Federal Authorities Shut Down Mexican Drug Tunnel

On Wednesday, February 13, 2013, federal authorities shut down a just-completed, cross-border drug smuggling tunnel and seized more than 1,200 pounds of marijuana following a multi-agency investigation by the Nogales Tunnel Task Force, with significant assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol in Nogales.

Officers with the Tunnel Task Force, which is led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), were conducting surveillance in Nogales around noon and observed a van in a parking lot at the south end of Nelson Avenue, approximately 200 yards east of the Morley Pedestrian Gate. After noticing suspicious activity, the investigators approached the van, which was loaded with marijuana bundles. Two men near the van attempted to flee on foot, but were apprehended by task force officers not far from the tunnel and taken into custody.

Task force officers seized 22 bundles of marijuana from the van and 29 bundles of marijuana from inside the tunnel, weighing a total of 1,210 pounds.

The crude, hand-dug tunnel is approximately 68-feet-long and averages approximately two feet wide. The passageway does not contain any wooden shoring, ventilation or electrical equipment. The tunnel location closely parallels a March 2012, drug tunnel discovered in the same location. The tunnel entrance is located in the front yard of a private residence in Nogales, Mexico, and runs for approximately 26-feet underground before passing under the international boundary and running 42-feet on the U.S. side of the border. The tunnel exits on an embankment at the south end of Nelson Avenue.

Mexican authorities responded to the area and secured the tunnel entrance in Mexico. The tunnel will be guarded by Border Patrol agents until it is rendered unusable. The investigation remains ongoing, but investigators believe the tunnel had just been completed early Wednesday, February 13, 2013.

"Members of the Tunnel Task Force each bring unique capabilities from their respective agencies, which greatly enhances our ability to identify and interdict drug tunnels," said Eric Balliet, assistant special agent in charge of HSI Nogales. "In this case, the task force developed information that a tunnel was being excavated in the area. Through the diligence and hard work of all the participating agencies, we were able to shut this tunnel down just as it was completed, stopping its very first load of drugs."

In the last three years, federal authorities have discovered and shut down 26 completed cross-border smuggling tunnels in the Nogales area.

The Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) is an HSI-led, multi-agency U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiative to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations that seek to exploit vulnerabilities along U.S. borders. There are currently 34 BEST units deployed across the country, covering major seaports and southern and northern border regions. BEST units are composed of more than 750 law enforcement officers from more than 100 federal, state, local, tribal, and foreign law enforcement and intelligence resources.

BEST Nogales Tunnel Task Force is composed of full time members from HSI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Border Patrol, Nogales Police Department, the Santa Cruz County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. BEST Nogales Tunnel Task Force is responsible for identifying, investigating and eliminating illicit subterranean tunnels in one of the nation's busiest border areas with Mexico and combating the Transnational Criminal Organizations that finance, build and use them.

Texas Resident Guilty of Smuggling Marijuana

A Kingsville, Texas, man was found guilty Monday, February 4, 2013, of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

This conviction resulted from an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Kingsville Narcotics Task Force.

Michael "Mickey" Pena, 45, was found guilty by a federal jury for participating in a drug trafficking organization that transported large amounts of marijuana concealed in the hulls of altered shallow-bottom fishing boats. The marijuana was transported via the intracoastal waterway from Port Mansfield to Corpus Christi to circumvent Border Patrol checkpoints in Falfurrias and Serta, Texas. The federal jury returned their verdict in Corpus Christi after deliberating only 30 minutes following the trial that lasted less than a day.

"Drug smugglers seek the path of least resistance," said Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of HSI Houston. "The great collaborative work of our special agents and law enforcement partners in this case should give pause to trafficking organizations who seek to exploit our coastal waters to move illegal drugs into this country."

Court testimony revealed that in early 2012, drug trafficking organization members deconstructed a 21-foot Dargel Scout fishing boat over 20 days. The hull of the vessel was then loaded with more than 1,100 pounds of marijuana, and the deck of the boat was rebuilt. The boat was then launched in Port Mansfield and co-defendant Rogelio Mendoza drove it north. 

