso, Texas. The FBI says Munoz had facilitated two deliveries of 50 kilograms of...

Naomi Roberts, pleaded guilty to one charge of supplying 112mg

Naomi Roberts, pleaded guilty to one charge of supplying 112mg of the drug on January 7, when she appeared at Hastings Magistrates Court.Rob...

Lieutenant-general Gheorghe Papuc is suspected of being the head of one of Europe's leading drug running cartels.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHXQ6zOvQlz-w-fnI2tqu1kSjCX7vgh59FCVL_s-thLWSbgBJX6z2ifPbN7bVByWiKHTxnLlVIn4o5zGnLTAPjt8LZh5zpksr1WDrXZseAEFd1nNvKpwTF0HV1G2CETFNC34D4TdP8o8/s1600-h/george.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183823801293801650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHXQ6zOvQlz-w-fnI2tqu1kSjCX7vgh59FCVL_s-thLWSbgBJX6z2ifPbN7bVByWiKHTxnLlVIn4o5zGnLTAPjt8LZh5zpksr1WDrXZseAEFd1nNvKpwTF0HV1G2CETFNC34D4TdP8o8/s400/george.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> Gheorghe Papuc, who is head of the country's law enforcement, is suspected of being the head of one of Europe's leading drug running cartels.Moldova already arrested three high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs on suspicion of involvement in the transportation of the country's largest heroin bust, a 10 million euro load of heroin aimed for the European Union.On Saturday, the arrests were announced by the General Procurator's office of Moldova. The arrested officers are indicted for protecting drug shipments bound for Europe, and they are currently said to be cooperating with investigators. According to sources close to the investigation, they have pointing to their boss, Gheorghe Papuc, as the ring leader of the operation, Vesti reported on Sunday.Lieutenant-general Gheorghe Papuc, 54, has been the minister of the interior of Moldova since 2002. Appointed by Communist strongman Vladimir Voronin just a year he took office, Papuc has been Moldova's highest ranking police officer for six straight years. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova (Ministerul Afacerilor Interne al republicii Moldova) is in charge of the country's police, international collaboration through Interpol, and anti-corruption activities. Moldova is Europe's poorest country and has been identified by international watchdogs as the most corrupt for two years in a row.Last Thursday, traffic police pulled over a minibus for a random routine check and stumbled upon the largest drug haul in the country's history: In the bust, Moldovan police confiscated 200 kg (441 lbs) of heroin with a street value of approximately 10 million euros, Infotag reported.The heroin was en-route from Afghanistan, using Moldova as an entry-point to Europe. Moldova borders the European Union and a visa free regime is currently being re-established with Romania, which Moldova was a part of until 1940.According to news agency Vesti, police detained three people in the operation, including Turkish citizen Murat Kalarar. An investigation aimed at establishing the involvement of others led them to high-ranking officials in the Moldovan government. Investigators uncovered a cartel-like operation where high ranking Moldovan police provided protection to drug smugglers by ensuring the safety of the transportation of narcotics through the country. However, as more details became known, the investigation was halted on orders from police headquarters in Chisinau. The original arresting officers were also removed from their jobs. Due to the involvement of the leadership of Moldova's national police, the investigation had to be carried out by Moldova's secret service, the Information and Security Service (SIB, by its local initials), who quickly closed in on Interior Minister Gheorghe Papuc. The minister himself has currently been placed under house arrest with Secret Service officers standing guard around-the-clock. Moldova, Europe's poorest country, is frequently described as a "black hole" and there is fear it may be turning into a narco-state. This is not the first time the high-ranking law enforcement officer finds himself in trouble with the law. Shortly after he took office, the press revealed that Gheorghe Papuc used fake university certificates to pad his resume, including one which allegedly had him graduate from university with a law decree at age 38. Two Moldovan newspapers, “Kommersant Moldovi” and “Accente”, were closed by the government after publishing details of the fake certificates. According to an independent journalistic investigation by the Pro TV channel they were purchased by Papuc to advance his career. These truthfulness of the published facts have been confirmed by deposed minister of Security, Tudor Botnaru. Papuc was investigated in 1995 for forgery. According to documents made public by Pro TV, Papuc also committed other crimes: “Being in charge of various divisions, he used to take possession of certain goods: construction materials, confiscated armament, accompanied cargo vehicles for a charge etc. Having a number of passports on him, he conducted illegal operations with real-estate goods and automobiles. Moreover, "he owned 4-5 real-estate properties and 3 automobiles at the same time under different names”, according to written information resulting from an investigation by the FSB, Russia's Secret Service. A biography placed on the Moldovan government's official website claimed that Papuc holds three university degrees. This section of the biography of Gheorghe Papuc disappeared from the Moldovan government's website overnight. A former English version of the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs has also been removed. There have been no reported cases of drug smuggling involving the authorities 'de facto' independent republic of Pridnestrovie (also known as Transnistria or Transdniester, in English).

