True Detective

Jason Broom was sentenced for moving pounds of cocaine in the New Orleans area and Mississippi after pleading guilty to intent to distribute cocaine

Saturday, 20 December 2008

Jason Broom, 32, was sentenced to 25 years for running cocaine ring
for moving pounds of cocaine in the New Orleans area and Mississippi after pleading guilty to intent to distribute cocaine, Cannizarro said. The network was broken up by a joint operation by St. Bernard police and federal law enforcement, police said. Approximately 30 people have been arrested in the past three years from the network, including Broom who served as a member and a leader, police said, and they expect to make more arrests.

Terrance Jarrod Hudson, 28, was arrested Tuesday after Alachua County sheriff's Sgt. Joshua Crews pulled him over

Terrance Jarrod Hudson, 28, was arrested Tuesday after Alachua County sheriff's Sgt. Joshua Crews pulled him over in the Arredondo Estates neighborhood.While talking to Hudson about the need to protect his eyes while riding a moped, deputies noticed a bulge in Hudson's pants that turned out to be two large plastic bags. Deputies field tested the contents and determined it was marijuana. A further search of Hudson's clothing turned up three crack cocaine rocks.Deputies escorted Hudson to the nearby home where he had been living with his mother.Inside the home deputies said they immediately noticed several rocks of cocaine on a coffee table. A search of Hudson's bedroom reportedly turned up a pound of marijuana, a bundle of marijuana inside a locked safe, a stolen .22 caliber rifle and two other rifles with altered serial numbers, and a Play Station 3 that had been reported stolen out of Houston.Hudson sad charged with two counts of possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, tampering with evidence and grand larceny.Investigators said additional charges were pending further investigation.Bail for Hudson was set at $32,000. He was being held at the Alachua County Jail on Thursday.

Shirley Charles was jailed for 15 years with hard labour.

Charles who stood during Justice Andre Mondesir's 45-minute sentencing, quickly turned to her two relatives in the public gallery crying and wiping the tears from her face. As she was being escorted out the courtroom, Charles' sobs could be heard even when the heavy wooden doors were closed behind her. Charles, who was represented by attorney El Farouk Hosein was found guilty by a nine-member jury two weeks ago for being in possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking on September 9, 2002, at the Piarco International Airport. In passing sentence Mondesir said the drug trade cannot be viewed in isolation since it causes damage to the fabric of society. Referring to Charles' testimony where she made reference to a man named "James" who handed her the suitcase," Mondesir said, "If you look in the docks it is not James there. If he does in fact exist one wonders about your loyalty to him." Adding that Charles was just one link in the chain of destruction and she had no idea of "the damage she inflicts," Mondesir said. He said her part of conveying the drugs and collecting money does not end there. "When you go lower down the chain, you have people who steal, rob, just to get money for drugs for which you traffic. "People sell their jewelry and chattel. Wealthy drug lords and cartels use the drug money to purchase illegal arms and ammunition...It is never a simple case of just smuggling drugs from one place to another...you were not just a carrier but you were engaging in the escalating level of crime in society," Mondesir said. The State's case was led by attorney Jennifer Martin. According to the State's case, Organised Crime Narcotics and Firearms Bureau detectives PC Mc Donald and Sgt Kerwin Francis were on duty at the Piarco International Airport around 5 p.m. at the security check point in company with other officers when they saw Charles who was destined for New York, USA, and told her they were acting on information that she was transporting drugs. Charles' suitcase was checked and the cocaine found hidden in the lining of her suitcase.

Trevor Perry, who was found guilty of distributing less than five grams of a cocaine base

Trevor Perry, who was found guilty of distributing less than five grams of a cocaine base, was sentenced to 271/4 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Richard Young said the sentence was "not the statutory maximum but (still) a substantial sentence" and told Perry he believed him to be a "career criminal."Perry told the judge he felt the sentence was unfair, vindictive and racially motivated.Also sentenced Thursday was Kamal Sims, who received a minimum statutory sentence of 20 years. Sims did not make a statement during the sentencing, but his attorney, Conor O'Daniel, told the court he maintains his innocence.Young said he hopes the sentencings will deter others from committing similar crimes. Young told Sims he hopes that he takes educational programs seriously while he is in prison so he can lead a productive life after his release."If I see you again in this courtroom, it's not going to be a pleasant situation for you," Young said. "That will tell me, your attorney and your family that you don't care what happens to you. Hopefully, you can get through and be a productive member of society."Perry and Sims were the last to be sentenced in the case, and both received additional time on their sentences because of previous felony convictions. On Wednesday, two other Evansville men were sentenced in the case. David Neighbors, who federal prosecutors said is believed to be the leader of the group, was sentenced to life in prison, and LaFrederick Taylor was given 20 years. The four men were among 20 people arrested last year for allegedly dealing cocaine in the Evansville area. The men were found guilty in August after a nearly two week trial in U.S. District Court in Evansville.

Robert Pammett, the central figure in a multi-agency drug investigation into the Peterborough cocaine trade

Robert Pammett, the central figure in a multi-agency drug investigation into the Peterborough cocaine trade, has set a date for his preliminary inquiry. Defence lawyer Glenn Orr was granted a two-day hearing yesterday, set for Jan. 30 and Feb. 4. Police have linked Pammett to the defunct Ontario branch of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang. He has been the focus of Project Underground, which began as an investigation into his gang affiliations, court has heard, but shifted to the drug angle when the Bandidos disbanded in Ontario in fall of 2007. It culminated in the raid and seizure of Pammett's McNamara Road home March 26 and the arrest of nearly a dozen people from Peterborough and Toronto. Pammett has been in custody since his arrest. He was refused bail May 5. He faces 16 charges, including trafficking cocaine and possessing a restricted handgun. Co-accused Kenneth Hudson, 48, Wanda Witkowski, 36, and Krystina McMillan, 28, have been adjourned to Jan. 30.
Co-accused Cherie Pammett, 35, will appear in court Monday and co-accused Trevor Forster, 30, will appear by video Dec. 24.

Jose Hernandez,charged with a first degree felony after K-9 officers ripped apart the car he was driving to expose an expertly hidden cache of powder

Jose Hernandez, 45, of 1815 Ozark St., Memphis, was stopped on Interstate 20 on Wednesday by a local deputy and was charged with a first degree felony after K-9 officers ripped apart the car he was driving to expose an expertly hidden cache of powder cocaine valued at more than $250,000.Cpl. Randy Payne of Harrison County Sheriff?s with his K-9 partner, Rusty, a Belgian shepherd dog. The two are responsible for the arrest of a Tennessee man, who was transporting 29 pounds of powder cocaine on Interstate Highway 20 in a hidden compartment of a Volkswagen Jetta.Sgt. Steve Ashmore praised the diligence of a young officer and his dog in making the bust.The crime with which Hernandez is charged is punishable by a term of between five to 99 years or life in the penitentiary.Ashmore said Cpl. Randy Payne, a K-9 officer for the past five months, used his dog to ascertain there were drugs in the 1995 Volkswagen Jetta that Hernandez was driving eastbound on the interstate.Ashmore, who is Payne's supervisor, said the deputy was out with another traffic stop at approximately 3:30 p.m. at a point between the 618 and 619 mile markers when the Jetta sped by.Texas law is that drivers are required either to slow down or change lanes "when they see a patrol car with its overhead lights on," Ashmore explained, adding the operator of the Volkswagen did neither.Payne pursued him, stopping the vehicle at the 620 mile marker, which is near Farm-to-Market Road 31 and Scottsville.The deputy "had a little bit of a language barrier when he asked for consent to search the car," Ashmore said. So Payne checked the vehicle with Rusty, a Belgian malinois (shepherd dog)."His dog got an alert," Ashmore said. After Payne informed Hernandez of the hit, the driver "got a dollar bill out of his wallet that had been folded to contain a couple of grams of powder cocaine."Ashmore said Payne then arrested Hernandez and "decided to bring everybody and the car to the sally port" outside the jail.Payne suspected there were additional drugs in the vehicle because Rusty indicated it and because Hernandez and a passenger, his 16-year-old stepdaughter, gave conflicting stories.Hernandez said he was on his way home after having been to Dallas to look for work, while the teenager said they had taken a female friend to Dallas so she could go back to Mexico to have her baby.
Ashmore said Payne called for the assistance of Gregg County K-9 officer Tracy Freeman to search the Jetta and the two spent approximately four hours before locating the drugs."They knew it was in the dashboard," Ashmore said of the cocaine, "but it was well hidden. Someone had done a professional job of installing a special compartment in the dash to contain the drugs.
"They totally dismantled the vehicle," Ashmore said, adding the car will have to be scrapped.Hernandez was arraigned Friday morning before Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Mike Smith.That procedure was delayed because Hernandez complained of chest pains Wednesday night and was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center-Marshall for observation.Ashmore said the teenager was never a suspect in the case. Her mother was notified of her whereabouts Wednesday night and, per her request, motel accommodations were provided here. Someone came to Marshall to get the girl Thursday morning, he added.The wrapped bags of powder cocaine weighed in at 29 pounds, which Ashmore said, probably cost the purchaser "a quarter of a million dollars."He had said earlier that cocaine sells on the street for about $900 per ounce, placing the value of the stash at approximately $417,600.On Oct. 30, Payne made a traffic stop for speeding at the 624 mile post marker on I-20 and arrested two people, a Carrolton woman and a New Orleans man, for possession of 274.6 grams of powder cocaine.Ashmore called Payne "an excellent young officer. He is doing a super job. He's upbeat and has been working really hard. Now things are coming together for him."Payne thanked Freeman for his assistance, noting the older officer is his mentor.He also praised Rusty, noting his canine partner, bred and born in Holland, "is worth every penny" of his purchase price."He tore great chunks out of that dash. It was like he said, 'Daddy, it's in there!' You gotta trust your dog," Payne said.