Marine interdiction agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted the vessel just south of Corpus Christi.

Subsequent investigation by HSI revealed that Pena arrived at marker 37 with an empty boat trailer shortly after the boat was intercepted and had registered the vessel in his name two weeks earlier. Certified state documents showed that the previous owner of both the boat and the empty trailer were members of the drug trafficking organization. Special agents also testified that they had conducted surveillance of organization members scouting boat ramps near marker 37 about six weeks before the seizure and then immediately drove to Pena's Kingsville residence.

Mendoza, 37, and five other members of the conspiracy had previously pleaded guilty before U.S. district judges in Corpus Christi and have been or are awaiting sentencing. Those drug trafficking members include: Alberto Lopez, aka Alberto Lopez-Reyna, 39, Lombardo Zarate, 49, Glen Dial, 56, Luz Ramirez, 25, and Hector Perez-Gonzalez, 39.

Senior U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack, who presided over the trial, has set sentencing for April 17, at which time Pena will face a minimum of five and up to 40 years in prison, as well as a possible $5 million fine, and a substantial money judgment. Pena will remain in custody pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey D. Preston, Southern District of Texas, prosecuted the case. 

Washington Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

A Snohomish County methamphetamine dealer was sentenced to nine years in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and counterfeiting.

The Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation designated "Operation Black ICE" was led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Snohomish Police Department.

Christopher Frick, 38, was arrested in March 2012 and pleaded guilty October 2012 to the charges. Court records say Frick came to the attention of authorities in 2011 when they caught him on court authorized wiretaps arranging drug deals during the investigation of the Berrelleza-Verduzco drug trafficking organization.

At the time, Frick was already being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service for using a counterfeit $50 bill that he made by altering a $5 bill. A search of his Monroe, Wash., residence following his arrest turned up methamphetamine and counterfeit U.S. currency. According to prosecutors, Frick has more than 30 prior convictions, ranging from burglary and drug possession to vehicle theft and forgery and fraud.

Operation Black ICE resulted in 34 indictments, and the seizure of more than 20 pounds of heroin, more than 30 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly $200,000 and 31 firearms - including 10 assault rifles. Frick is one of the first defendants in this case to plead guilty and be sentenced. The others are scheduled for trial later this year.

The investigation was assisted by OCDETF member agencies, including the Seattle, Lake Stevens, Everett, Monroe and Marysville police departments; the Eastside Narcotics Task Force; the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force; the Skagit County Inter-local Drug Enforcement Unit; the Snohomish County Sheriff's Department; the Washington State Patrol; and U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Offices of Field Operations and Border Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington. 

Canadian National Sentenced for Smuggling Ecstasy into U.S.

Following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a Canadian man was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to import large amounts of ecstasy pills into the United States.

James Elliott, 62, of Windsor, Ontario, was sentenced Thursday, December 6, 2012, in federal court to eight years in prison.

"HSI will not tolerate the illegal movement of drugs into the United States," said John Kelleghan, special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. "HSI stopped these criminals, who are motivated by greed, from distributing large quantities of illegal drugs in our community and endangering the welfare of our citizens."

Elliott helped recruit and organize a group of smugglers, mostly from the Windsor area, who imported large quantities of drugs into the United States. These drugs were manufactured in Canada by Asian drug trafficking organizations. These organizations then hired Elliott and his couriers to transport the drugs to other drug dealers across the United States. Elliott's conduct came to light in September 2007 when two couriers were stopped in Philadelphia and law enforcement officers seized 102,000 ecstasy pills which the couriers had attempted to distribute to drug dealers in Philadelphia and Boston.

Eastern District of Pennsylvania Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Livermore prosecuted the case.

Target Operation Arrests Four Alleged Drug Traffickers

Federal and local investigators fanned out across San Joaquin County and the San Jose area the morning of Thursday, November 29, 2012, to execute nine search warrants and arrest four suspects as part of a multi-agency probe into a local drug ring suspected of distributing high-grade methamphetamine.