Lieutenant-general Gheorghe Papuc is suspected of being the head of one of Europe's leading drug running cartels.

Gheorghe Papuc, who is head of the country's law enforcement, is suspected of being the head of one of Europe's leading drug running...

Millie Elder,sentenced to 12 months supervision for drugs charges.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65j6h2b3B0DXqlx2QjxAfo9I40CbvGqhwrWaEuAXpa4KSC4LP2-pFuecKR7G2V_ftar_-zsHq1LiEhi8ZfD6ni7cfV1TEe9AOGTytzjGqJzS9yOjV5NBfleD2GAGfOJl-DfDCi56h27w/s1600-h/millie-elder-crying_180.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183821164183881890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65j6h2b3B0DXqlx2QjxAfo9I40CbvGqhwrWaEuAXpa4KSC4LP2-pFuecKR7G2V_ftar_-zsHq1LiEhi8ZfD6ni7cfV1TEe9AOGTytzjGqJzS9yOjV5NBfleD2GAGfOJl-DfDCi56h27w/s400/millie-elder-crying_180.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> Millie Elder,sentenced to 12 months supervision for drugs charges. There was no fine or prison sentence handed down.Elder was in tears as Holmes begged the judge to let her off and go free without conviction."It would be so gratefully received by all of us if the compassion of the court was such that her early admissions of possession of the drug can be taken into account," Holmes said. "If she could now begin the rest of her life without having to take forever these convictions."Elder pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine or P and drug utensils and allowing her Auckland flat to be used for drugs last year. Her lawyer Chris Comesky told the judge a drug conviction would ruin her plans to visit her biological father in Greece and hinder her career."She is also interested in a career in the tour boat industry," Comeskey said. "All of that is based out of the United States and Canada."But the judge said there was no evidence that that was true. "There is no evidence before me of the direct consequences of convictions," said Judge Anne Kiernan. "Such as inability to travel to another country, effect on employment or inability to pursue a chosen career." The judge said Elder's charges were so serious that she must be convicted on all three. She then sentenced the 19-year-old to 12 months supervision, with a condition that she attend any rehabilitation programme recommended by the court.Both Elder and Holmes had nothing to say to media outside the court. Elder will continue giving voluntary talks to teens to discourage them from doing what she did.

Millie Elder,sentenced to 12 months supervision for drugs charges.

Millie Elder,sentenced to 12 months supervision for drugs charges. There was no fine or prison sentence handed down.Elder was in tears as Ho...

Cathy Graham, Michael Anthony Graham Jr, Donquita Lamar Graham

Charged Michael Anthony Graham Jr., 23, of 420 Walnut St. with three counts of trafficking crack and three counts of distribution of crack in proximity to a park, according to sheriff's reports. Anthony Graham's brother, Donquita Lamar Graham, 20, of the same address, faces charges including possession of crack, possession with intent to distribute crack and possession with intent to distribute crack in proximity to a park, the report notes. The men's mother, Cathy Graham, 50, of the same address, also faces charges including possession of crack, according to the report. Around 8 a.m. Friday, authorities searched the Graham house, where they seized $1,598 from Donquita Graham and found him with nearly 7 grams of crack, the report notes. Authorities also found Cathy Graham with less than a gram of crack and seven Tylenol with Codeine pills, according to the report. Bond had not been set Friday night for Zhivago Robinson, Demego Robinson or Laquada Robinson. The trio remained in custody at York County Detention Center.

Cathy Graham, Michael Anthony Graham Jr, Donquita Lamar Graham

Charged Michael Anthony Graham Jr., 23, of 420 Walnut St. with three counts of trafficking crack and three counts of distribution of crack i...

Demego Antwane Robinson,Laquada Keyann Robinson,Zhivago Anwah Robinson arrests came as part of an ongoing drug investigation

charged Demego Antwane Robinson, 32, of 407 Rich St. with multiple offenses, including drug conspiracy, trafficking crack and distribution of crack in proximity to a school, according to the York County Sheriff's Office. Robinson's brother, Zhivago Anwah Robinson, 26, of 1410 Bavand Circle was charged Thursday with possession of crack and marijuana, violation of liquor law, driving with a suspended license, distribution of crack and distribution of crack in proximity to a park, the reports note. Police also charged Laquada Keyann Robinson, 28, of 1025 Glenarden Drive, Apt. D, with offenses that included threatening a public official's immediate family and drug conspiracy, according to reports. The arrests came as part of an ongoing drug investigation that included agents from the York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, the FBI and Rock Hill Police. The investigation led to the arrests of the Robinsons on Thursday after authorities said Demego Robinson bought a 1995 Mercedes with drug money and conspired with his sister to put the car in her name. Police arrested Zhivago Robinson as he parked a 2004 Mitsubishi Gallant at 920 Sylvia Circle, where officials seized two bags of marijuana, the report notes. Police also said Laquada Robinson threatened to hurt an officer's child, according to the report. "We have taped conversations of her threatening to have an officer's 8-year-old assaulted," Brown said. Brown declined to release the officer's name or discuss the circumstances.

