Crime Correspondent

Christopher J. Benbow was snared in a 2004 sting by the Drug Enforcement Administration

Christopher J. Benbow was snared in a 2004 sting by the Drug Enforcement Administration in which authorities said he tried to arrange a deal for 1,000 kilograms of cocaine. Court documents say his purpose was to raise more than $200 million in cash for the black-market purchase of 9 kilograms of strontium 90. An 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel agreed Monday with Benbow's contention that the federal jury in Tampa, Fla., that convicted him in October 2006 should have been told the cocaine was to be distributed outside the United States. But the three-judge panel also noted that there is a good chance Benbow might be convicted again because of evidence that he "was part of a conspiracy to buy cocaine in the United States and to have it transported outside this country." According to court documents:Benbow, in his mid-60s, was living in Estonia in the fall of 2003 when he learned that Russian former KGB agents were trying to sell three containers of strontium, which could be used by terrorists to make a dirty bomb.As he tried to find a buyer and earn a commission, a friend steered him to David Siegel, who claimed to have connections to the Israeli military but actually was a DEA informant.Siegel suggested that the Russians trade the strontium for cocaine, but they would accept only cash. Benbow then found some potential buyers for the cocaine in the United Kingdom. A plan evolved to transfer the cocaine to Europe and sell it for cash that the undercover informant's group would use to buy the strontium.U.S. authorities never established whether the strontium sale would occur. Benbow and four other men were arrested in the drug conspiracy.

Christopher J. Benbow was snared in a 2004 sting by the Drug Enforcement Administration

Christopher J. Benbow was snared in a 2004 sting by the Drug Enforcement Administration in which authorities said he tried to arrange a deal...

Three-month jail reduction was granted in the 20-year sentence imposed on Australian drug trafficker Schapelle Corby

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxIZCl1CDH4BqVTQw3rQeZ2dAnbnW2BFj51AgF9ZRowsuH3RidLe8mLQlxUzdvjuSgY6NVvCczTZFypIzOVNlkLICuCvXJcVPlcmw1FmjmbYkdGqQrY2_CER4hi2Mqp-TeWfkn2SeZEI/s1600-h/corby_3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235808511443584130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxIZCl1CDH4BqVTQw3rQeZ2dAnbnW2BFj51AgF9ZRowsuH3RidLe8mLQlxUzdvjuSgY6NVvCczTZFypIzOVNlkLICuCvXJcVPlcmw1FmjmbYkdGqQrY2_CER4hi2Mqp-TeWfkn2SeZEI/s400/corby_3.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> three-month jail reduction was granted in the 20-year sentence imposed on Australian drug trafficker Schapelle Corby, the second time authorities had cut the 31-year-old’s sentence after it was reduced by three months in 2006. Corby is now expected to be freed by April 12, 2024, said Yon Suharyono, the head of the Kerobokan penitentiary on Bali Island, where Corby is being held. Renae Lawrence, the only female member of the so-called “Bali Nine” ring of Australian heroin traffickers, also received a four-month cut from her 20-year sentence, Suharyono said.But for the first time this year, those convicted of terrorism, illegal logging and corruption will not get sentence reductions. In his annual state of the union Friday, President Yudhoyono said that his government was strongly committed to fighting corruption, terrorism and drugs. He also warned that terrorism remained a threat to the country despite various achievements in combating such attacks.“The security apparatus has managed to arrest, prosecute and sentence the perpetrators but we must continue to heighten our vigilance,” Yudhoyono said.Indonesia achieved independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945.The day’s celebrations included the popular “Panjat Pinang”, where competitors struggle to climb to the top of a greased betel nut palm trunk. The prizes ranged from plastic buckets to a new motorcycle.

Three-month jail reduction was granted in the 20-year sentence imposed on Australian drug trafficker Schapelle Corby

three-month jail reduction was granted in the 20-year sentence imposed on Australian drug trafficker Schapelle Corby, the second time author...

Brenda Joyce was handed a one year sentence at Cambridge Crown Court and it will run consecutively with a 21- month sentence she is currently serving

Brenda Joyce was handed a one year sentence at Cambridge Crown Court and it will run consecutively with a 21- month sentence she is currently serving for possessing heroin with intent to supply.That sentence was due to be completed next month but this latest conviction will mean the 65-year-old, of Cockerell Road, Cambridge, will now be behind bars until 2009.Police raided her property in September last year after they had previously followed a man, who they believed to have been involved in a drug deal, to the house.On entering the property they found 2.14 grams of crack cocaine, various quantities of diamorphine, several wraps, plastic packaging and £729 in cash.Joyce, who was at the time on bail and awaiting court for the previous drug charge, was in the property when the police raided it.She later pleaded guilty to the charge but claimed she was forced into allowing her home to be used as a location for drug deals.Tim Brown, prosecuting, said: "She said people had put pressure on her to use the property for the supply of drugs. She said that she had in fact left the premises and had only returned to collect some personal items. But when police called at the premises she was in the bath so detectives believed she had more of a connection to the house than she was letting on." Mr Brown listed 10 previous convictions Joyce has for 22 separate offences. These began with a prosecution for shoplifting in 1994.He said: "She then went on and moved from cannabis to heroin and she was on bail for the previous heroin offence when caught. She was clearly somebody who moved in those circles."Mark Shelley, mitigating, said: "She says the time she has spent in prison already has been useful. She is 65 and she is now clean of drugs and has the offer of a property in Peterborough when she leaves jail. This is close enough for her to see her grandchildren and she hopes to make a fresh start."Judge Anthony Bates, sentencing her to 12 months in prison, said: "You have been shown over the years to have a significant involvement in the drug scene. Your behaviour in prison has done you credit and you have the offer of an address in Peterborough and I hope that will take you away from the drug scene. However, I have reached the conclusion that imprisonment is inevitable."