The enforcement actions are the latest development in an ongoing investigation that commenced in March after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received a lead about a possible methamphetamine distribution scheme operating in and around Lodi and Stockton. During the ensuing investigation, HSI undercover special agents posing as drug dealers bought methamphetamine from the case suspects on two occasions. Subsequent tests by a Drug Enforcement Administration lab indicated the substance was 99 percent pure D-methamphetamine-hydrochloride.

"This investigation has dealt a serious blow to a ring we believe was funneling significant quantities of high-grade methamphetamine into the San Joaquin Valley," said Clark Settles, special agent in charge for HSI San Francisco. "In fact, the methamphetamine seized in this case is some of the most pure we've seen locally. These arrests have disrupted a potentially deadly supply chain and prevented dangerous drugs from reaching our streets."

The defendants taken into custody Thursday, November 29, 2012, as part of the case are:

·                             Thomas Jaime Orozco, 31, of Stockton, the alleged leader of the organization;

·                             Vincent Joseph Camarillo, 25, of Stockton, Orozco's cousin;

·                             Theodore Roosevelt Ohagen, 21, of Stockton; and

·                             Jeffrey Lawrence Lamendola, 50, of Lodi.

During the enforcement actions of Thursday, November 29, 2012, investigators seized three pistols, including two that had been stolen, approximately $15,000 in cash, more than 1/4 pound of methamphetamine, along with small quantities of marijuana and cocaine.

The defendants are charged in a criminal complaint with distribution of methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. They were expected to make their initial appearance in federal court the afternoon of Friday, November 30, 2012, in Sacramento. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California.

The allegations in the complaint are only accusations and all persons are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

HSI received substantial assistance with the case from the Lodi Police Department, the San Joaquin County Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force and the Manteca Police Department.

Life Sentence for JFK Baggage Handler who Ran Drug Trafficking Ring

A former American Airlines baggage handler was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday, October 16, 2012, for his leadership of an international drug trafficking organization. This sentencing comes as a result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Port Authority (of New York & New Jersey) Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

"Victor Bourne and his crew of corrupt former American Airline employees mistakenly viewed drug smuggling as a path to riches. The sentencing today serves as a stern warning about the consequences awaiting drug smugglers," said James T. Hayes Jr., special agent in charge of HSI New York. "HSI will continue to use its resources and the expertise of its law enforcement partners to flush out criminals who attempt to exploit our borders."

"Using his insider status, Bourne turned American Airlines into his personal narcotics shuttle service, running a criminal organization that ignored passenger safety and security in the pursuit of their greater goal - enriching Victor Bourne," said Loretta E. Lynch, U.S. attorney of the Eastern District of New York. "Bourne not only abused the trust of American Airlines to satisfy his own financial greed, but by compromising security at JFK Airport he placed all travelers at risk. In this post-9/11 era, we will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those at our ports of entry who violate our nation's drug trafficking laws and threaten the integrity of our borders."

Victor D'Costa Bourne, 37, was the leader of an international drug trafficking organization that smuggled narcotics from the Caribbean into the United States through John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). A federal jury in Brooklyn returned guilty verdicts against Bourne on charges of leading a continuing criminal enterprise, importing and distributing illegal narcotics, and money laundering, after a month-long trial in October 2011.

In total, the investigation that culminated in Bourne's conviction and sentence has resulted in 20 convictions, including the conviction of 19 airline employees, the seizure of 13 kilograms of cocaine and 2,900 pounds of marijuana, and the forfeiture of $6.9 million.

The evidence at trial proved that, between 2000 and 2009, the Bourne organization utilized corrupt employees of commercial airlines, including American Airlines, working at domestic and international ports of entry to smuggle illegal narcotics into the U.S. and throughout the Caribbean. Bourne paid dispatching crew chiefs at American Airlines to assign crews of baggage handlers, who, in turn, were paid tens of thousands of dollars by the Bourne organization to retrieve the cocaine from the flights upon arrival.

The cocaine smuggled aboard American Airlines flights into JFK was hidden behind panels in the front and rear cargo holds, the ceiling, wing assembly, avionics, and other vital equipment compartments. After removing the cocaine from these locations, the corrupt baggage handlers hid the drugs inside their coats and airline equipment bags to avoid detection by law enforcement and safely transport the drugs to Bourne.