Demego Antwane Robinson,Laquada Keyann Robinson,Zhivago Anwah Robinson arrests came as part of an ongoing drug investigation

charged Demego Antwane Robinson, 32, of 407 Rich St. with multiple offenses, including drug conspiracy, trafficking crack and distribution o...

Stanley Krizinofski, Azure L. Catalano charged with drug offenses

Stanley Krizinofski, 41, of Cherry Street, is charged with four counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, one count of...

Drug-addicted prisoners forced to go “cold turkey” received compensation payments totalling £750,000

Drug-addicted prisoners forced to go “cold turkey” received compensation payments totalling £750,000 in the last year, according to official...

Mokbel has managed to stall extradition proceedings by challenging a single signature on his arrest warrant

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDemXpUJ7QYvKoyT23b8FKscsIA1uP5zzFu-cXAwuO6_byQjY7tViOPIjlDrTHB6_TRiNhjApRM-ijvWHSncCEqcdn12YfinwfXTcIvV3AZ5m72MjKGk6mmFdUwCIxuvdocrwUxzPkn6E/s1600-h/tony.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183087944546977762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDemXpUJ7QYvKoyT23b8FKscsIA1uP5zzFu-cXAwuO6_byQjY7tViOPIjlDrTHB6_TRiNhjApRM-ijvWHSncCEqcdn12YfinwfXTcIvV3AZ5m72MjKGk6mmFdUwCIxuvdocrwUxzPkn6E/s400/tony.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> Court workers in Athens yesterday called a snap 24-hour strike as part of industrial action to protest government moves to change their pension plan, further complicating the drawn-out extradition process.The move came as one of the city's top criminal lawyers threatened legal action over claims about her in some Australian media outlets.Channel 7 reporter Norm Beaman sparked the trouble after suggesting Greece's Supreme Court had lax security and a "woman" had been allowed to sit next to Mokbel and could have concealed a gun in her "heavy shawl". That woman is top Athens criminal lawyer Aida Tzavela, assisting Mokbel's legal team, who last night was furious and threatening to take legal action against The Age newspaper which published Beaman's suggestion. "How dare he say that, this is ridiculous thing to suggest - I think he has confused Aida with Al-Qaida," she said.Mokbel has managed to stall extradition proceedings by challenging a single signature on his arrest warrant, declaring Lebanese nationality and a birth right to be tried in Beirut and arguing his life would be in danger from corrupt police and underworld figures if he was made to return to Victoria.But now it may be the courts themselves which spare him a one way ticket home.Garbage collectors have joined court workers on strike, refusing to collect mountains of rubbish accumulating on Athens' streets, as have public transport workers. Mokbel's lawyers met early this morning AEST to discuss the implications of the strike. But if court does go ahead, Mokbel's legal team is also considering introducing new evidence such as the fact his original arrest warrant did not carry any mention of claims he murdered gangster Lewis Moran; part of the basis he is now being extradited on.Mokbel spoke this morning with Yiannis Vlachos about his case expected before the courts, if it does decide to sit, about 10pm (AEST) today.His team of lawyers have also held discussions among themselves this morning (AEST) to discuss the possibility of one last challenge against the warrant. This morning speaking from his cell, Mokbel said "I'm not sure what's going on. We'll see."

Mokbel has managed to stall extradition proceedings by challenging a single signature on his arrest warrant

Court workers in Athens yesterday called a snap 24-hour strike as part of industrial action to protest government moves to change their pens...