Brenda Joyce was handed a one year sentence at Cambridge Crown Court and it will run consecutively with a 21- month sentence she is currently serving

Brenda Joyce was handed a one year sentence at Cambridge Crown Court and it will run consecutively with a 21- month sentence she is currentl...

Giovanni Polimeni, 35, today faced Melbourne Magistrates Court charged with aiding and abetting the importation of cocaine.

Giovanni Polimeni, 35, today faced Melbourne Magistrates Court charged with aiding and abetting the importation of cocaine.He was charged af...

Shane Moloney, Brian Fitzpatrick ,Andrew Anderson are charged with possession of drugs with intent to sell or supply.

Shane Moloney (27), of Drimnagh Road, Drimnagh, Dublin, Brian Fitzpatrick (21), of Orchard Lawns, Ballyfermot, Dublin, and Andrew Anderson (23) , of Kylemore Drive, Ballyfermot, are charged with possession of drugs with intent to sell or supply. They are also charged with possession.They were arrested on Wednesday evening following a heroin seizure which was part of a planned garda operation on Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown in west Dublin.Both Mr Fitzpatrick and Mr Anderson were remanded in custody with consent to bail while Mr Moloney made no application for bail. Det Garda Diarmuid Maguire from the Organised Crime Unit told Dublin district court that Mr Moloney had made no reply when charged.Judge John Lindsay remanded him in custody to appear before Cloverhill district court on August 21. When charged, Mr Anderson replied: "I hadn't got it in my possession", Det Garda Sean Dundon said. He objected to bail due to the seriousness of the charge. Mr Anderson was remanded with consent to bail.Mr Fitzpatrick made no reply when charged by Gda Stephen Bolger, who also objected to bail. Judge Lindsay remanded him with consent to bail.Both men are also due to appear before Cloverhill court on August 21. The arrests took place during the latest in a series of operations in which substantial quantities of heroin have been seized.

Shane Moloney, Brian Fitzpatrick ,Andrew Anderson are charged with possession of drugs with intent to sell or supply.

Shane Moloney (27), of Drimnagh Road, Drimnagh, Dublin, Brian Fitzpatrick (21), of Orchard Lawns, Ballyfermot, Dublin, and Andrew Anderson (...

Roshan Fernando was shot dead on Friday by two unidentified gunmen.

Roshan Fernando (35) of Magazine Road, Borella was shot dead on Friday by two unidentified gunmen. Fernando sustained fatal injuries followi...

Jason Musillo, 27, of Woodstock Road, was arrested Thursday after a car chase with police ended in a crash.

Jason Musillo, 27, of Woodstock Road, was arrested Thursday after a car chase with police ended in a crash.Members of the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team had attempted to take Musillo into custody in the area of Linderman Avenue and Burgevin Street, where he allegedly was going to conduct a heroin transaction. When confronted, Musillo allegedly fled in a green Volkswagen Golf at high speed. Police said he drove through several lawns causing damage and endangering residents. The car became airborne after it traveled over an embankment in the area of Pearl Street and Ringtop Road and struck several trees, coming to a stop, police said. Musillo was arrested, after allegedly resisting, and being found in possession of heroin.He was taken to Benedictine Hospital for treatment and then taken to Kingston Police Headquarters and charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, a felony. Musillo was then taken to Town of Ulster Police Headquarters and charged with tampering with physical evidence, a felony, and resisting arrest, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, misdemeanors. He was also charged with other vehicle and traffic law violations.Musillo was arraigned in Kingston City Court. He was sent to Ulster County Jail on $10,000 bail or $20,000 bond for the Kingston charges and $10,000 bail and $20,000 bond on the Town of Ulster charges. Police said Musillo was arrested by the team in March and was out on $25,000 bail when he was rearrested.

Jason Musillo, 27, of Woodstock Road, was arrested Thursday after a car chase with police ended in a crash.

Jason Musillo, 27, of Woodstock Road, was arrested Thursday after a car chase with police ended in a crash.Members of the Ulster Regional Ga...

Julian Patrick Garcia, 36, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana,

Former jail guard Julian Patrick Garcia, 36, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, bringing contraband into a jail, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, attempt to commit a felony by furnishing drugs to a prisoner and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Garcia went down as a result of an internal investigation at the jail after officials heard allegations an inmate was arranging for drugs to be smuggled in. At last word, Garcia was trying to make a $56,000 bond. In Lincoln, Nebraska, a state prison guard was arrested August 8 for allegedly smuggling drugs and tobacco into the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Andrew Myers, 23, faces a charge of providing contraband to an inmate. Myers had been under suspicion for two months. Prison officials said they believed he had taped the contraband to his body and delivered it to an inmate in return for $100.In McAlester, Oklahoma, a former lieutenant at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary was sentenced August 8 to a series of suspended sentences after pleading guilty to felony drug charges. Marion Bess, 44, had faced up to life in prison. He had pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; conspiracy to deliver/manufacture/possess a controlled dangerous substance -- which carries a sentence of from seven years to life -- and unlawful use of a communication facility, meaning a telephone. He also pleaded guilty to one more count of meth possession. He has to do five years on probation and go to drug treatment.