The government proved at trial that, in this manner, the Bourne organization was responsible for the importation into the U.S. of over 150 kilograms of cocaine. At the time of his arrest in 2009, Bourne was preparing to transport even larger quantities of cocaine in cargo containers from the Caribbean to the United States.

The evidence presented by the government at trial included testimony from six former American Airlines employees who pleaded guilty to narcotics trafficking charges resulting from their participation in the Bourne organization. Each witness described Bourne's control of the drug smuggling operation, including the recruitment and payment of his workers, the secret locations on the aircraft where the cocaine was hidden, and the growth of the organization over time. One of the employees recounted a conversation in which Bourne stated, in substance, that he "started with half a kilo, then got 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 30, 50."

Another government witness, an American Airlines employee at JFK who was not involved in drug trafficking, testified that Bourne accused him of stealing two kilograms of cocaine. This witness testified that Bourne threatened to "kill me, my family, my kids" if the drugs were not returned. Shortly thereafter, Bourne confronted the same employee at the airport and pushed him off of a truck, causing a neck injury.

The evidence at trial also established that Bourne was responsible for the shipment of over 5,000 pounds of marijuana aboard cargo vessels, in part through a Brooklyn footwear company, to businesses in Barbados.

Bourne reaped millions of dollars in illegal cash proceeds from his illegal drug trafficking, and laundered his drug proceeds through businesses and real estate ventures in Brooklyn and Barbados.

In addition to a lifetime term of imprisonment, Bourne was ordered to forfeit $5.1 million.

ICE and HSI Gang Specialists Train Royal Bahamas Anti-Gang Unit

Over the past couple years, law enforcement agencies across the globe have seen a steady rise in transnational organized gangs. To tackle this growing problem in the Bahamas, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations' (HSI) National Gang Unit recently led a workshop to train officers with the Royal Bahamas Police Force's newest anti-gang unit.

Modeled after U.S.-based gang task forces, the Royal Bahamas Police Force is in the process of standing up its first anti-gang unit. Early in this process the Bahamian police force looked to HSI's National Gang Unit for guidance, knowledge and techniques. After multiple discussions and an on-site visit to determine the Bahamian police force's specific needs, the HSI gang unit created a customized 24-hour curriculum to share best practices and strategies, as well as to build upon the Bahamian force's existing knowledge.

"While we have trained anti-gang units in Mexico, this is the first time we've developed an anti-gang course for the Royal Bahamas Police Force," said Alvin DeLaRosa, program manager for HSI's National Gang Unit. "It took about five months to come to fruition, but we're glad to have another partner to take on these international criminals."

The four-day training, held the last week of September, brought together gang experts from HSI, the FBI, the Organized Crime and Gang Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C., and the Bahamian equivalent of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Vetted Royal Bahamas Police Force officers learned about recognizing gangs, gathering intelligence and evidence, analyzing intelligence, types of smuggling, interview techniques, and prosecution strategies.
During the training's opening remarks, Bahamian National Security Minister Bernard Nottage noted that the "serious threat" these "well organized and sophisticated" gangs are posing to his country.

"We have come to pool our ideas on ways to eliminate or control the proliferation of gang violence or gang-type violence in our communities," Nottage said.

DeLaRosa noted that in the Bahamas, these gangs resort to whatever tactics, including homicide, they need to in order to survive, to traffic drugs and to smuggle guns.

"Organized gangs are not confined to our borders," added DeLaRosa. "It's a worldwide epidemic, and a growing problem in the Bahamas. Working together we can dismantle transnational gangs to ensure public safety in the region."

Next week, HSI's National Gang Unit is scheduled to conduct similar training in Anguilla, British West Indies.

Dominican Republic National Arrested for Heroin Ring

Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and members of the New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force dismantled a heroin distribution operation and arrested a Queens man.

Special agents arrested Jose Santiago Diaz, 44, a Dominican Republic national who worked in the Queens apartment where heroin was repacked for distribution.