Thang Ngoc Dang charged with trafficking in marijuana by possession and by transportation

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents charged Thang Ngoc Dang, 37, of 10330 Crestgate Terrace, Unit 105, with trafficking in marijuana by possession and by transportation, both felonies, court records show.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5wp2iNbP7ogwZUqvF4-gvoV0aO__nW9lilMFp89MUIm3GzWZByys16dCf7h3xDdsxj4TjVyCLVeMinDqbSczvXb4cvhOkp03eBN6SXMAl3azx-a4e74GGBdzeeW-wPPXMc1QUUIs840/s1600-h/dang.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183086037581498322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5wp2iNbP7ogwZUqvF4-gvoV0aO__nW9lilMFp89MUIm3GzWZByys16dCf7h3xDdsxj4TjVyCLVeMinDqbSczvXb4cvhOkp03eBN6SXMAl3azx-a4e74GGBdzeeW-wPPXMc1QUUIs840/s400/dang.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> Dang, described in arrest reports as a nail technician with a manicure salon on Wake Forest Road, was arrested March 19 at his home. Agents seized 89 pounds of high-grade marijuana he had just unloaded from an undercover officer's vehicle, according to a search warrant made public this week. Unknown to Dang, the marijuana he is accused of buying from drug dealers in Canada was under the eye of both Canadian and U.S. authorities."Our undercover agent acted as the facilitator of the transaction," Marc LaPorte, a spokesman with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, said Friday. "It would have happened anyway. We just stepped in and did the movement for them."Dang was arrested the same day Canadian authorities arrested four people in Toronto on drug-trafficking and drug-exporting charges. Canadian police also used 12 search warrants to seize 60 pounds of marijuana, three vehicles, 130 cartons of cigarettes, $180,000 in cash and $100,000 in money orders.The arrests were part of an international undercover drug operation Canadian police dubbed "Project OCUJO," LaPorte said. He said an undercover agent who infiltrated the drug ring learned about the American side of the operation. Canadian police declined to comment when asked whether the drug ring had sent previous shipments of marijuana to Raleigh."Some of those details are still under investigation," said Detective-Inspector Rick Penney with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. "I can tell you it wasn't a first-time occurrence."The Toronto drug ring shipped the marijuana to Raleigh after receiving a $300,000 payment, said Donny Hanson, resident agent-in-charge of the DEA's Raleigh office. Canadian police identified Dang for Raleigh DEA agents.According to a search warrant filed this week at the Wake County Clerk of Court's Office, a surveillance team watched as Dang met a DEA undercover agent at O'Charley's restaurant March 19. While the two were in the restaurant, officers put a GPS tracker on Dang's BMW.Raleigh police and federal officers continued to watch as Dang and the agent left the restaurant and as Dang moved the marijuana from the agent's vehicle to the BMW, according to the search warrant. The officers then followed Dang home and surrounded his residence at Bexley at Brier Creek Luxury Apartment Homes.

Thang Ngoc Dang charged with trafficking in marijuana by possession and by transportation

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents charged Thang Ngoc Dang, 37, of 10330 Crestgate Terrace, Unit 105, with trafficking in marijuana...

Leonard Garcia is looking at anywhere from a 40-year to life sentence.

Rising featherweight star Leonard Garcia was arrested yesterday along with 12 other people in connection with a drug smuggling ring in Texas.KCBD News in Lubbock, Texas, first reported the story. According to the report the arrests were made after a four-year investigation into a cocaine trafficking ring that ran from El Paso to Lubbock. The Federal indictment states that all who were arrested conspired to sell cocaine dating all the way back to 2001.According to The Fight Networks report: The United States District Attorney’s Office said about two kilograms of cocaine were seized during the operation, along with drug trafficking paraphernalia, firearms and money, the report said. According to the report, three of those arrested could face up to 40 years in prison and up to a $2 million fine; the others could face a life sentence and up to a $4 million fine. So the outlook definitely is no longer bright for Garcia as he is looking at anywhere from a 40-year to life sentence. Garcia burst onto the scene in the US with an excellent fight against Roger Huerta at UFC 68. After losing two of three fights in the UFC, Garcia made the move to the WEC’s featherweight division and was expected to fight on the upcoming WEC 34 card this June. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep3O6NDmOPJTf1kGInQ8bIce7dk7M9vULLfqQb0H8N_clr6Fr1m14aSpvCR30RBlPlF5QBpHF1fBeXf1-5eNh8tUuAYXUqD9FRD6e8AccIqqofhzSk9U98QV8a0zqPvrU4iY8ZGDVVPE/s1600-h/leonard-garcia.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182787000483514178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep3O6NDmOPJTf1kGInQ8bIce7dk7M9vULLfqQb0H8N_clr6Fr1m14aSpvCR30RBlPlF5QBpHF1fBeXf1-5eNh8tUuAYXUqD9FRD6e8AccIqqofhzSk9U98QV8a0zqPvrU4iY8ZGDVVPE/s400/leonard-garcia.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> Thirteen members of an alleged drug trafficking organization are off Lubbock streets after a four-year investigation. Authorities say the cocaine ring spans from El Paso to the Hub City. Ten people arrested during those raids Thursday and we're told they will all end up at the Lubbock County Jail. The roundup started early Thursday morning with a bust in the 1500 block of 23rd Street. The Drug Enforcement Administration led the operation. Lubbock Police, Lubbock Sheriff's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety assisted along with several other area agencies. Federal indictments allege that all who were arrested have conspired to sell cocaine going back to as early as 2001. Authorities also executed seven search warrants in both Lubbock and Lynn Counties on Thursday. Our cameras also caught a bust at an apartment in the 7200 block of 73 Street. It's allegedly linked to the cocaine ring as well. The U.S. District Attorney's Office says that operation seized about two kilograms of cocaine along with drug trafficking paraphernalia, firearms and money. Three other suspects were taken into custody prior to Thursday morning. El Paso authorities tell us John Patrick Morales II was arrested Wednesday night.NewsChannel 11 has learned one of those arrested is mixed martial arts fighter Leonard Garcia. He was arrested Tuesday in allege connection with the cocaine ring. Garica is currently ranked sixth in the featherweight class in MMA. He has fought in UFC and Ultimate Fighting championships. One other suspect is already in custody in the Lamb County. If convicted, three of those arrested could face up to 40 years in prison and up to a $2 million fine. The others could face up to life in prison and up to a $ 4 million fine.Those accused were named in five federal indictments that were unsealed Thursday morning. All but one of those named in the indictments has been arrested.