Myrtle Beach police arrested Maurice Burgess for attempted distribution of crack cocaine and unlawfully carrying a handgun

Police had an active warrant for Maurice Burgess charging Burgess with armed robbery stemming from an incident which occurred in the area of 21st Avenue North and Robert Grissom Parkway on September 28, 2008.Myrtle Beach police arrested Burgess for attempted distribution of crack cocaine and unlawfully carrying a handgun Thursday.
Burgess was out on bond for a 2006 armed robbery, kidnapping, and assault and battery charges which occurred at the Kentucky Fried Chicken, located at 17 Bypass and Hwy 707.Myrtle Beach police are investigating Burgess’s possibile involovement in other violent crime incidents which have occurred in the Grand Strand area in these past few months.

Barry Robinson, found guilty of all 14 counts of an indictment stemming from a series of cocaine sales

eight-man, four-woman jury found Barry Robinson, 33, of College Avenue, guilty of all 14 counts of an indictment stemming from a series of cocaine sales last January. The jury deliberated about seven hours Thursday and another hour Friday before reaching its verdict.Robinson, who has a previous felony conviction, faces a minimum of six years in prison and a maximum of 15 for the crimes. Dutchess County Court Judge Gerald V. Hayes, who presided at the nine-day trial, set Jan. 28 for sentencing.
During the trial, officers from the city police department's Neighborhood Recovery Unit and other witnesses testified Robinson sold cocaine to an undercover informant Jan. 15, 24, 25, 30 and 31. Police testified they seized cocaine and marijuana from Robinson's apartment when they executed a search warrant and arrested him Feb. 8.
Two counts in the indictment accused Robinson of selling illegal drugs near a school, a Class B felony added to the state penal law in 2006. Two of the sales reportedly took place on the middle-school grounds.Senior Assistant District Attorney Sarah Thompson prosecuted the case. Robinson was defended by Poughkeepsie attorney Lee Klein.

John Patrick Lacour Jr. is accused of taking delivery orders for crack over the phone.

John Patrick Lacour Jr. was held on $250,000 bond. Barr had no information on an attorney for Lacour.Lacour is accused of taking delivery orders for crack over the phone.Officers, acting on a tip, called the number and pretended to want to buy cocaine. They requested a delivery to a certain address, plus asked the person to describe himself so they would know who to expect.Lt. D.J. Alvarez told the Galveston County Daily News that Lacour was arrested early Thursday when he arrived. Police confiscated a small amount of cocaine.

Ronald Majewski charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine

The driver, later identified as Ronald Majewski of Garnet Valley, Pa., was unable to provide a license but said he was a military police officer. The officers had the driver get out of the vehicle and asked whether he had any weapons. Majewski said no but admitted to having cocaine, police said. Officers found five bags of cocaine inside his coat pocket. A search of his car turned up another five bags, three Adderall pills, a digital scale and drug paraphernalia.Majewski was charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, possession of drugs within 300 feet of a church, maintaining a vehicle for keeping a controlled substance, possession of a narcotic, possession of drug paraphernalia and traffic offenses. In addition, the team’s enforcement in Wilton netted 20 traffic tickets for various violations, 10 warnings and numerous crime prevention checks.

Delmas Lynn Pennix,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Delmas Lynn Pennix, 25, of 544 Homemont Ave. — Pennix was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; selling or delivering cocaine; and conspiring to sell cocaine. He was being held under $20,000 bond.

Ronald Norman Johnson charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Ronald Norman Johnson, 37, of 116 Torain St. — Ronald Johnson was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; and selling or delivering cocaine. He was being held under $15,000 bond.

Dalleon Sherrod Johnson,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Dalleon Sherrod Johnson, 21, of 610 Orange Height Loop Road — Dalleon Johnson was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; selling or delivering cocaine; and conspiring to sell cocaine. He was being held under $20,000 bond.

Quentin Lamar McAdoo charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Quentin Lamar McAdoo, 28, of 613 Locust Road — McAdoo was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; selling or delivering cocaine; and maintaining a vehicle for use or sale of controlled substances. He was being held under $20,000 bond.

Darren Lee Jackson,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Darren Lee Jackson, 42, of 2111 Orange Grove Road — Jackson was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; and selling or delivering cocaine.

Joshua Lamar Carver,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Joshua Lamar Carver, 22, of 417 Faucette Mill Road — Carver was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; simple possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held under $5,000 bond.

Joshua Lamar Carver,charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Joshua Lamar Carver, 22, of 417 Faucette Mill Road — Carver was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; simple possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held under $5,000 bond.

Demarray Deray Andrews,charged with two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine

Demarray Deray Andrews, 22, of 570 Homemont Ave. — Andrews was charged with two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; selling or delivering cocaine; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held under $15,000 bond.

slain gangster Joe Krantz funds raised for the murdered Independent Soldier's memorial plot

Friday, 19 December 2008

Friends of slain gangster Joe Krantz now say they will not be getting any government money for his burial expenses.Nicole Cooper, who has opened a bank account to fundraise for the murdered Independent Soldier's memorial plot, said in a series of text messages that "social services" is not paying anything.She said only Krantz's friends and family members are chipping in to cover the costs of the stone, plot and engraving for the memorial at Valley View Memorial Garden in Surrey.Last week, Cooper posted to a Krantz Facebook tribute page that she was getting $1,050 from the government to help with the costs and that another $5,000 would be raised from Krantz supporters.Cooper did not return several phone calls earlier this week, but sent a brief text message to counter her earlier comments about the government contribution.Officials in the Ministry of Housing and Social Development refused to comment about any specific application for burial assistance when contacted by The Vancouver Sun.Officials did, however, say that applicants must supply detailed financial information about the dead person's assets, which are independently verified.Krantz was gunned down Oct. 20 at the World Extreme Fighting Club he had operated in Abbotsford for two years. The murder remains unsolved. At the time he owned a 2007 Cadillac Escalade, according to property records.Krantz was arrested last April and charged with nine gun and drug-trafficking charges after a one-month Abbotsford police investigation into an alleged dial-a-dope ring. Police found guns, drugs and cash in his apartment along with clothing bearing the logos of the Independent Soldiers gang, as well as the Hells Angels' Nomad chapter.The 28-year-old, who trained mixed martial arts fighters, was intensely popular, despite his criminal links. At least four online tribute sites were started.A tribute mural was painted at a Langley high school, though it was later taken down by school board officials.

Gangster Disciples, a notorious Chicago street gang arrested 10 northwest suburban residents

Thursday, 18 December 2008

The officials charges against the men were possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Police said several have connections to the Gangster Disciples, a notorious Chicago street gang. "These people face very severe criminal charges. This criminal behavior is not just limited to Chicago and middle-class America," Monroe said.
The men arrested were:
* Trevail "Tre" Banks, 26, of 1096 Stonehedge Drive, Schaumburg.
* Shannon "Shine" Bennet, 29, of 1040 E. 80th St., Chicago.
* Kenton Bradley, 33, of 5512 Montibello, Hanover Park.
* Robert Green, 41, of 808 Holyoke Court, Schaumburg.
* Randy Hamlette, 39, of 808 Holyoke Court, Schaumburg.
* Curly Mixon, 24, of 17 S. Porter, Elgin.
* Yuliet Nava, 24, of 334 Dundee Road, Elgin.
* Robert "Big Boy" Wasp, 37, of 1930 Oxford Court, Schaumburg.
* Frederick Woodson, 41, of 36 Grant Circle, Streamwood.
Named as fugitives were Trotter; Corey "Sug" Stewart, 34. of 371 Silva, and Curly Mixon, 24, of 17 S. Porter, both of Elgin. The Cook County State's Attorney also arrested Damien Beamon, of Elgin, with violating state drug laws. FBI arrested 10 northwest suburban residents Tuesday for allegedly operating a large-scale cocaine and crack ring, often doing business at Schaumburg's Woodfield Mall and Streets of Woodfield.
A national manhunt continues for three men also charged in the drug sweep.
Other police departments participating in the case were Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Elgin, Hanover Park, Roselle and Streamwood. Authorities said one drug transaction was recorded by law enforcement officials while a dealer's child practiced football at Veterans Park on Holmes Way and Knollwood Drive on Sept. 6, 2006. Another recorded drug deal was at Wise Hand Care Wash, 1811 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg, on July 5, 2007. On June 15, 2007, drug money was originally to be exchanged at Rainforest Cafe at Woodfield Mall, but then changed to a Mobile gas station at Algonquin and Meacham roads. FBI agent William Monroe said Robert Atkins, of 2229 Mayfair Ave., Westchester, was the lead buyer in the conspiracy. Atkins was the recent owner of Wise Hand Care Wash, and he still owns a Chicago recording studio named Krunch Tyme Entertainment. The three-year investigation resulted in several recorded phone conversations between the men talking about selling automatic weapons, beatings for owed drug money and drug deals going for $22,500 per kilogram.
On July 20, 2007, Vernial Trotter, 35, of 628 Hayward, Streamwood, was recorded talking to Atkins about a someone owing him money. "I'm gonna kill this boy, hell yeah," said Trotter, according to a transcript, to which Atkins allegedly replied, "No, don't kill him, just whoop his (expletive)." "Man, nah, hell no dude, I'm gonna try to choke this boy out," said Trotter, according to the transcript.
The investigation -- called Operation Sitt'n Ducks -- netted 8 kilograms of cocaine, valued at $200,000, said Monroe. He also said more than $100,000 in vehicles were seized. In the Veterans Park buy, the federal complaint stated Trotter told an informant to meet him at Nathan Hale School, 1300 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg, for the football practice, but it was changed to the park. The complaint also said Trotter's wife drove up and parked next to his vehicle and handed him a white plastic bag. Trotter gave the bag to the informant, and the contents later tested positive for 30.8 grams of cocaine and 29.6 grams of crack cocaine. The $1,300 drug buy was audio and video recorded, stated the federal complaint. Monroe said those arrested faced a prison sentence of 10 mandatory years to possible life. "This was a large arrest and another example of a cooperative efforts among law enforcement," said Richard Casler, chief of operations for Schaumburg police.