Julian Patrick Garcia, 36, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana,

Former jail guard Julian Patrick Garcia, 36, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distrib...

Charlie Aguirre Jr. was arrested Thursday and charged with bringing contraband into the jail

Charlie Aguirre Jr. was arrested Thursday and charged with bringing contraband into the jail, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances...

Vera Momcilovic is facing a maximum 15-year jail sentence after being convicted in July of trafficking methamphetamine.

Vera Momcilovic was a successful lawyer with a $600,000 city apartment and reputation as a church-goer when love led her to the dark side of the law. The 41-year-old patent lawyer, described as a quiet and caring woman, is facing a maximum 15-year jail sentence after being convicted in July of trafficking methamphetamine.Her barrister Robert Richter, QC, today told the County Court falling in love with her drug-dealing boyfriend had been like entering a "black hole" for Momcilovic."There is a phenomenon of intelligent, bright, intellectual women who, for whatever reason, fall in love with the wrong person," he said. "There are a number of cases that come to my mind of very upright respectable women who fall in love with people who may well be called Robin Hoods." Momcilovic was found guilty by a jury after police found $169,500 cash in a shoe box and nearly 400 grams of ice, worth an estimated street value of up to $300,000, at her Exhibition Street apartment.The drugs and money belonged to her partner Velimir Markovski, 57, who is serving at least four years' jail, but the jury rejected Momcilovic's testimony that she hadn't known about the stash of drugs. The court heard that Momcilovic's conviction would mean she would lose her livelihood and home.Momcilovic sat forward and cried into tissues as her family and friends told a pre-sentence hearing, of their shock at learning that the woman they knew as a dedicated daughter, who attended Serbian church regularly and did volunteer work, was involved in drugs.Her cousin Melissa Mustica said finding out about Momcilovic's conviction through a media report had been like "bad dream" while her uncle Michael Vekovic said the experience was like "watching a movie". Ms Mustica said she had met Markovski and "would have wanted something better" for her cousin whose academic achievements, including a masters in law, had been the pride of their working-class families in St Albans.Retired police sergeant and family friend Dennis John Hughes was on the verge of tears as he told the court he and his wife had been "devastated" by Momcilovic's crime but had not hesitated to pay for her legal fees from their superannuation."The involvement in the activity she was charged with, it's going to devastate her career and future prospects. It's totally out of the blue," Mr Hughes said. Mr Richter said Momcilovic was the victim of a violent crime in 1992 in the presence of Markovski which had tightened the bond between them. "There was love there," he said. Mr Richter said Momcilovic had played no part in dealing the drugs.He said Momcilovic had served 23 days behind bars and should be released from jail and given a suspended prison sentence of between two and three years.Crown prosecutor Gavin Silbert, SC, said an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate but agreed Momcilovic's offending was at the lower end of the scale.Judge Damien Murphy denied Momcilovic bail and said he would sentence her next week.

Vera Momcilovic is facing a maximum 15-year jail sentence after being convicted in July of trafficking methamphetamine.

Vera Momcilovic was a successful lawyer with a $600,000 city apartment and reputation as a church-goer when love led her to the dark side of...

Brendan James Brophy, 28, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Thursday to a string of drug-related charges

Brendan James Brophy, 28, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Thursday to a string of drug-related charges, including seven counts of importing tier one goods and trafficking in dangerous drugs.The court was told Brophy started his illegal business in July 2006, importing drugs from China, Dubai and the United Kingdom and selling them through a website he had created.He used a number of aliases to receive payments from customers, and to obtain the shipments of illegal drugs.When police raided his apartment at Ashmore on the Gold Coast in September 2006 they found 6.5 litres of liquid containing steroids and hormones, which had been intended for sale.They also found a database on his home computer that revealed he had sent drugs to 34 customers since establishing his business, and that several more people were waiting to receive their orders. Prosecutor Glen Cash said it was impossible to determine how much money Brophy had made but that police found almost $20,000 in cash in his apartment.Mr Cash told the court that Brophy was arrested and released on bail shortly afterwards, but that he waited less than six months before he made another importation. Defence barrister Tony Kimmins told the court his client had started importing again so he could fill orders he had not been able to meet prior to his arrest. Mr Kimmins said Brophy had been threatened with physical violence if he did not deliver the drugs and that he feared for his safety. The court was told Brophy is now remorseful for his actions, and that he is seeking to make his fortune in real estate.Justice John Byrne sentenced Brophy to two and a half years' jail.He ordered he be released on a two-year good behaviour bond after serving just six months behind bars.

Brendan James Brophy, 28, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Thursday to a string of drug-related charges

Brendan James Brophy, 28, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Thursday to a string of drug-related charges, including seven c...

Adam Ruczaj (27) and Tomasz Ciulwik (28) from Poland were intercepted on their arrival at Belfast on a flight from Amsterdam.