Leonard Garcia is looking at anywhere from a 40-year to life sentence.

Rising featherweight star Leonard Garcia was arrested yesterday along with 12 other people in connection with a drug smuggling ring in Texas...

Christopher Bywaters had built up a significant client base after initially buying half an ounce of cocaine from a supplier for £400 and selling it on

Christopher Bywaters after starting to smoke cannabis his attitude on life began to change.At Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday Bywaters, from Peacehaven, was jailed for two and half years.Police discovered cocaine under the gearstick cover and sun visor of his car in September last year The court was told how he had built up a significant client base after initially buying half an ounce of cocaine from a supplier for £400 and selling it on for £750.Mrs Bywaters revealed yesterday how Bywaters had become mixed up in a cycle of debt and drug use. Before the drug dealing offence the 20-year-old had no previous convictions and was described by friends and family as a "lovely, shy, polite boy,"Mrs Bywaters said he was a "quiet boy" and sought to improve his confidence in drama classes.Following GCSE success at Tideway School in Newhaven, Bywaters began a carpentry course in Brighton when he was 17. He worked part-time for his uncle's landscape gardening business and formed ambitions to start his own business.Bywaters' attitude started to change at around this time. His mother said: "He had started smoking the year before, and after that he started smoking pot. He had mood swings, but that's just their hormones at that age, isn't it?"Mrs Bywaters thinks her son got in with the wrong crowd at college."He was homely and had never been drinking. He used to think it was stupid. Moody "Christopher was easily influenced, and became popular for the wrong reasons." In September 2006 Bywaters' uncle stopped employing him.Mrs Bywaters said: "He had become unreliable and moody."I don't blame my brother for sacking him. It's hard enough trying to make a living when you're running your own business, let alone when you have to drag a reluctant teenager around with you." Bywaters was living at home at this time when his mother became concerned his involvement with drugs was deepening. "He was going out at all times of the night. I didn't know where he was. "I didn't have a clue he was taking drugs". By February 2007 Bywaters had rekindled his ambition to start a landscape gardening business and was studying horticulture. But the cost of studying and running a car with no income landed him in financial difficulty. It was at this point recreational use turned to dealing.

Christopher Bywaters had built up a significant client base after initially buying half an ounce of cocaine from a supplier for £400 and selling it on

Christopher Bywaters after starting to smoke cannabis his attitude on life began to change.At Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday Bywaters, from ...

Ayou Xie,Golden City takeaway Qi Wu,converting the property into a cannabis farm with hydroponic lights, water sprays and thermometers.

Qi Wu, 40, was recommended for deportation in 2006 after fraud convictions, Teesside Crown Court heard yesterday.But Wu was allowed to continue living in the UK, and last October rented a six-bedroom house on Marton Road, Middlesbrough. Just 18 days later, police found he was converting the property into a cannabis farm with hydroponic lights, water sprays and thermometers. In a second separate case, an even larger cannabis farm was uncovered in a flat above the Golden City takeaway on Norton Road, Stockton on November 14 last year. Chef Ayou Xie, 26, lived there and minded 264 healthy ‘skunk’ cannabis plants in three rooms. A fridge also revealed 361 cannabis cuttings. Xie and two unidentified men bought equipment. Only Xie, who had no previous convictions and was refused asylum in 2000, was arrested.Recorder Toby Hedworth QC said Xie helped cultivation in an operation which could have generated huge profit, jailing him for two years for his limited role. Both Xie and Wu admitted producing the Class C drug. Judge George Moorhouse jailed Wu for 15 months, accepting he was under others’ control and showed remorse.