Noe Machado was stopped by customs officers for a random check as he went through the "Nothing to Declare" channel

Noe Machado was stopped by customs officers for a random check as he went through the "Nothing to Declare" channel at Edinburgh Airport with his wife and four children.But an x-ray of his luggage detected packages and a total of 16 kilos of the Class A drug were recovered - the biggest single haul of cocaine in the Lothian area.Machado was interviewed by detectives and Advocate depute Morag Jack said: "The accused indicated to police that the reason for the
trip to the UK was to celebrate his son's birthday." At the High Court in Edinburgh 40-year-old Machado admitted illegal importation and being concerned in the supply of the drug on November 10 this year.Machado's solicitor advocate, John Keenan, said Machado accepted he had been in possession of drugs but had "no idea of the value of the drugs involved". Lord Uist deferred sentence on Machado for the preparation of a background report but told him: "You should be in no doubt that crimes of this sort result in nothing other than a significant sentence.He added: "I take it the family group was really a cover for the transport of drugs."
He was remanded in custody for the preparation of a background report.

Mark Weston, 34, bought £115 of cocaine

Wednesday, 17 December 2008

Mark Weston, 34, bought £115 of cocaine after striking it lucky with his bet.But his luck ran out when police raided a house in Erskine Road, Hartlepool, the very same day and found the drugs.Weston, of Glamis Walk, Hartlepool, admitted one charge of possessing a class A drug on March 18.Patricia Mancina, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, said police recovered 9.5 grams of cocaine with an extimated value of between £379 and £474.She told the court: "He and his partner were there and when asked if there were any illegal substances he handed to police seven bags of white powder."In interview he said he had bought it that day for £115 and it was for his own use."He had treated himself because he had had a gambling win that day."Paul Cleasby, mitigating, told the court how Weston was battling to overcome a drug addiction and was on prescribed methadone.He said: "He admitted to police that the cocaine was his and co-operated with police during the search of the premises.
"For many years he has struggled with an addiction to heroin."He is now on prescribed medication to try and wean himself off drugs."The probation service is anxious to address his thinking about illegal drugs. They are keen for him to complete an offending programme."Weston was given a six month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, and an 18 month community order with supervision.
Judge Peter Bowers told him: "I appreciate you have been trying hard to rid yourself of your habit."Methadone is possibly helping you. But that does not excuse you taking on cocaine as an additive to your methadone."This sentence is meant to be a reminder to you that unless you get your act sorted out you are going to end up in prison."

Jamie Tindall’s mobile phone was examined after he was arrested in a raid on a house on Brinewells Green, Middlesbrough

Jamie Tindall’s mobile phone was examined after he was arrested in a raid on a house on Brinewells Green, Middlesbrough on March 28 last year.Officers found text messages indicating dealing in cocaine, Ecstasy and cannabis, prosecutor Christopher Attwooll told Teesside Crown Court. One said: “You fancy bringing up some sniff?”
In the messages, Tindall was asked: “Do you sell drugs?” He replied: “Oh yes.” He was told: “Bit daft when you get caught.” To which he responded: “Chance you take.”
Tindall, 20, also texted: “I am in my prime making money.”A bag of 15 cocaine rocks, worth about £320, was discarded during the police search, the court heard. Months later Tindall was caught with a cocaine wrap. He was bailed, absconded and arrested again, this time in possession of cannabis.Tindall, of Hartington Road, Stockton, admitted being concerned in making offers to supply the Class A and C drugs, possession charges and failing to attend court. He had no previous drugs crimes.Christopher Dunn, defending, said Tindall was very intelligent and could have done much with his life. But he was “thwarted” by a significant stammer, for which he was bullied at school and attacked in custody. Drug use “numbed the pain of blocked opportunity” and led him into the drug culture, he said.Tindall supplied skunk cannabis to friends, was asked to supply Ecstasy, used cocaine and supplied friends from his “personal stock”. Mr Dunn said: “His motivation was not a commercial one.”
Regarding the texts, he added: “He’s trying to big himself up. It’s quite clear this man has got nothing. He was living in a caravan in somebody’s drive.”Judge Peter Fox QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough told Tindall: “I must take at face value what was described on your mobile telephone. Were you an older man I would be giving you four or five years.”Given Tindall’s youth, the judge locked him up for three-and-a-half years.

Michelle Robinson, 35, was allowed to walk out of Teesside Crown Court today after pleading guilty to producing cannabis at her Hartlepool home.

Michelle Robinson, 35, was allowed to walk out of Teesside Crown Court today after pleading guilty to producing cannabis at her Hartlepool home. "Had this been a commercial operation, I'm afraid you would have been going away for some considerable time."Judge Tony BriggsProsecutor Sharon Elves told the court that the mother-of-three had suffered polio as a toddler and had resorted to using the illegal drug to combat the pain. She said police raided her home in West View Road in the town in May, and found four bags of cannabis bush in the property, along with a sophisticated drug farm in an out-house in the garden, which contained 41 plants.
The court was told she had got sick of using street dealers to buy the drug, so decided to grow her own. She applied to a bank for a car loan and used the cash to have the out-house built. She then sent abroad for the cannabis seeds and began cultivating it herself, purely for her own use. The specialist lighting and ventilation system required for the plants to grow ran up a quarterly electricity bill of £1,000, however, Ms Robinson obtained the power legally and paid the bill herself. "She contracted polio at two and by the age of 18 she started using cannabis to relieve the symptoms," said Ms Elves. "She was unwilling to frequent dealers." In her defence, lawyer Annelise Haugstad said the drugs were purely for her own use and said the circumstances of the case were not usual for people growing cannabis plants. She said Ms Robinson rarely left the house and was allergic to a number of pain killers, so had resorted to producing the cannabis plants. Judge Tony Briggs said it was a sad case and said it was rare for people who cultivated cannabis plants to obtain the electricity legally and then pay the bill. "It's very unfortunate to see someone in your position in Crown Court," he said. "However, I see your medical history is unusual," he said. He handed down an 18 month community order, with 18 months supervision. He added: "Had this been a commercial operation, I'm afraid you would have been going away for some considerable time." He ordered the plants be destroyed.

Luis Y. Vazquez, 23, of Victory Gardens faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Tuesday, 16 December 2008

Luis Y. Vazquez, 23, of Victory Gardens faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce).

Gelin Suarez-Lorenzo, 57, of Dover faces $100,000 bail on charges of: two-counts each of possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute

Gelin Suarez-Lorenzo, 57, of Dover faces $100,000 bail on charges of: two-counts each of possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce) and possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce).

Anthony Rispoli, 21, who was already lodged in the Morris County jail, faces an additional $50,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine

Anthony Rispoli, 21, who was already lodged in the Morris County jail, faces an additional $50,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce).

Raymond David Rosario-Colon, 25, of Dover faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Raymond David Rosario-Colon, 25, of Dover faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), third-degree possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine within 1,000 feet of school zone, conspiracy to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of school zone, distribution of cocaine within 500 feet of public park, conspiracy to possess to distribute within 500 feet of public park.

Jomar Pedraza, 22, of Dover faces $150,000 bail on charges of: two-counts each of possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Jomar Pedraza, 22, of Dover faces $150,000 bail on charges of: two-counts each of possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce) and endanger the welfare of a child, possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce).

Erick Martinez, 21, of Dover faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Erick Martinez, 21, of Dover faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), third-degree possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of school zone.

Carlos M. Madera Sr., 48, of Newark faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine

Carlos M. Madera Sr., 48, of Newark faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce).

Carlos M. Madera, 29, of Newark faces $350,000 bail on charges of: leader of narcotics trafficking network

Carlos M. Madera, 29, of Newark faces $350,000 bail on charges of: leader of narcotics trafficking network, possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 5 ounces), distribution of cocaine (more than 5 ounces), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 5 ounces), conspiracy to distribute (more than 5 ounces), possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (less than 1/2 oz), distribution of cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine within 1,000 feet of school zone, conspiracy to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of school zone, distribution of cocaine within 500 feet of public park, conspiracy to possess to distribute within 500 feet of public park.

Tracy Kyle, 31, of Landing faces $75,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, conspiracy to possess cocaine

Tracy Kyle, 31, of Landing faces $75,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, conspiracy to possess cocaine and endangering the welfare of a child.

Lilybette Garcia, 42, of Dover faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine

Lilybette Garcia, 42, of Dover faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce).

Jose R. Jimenez, 29, of Morris Plains faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine

Jose R. Jimenez, 29, of Morris Plains faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce).

Elvis R. Galvan-Jimenez, 31, of Newark faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine

Elvis R. Galvan-Jimenez, 31, of Newark faces $150,000 bail on charges of: possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (more than 1/2 ounce).

Christopher Figueroa-Sanchez, 23, of Dover faces $35,000 bail on charges of: Possession of cocaine

Christopher Figueroa-Sanchez, 23, of Dover faces $35,000 bail on charges of: Possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), distribution of cocaine (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to possess cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce), conspiracy to distribute (less than 1/2 ounce).