Adam Ruczaj (27) and Tomasz Ciulwik (28) from Poland were intercepted on their arrival at Belfast on a flight from Amsterdam. The men were charged with attempting to smuggle the illegal drugs into the UK and appeared before Coleraine Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where they were remanded in custody to re-appear at Antrim Magistrates Court on September 9. This is just the latest seizure of the drug at the airport in recent months. Earlier this summer a woman was rushed to hospital after suspected cocaine crammed into condoms apparently burst inside her stomach. Our commitment is to do everything we can to stop this deadly trade In January of this year around 750g of the drug was seized by customs officers at the airport. And in June 2006 around 13.5kg of cocaine, worth an estimated £3m, was discovered at the airport. It remains Northern Ireland’s biggest ever haul of the drug. “Drug smuggling is a very serious offence that has a significant and damaging effect on all our communities, and multi-agency co-operation plays a vital role in the fight to prevent illegal drugs from entering the UK,” said John Whiting, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation with HM Revenue & Customs. Maggie Eyden, Lead Official for UKBA in Northern Ireland, said: "UKBA, working in partnership with HMRC, are at the forefront of the fight to stop drugs entering the UK. Our commitment is to do everything we can to stop this deadly trade, to prevent illegal drugs from entering the UK and protect our communities from the violence and corruption that always accompanies the trade in illegal drugs.” The street value of the seized drugs is estimated to be £80,000 to £100,000 depending upon purity.

Adam Ruczaj (27) and Tomasz Ciulwik (28) from Poland were intercepted on their arrival at Belfast on a flight from Amsterdam.

Adam Ruczaj (27) and Tomasz Ciulwik (28) from Poland were intercepted on their arrival at Belfast on a flight from Amsterdam. The men were c...

Stanislav Sasmil, 25, was jailed for eight years, six months, and Sandra Marisa Soares da Rocha, 26, for eight years for importing Class A drugs.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdCnL3Fu8RQIsiqfvgLD5v3W5yfZZ5bIOgIYhmNVxRGcDeIt6vm3yHmYhH3Hp7BKKp1qtNwrFAFC3RFsaHCq2n664y8Ul-EhV8bbdIaAxqYfl8ePvWxTUXy-pzr2RFYr0ZPf4zyRRKI4/s1600-h/_44923271_9c0c21cd-be2c-4178-8d81-1d8967053734.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234520356976400834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdCnL3Fu8RQIsiqfvgLD5v3W5yfZZ5bIOgIYhmNVxRGcDeIt6vm3yHmYhH3Hp7BKKp1qtNwrFAFC3RFsaHCq2n664y8Ul-EhV8bbdIaAxqYfl8ePvWxTUXy-pzr2RFYr0ZPf4zyRRKI4/s400/_44923271_9c0c21cd-be2c-4178-8d81-1d8967053734.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> Stanislav Sasmil, 25, was jailed for eight years, six months, and Sandra Marisa Soares da Rocha, 26, for eight years for importing Class A drugs. Mr Sasmil, from Estonia, and Ms Soares da Rocha, from Portugal, were caught with 4.2 kilos of cocaine in February. The pair, from Wylds Lane, Worcester, were jailed at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday. The cocaine, with a street value of about £200,000, was found concealed in their suitcases on 1 February, HM Revenue and Customs said. It was detected after they arrived on a flight from Banjul, in The Gambia, via Brussels.

Stanislav Sasmil, 25, was jailed for eight years, six months, and Sandra Marisa Soares da Rocha, 26, for eight years for importing Class A drugs.

Stanislav Sasmil, 25, was jailed for eight years, six months, and Sandra Marisa Soares da Rocha, 26, for eight years for importing Class A d...

Sheikh Talal Nasser al-Sabah death sentence hanging over the sheikh for drug trafficking

Sheikh Talal Nasser al-Sabah who is in his fifties, was caught by Kuwaiti police with 10kg (22lb) of cocaine and 165lb of hashish. When sentencing him to death, Judge Humoud al-Mutwatah said that he had “willingly walked the path of evil” and deserved no mercy. Smuggling drugs in the Gulf is a high-risk enterprise, with frequent death sentences for dealers and mules. It is possible Sheikh Talal Nasser al-Sabah believed that being a relative of Kuwait’s rulers would protect him. Now, with a death sentence hanging over the sheikh for drug trafficking, the oil-rich emirate is waiting to see whether the strict rule of law or the kinship ties of the ruling family will prevail. The sheikh, It was the first time that a member of a Gulf royal family had been condemned to death by a court, and is widely seen as a test case for the impartiality of the law in a country where the convict’s relative, the Emir, could pardon his wayward kinsman. The sheikh was the nephew of a previous Emir of Kuwait, Jaber al-Sabah, who died in 2006, and is one of hundreds of members of the huge ruling family. Lawyers at the time hailed the sentence as a sign of the impartiality of the law. Najib al-Wugayyan, a prominent criminal lawyer, called the verdict “a magnificent indication to all that nobody is above the law”. And isn’t this interesting? A similar case involving a Saudi royal:Strict as the laws are, they are not as harsh as those in Saudi Arabia, where smugglers convicted of trafficking marijuana have been beheaded. Even there, however, a member of the Royal Family, Prince Nayef bin Sultan bin Fawwaz al-Shaalan, has been caught up in drug trafficking. Last year a French court sentenced the Prince in absentia to ten years in jail and a $100 million (£50 million) fine for his part in a plot to smuggle two tonnes of cocaine from Colombia to an airport outside Paris in 1999, using a private aircraft and diplomatic immunity to move the drugs. Since Saudi Arabia has no extradition treaty with France or the US, the Prince was not jailed. But back to KuwaitThe conviction was not Sheikh al-Sabah’s first run-in with the law. In 1991 he was arrested by Egyptian police and charged with smuggling heroin, although he said at the time that it was all for personal use. Sheikh al-Sabah continues to deny that he is a drug dealer and said that he has left his fate to the Emir. “I am drug-addicted and I am getting cured. I don’t deal,” he told the Kuwaiti newspaper al-Jareeda from his jail cell. “I don’t know whether Kuwaiti society is satisfied with the ruling of the judiciary or not. But it is in the hands of the Emir.”