Ayou Xie,Golden City takeaway Qi Wu,converting the property into a cannabis farm with hydroponic lights, water sprays and thermometers.

Qi Wu, 40, was recommended for deportation in 2006 after fraud convictions, Teesside Crown Court heard yesterday.But Wu was allowed to conti...

Schapell Corby now has only one option a plea for clemency to Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, which requires an admission of guilt.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B6yaOK47FGhZFZ22PACMaKFEvl-sMthCVYxbjgTJX8zQ9INMvC2-CBYsIxt44ing3XSoH4PCR8u5r1eZK7lyN9rluPQnup10H9ErbjroSVJhIocdF5xnomZiuhMACvoEsWV7NdFimS0/s1600-h/corby_1_small.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182782121400665890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B6yaOK47FGhZFZ22PACMaKFEvl-sMthCVYxbjgTJX8zQ9INMvC2-CBYsIxt44ing3XSoH4PCR8u5r1eZK7lyN9rluPQnup10H9ErbjroSVJhIocdF5xnomZiuhMACvoEsWV7NdFimS0/s320/corby_1_small.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a>Indonesia's Supreme Court has formally rejected a final appeal filed by Australian Schapelle Corby against her 20-year sentence for drug trafficking, an official said Friday. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM23DgNnXZMNsj-FLXVQk9xEi7AK_UjwOSK109Q63NLyM9Y7V1byB9ArFnLMRwfny7RSTd5WFHB6VPCqZZ_fuqXGXnI79wqWjQC8Pl2ytG9WnjGlNPPbTNldB0l_Wi3fFIFydKYxqx9dc/s1600-h/corby_3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182782125695633202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM23DgNnXZMNsj-FLXVQk9xEi7AK_UjwOSK109Q63NLyM9Y7V1byB9ArFnLMRwfny7RSTd5WFHB6VPCqZZ_fuqXGXnI79wqWjQC8Pl2ytG9WnjGlNPPbTNldB0l_Wi3fFIFydKYxqx9dc/s320/corby_3.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a>'The Supreme Court turned down the final appeal filed by the convict (Corby),' said Nurhadi, spokesman for the Supreme Court, who like many Indonesians goes by only one name. The state-run Antara news agency quoted Nurhadi as saying that a team of three judges unanimously made the decision to turn down the appeal. He added that the judges may have wanted to send a strong message to other drug offenders in Indonesia. 'One of (the reasons) could be to create a deterrence effect for other perpetrators,' he said. Corby, a former Gold Coast beauty student, lodged the appeal in August 2006. Corby, a single, attractive 30-year-old, was sentenced by Bali's Denpasar District Court to 20 years and is now serving her jail sentence in Bali's Kerobokan prison. She was caught at Bali's airport in October 2004 with 4.1 kilograms of marijuana in her boogie board bag. The arrest sparked a media frenzy that strained relations between Indonesia and Australia. Corby now has only one option - a plea for clemency to Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, which requires an admission of guilt. Yudhoyono has previously said he is opposed to granting pardons for drugs crimes

Schapell Corby now has only one option a plea for clemency to Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, which requires an admission of guilt.

Indonesia's Supreme Court has formally rejected a final appeal filed by Australian Schapelle Corby against her 20-year sentence for drug...

Pedro Hernandez could have faced up to 15 years in prison for each of the sales

Pedro Hernandez, 21, will be eligible for parole in as little as six months if he successfully completes the prison impact-incarceration program.Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Fred Day said Hernandez, of 299 W. Arden Lane, sold small amounts of heroin to an undercover officer of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group. All three sales took place in a commercial parking lot on Route 120 in Grayslake, Day said.On Oct. 3, Hernandez gave the officer 3.5 grams of heroin in exchange for $140.On Oct. 9, another 2.5 grams was sold for $135, and on Oct. 12, Hernandez sold 4.2 grams for $150.Hernandez was arrested as the final sale was completed, Day said. Circuit Judge James Booras agreed to recommend Hernandez for the military-style boot camp program, which could significantly reduce his time behind bars. However, Booras told Hernandez that if he is not accepted into or fails to complete the impact-incarceration program, he will have to serve at least three years of the six-year term.If convicted after a trial, Hernandez could have faced up to 15 years in prison for each of the sales, Day said.

Pedro Hernandez could have faced up to 15 years in prison for each of the sales

Pedro Hernandez, 21, will be eligible for parole in as little as six months if he successfully completes the prison impact-incarceration pro...

Gareth Angus Laurenson had concerns about his safety from the people he had been dealing with.