Cameron McFarlane, 48, was caught with a large quantity of cocaine in his truck

Cameron McFarlane, 48, was caught with a large quantity of cocaine in his truck on the M80 motorway, close to Falkirk in central Scotland. He pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow today to being involved in the supply of a controlled substance. Prosecutors believe the drug, which was about seven times purer than cocaine normally found in the area, had an estimated street value of £4.2m.
McFarlane, who lived in Alloa, Clackmannanshire, with his wife and stepchildren, was stopped by police at about 11.40pm on 10 October. His truck was taken to a revenue and customs office for inspection and he admitted that he was transporting drugs, although he said he did not know what the substance was. Advocate-depute Alistair Carmichael told the court: "The accused informed the police there were what he described as 15 blocks of controlled drugs in the back of the lorry." A search by Central Scotland Police uncovered the drugs, as well as Russian roubles worth £750, the court heard. McFarlane was arrested in the early hours of 11 October. In a police interview, he said he was smuggling the drugs to clear debts owed to a criminal gang. He admitted bringing drugs into the country three times. This went back to a previous conviction several years earlier, he told police. He was once caught trying to smuggle 50,000 cigarettes into the UK and was imprisoned for two years. His failure to bring the tobacco into the country left him saddled with a huge debt and he was compelled to smuggle the drugs to pay this off, the court heard. Mr Carmichael said: "He had since been released from his prison sentence, and he had been working to pay off his debt by transporting large quantities of drugs in and out of the country." The cocaine found in his lorry was 73 per cent pure, Mr Carmichael said. Cocaine seized in the Central Scotland area was normally about 10 per cent pure, meaning the drug had a high street value when cut up and sold.
Lord Brailsford, hearing the case, called for social inquiry reports and deferred sentence until next month.

Gang member Sean Mercer, 18, was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court of blasting three bullets across a pub car park in Croxteth, Liverpool,

Gang member Sean Mercer, 18, was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court of blasting three bullets across a pub car park in Croxteth, Liverpool, after targeting rivals who had strayed on to his turf.Innocent schoolboy Rhys was caught in the line of fire and shot in the neck.He died in his mother’s arms a short time later.
After almost four days of deliberations, the jury of seven women and five men convicted Mercer of murder unanimously.The verdict was reached yesterday but could not be reported until now.What the jurors did not know was that just two months before he shot Rhys, Mercer was involved in a chilling rehearsal of the killing.
Waving a gun, he rode a motorcycle past members of the public on rival gang territory.The incident was not reported to police at the time.The jurors were also unaware that just weeks after shooting Rhys, Mercer was given a three-year Asbo for terrorising security guards at a sports centre.Fellow gang members James Yates, 20, of Dodman Road, and Nathan Quinn, 18, of Wickett Close, both Croxteth, and Gary Kays, 26, of Mallard Close, and Melvin Coy, 25, of Abbeyfield Drive, both West Derby, Liverpool, and Boy M, 16, were convicted unanimously yesterday of assisting Mercer after they helped Mercer evade the police for months.Dean Kelly, 17, of Sword Walk, Croxteth, who was referred to as Boy K during the trial but can also now be named, was convicted today by a majority of four related charges.Trial judge Mr Justice Irwin lifted reporting restrictions on Kelly at the end of the trial.
The judge also lifted an order banning reporting the fact that Quinn is already serving five years for gun-related offences.When the main verdicts were delivered, only two people in the packed courtroom could not hold back their emotions – Rhys’s mother, Melanie Jones, and the killer’s father, burly Joseph McCormick, who was dressed entirely in black.As Mercer’s "guilty" verdict was announced to the silent courtroom, Mrs Jones, 42, who was sitting opposite her son’s killer, burst into tears and buried her head in her husband’s shoulder to stifle her sobs.
Rhys’s father Stephen, 45, choked back tears as Mercer blinked, looked down and visibly paled, repeatedly puffing his cheeks out.For the first time in the trial the teenage killer looked close to showing emotion as he stared towards the public gallery where his father sat, tears rolling down his cheeks.Mr McCormick mouthed "I love you" to his son – and left the court.But Quinn cracked a joke, inaudible behind the reinforced glass of the dock, and he and other defendants smiled and laughed.
As they were all led away, Mercer shook Quinn’s hand and the pair hugged before they were led down to the cells.During the seven-week trial, the jury heard that Mercer, of Good Shepherd Close, Croxteth, was a leading member of the Croxteth Crew gang, which terrorised the local community and was involved in a long-running and bloody feud with the Strand Gang, based on the neighbouring Norris Green estate.Mercer had an "intense hatred" of Strand Gang member Wayne Brady.When told by Coy and Kays that Brady, 19, and two rivals had been seen cycling near the Fir Tree Pub on Croxteth Crew territory, Mercer set about the murder.Dressed in a black hoodie and tracksuit, Mercer got hold of Yates’s Smith & Wesson .455 revolver and cycled to the pub where he took up position on a grass verge alongside the car park.Standing astride the bicycle with his arms outstretched in front of him, he clasped the gun with both hands and fired three shots at Brady’s friends, moving his arms in an arc to follow their movements on their bicycles.Rhys, distracted by the sound of the first bullet, which struck a shipping container in the car park, turned toward the gunman and was struck in the neck by the second bullet.Mercer then adjusted his position to aim one final shot at his two rivals.The third bullet struck a disused well as the gunman and his targets fled the scene.After the shooting, Mercer cycled to the home of McCormick, where he called on his fellow gang members to help him avoid the law.With Yates, Quinn and Kays, he was driven by Coy to a lock-up garage on an industrial estate where his clothes were burned and his body washed down with petrol.
Mercer gave the murder weapon to 17-year-old Boy X, who was frightened of him and who hid it in a dog kennel.It was later moved, along with a second gun and ammunition, by Kelly to the loft of his house where police found it later.A crucial breakthrough in the police investigation came 16 months later when Boy X, who cannot be named, accepted immunity from prosecution in exchange for giving evidence against the gang.Together with information gained from bugging devices in the homes of Yates and McCormick, much of which cannot be reported, and mobile phone logs, detectives were able to piece together the movements of the killer and his cohorts as they sought to evade justice.

Corpse of Welsh career criminal Courtney Davies, 53, was mutilated, set on fire and left at a popular dog walking spot in Staunton, Gloucestershire

killers of a notorious gangster stabbed 70 times in a "frenzied and sustained attack", burned and dumped in Gloucestershire woodlands have not been caught despite a four-year manhunt, an inquest has heard.
The corpse of Welsh career criminal Courtney Davies, 53, was mutilated, set on fire and left at a popular dog walking spot in Staunton, Gloucestershire, in December 2004.Despite a number of arrests and a collapsed trial, no-one from the criminal underworld has been convicted of the murder, leading a coroner to record an open verdict.Malcolm Martin, 33, who is deaf, was due to stand trial for killing Davies, of Rumney, Cardiff, and hiding his body in the Forest of Dean scrubland. But the case was dropped due to an "unrealistic prospect of success", the inquest in Gloucester heard.Mr Martin, from Cardiff, always denied murdering Davies and leaving the charred body beside the A4136 road leading towards Monmouth.David Scaysbrook, of the Forensic Science Service, found blood on leaves but no signs of a "battering type" injury. The body had probably been superficially burned where it lay, he told the Shire Hall, Gloucester.Dr Stephen Leadbeatter, Home Office pathologist, said: "There were approximately 70 such injuries. Twelve of those were to the right side of the head and neck, 12 were to the right side of the chest and groin and some 40 were to the back. The majority were stab wounds."Acting Detective Superintendent Neil Kelly of Gloucestershire Police told the hearing: "Mr Davies lived alone in Rumney, had previous convictions for offences of dishonesty, drugs, violence and firearms. He was well-known among the criminal fraternity in South Wales and had served long custodial sentences for two armed robberies and supplying Class A drugs.Recording the open verdict, Gloucestershire Coroner Alan Crickmore said: "I'm not able to determine who in fact inflicted the injuries that caused Mr Davies' death. This was clearly a frenzied and sustained attack resulting as it did in the 70 stab wounds discovered by Dr Leadbeatter."But although it was more likely than not that Davies was murdered by underworld criminals of sound mind, without a suspect to bring to court there was always the chance that his killer could be insane, enough to rule out a verdict of unlawful killing.

Enrique Portocarrero , law enforcement officers here have dubbed him "Captain Nemo