Sheikh Talal Nasser al-Sabah death sentence hanging over the sheikh for drug trafficking

Sheikh Talal Nasser al-Sabah who is in his fifties, was caught by Kuwaiti police with 10kg (22lb) of cocaine and 165lb of hashish. When sent...

Dwayne Nairn Charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (crack cocaine),

July 2008 members of the Integrated Guns and Gangs Unit initiated an investigation into an Oakville resident.as the investigation progressed, the Halton Regional Police Service Drug and Morality Bureau became involved. On August 6th, 2008 at approximately 8:45pm a 42 year old Oakville woman was arrested after police observed her meeting with the original target of the investigation. A quantity of crack cocaine was seized at this time. Moments later the Emergency Services Unit executed a search warrant at 1160 Dorval Drive in Oakville. The adult residents of the apartment were taken into police custody. Two children from the residence were provided with temporary living arrangements by the Children’s Aid Society.Police subsequently obtained and executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at the Dorval Drive address and seized 22 grams of crack cocaine, 86 ecstasy tablets, 3 grams of marihuana and $750 cash. Charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (crack cocaine), possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking (crack cocaine), possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking (ecstasy) and possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) is: Dwayne Nairn 29 years old of Dorval Drive, Oakville.Charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking (crack cocaine), possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking (ecstasy) and possession of a controlled substance (marihuana) is: Natasha Hall 30-years-old of Dorval Drive, Oakville. She is scheduled to appear in Milton court on August 26, 2008Charged with possession of a controlled substance (crack cocaine) is: Tammy Bedder 42 years old of South Forester Park Drive, Oakville.

Dwayne Nairn Charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (crack cocaine),

July 2008 members of the Integrated Guns and Gangs Unit initiated an investigation into an Oakville resident.as the investigation progressed...

Francis Kaunda,was jailed together with prominent local businessman Faustin Kabwe.

Zambian court jailed the former head of the country\'s copper mining conglomerate ZCCM on Wednesday for two years with hard labour for c...

Ben Cruz was convicted of selling a prohibited drug, possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply

Ben Cruz, 27, who retired from professional boxing about three years ago after a 13-fight amateur and 11-bout professional career, was convi...

Danny D. Turner accused earlier this year of selling crack cocaine to an undercover officer sentenced to 17 years

Danny D. Turner, 27, who had four previous drug dealing convictions in Dane County involving cocaine, was accused earlier this year of selli...

Jacob Wayne Hudson was arrested Friday afternoon by Demopolis police.

Jacob Wayne Hudson, 20, of W. Washington St., Demopolis, was arrested Friday afternoon by Demopolis police.“We did arrest someone who works ...

Charles Smith and Mandy Bonner had a handgun inside a tissue box at the hotel room and because of one text message, they are now facing charges.

Charles Smith was also arrested. Detectives say they gathered enough evidence, including drug scales, to put the suspects away.Authorities s...

Maria Arroyo is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance

Maria Arroyo, 49, of Philadelphia, is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and involuntary manslaughter. The charges stem from an investigation by state police Troop G Vice and Narcotics Unit in 2006 and 2007 into a heroin distribution network that connected the Philipsburg and State College areas with Philadelphia. Troopers became aware of at least 15 people who were traveling to Philadelphia from Centre County, purchasing heroin from the same source, then driving back to Centre County and both using and reselling the heroin, according to a news release issued Tuesday by state police. Police say their investigation shows individuals from Centre County purchased more than 7,000 bags of heroin from the Arroyos in 2006 for an average price of $8 a bag. The heroin was resold in Centre County for $30 per bag, police said. On Dec. 25 and 26, 2006, three people left the State College area and traveled to Philadelphia to purchase heroin. The individuals then returned to Ferguson Township and used the purchased heroin, according to state police. One of the individuals died of an overdose, a death investigated by Ferguson Township police. An autopsy later showed the heroin purchased in Philadelphia was laced with fentanyl. Police throughout the nation in 2006 issued alerts about fentanyl- laced heroin, which was reported to be responsible for the deaths of hundreds of addicts. Fentanyl is a prescription painkiller that is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, and many addicts purchased and used heroin unaware that it had been mixed with fentanyl. During 2007, according to police, troopers made controlled purchases of heroin that they determined came from the Philadelphia source. They began conducting interviews, and gained the cooperation of many of the individuals involved, police said. They presented their evidence to a statewide grand jury in Harrisburg, and the grand jury on Jan. 8 recommended the filing of charges against Arroyo and her husband, Pedro Arroyo. Their whereabouts were unknown at the time, police said, and District Judge Allen Sinclair issued a warrant for their arrest that day. At some point — the information from police was unclear on exactly when — Maria Arroyo was taken into custody on other charges by the Philadelphia Police Department and placed in Philadelphia County prison. At that point, police determined that Pedro Arroyo had died in late 2007. Maria Arroyo was transported from Philadelphia to Centre County on Tuesday and arraigned before District Judge Daniel Hoffman. He remanded her to Centre County jail in lieu of $50,000 straight cash bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 20. State police said they were assisted by Ferguson Township, State College and Philadelphia police and the Attorney General’s Office. The case will be prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General David Gorman

Maria Arroyo is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance

Maria Arroyo, 49, of Philadelphia, is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substa...