Gareth Angus Laurenson, at Craigpark Road, Scalloway, on 14 September last year where they found almost 50 grammes of the Class A drug, valued at £6,930, along with £6,260 in cash.When Laurenson and his girlfriend returned home the police found another £470 on his person. Interviewed at Lerwick police station the 29 year old, who now lives at Meadowfield Road, Scalloway, said he was paid drugs and money to hold heroin for other people.Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said he admitted “carrying out this holding role for a similar quantity of drugs on a fortnightly basis” since 1 February last year.Mr Mackenzie said Laurenson had a history of heroin abuse, and his addiction had got worse before his arrest. “Payment was sometimes in money and sometimes in kind to feed his addiction and there was a sense of relief that the police had brought this to an end,” the fiscal said, adding that Laurenson had concerns about his safety from the people he had been dealing with. Sheriff Graeme Napier deferred sentence for reports, warning that it was likely he would be going to prison for a significant period of time.

Gareth Angus Laurenson had concerns about his safety from the people he had been dealing with.

Gareth Angus Laurenson, at Craigpark Road, Scalloway, on 14 September last year where they found almost 50 grammes of the Class A drug, valu...

David Kevin Wilson extradited to New South Wales

David Kevin Wilson, 43, was instrumental in the operation in which 70 bags of heroin were allegedly shipped into Australia in three wooden c...

James Spencer is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking

James Spencer of Cornwall, and a 16-year-old girl, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, are facing charges. Spe...

Marlyn Gonzalez remains silent

Marlyn Gonzalez, of 221 Bruce St., was arrested Monday night at Union and Common streets after her release from Lawrence General Hospital, w...

Jury retires,Ian Rush, 43, is alleged to have set up his own business, Nautexco Marine, to continue supplying boats to drug smugglers

The jury in the trial of a man accused of continuing the trade of a Lowestoft company, after its owners were arrested for involvement in sup...

Andrew Monarch extradited from Spain

Andrew Monarch left the United Kingdom and lived on a false passport after Mark Sayer was shot dead on the doorstep of his home near Redcar, east Cleveland, in 1996.He was extradited from Spain last year after being arrested in October 2005 by Spanish authorities on suspicion of conspiracy to murder Mr Sayer, a court heard. Four other men were convicted and jailed for their parts in the death of the 22-year-old including the gunman Karl Henderson and getaway driver Edward Winter. The killing was organised by Middlesbrough drug dealer Zarin Sherrif after his supplies of cannabis were stolen, Franz Muller, QC, told Teesside Crown Court today.A fourth man, Joeseph Marshall, was convicted of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent, but cleared of conspiracy to murder.Sherrif, then aged 33, and of Ayresome Park Road, was convicted of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent.Winter and recently-freed convict Henderson - recruited by Marshall in July 1996 after a meeting in Blyth, Northumberland - were convicted of murder.Marshall, from Amble, Northumberland, originally asked Henderson and another pal to meet some friends in Middlesbrough to discuss "business", the court heard.But when Marshall later took them to a beach and dug up a thick black bin bag containing a gun and cartridges, the other man pulled out and Winter was recruited to drive.The jury was told that Mr Sayer was assasinated after answering the door at his rented home in Staithes Road, Dormanstown, on the evening of September 1.Mr Muller said the killer and the driver dumped the weapon - a Winchester pump-action shotgun - near the A66 as they fled north, and abandoned their car in Stockton.Mr Monarch, who lived in Whorlton Grove, Redcar, at the time and was a friend of Sherrif's, is suspected of picking the pair up and taking them to a Middlesbrough hotel for the night.Mr Muller told the jury that phone and pager records showed there was contact between Mr Monarch and Sherrif immediately after the murder as well as Sherrif and public call boxes in Stockton.It was also claimed Mr Monarch received several pager messages from Henderson and Winter's hotel room the following morning - one expressing "a certain amount of pleasure at what had been achieved".Mr Muller told the jury that Winter was arrested the following day, Henderson was found in Berkshire five days after that, and Sherrif a further three days later.Mr Monarch's solicitor arranged a meeting with the police the following day, but he failed to show up and was not traced despite "considerable efforts" by detectives.After finally being found in Spain and arrested by officers from Cleveland Police last July, Mr Monarch told them: "I've had nothing whatever to do with any murder at any time in my life." Mr Monarch denies conspiracy to murder and the trial - scheduled to last more than two weeks - will continue tomorrow.

Andrew Monarch extradited from Spain

Andrew Monarch left the United Kingdom and lived on a false passport after Mark Sayer was shot dead on the doorstep of his home near Redcar,...