Monday, 15 December 2008

Enrique Portocarrero , law enforcement officers here have dubbed him "Captain Nemo," after the dark genius of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." They say the 45-year-old has designed and built as many as 20 fiberglass submarines, strange vessels with the look of sea creatures, for drug traffickers to haul cocaine from this area of southern Colombia to Central America and Mexico.In Colombia, paramilitary groups still spreading terror.Capping a three-year investigation that involved U.S. and British counter-narcotics agents, Colombia's FBI equivalent, the Department of Administrative Security, arrested Portocarrero last month in the violent port city of Buenaventura, where he allegedly led a double life as a shrimp fisherman.A day later, they descended on Portocarrero's hidden "shipyard" in a mangrove swamp 20 miles south of here and destroyed two of the vessels, which police say were each capable of carrying 8 tons of cargo."He had a marvelous criminal vision," Colombian navy Capt. Luis German Borrero said. "He introduced innovations such as a bow that produced very little wake, a conning tower that rises only a foot above the water and a valve system that enables the crew to scuttle the sub in 10 minutes. He is very ingenious."Authorities say they know little about Portocarrero except that he was arrested in 2003 on drug charges and soon released, a fact he relayed with a smirk when he was nabbed last month. Most important, he once worked at a dry dock in Buenaventura, where he apparently learned his craft.Portocarrero was living well. Police, who reported finding $200,000 hidden in the spare tire of his car, say he had invested his reputed $1-million-per-vessel fees in the purchase of five shrimp boats.Administrative Security officials allege that Portocarrero helped invent "semi-submersibles," as the narco-vessels are called, because they don't dive and resurface like true submarines, but cruise just below the surface.Portocarrero's craft are difficult for counter-narcotics officials to detect on the open seas because their tiny wake creates a negligible radar "footprint." Also, authorities say, the exhaust is released through tubing below the surface, frustrating patrol aircraft's heat-sensing equipment."He knew the rudiments of boat design, but probably had help from a naval engineer along the way," Borrero said.Portocarrero developed a signature design, police say: a sleek V-shaped hull; a sturdy keel, which is the boat's backbone; and an exhaust system that makes the boat look like a monster from the deep.There has been a quantum leap in detection and capture of semi-submersibles in the last two years. Fifteen have been seized, destroyed or scuttled this year in the Pacific and Caribbean, compared with only one in 2006, said Rear Adm. Joseph Nimmich, head of Joint Interagency Task Force South, the Pentagon's anti-narcotics command center, based in Key West, Fla.He estimated that as many as 60 of the vessels have slipped past patrols to deliver cocaine to Mexico and Central America. Colombian agents say Portocarrero may have been in charge of building as many as a third of the subs this year.The trend has U.S. security officials concerned because of the craft's potential for ferrying weapons and terrorists.
"If they can't make money transferring drugs, they could always turn to something else to transfer, other illicit cargoes," Nimmich said.A conference on the issue last month in the Colombian city of Cartagena was attended by authorities from 26 countries, including Venezuela, which has forsworn cooperation with U.S. counter-narcotics agents.The development is the latest in the cat-and-mouse game between drug traffickers and counter-narcotics officials. Authorities believe tighter controls on Colombian and Ecuadorean fishing vessels, often used to move drugs, were a factor in the shift to subs. Since mid-2007, all fishing boats in the region have been required to carry GPS devices so police can track their movements.The Colombian navy and police also say that so-called Midnight Express speedboats, supplied by the U.S., have improved their chances of chasing down "go-fast" outboard boats, once the preferred mode of transport."Speed was no longer winning the day," said a high-ranking U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration official based in Colombia who noted the "exponential increase" in the use of stealthy semi-submersible vessels in the last few years. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of security concerns.
Police say several cocaine traffickers, looking to regain the advantage, got together to combine their cargoes and buy Portocarrero's boats, which took about six weeks each to build, said an informant who led Colombian coast guard officials to Portocarrero's mangrove shipyard. Each vessel was designed according to the load of drugs, the informant said, with the maximum cargo of 10 tons of cocaine, worth $250 million in street value.Portocarrero's vessels measured up to 60 feet long and were outfitted with complex ballast, communications and power systems, officials said. They were typically powered by 350-horsepower diesel engines, and the four-man crew had state-of-the-art radio, GPS and satellite telephone communications.The subs have a range of 2,000 miles, more than enough to get from here to Mexico's Bay of Tehuantepec, a favored destination, Borrero said.Although the subs are taxing counter-narcotics officials' ability to keep up, DEA officials say they are getting better at detecting the subs, thanks to computerized systems in British patrol aircraft.Law enforcement has also been helped by a law the U.S. Congress passed in October making it possible to convict a boat's crew on the basis of visual evidence that they were manning the subs. Before, crews avoided prosecution by simply scuttling the craft and sinking the drugs, depriving law enforcement of the evidence they needed.Colombian authorities say they expect Portocarrero to be extradited to the United States, though no U.S. charges have yet been filed against him.Some officials fear it's only a matter of time before traffickers take the next "logical" step: the use of real submarines. Although no true submarines have ever been stopped with cocaine, authorities discovered one in 1995 near Bogota being built according to Russian plans."As the interdiction rate against semi-submersibles increases, as it has, will traffickers revert back to the ubiquitous 'go-fasts,' or will they take it to the next level -- a fully submersible craft, unmanned with remote guidance capability?" the high-ranking DEA official said. "The latter has a lot more agencies than just DEA concerned."

Billy Sergio Palemene and 33-year-old Ruben Hurtado jailed Hurtado for 15 years with a non-parole period of nine years and Palemene for 12 years

49-year-old Billy Sergio Palemene and 33-year-old Ruben Hurtado were arrested last year after authorities in Brisbane intercepted a package containing more than 16 kilograms of pure cocaine. Prosecutor Michael Nicholson told the court it was a second attempt for the two men, after a smaller package containing more than 478 grams of pure cocaine was intercepted by US authorities. The court heard Hurtado was under pressure to clear a large drug debt and had enlisted Palemene's help because of his job with an international courier company. Justice James Douglas jailed Hurtado for 15 years with a non-parole period of nine years and Palemene for 12 years with a non-parole period of seven.

Natalie Ellen Quinn, 26, Calvin Neil Hylton, 41, Briony Marie Dyce, 25, and Camille Danielle Dupee, 19, were arrested Oct. 19

Natalie Ellen Quinn, 26, Calvin Neil Hylton, 41, Briony Marie Dyce, 25, and Camille Danielle Dupee, 19, were arrested Oct. 19 as they disembarked the 1,952-passenger ship in Southampton. British customs officials say they had the cocaine strapped to their bodies.judge in the port town has remanded the P&O Arcadia passengers into custody until they can be sentenced Jan. 16.The 3-year-old ship had just returned from a 23-day cruise around the Caribbean where it made calls in Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados and other islands.

Banco Santander SA,hit by worlds largest fraud

The $7.3 billion Fairfield Sentry Fund invested solely with Madoff, taking a cut of 1 percent of assets and 20 percent of gains, which averaged about 11 percent annually in the past 15 years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Fairfield Greenwich is one of at least 15 hedge-fund firms and private banks, including Tremont Holdings Group Inc. and Banco Santander SA, that earned similar fees for sending customers’ cash to the 70-year-old money manager. “It’s mind-boggling that people like Tremont and Fairfield Greenwich had been doing this for so long,” said Brad Alford, who runs Alpha Capital Management LLC in Atlanta, which helps clients choose hedge funds. “It’s the job of these funds of funds to be doing due diligence. That’s why they get paid.” Madoff was arrested Dec. 11 after he allegedly confessed to running a “giant Ponzi scheme” that may have bilked investors of $50 billion. That fraud escaped the notice of Fairfield Greenwich, Tremont and other funds of funds that had at least $17 billion invested with Madoff. Hedge-fund investment adviser Aksia LLC said the managers should have seen “red flags,” such as Madoff’s use of a little-known, three-person auditing firm. Hedge funds that have disclosed holdings with Madoff were due at least $290 million in fees this year, based on reported assets, fees and Bloomberg data. The calculations don’t include fees of as much as 5 percent that clients paid for some funds when they first invested. Madoff didn’t assess fees for his money-management services, getting paid instead through commissions from his brokerage business for trading the stocks in the accounts. Investors ensnared by Madoff include Fred Wilpon, the owner of the New York Mets baseball team, clients of private bankers in Geneva, wealthy Jewish families in New York and Palm Beach, Florida, and institutions including BNP Paribas SA in Paris that loaned investors money to increase their bets. Losses have been reported by a pension fund in Fairfield, Connecticut, New York hospitals and a charity in Salem, Massachusetts.
While Madoff didn’t run a hedge fund, his alleged crime may accelerate investor defections from the $1.5 trillion industry, already hit by its worst losses since at least 1990 and redemptions that may reach $400 billion this year, according to estimates by Morgan Stanley. In a Ponzi scheme, returns to early investors are paid with money from later ones, until there isn’t enough cash to go around. Madoff’s alleged scam unraveled when he received $7 billion in redemption requests that he couldn’t meet. Funds of hedge funds such as Fairfield Greenwich act as middlemen, raising money from investors and farming it out to other managers that they vet. The go-betweens manage 44 percent of hedge-fund assets, according to data compiled by Hedge Fund Research Inc. Their investments lost 19 percent on average through November, a little more than a percentage point more than single-manager funds, the Chicago-based firm says. Institutions including New York State’s $154 billion retirement system and the endowment of Baylor University have been cutting back their investments in funds of funds to save the extra layer of fees -- generally 1 percent of assets and 10 percent of profits -- that they charge on top of the underlying managers’ take. Last year, for the first time, more than half of the hedge-fund assets of the 200 largest U.S. pension plans were invested directly with individual managers, according to data compiled by Pensions & Investments magazine.

Man driving his car against the traffic at 120 kms/hour with a woman hanging on for dear life on the bonnet.

Saturday, 13 December 2008

Police in Marbella could not believe what they saw. A scene more at home in a Quentin Taratino film than on the local N340 road. A man driving his car against the traffic at 120 kms/hour with a woman hanging on for dear life on the bonnet.
It happened at 4am in the morning last Tuesday, but details have only now been released. Diario Sur newspaper reports that witnesses said the driver was zigzagging and appeared to be trying to get the woman to fall from the car bonnet. The police patrol radioed for support in an attempt to block the way of the car which refused to stop to their sirens. After a long chase with the woman hanging on to the windscreen wipers, a second patrol car managed to stop the vehicle. The 31 year old Brazilian woman told the police that the driver, a 34 year old Spaniard, was her boyfriend and that he had been trying to kill her. He has now been arrested accused of attempted murder.

Brazilian police say a retired officer has been detained in connection with the murders of 13 gay men

Brazilian police say a retired officer has been detained in connection with the murders of 13 gay men in a low-income suburb of Sao Paulo.Authorities say retired state police Sgt. Jairo Francisco Franco was taken into custody Wednesday night after a witness identified him as the killer of a gay man on August 19.Police inspector Paulo Fortunato says Franco is suspected of acting alone in all of the 13 killings.The murders took place between February 2007 and August 2008 at Paturis Park, a favorite meeting point for gay men.Fortunato says the suspect, who worked as a private security guard in a supermarket, denies the charges.
He says Franco does not yet have a lawyer."We have a credible witness who says he saw Franco pump 12 bullets into a black gay man inside the park,” Fortunato said in a telephone interview.A second witness said Franco visited the park frequently, "apparently cruising for gay men and victims,” Fortunato said.
Police have dubbed the killer of the 13 men as the "rainbow maniac,” a reference to the gay-pride symbol."We are convinced he is the rainbow maniac we have been looking for,” Fortunato said.