Taaron Bowman pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine

Taaron Bowman, 43, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in January, according to a news release. After seeing Bowman participate in what looked like a drug deal on July 31, 2007, members of the Huntington Drug and Violent Crimes Task Forces pulled over his car and found 23 grams of crack cocaine, the release states.Bowman admitted in January that he was selling the crack, according to the release.U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.In a separate case, Chambers sentenced Thomas E. Farris, 44, to 70 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a gun.Farris, who had previous felony convictions in both federal and state court, had a .38 caliber Hi Point pistol on Sept. 11, 2007, the release states.Also on Monday, an Ohio woman pleaded guilty to driving heroin to Huntington from Columbus, the release said.Tiffany Horn, 21, of Columbus, was driving a rental car when a Huntington Police officer with a drug-sniffing dog stopped her, the release states. The officer found 134 bags of heroin, as well as three guns and ammunition inside a black bag.Horn faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced by Chambers on Nov. 17.

Taaron Bowman pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine

Taaron Bowman, 43, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in January, according to a news release. After seein...

Joseph Bennett was arrested Friday evening at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron.

Joseph Bennett of Scarborough, Ontario, was arrested Friday evening at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron. Authorities say Bennett's tr...

Gary Hardy convicted of masterminding one of the county's biggest ever narcotics empires.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_LapUbvjb8m8bH9wKUsLi3NkBgCYvGt5g64WAu4_KHTy5PU1Hjyvu8xLIwHP7VJgixx-TNb0MaUyjNfNvfNFOk8nGjpHYgKJc7NNERrCquhLUnVpfXxKIFKr6NfgcWqFsmUMRlG8Oh4/s1600-h/TH1_128200813Gary%2520Hardy.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233900226066877586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_LapUbvjb8m8bH9wKUsLi3NkBgCYvGt5g64WAu4_KHTy5PU1Hjyvu8xLIwHP7VJgixx-TNb0MaUyjNfNvfNFOk8nGjpHYgKJc7NNERrCquhLUnVpfXxKIFKr6NfgcWqFsmUMRlG8Oh4/s400/TH1_128200813Gary%2520Hardy.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> Gary Hardy has been convicted of pumping millions of pounds worth of class A drugs into Ashfield after masterminding one of the county's biggest ever narcotics empires. He controlled the Ashfield drugs scene through fear and violence and swamped the district with huge quantities of heroin and amphetamines between 2000 and 2007. The Mansfield businessman, who ran the criminal gang alongside convicted dealer John Dawes until he was jailed in 2005, earned millions of pounds from his underworld activities to finance a lavish lifestyle. Hardy consistently denied the charges during a two-month trial at Nottingham Crown Court and claimed his millionaire lifestyle had been funded through the profits of his extensive property and luxury car rental business. But a 12-man jury, which took more than three days to deliver its verdicts, declined to believe Hardy's lies and found him guilty of supplying heroin and amphetamines, of money laundering, of having £14,000-worth of cash gained through criminal activities and possessing criminal cash. But Hardy, who is expected to receive a lengthy prison sentence, was cleared of conspiracy to supply cocaine and four counts of conspiracy to supply cannabis. Fellow gang member and brother Paul Hardy is also facing jail after he was convicted for his part in flooding Ashfield and north Nottinghamshire with heroin and amphetamines. Paul Hardy, a crack cocaine addict, was also convicted of two charges of supplying cannabis resin and possessing criminal cash – but was cleared of a further count of supplying amphetamines and two charges of supplying cannabis. His former girlfriend Zoe Chapman, who has had five of his children, was found guilty of supplying amphetamines to a drug dealer lower down the chain between after Paul Hardy decided to lay low following interest from police. The brothers' mother June Muers, who had no previous convictions, was convicted of supplying amphetamines and cannabis resin, which she kept in a garden shed at her former Pearl Avenue home, and possessing thousands of pounds in drugs money. But Clipstone man Carl Busby, who had been accused of laundering hundreds of thousands of pounds of drugs money on behalf of Gary Hardy between May 2003 and December 2006, was cleared of all charges. The gang members are expected to be sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court some time in September.

Gary Hardy convicted of masterminding one of the county's biggest ever narcotics empires.

Gary Hardy has been convicted of pumping millions of pounds worth of class A drugs into Ashfield after masterminding one of the county's...