Marlyn Gonzalez, 26, was charged with trafficking more than 28 grams of heroin,

Marlyn Gonzalez, 26, was charged with trafficking more than 28 grams of heroin, police said.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMP7VpWiHtp430VYVVhmOPMshXGYPWWZaRIoPVs0UhrgRCRZiBlPQ-GBq88njzqhGVkcJdiy4Nr4ZArWH8FDXA2fF40vPYj40SGFFI028aorHMQeCwv7sumFsxNqMJtZXXT65QTfRmGA/s1600-h/med.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182049309785654882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMP7VpWiHtp430VYVVhmOPMshXGYPWWZaRIoPVs0UhrgRCRZiBlPQ-GBq88njzqhGVkcJdiy4Nr4ZArWH8FDXA2fF40vPYj40SGFFI028aorHMQeCwv7sumFsxNqMJtZXXT65QTfRmGA/s400/med.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a>Police said Gonzales flew to her native Dominican Republic earlier this month and returned home to Lawrence, a heavily Latino immigrant city, after swallowing nearly four dozen baby carrot-sized bags of heroin. They said she took a pill to prevent her from going to the bathroom on the plane ride.As detectives arrested her at 5 p.m. at Union and Common streets, Gonzalez said, "My lawyer told me not to talk to police."Gonzalez was held overnight on $5,000 bail and is expected to be arraigned this morning in Lawrence District Court on the narcotics charge and an outstanding warrant, police said. Police said the woman flew to the Dominican Republic earlier this month and returned home to Lawrence after swallowing nearly four dozen baby carrot-sized bags of heroin. She also took a pill to prevent her from going to the bathroom on the plane ride home.Last Thursday morning, Gonzalez, of 221 Bruce St., #2, became ill and her boyfriend took her to the hospital. She admitted to swallowing the heroin and doctors said she was suffering an opiate overdose caused by some of the heroin bags breaking open.She was given Narcan, a drug which reverses the effect of a heroin overdose, and she was admitted to the hospital, staying in the intensive care unit during part of her stay. Detectives closely monitored her condition over the weekend.The heroin Gonzalez was carrying had a street value of approximately $50,000. Gonzalez was paid $4,000 for smuggling the illegal drugs into the United States. She planned to use the money to pay off court fines on a shoplifting charge in New Hampshire, police said.The investigation remains open and further charges could be pending."It's a lot of drugs and we'd like to find out where it was going," police Chief John Romero said last night.Detectives are now looking into all of Gonzalez's visits outside the United States, including a trip to South Korea in the past year, Romero said.Born in the Dominican Republic, Gonzalez is unemployed, according to a booking slip.Commonly known as drug mules, visitors to foreign countries occasionally return to the United States after ingesting narcotics. The drugs are sometimes packaged in condoms or small balloons and then ingested.Hospital staff are required to notify police when they come across such cases.

Marlyn Gonzalez, 26, was charged with trafficking more than 28 grams of heroin,

Marlyn Gonzalez, 26, was charged with trafficking more than 28 grams of heroin, police said. Police said Gonzales flew to her native Dominic...

James Stephen Rolen corrections officer charges related to receiving a bribe to smuggle heroin, marijuana and drug paraphernalia to inmates.

James Stephen Rolen, 31, a former corrections officer who had worked at Sheridan federal prison since 2003, received the sentence Monday by U.S. District Judge Garr M. King, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Horsley. Rolen pleaded guilty in November after an indictment on charges related to receiving a bribe to smuggle heroin, marijuana and drug paraphernalia to inmates. Last February, FBI agents and prison authorities investigating the smuggling of contraband into the prison obtained a wiretap of Rolen's cell phone, Horsley said. FBI agents listened to phone calls between Rolen and inmate Alfredo Carranza Jr., who asked Rolen to smuggle heroin and marijuana, promising to pay about $2,000. Carranza's juvenile sister gave Rolen part of that money. Carranza also asked Rolen to smuggle in a digital scale, water balloons and plastic wrap to conceal the drugs within the prison, Horsley said.On Feb. 23, 2007, Rolen met with Eliverio Martinez-Franco in a rural area near a Salem dairy farm to pick up black tar heroin and marijuana, Horsley said. Rolen was arrested two days later when he tried to enter the prison carrying a backpack filled with the drugs and paraphernalia.Carranza was sentenced in November to 30 months in prison on convictions of bribery and conspiracy to distribute heroin and marijuana, Horsley said. Carranza's sentence will start after he finishes the 97-month sentence he already was serving for a federal methamphetamine conviction from Sacramento, Calif., Horsley said.Martinez-Franco pleaded guilty to federal heroin charges and faces sentencing April 7.

James Stephen Rolen corrections officer charges related to receiving a bribe to smuggle heroin, marijuana and drug paraphernalia to inmates.

James Stephen Rolen, 31, a former corrections officer who had worked at Sheridan federal prison since 2003, received the sentence Monday by ...