William Balfour may have killed Jennifer Hudson's mother Darnell Donerson, brother Jason Hudson and 7-year-old nephew Julian King over a birthday gift

William Balfour may have killed Jennifer Hudson's mother Darnell Donerson, brother Jason Hudson and 7-year-old nephew Julian King over a birthday gift, authorities now say.People reports that William stopped by to see his estranged wife (Jennifer's sister Julia Hudson) and spotted a birthday gift he believed she had received from another man. Prosecutors say that made him so jealous that he came back and shot Jennifer's mom and brother, and kidnapped her nephew who had witnessed the crime.
He later killed her nephew, authorities allege.William has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of home invasion. He is in a state prison for a suspected parole violation. He has not confessed to the murders.

Country preacher Howard Porter will serve a life sentence without parole for the murder of an elderly man who had entrusted him with his life savings.

Country preacher will serve a life sentence without parole for the murder of an elderly man who had entrusted him with his life savings.A Stanislaus County Superior Court judge also sentenced Howard Porter on Friday to 12 years to life for an earlier attempt on the life of 85-year-old Frank Craig, as well as five years for theft. The sentences will run consecutively.Porter was pastor of Hickman Community Church when he befriended the elderly man, who eventually asked Porter to help him build an agricultural museum with his life savings.A jury convicted Porter in August of murdering Craig in a car crash to cover up the embezzlement of $1.1 million.

Martrey Antwain Newby, 24, and Theron Jermaine Thompson, 35.convicted

Martrey Antwain Newby, 24, and Theron Jermaine Thompson, 35.On Wednesday, Louise W. Flanagan, the chief U.S. district court judge, sentenced Newby to 35 years in federal prison. In July, a jury convicted Newby of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine and five counts of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.On Thursday, Flanagan sentenced Thompson to 26 years in federal prison. Thompson pled guilty Sept. 11 to distributing more than 50 grams of crack cocaine, three counts of possession with intent to distribute five grams of crack cocaine and distribution of crack cocaine.Thompson and Newby were arrested after drug activity investigations by the New Bern Police Department. During the investigations, police discovered Thompson had been involved in drug operations as early as 1999, distributed more than 2,900 grams of crack cocaine and distributed more than 11 kilograms of powder cocaine.In a trial, evidence included five videos of Newby distributing crack cocaine. One of the videos showed Newby selling or buying drugs while a child was in a safety seat in the back of the car.Police discovered Newby had distributed crack cocaine since he was released from state prison in September 2006. Newby was previously convicted of armed robbery, possessing with intent to sell or deliver marijuana and assaulting a government official.The New Bern Police Department is still investigating drug activity in the area.

Dhymitruy Bouryiotis and 36-year-old Montgomery Read Hill, both from the Vancouver, B.C., area, were arrested

Federal officials say two Canadians were arrested on a beach in northwest Washington as they were allegedly preparing to smuggle about 260 pounds of cocaine into Canada on a personal watercraft.A spokeswoman for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, Lorie Dankers, says 48-year-old Dhymitruy Bouryiotis and 36-year-old Montgomery Read Hill, both from the Vancouver, B.C., area, were arrested for investigation of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

Gilbert Onuoha (44), a Nigerian national, last Saturday after he allegedly tried to courier around 1 kg of heroin

Gilbert Onuoha (44), a Nigerian national, last Saturday after he allegedly tried to courier around 1 kg of heroin from a local courier service in Mira Road to South Africa.The seized contraband is believed to be worth Rs 50 lakh in the international market. Onuoha is the first person to be arrested by the Mumbai police for attempting to smuggle drugs through a courier service. The local courier forwarded the consignment to a reputed courier firm in Andheri (E), where suspicious employees tipped off the police. One of the two packages had two photo frames stuffed with the narcotic.The other package had heroin stuffed into 22 motorcycles footrests. Gilbert was called and subsequently arrested at the office of the courier service. Deputy Commissioner of Police (ANC) Vishwas Nagre Patil said the contraband was wrapped neatly in small polythene packets, and covered with a layer of carbon paper and adhesive tape, making it impervious to the scrutiny of X-ray scanners, and security monitors."The parcel had the address and mobile number of a woman in Cape Town, South Africa, jotted on it," said Assistant Police Inspector P N Kamble. The address was subsequently found to be fake. Gilbert, a native of Anambra, Nigeria, is a school dropout and has been in India for the last six months on a business visa.
Gilbert told the police that his friend of two years, Ken, paid him Rs 4,000 to courier the parcel, and promised to pay him another Rs 50,000 once the consignment reached its destination.

Charlisa Andrews, 34, of 1134 Oak St. was arrested on two counts of distribution of crack cocaine.police located crack cocaine and weapons.

Police located crack cocaine and weapons.Three suspects were arrested for distribution of illegal drugs and one for possession. All individuals are innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.Four residents were also arrested from the home for outstanding capias warrants, which means the subjects had a guilty judgement through plea, appearance in court or arraignment in jail, and did not pay the fine within the required time period.
Police arrested these suspects:Charlisa Andrews, 34, of 1134 Oak St. was arrested on two counts of distribution of crack cocaine.Jorell Benson, 24, of 8446 Chadburn Crossing was arrested for possession of crack cocaine.Trimons Benson, 30, of 1321 Bragg St. was arrested for distribution of crack cocaine. Thornton said police also had six capias warrants on the suspect.Keontaye Giles, 21, of 1608 Yarborough St. was arrested for distribution of crack cocaine. Thornton said police had 10 capias warrants on the suspect.The remaining four suspects arrested at Oak Street were not taken into custody in connection with crack cocaine possession or distribution, but were arrested for capias warrants, Thornton said. “They were inside the residence at the time we served the warrants,” he said. Karsten King, 29, of 933 Hill Street had two capias warrants.Katorri King, 22, of 1667 Crouson Street had three capias warrants.Laronica McQueen, 30, of 706 N. Union Circle arrested for four capias warrants.Angela Phillips, 41, of 2018 W. Fairview Ave. was arrested for five capias warrants.

Jessica Guinyard, age 20, and De Anne Browne, age 21, both U.S. citizens, were arrested at Newark Airport in connection with the smuggling attempt.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested two women who attempted to smuggle more than 12 pounds of cocaine concealed in two false sided bags. Jessica Guinyard, age 20, and De Anne Browne, age 21, both U.S. citizens, were arrested at Newark Airport in connection with the smuggling attempt.On Wednesday afternoon, CBP officers selected Guinyard for a routine baggage inspection when she arrived on a flight from San Jose, Costa Rica. Guinyard presented one Pullman style bag for inspection. During her interview, Guinyard indicated that she was traveling with Browne. Upon examination of her bag, CBP officers noticed that the inside walls of the bag felt unusually thick and heavy. A probe of the inside walls revealed a white powdery substance which field tested positive for cocaine. Inspection of Browne’s bag also yielded false sides containing cocaine.
“CBP is committed to interdicting narcotics at our ports of entry and identifying the perpetrators who facilitate such brazen attempts to smuggle narcotics into the U.S.,” said Robert E. Perez, director of Field Operations for CBP in New York.
More than 12 pounds of cocaine with a street value of more than a half million dollars was seized and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation. “We will continue working together with our Department of Homeland Security partners to identify and dismantle drug trafficking organizations to keep illegal drugs from being distributed throughout our communities,” said Matthew J. Etre, acting special agent in charge of ICE’s Office of Investigations in Newark.

Sentenced Terrence A. Parker to 10 years in prison

Sentenced Terrence A. Parker to 10 years in prison Friday then suspended half of that and ordered the 30-year-old to serve five years on supervised probation upon his release from prison.The first-time felon also must pay a $50,000 fine and court costs or go back to prison and serve the additional five years.Parker had more than 28 grams of cocaine in his possession when a state trooper stopped him while the Hattiesburg resident was traveling from Texas to Mississippi. Webster District Attorney Schuyler Marvin, in a news release, commends the trooper for searching the vehicle and finding the cocaine.During his presentence investigation, Parker indicated he was trying to make some money for his family.
"Committing crimes is not a way to take care of your family," said Webster Chief Assistant District Attorney Sherb Sentell, who prosecuted the case. "Now Parker will spend at least five years away from his family serving a hard-labor sentence. And he must pay a $50,000 fine when he is released."

Alberta Court of Appeal panel rejected a call by the prosecution to increase Hui (Philip) Xu's punishment to five years.

Thursday, 11 December 2008

Alberta Court of Appeal panel rejected a call by the prosecution to increase Hui (Philip) Xu's punishment to five years. Crown lawyer Bob Sigurdson argued provincial court Judge John Bascom erred in not taking into account the cache of weapons police found in Xu's home when they busted him with the drugs. But the appeal court, in a unanimous decision handed down by Justice Rosemary Nation, said Bascom noted the weapons in his ruling. "The sentencing judge was alive to the presence of the weapons and there was no evidence the weapons formed any part in the commission of the offence," Nation said. Defence lawyer Hersh Wolch said the Ruger semi-automatic rifle, ammunition, Panther stun gun, Taser and Kevlar vest found in Xu's home were remnants of his former gang lifestyle -- he also said his client feared some of his former associates might not appreciate him going straight. "It is a fact that a close friend of the accused was murdered not long before this event," the lawyer said. "That friend was speaking to the police and counselling people not to get involved in the drug trade when he was killed." Xu said he was out of the drug life when he agreed to help a former associate complete a drug transaction. Police surveillance captured him picking up three boxes in southwest Calgary and taking them to his Coverton Heights N.E. home on June 15, 2005. Xu had arranged for the transportation of the drugs, worth up to $4.2 million on the street, and stored them in his garage before his arrest.