Marian Serea, 24, was sentenced to ten years in prison at Harrow Crown Court

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh60DC0NPBaqpBh95svAmUWZ3t4LnmXVaiLGj9blWhGuFNEjB5Y11iI2m9gZX0rd92JCKPQaKsXU6FDIB-3NbzTMqy-6DUgQ86IY2JkHPPyA5AGr-ePpo22WPe6TXn9hvlwzz0r-TpbYw/s1600-h/615323.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233383655324411778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh60DC0NPBaqpBh95svAmUWZ3t4LnmXVaiLGj9blWhGuFNEjB5Y11iI2m9gZX0rd92JCKPQaKsXU6FDIB-3NbzTMqy-6DUgQ86IY2JkHPPyA5AGr-ePpo22WPe6TXn9hvlwzz0r-TpbYw/s400/615323.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> Marian Serea, 24, was sentenced to ten years in prison at Harrow Crown Court last Friday for importing Class A drugs. Police arrested him when more than a kilo of cocaine was delivered to his home in Edgware. Acting Detective Sergeant Figo Forouzan, of Harrow CID, who worked on the case, said: “I’m happy with the sentence. “He could have got more but he had only been in the country for a few weeks and his lawyers made a lot of the fact it’s going to be hard for him as he doesn’t speak English. “This really sends a message out to the public that anyone thinking of this sort of crime should think twice.” Serea had only been in the UK for three weeks when police intercepted a parcel of cocaine being sent to his home, in Westleigh Gardens, from South America. When scientists analysed the contents of the parcel in the lab they discovered it contained 720g of 100 per cent pure cocaine and the overall contents of the parcel, which weighed 1.12kgs, had an estimated value of more than £144,000. An undercover officer was disguised as a postman to deliver the package and Serea was arrested when he produced his passport to sign for the drugs. Serea was sentenced to ten years in prison at Harrow Crown Court last Friday for importing Class A drugs. ADS Forouzan said: “This was one of the first cases in court to be affected by new laws regarding anonymous witnesses which were brought in just last week. “That meant our undercover officer had to jump through a lot of hoops in order to testify and protect his identity. “Serea answered no comment in interview, but then came out and said in court he had collected the package for someone he was renting the house from, despite it having his name on it. ”It would be very nice for someone to send a package worth that much to someone they don’t know.” The jury took just an hour to return the guilty verdict. ADS Forouzan did not rule out the possibility of Serea having tried the same scam before, as he had lived in Spain for three months before coming to the UK.

Marian Serea, 24, was sentenced to ten years in prison at Harrow Crown Court

Marian Serea, 24, was sentenced to ten years in prison at Harrow Crown Court last Friday for importing Class A drugs. Police arrested him wh...

Sergio Lopez-Martinez, a Spanish national, was removed without incident and turned over to Spanish INTERPOL agents

Sergio Lopez-Martinez, a Spanish national, was removed without incident and turned over to Spanish INTERPOL agents who were waiting for him at the Madrid Barajas Airport in Spain.Lopez-Martinez was allegedly involved in a shooting on Nov. 9, 2006 at Orrius and La Roca del Valles in Barcelona, Spain. He is alleged to have acted in concert in the fatal shooting of Jose Fort Caballe. On May 14, 2007, the judicial district of Barcelona issued an arrest warrant for Lopez-Martinez for the offenses of murder and drug trafficking."Apprehending dangerous foreign fugitives hiding in the United States is a top priority of ICE and our international law enforcement partners, including European Union authorities and INTERPOL," said Michael Rozos, field office director for the ICE Office of Detention and Removal Operations in Florida. "It is in the interest of public safety and justice around the world to capture and return wanted fugitives to their native countries to face justice." ICE received information from the U.S. National Central Bureau of INTERPOL that Lopez-Martinez might be living in Miami. ICE deportation officers, working closely the U.S. and Spanish INTERPOL offices and the Miami Beach Police Department, subsequently launched an intensive investigation to locate the suspect. Further investigation revealed that Lopez-Martinez had entered the United States on Feb. 17, 2007 under the Visa Waiver Program with authorization to remain in the country for a period of time not to exceed May 16, 2007. Lopez-Martinez remained in the United States beyond his period of admission in violation of law. On July 3, 2008, he was arrested without incident by ICE fugitive operations deportation officers at his residence located at 7125 Bay Drive in Miami Beach. He was subsequently processed for removal under the provisions of Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( INA ) and held in ICE custody pending his removal.

Sergio Lopez-Martinez, a Spanish national, was removed without incident and turned over to Spanish INTERPOL agents

Sergio Lopez-Martinez, a Spanish national, was removed without incident and turned over to Spanish INTERPOL agents who were waiting for him ...

David Peter Lindley and Robert Michael Matthews found guilty of importing 810kg of cannabis