Gangster John Gizzi,activated the 2,712 extra days which Gizzi must serve on top of his original sentence for failing to abide by the confiscation

Tuesday, 9 December 2008

John Damon Gizzi failed to sell his luxury pad, meaning he could not meet a £2.6m confiscation order and automatically triggering an extension to his jail term.Gizzi, who lived a millionaire lifestyle, was jailed for five-and-a-half years in January 2007.He was also ordered to pay back £2.6m under the Proceeds of Crime Act. But yesterday – 11 days before he was due to be released – a court heard the house had not sold and he would remain behind bars. He still owed £2.2m including £132,000 interest, Llandudno Magistrates’ Court heard.He is currently in prison for grievous bodily harm.Originally Gizzi’s mansion, Bronwylfa Hall in St Asaph, Denbighshire, had been valued at £1.8m but the asking price had then been reduced to £1.3m and an offer of less than £900,000 made by a potential buyer.The country house lies in 4.7 acres in the Vale of Clwyd, near St Asap, Denbighshire. It boasts four reception rooms and a leisure complex with swimming pool, gymnasium and tennis courts.At the time the original confiscation order was made, police said it meant Gizzi would be penniless and homeless when released.The 37-year-old was a millionaire who portrayed himself as a legitimate builder and property tycoon.But at the time of his jailing last year, police said he was a bully preying on the weak who beat up homeless people and believed himself to be untouchable. John Gizzi was yesterday told he would stay behind bars for another seven years for failing to pay back £2.2m profit from his crimes.Gizzi was just 11 days away from being released from a five-and-a-half-year jail sentence imposed in January 2006 for mortgage fraud, conspiracy to supply counterfeit cigarettes, and wounding.But Gizzi, 37, still owes £2.2m, including £132,000 interest, acquired from his criminal activities and which he has been ordered to repay.A court at Llandudno heard yesterday that his £1.8m mansion, Bronwylfa Hall at Asaph, had still not sold and he could therefore not repay the money.Yesterday District Judge Andrew Shaw activated the 2,712 extra days which Gizzi must serve on top of his original sentence for failing to abide by the £2.6m confiscation order.He had been due to be released from prison on December 19.Gizzi’s solicitor Huw Edwards told Llandudno Magistrates Court: “He’s made every effort to ensure the assets subject to confiscation have been sold at the best possible price.”The price for Bronwylfa Hall had been reduced to £1.3m and an offer of less than £900,000 had been made.Estate agents had invited offers over £900,000 for the five-bedroom house which has a pool and gym. Mr Edwards said a sale was now imminent.Earlier hearings had been told Gizzi’s other assets included a Bentley Continental, Range Rover and Mercedes cars and four valuable personalised number plates – JDG 1 to 4.Kathleen Greenwood, prosecuting, told the court two occupied semi-detached houses and land in Gors Road, Towyn, which a Crown Court judge last month ruled had been a “tainted gift” to Gizzi’s parents, were worth at least £430,000.They had been ordered to hand over the development to receivers and their company, J and T Gizzi Builders, must also pay £154,000, the prisoner’s share in another building in Rhyl.At a previous hearing it was stressed there was no suggestion Gizzi’s parents were involved in criminality.
Miss Greenwood said the £154,000 had not been received by the receiver.J and T Gizzi Builders had made an offer for the Gors Road property.“I would be extremely surprised if the receiver accepted the lower offer that has been made,” said Miss Greenwood.Removing the current occupants of the semis would delay the realisation of the asset “considerably”.She added: “There have been over 20 months of default here. There are assets which may well be difficult to sell. You are asked to impose the default. Any reduction in the amount of the order will be reflected in a reduction of any term of imprisonment.”An application will be made in the Crown Court by Gizzi on December 17 to reduce the confiscation amount.A court in January 2006 was told Gizzi had built up a portfolio of 21 investment properties worth £2.8m in the Rhyl area but had lied about his income in each mortgage application.

Former England pacer Chris Lewis arrested by UK Border Agency (UKBA) staff at Gatwick when four kg of cocaine worth £200,000

Former England pacer Chris Lewis, 40, was arrested by UK Border Agency (UKBA) staff at Gatwick when four kg of cocaine worth ?200,000 were found during a routine search of luggage at St Lucia. The drugs were in a liquid form hidden in the tins, said an official.Lewis will appear before Crawley magistrates' court Tuesday.The fast bowler, who played 32 Tests and 53 one-day internationals in the 1990s, was held along with Chad Kirnon, 26, a basketball player. They were questioned by Customs officials and then charged. 'They had arrived on a flight from St Lucia. UKBA officials were carrying out checks on the baggage from that flight. During the course of that search they discovered the cocaine in fruit tins,' a spokesman for the UKBA was quoted as saying in The Times. Lewis took 66 wickets in one-day internationals and 93 wickets in Tests.

British pensioners living overseas should be stopped from raking in millions of pounds in winter fuel payments

Sunday, 7 December 2008

British pensioners living overseas should be stopped from raking in millions of pounds in winter fuel payments, campaigners are insisting.Charities and OAP groups will next week protest that more than £10million a year is being paid to those who have escaped the chilly UK and retired to the sun.Some 50,000 elderly Britons who have moved permanently abroad are claiming the yearly allowance, worth between £200 and £300, which is supposed to help with winter heating bills.Campaigners have hit out at winter fuel payments made to those living in sunny climates abroad, while elderly UK residents struggle with rising energy bills
Even those living on Spain's Costas and in Portugal, Greece and some tropical islands are benefiting from taxpayers' money.As long as they register for the allowance in Britain, they are entitled to continue claiming if they move to any of 29 European countries or their overseas territories.Under European law, benefits acquired in one member state must be paid to those who move to another.

Daryl "Dazzy" Session reiterated his drug dealing but said he never ordered the killing of three men who robbed him.

He was a drug dealer but no killer, Daryl "Dazzy" Session said Friday.As he stood before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to be sentenced for running a drug ring that brought more than 100 kilograms of cocaine to Rochester, Session reiterated his drug dealing but said he never ordered the killing of three men who robbed him.
"I'm sorry I did wrong by selling drugs," Session said. "I never wanted to compound my involvement by being in shootouts and stabbings and things like that. ... My mother raised me to respect people, and that's the way I've been."But Larimer, who found after a hearing that Session had indeed ordered hits on three people — resulting in the death of one — called Session a danger to the community and ordered him to prison for 33 years."I can't think of someone more violent than someone who doesn't do the dirty deed himself but hires someone to do it," Larimer said.Session, 36, pleaded guilty in January to charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug traffic. He faced at least 25 years in prison because he pleaded guilty without a plea agreement with prosecutors, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory.At a sentencing hearing this summer, witnesses testified that Session paid $10,000 to kill Leonard "Fendy" Spears, 26, who was gunned down in a car at West Main and King streets on June 3, 2001. Two other men also were targeted; one was shot and survived and one escaped."He was a defendant who considered a human life was worth $10,000," Gregory said.Court documents said Session was exacting revenge against the men, who had shot him in the leg in March 2001 during the attempted robbery of a drug house he ran as part of his drug operation from January 2000 through April 2005.Larimer found that the shootings were revenge for the robbery and shooting but weren't done in furtherance of the drug trade. The judge's ruling, however, allowed him to enhance Session's penalty

Peter Limone, 74, of Medford, was charged with 12 counts of attempted extortion, loan-sharking and illegal gaming.

Peter Limone, 74, of Medford, was charged with 12 counts of attempted extortion, loan-sharking and illegal gaming. He’s accused of running a ring of bookmakers who took bets on sporting events and charging other bookmakers to work on his turf in the Boston area and Middlesex County.Limone spent more than three decades in prison for a 1965 gangland murder that he didn’t commit. He won part of a $101.7 million civil judgment last year after a federal judge found that Boston FBI agents withheld evidence they knew could prove that he and three other men weren’t involved in the killing.Attorney Juliane Balliro argued Limone should be released on bail, citing his wrongful conviction and decades behind bars.“No defendant in the Commonwealth is as deserving of the presumption of innocence as Mr. Limone,” Balliro said.
After spending the night in jail, Limone smiled and waved at his wife as he was arraigned on the new charges Friday. He stayed in a small room off the courtroom while the charges against him were read.“I’m feeling good,” he said as he left Middlesex Superior Court after posting $5,000 bail. He declined to comment on the charges, which carry sentences from two to 15 years and $35,000 in fines.
Three other men who also arrested in the gaming scheme pleaded innocent: Joseph DiPrizio, who allegedly ran the organization’s central booking office; Thomas Palladino, who allegedly handled payments and collections; and Anthony Squillante, who authorities said served as an intermediary between Palladino and Limone.
Limone charged tens of thousands of dollars in rent to four bookmakers who wanted to operate within Limone’s territory, and took in hundreds of thousands of dollars in gambling funds, prosecutors said.

Eugene “South Side Gene” Flores said he had to help shoot Jesse “Pelon” Guevara in August 2004 or he would have been killed himself.

member of the Mexican Mafia pleaded guilty to racketeering-conspiracy charges Friday and admitted killing a fellow gang member he said he didn’t even know. In a plea deal, he got 25 years in prison. Under questioning by U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia, Eugene “South Side Gene” Flores said he had to help shoot Jesse “Pelon” Guevara in August 2004 or he would have been killed himself. Guevara’s body was dumped on Senior Road in rural southwestern Bexar County. “It was the position I was put in at the time,” Flores said, referring to orders from gang leaders.
Flores’ plea agreement says the leadership ordered Jesse “Low” Ozuna, Michael “VL” Badillo and Flores to carry out the killing because Guevara had disrespected the gang. Badillo has pleaded guilty for his role and is awaiting sentencing. Ozuna is awaiting trial in an FBI racketeering case that targeted 34 members of the prison-based gang.