David Peter Lindley, 45, of Dorchester Road, Maiden Newton, was found guilty of importing 810kg of cannabis along with his accomplice Robert Michael Matthews, 65, of Mackmillan Road in Rowley Regis, West Midlands.Both had previously served prison sentences for importation of cannabis.During the nine-day trial at Dorchester Crown Court, a jury was told how shrink-wrapped bars of cannabis resin were imported to Lindley's business address - Manorwood Furniture on the Casterbridge Industrial Estate, Dorchester, in October 2005.The delivery was sent from Spain using parcel carrier TNT after an earlier 'dummy-run' of builders' rubble was sent to the same address.The drug had a street value of £1.6 million and was uncovered when Customs officers inspected it on arrival in into the UK.Jury members were taken through details of phone calls that police traced between Lindley, in Dorset, and Matthews who was living in Spain.Throughout the trial both men denied any involvement in the conspiracy.Giving evidence, Lindley repeatedly told the court he had no involvement in the plot 'whatsoever'.But yesterday a jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty for both defendants.Judge Harvey Clark told the men they had not been deterred by previous prison sentences for importing cannabis.He said: "With that background you can be properly regarded as professional drug smugglers."Not only have you done this before in both cases, but the sentences passed then did not deter you from doing it again."The judge added: "The financial rewards of drug smuggling on this scale are very considerable, matched only perhaps by sentencing powers of the court when drug smugglers are found guilty."You both played for high stakes and you lost." Lindley and Matthews were both sentenced to twelve years in prison, with half their sentence to be served on licence.Speaking after the case, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Redstone of Dorset Police said: "Today's verdict has come as a result of painstaking, but ultimately very important, good old fashioned detective work. "From a relatively early point in the investigation it was clear that Lindley was involved in the importation of a large quantity of cannabis. "Officers from my team then uncovered the involvement of Matthews in the conspiracy. "A very small team of detectives from the major crime investigation team then spent months piecing together the evidence in this case."

David Peter Lindley and Robert Michael Matthews found guilty of importing 810kg of cannabis

David Peter Lindley, 45, of Dorchester Road, Maiden Newton, was found guilty of importing 810kg of cannabis along with his accomplice Robert...

Julian Patrick Garcia arrested on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Julian Patrick Garcia arrested on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute marijuana...

Isaac Abeidu Aidoo, aka Goodies, has pleaded not guilty to narcotic offences.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv753aPjWjFTog4jS7RUGihbyCT2l7MVn90laUo3cVv3FqO7n83XPmVmiEv0zziXUfHSnU0NHXHicqnMZr4PINpNVPiOcYq1qyIXMQuC5RCBSNIe0WSsRPj59LqLrBu33igjZhEAjVXM8/s1600-h/goodies.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233019308894795138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv753aPjWjFTog4jS7RUGihbyCT2l7MVn90laUo3cVv3FqO7n83XPmVmiEv0zziXUfHSnU0NHXHicqnMZr4PINpNVPiOcYq1qyIXMQuC5RCBSNIe0WSsRPj59LqLrBu33igjZhEAjVXM8/s400/goodies.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> The Managing Director of Goodies Music Productions, Isaac Abeidu Aidoo, aka Goodies, has pleaded not guilty to narcotic offences. Consequently, the circuit court trying him following his arrest at the Kotoka International Airport has remanded him in prison custody and adjourned the case to August 11, 2008. Aidoo was initially being tried at the Regional Tribunal on charges of possessing and attempted exportation of narcotic drugs. The prosecutor, ASP Kofi Blagodzi, told the court that Aidoo allegedly swallowed 80 pellets of cocaine and attempted to smuggle them to the United Kingdom. He said at about 10.45p.m. on April 23, this year, Aidoo arrived atthe Kotoka International Airport to board a Ghana International Airlines flight to London. While going through departure formalities, operatives of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) suspected Aidoo of carrying drugs in his stomach. Aidoo was, therefore, escorted to the 37 Military Hospital for an X-ray, which revealed that he had some foreign materials in his stomach. He was subsequently arrested and put under surveillance and in the process, he expelled 80 pellets of a whitish substance suspected to be cocaine. Aidoo informed the police during interrogation that one Abdul Haid, a musician residing at East Legon, Accra, had given him the drugs to be delivered to one Willie, for a fee of $3,000. According to the prosecutor, Aidoo failed to lead the police to arrest the said Abdul.

Isaac Abeidu Aidoo, aka Goodies, has pleaded not guilty to narcotic offences.

The Managing Director of Goodies Music Productions, Isaac Abeidu Aidoo, aka Goodies, has pleaded not guilty to narcotic offences. Consequent...

Sharon Ann Shirk was sentenced in a Trinidadian court Thursday after pleading guilty in June for trying to smuggle 5.3 kilos of liquified cocaine

Sharon Ann Shirk, 57, was sentenced in a Trinidadian court Thursday after pleading guilty in June for trying to smuggle 5.3 kilos of liquified cocaine in bottles of wine. Court heard Shirk was already seated on a Caribbean Airlines flight bound for Toronto last June when she was called off the aircraft and asked to identify her red and black suitcase. The mother of two, whose family in Toronto has refused to comment, will serve three years' hard labour at the Golden Grove Jail. Her lawyer Sean Cazabon unsuccessfully pleaded for leniency, citing Shirk's age. Readers of the Trinidad Express newspaper, who were seeking comment on the story posted on their website, were barraged with e-mails calling for a stiffer sentence for Shirk. "Not sufficient time to serve," one reader wrote. "A Trinidadian caught in a similar crime in Toronto would be getting 15 years." Another reader said Shirk should be forced to serve all her time in Trinidad rather than being extradited to Canada to finish her sentence. "The jail sentence must send a message to others," another wrote. "She must go to jail for longer even though Trinidad has good relations with Canada." Shirk will reappear in Trinidad court on Aug. 15 to face a Customs and Excise Office charge of attempting to export prohibited goods.

Sharon Ann Shirk was sentenced in a Trinidadian court Thursday after pleading guilty in June for trying to smuggle 5.3 kilos of liquified cocaine

Sharon Ann Shirk, 57, was sentenced in a Trinidadian court Thursday after pleading guilty in June for trying to smuggle 5.3 kilos of liquifi...