Reputed Gambino crime family soldier Joseph Chirico won't serve a single day in prison: He was sentenced to six months' house arrest

Brooklyn restaurateur got a slap on the wrist for laundering Mafia money Friday - with a little help from friends like Borough President Marty Markowitz.Reputed Gambino crime family soldier Joseph Chirico won't serve a single day in prison: He was sentenced to six months' house arrest - and can spend 10 hours a day at his Marco Polo restaurant in Carroll Gardens - without even wearing an ankle bracelet.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Brownell said Chirico passed $1,500 in tribute money from a mob associate to another Gambino soldier. "Organized crime has been a curse, especially in counties like Brooklyn and Queens," Brownell argued. Federal Judge Jack Weinstein gave Chirico a tongue-lashing for swearing an oath to the Mafia - but let him off after Chirico's lawyer read glowing letters from Markowitz and former Brooklyn beep Howard Golden. Weinstein, who has sentenced scores of Gambinos in the past year, said he always slammed inducted members with more severe sentences.
He said he was swayed because of Chirico's character and defense lawyer Joseph Benfante's argument that jailing him would mean closing the restaurant and putting 25 people out of work. "Being connected with this gang has been useful in his business, he's looked up to, unfortunately, with respect," Weinstein said. A spokesman for Markowitz declined to comment on Chirico's mob ties. Chirico, who declined to speak at his sentencing, had faced six to 12 months in prison under federal guidelines. Meanwhile, Weinstein also sentenced the late Gambino boss John Gotti's brother Vincent and nephew Richard to 97 months in prison for conspiring to murder a Howard Beach bagel store owner suspected of having an affair with Vincent's wife

Guardia Civil and the National Police have seized 26,199 kilos of drugs in the Campo de Gibraltar so far this year

Saturday, 6 December 2008

The Guardia Civil and the National Police have seized 26,199 kilos of drugs in the Campo de Gibraltar so far this year, compared to the 25,001 kilos seized in 2006 for the same period. More facts: during the first three months of this year they have caught more than the total for 2006; the total street value of the hashish hauls alone amount to €37 million.

Israeli citizen Moshe Abdulak, Peruvians Jorge Tragadona Modena, 41, Edmundo Zayers Neyra, 61, Manuel Tregear Muñoz, José Panta Girón were arrested

Friday, 5 December 2008

international drug ring, allegedly headed by an Israeli man, is out of business after Caribbean, Peruvian and Spanish police intercepted cocaine shipments hidden in lead-plated heavy machinery designed to fool airport x-ray security scans.Peru’s anti-drug unit, or Dirandro, sniffed out the drug traffickers in early October, after being tipped off by officials from the Bahamas. The island’s anti-drug authorities seized 294 kilos of cocaine concealed in lead-plated heavy machinery they determined had been shipped from Peru.Five days after the Bahamas drug bust, Spain seized 600 kilos of cocaine, also shipped from Peru, and also concealed in the same manner.On Nov. 19, Peru’s police drug enforcement unit, Dirandro, carried out four simultaneous raids in Lima’s districts of Miraflores, Ate, Chorrillos and San Isidro, seizing more than half a ton of cocaine.The illicit cargo, destined for the Middle East, is valued at approximately $150 million.Israeli citizen Moshe Abdulak, 53, and Peruvians Jorge Tragadona Modena, 41, Edmundo Zayers Neyra, 61, Manuel Tregear Muñoz, 53 and José Panta Girón were arrested.

Keith Jeremy who "orchestrated the conspiracy" and was jailed for 18 years, was ordered to pay back £1m

Keith Jeremy, 43, of Sutton Coldfield, Martin Askew, 39, of no fixed abode, David Loone, 45, of Solihull, and John Pollard, 35, were jailed last December. Jeremy, who "orchestrated the conspiracy" and was jailed for 18 years, was ordered to pay back £1m at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday. Askew, who is serving a five-year jail term, was also told to pay back £1m. The gang was involved in smuggling cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis into the UK. West Midlands Police confiscated more than 300kg of drugs which it said had an estimated street value of £30m. Pollard, from Cossall, Nottinghamshire, who was sentenced to five years for drug trafficking, was told to pay back £34,000 at the confiscation hearing.
Loone, who was sentenced to two years in jail for money laundering, was ordered to pay back £24,000. Det Ch Insp Mark Griffiths said more than £480,000 of cash had already been seized as well as "millions of pounds of drugs, which the gang had invested a lot of money in prior to their capture". He said: "This operation stopped a substantial amount of deadly drugs getting to the streets where they would have harmed people and blighted communities. "We have now stripped an entire crime gang of both drugs and the benefit of their criminal lifestyle." Four other men were also jailed last year in connection with investigation.

Stopped Joice Way Hardin Jr. in a 1995 Suburban smelled marijuana and that Hardin kept "fumbling in center console."

Thursday, 4 December 2008

Stopped Joice Way Hardin Jr. in a 1995 Suburban smelled marijuana and that Hardin kept "fumbling in center console."During a vehicle search, Biggerstaff reported finding 8 grams of cocaine including 15 individually wrapped crack cocaine rocks along with powder cocaine.Biggerstaff also reported finding less than one-half ounce of marijuana along with drug paraphernalia.Hardin, 35, of Gastonia was booked into Gaston County Jail under a $20,000 bond on charges of possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, felony possession of cocaine, manufacturing cocaine, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for keeping a controlled substance, possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and drug paraphernalia.

Texas Tech reserve DB De'Shon Sanders was arrested in a drug bust

Texas Tech reserve DB De'Shon Sanders was arrested in a drug bust early this morning in downtown Lubbock. He has been charged with felony possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine.Sanders is a housemate of WR Michael Crabtree, but the All-American from Carter has not been implicated in the investigation.

Alan Souto veteran Passaic County Sheriff's Officer pleaded guilty today to stealing cocaine from a department evidence room

Veteran Passaic County Sheriff's Officer pleaded guilty today to stealing cocaine from a department evidence room and selling it to drug dealers. Alan Souto, 40, who was also a Haledon Borough councilman, admitted swiping more than 5 kilos before federal District Judge Jose Linares in Newark. He is a 20-year sheriff's department veteran and oversaw the evidence room from September 2006 until his arrest in March 2008.He admitted selling the cocaine -- seized in the course of various federal, state and local criminal investigations -- for about $250,000. Souto was arrested in March after the theft was discovered at the evidence room in Wayne. He admitted to conspiring to possess and distribute cocaine.He also agreed to surrender the $250,000 he netted through selling the cocaine. Souto, of Haledon, was elected to the borough council in 2005 and resigned after his arrest.

Peter Lloyd has been sentenced to 10 months in prison in Singapore

Wednesday, 3 December 2008

ABC foreign correspondent Peter Lloyd has been sentenced to 10 months in a Singapore prison after being caught in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine or "ice" in the island state famous for its hardline stance against drugs.Lloyd had pleaded guilty to three drugs charges including possessing ice. He was composed as he learned of his fate.He was handcuffed and taken to Changi prison after saying goodbye to his distressed former wife, Kirsty McIvor.Earlier his lawyer had told the court that Lloyd wanted to be reunited with his nine-year-old son, who is seriously ill.Lloyd, 42, appeared before Singapore's subordinate court, where a judge, Hamidah Ibrahim, handed down the sentence.Lloyd, who had postings in Bangkok and New Delhi and covered some of the most traumatic stories in the region over the past five years, has said he became an infrequent user of ice because it eased the recurrent nightmares he was suffering due to post-traumatic stress disorder.The well-regarded television and radio journalist had also split from his wife and come out as a homosexual in the months prior to his arrest.It had been thought that the dropping of an earlier trafficking charge against Lloyd augured well for a lesser sentence.
The trafficking charge carried a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and 15 strokes of a rattan cane, an excruciatingly painful punishment.His lawyer, Hamidul Haq, has previously expressed the view that Lloyd, who was on $S60,000 ($61,000) bail, would get a prison sentence of one year.AAP reports: The ABC later said the conviction meant Lloyd's employment with the national broadcaster had now ended.
"Peter Lloyd has been sentenced to 10 months in prison in Singapore today on drug-related charges, and as such the ABC's employment relationship with Peter has come to an end," an ABC Corporate spokeswoman said in a statement."This is due to the fact that Peter is unavailable to work."The ABC has valued and respected Peter as an employee and as an outstanding journalist who is widely admired by colleagues and industry peers."The broadcaster spent more than $65,000 on initial legal support, counselling and related travel expenses since Lloyd's arrest earlier this year.

Orville Cunningham, aged 42, was arrested earlier this year after the discovery of a large quantity of drugs, cash and UK passports

Tuesday, 2 December 2008

Orville Cunningham, aged 42, was arrested earlier this year after the discovery of a large quantity of drugs, cash and UK passports at a house in Lewisham. Two Jamaican passports under the names of Orville Cunningham and Douglas Anderson were also found hidden in locked suitcases, as well as correspondence under the name of Douglas Moon. Police found out that Cunningham, Anderson and Moon were the same person and he was traced to Wricklemarsh Road in Blackheath. In May police raided the property, which was Cunningham’s home address, and seized bags containing 3.14kg of crack cocaine, 1.378kg of heroin and 254g of cocaine, as well as £30,631.21 in cash.
Officers also found two bags containing around £42,810 in cash and crack cocaine in the central console of a Lexus car. Cash amounting to £183,420 was also found in the boot of another vehicle nearby. Cunningham admitted to police he had been dealing £20,000 of illegal drugs a day since February 2007, but said he had been forced to do it due to threats of violence. Although he confessed he had bought a passport in the name of Douglas Anderson from a Nigerian, Cunningham would not explain to police why he had it in his possession. Cunningham pleaded guilty in July to four charges of possessing heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply, one charge of possessing a false passport and two charges of possessing criminal property amounting to £256,697.21 in cash. At Woolwich Crown Court on Friday (November 28) he was sentenced to nine years in jail Detective Inspector Robert Boggon said: “It appears Cunningham was involved in a criminal network which laundered money and supplied street drug dealers, thus feeding gang and serious youth violence and knife-enabled crime. “We are continuing to investigate whether he has any other financial assets from his criminal activities that should be seized in the future."

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