During a search warrant, special agents seized 39 kilos of heroin from the ground floor apartment the evening of Wednesday, September 19, 2012. The heroin has an estimated street value of more than $20 million. Eight packages of pressed heroin weighing nearly three pounds each were found lying on the floor of the studio apartment, while another 11 packages were recovered from inside a duffel bag. A makeshift assembly line had been set up on a table, complete with kilo presses and multiple buckets containing grinders, sifters and other drug paraphernalia. Another 10 kilograms of loose heroin was on the table with the buckets. Brown sugar used as a cutting agent was also recovered from the apartment.

Special agents and detectives with the strike force had been conducting surveillance at the suspected location for several weeks prior to the search. On the night of Tuesday, September 18, 2012, members of the strike force team observed an individual wearing latex gloves, typically worn by heroin mill workers, exit the front door of the building and then return inside. Moments later the special agents saw an individual wearing latex gloves open a window in the ground floor apartment. Special agents and detectives approached the building and noticed a strong odor of heroin emanating from a window and an air conditioner.

Shortly after midnight, Diaz exited the building and drove off in a vehicle. Special agents stopped the car and detained Diaz after he made inconsistent statements. Special agents detected the smell of heroin on Diaz and determined that he was in possession of the keys to the ground floor apartment.

Members of the strike force contacted the Port Authority Police K-9 Unit, which dispatched a Port Authority police officer and a K-9 dog to the building. Upon sniffing the door to the residence, the dog signaled the presence of narcotics. Special agents later searched the residence and found significant quantities of heroin.

"Heroin not only poses a significant public safety risk, it also generates huge profits that are often funneled back into other types of illegal activity," said James T. Hayes Jr., special agent in charge of HSI New York. The seizures and arrests are a testament to HSI's commitment to keep illegal drugs off our streets."

"I commend the excellent work by agents and detectives in this case," said Bridget G. Brennan, special narcotics prosecutor. "We seized a very large quantity of heroin high in the distribution chain. This would have ended up as millions of user-ready packets on the streets of our city."

"NYPD detectives and federal agents, supported by the outstanding work by Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan and her staff, have brought this heroin mill to a grinding halt," said Raymond W. Kelly, New York City police commissioner. "In putting a major drug dealer out of business, they have also saved lives in stopping the violent crime that is never far from narcotics trafficking."

"Over the past few years we have seen an increase in opiate abuse within the New York area. This has been a great concern to law enforcement and our community," said Wilbert L. Plummer, acting special agent in charge of the DEA in New York. "These arrests demonstrate that law enforcement is determined to identify those responsible."

The New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force is comprised of officers of the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the New York City Police Department, HSI, the New York State Police, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshal Service and with assistance from the New York City Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor's Office. The strike force is partially funded by the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, which is a federally funded crime fighting initiative.

Guilty Plea for Former US Army Captain Who Smuggled Heroin from Afghanistan

A South Carolina man and former captain in the U.S. Army, pleaded guilty to charges of importing heroin and possession with the intent to distribute the drug. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations Division and the Wilmington Police Department.

Saleem Sharif, 36, of Johns Island, S.C., pleaded guilty to the charges. Each charge carries a maximum term of 40 years in prison. Sharif is scheduled to be sentenced January 15, 2013.

"This joint investigation is a terrific example of how law enforcement, with support from our partners abroad, were able to successfully dismantle this narcotics smuggling network," said John P. Kelleghan, special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. "HSI will continue to utilize its broad authorities to target those individuals that pose direct threats to our communities."

According to court documents, Sharif, a U.S. Military Academy graduate, admitted that he imported into the country at least 2.5 kilograms of heroin from Afghanistan while employed there as a contractor. Sharif concealed the heroin in DVD cases, each case containing approximately 2.5 ounces of heroin.

One of Sharif's customers was Darrold Thomas. Thomas, who pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking offense August 9, 2012, lived in Killeen, Texas. During his plea hearing, Thomas admitted that on two occasions he sold heroin directly to several individuals from the Wilmington area. Thomas stated that he sold approximately five ounces of heroin to Kelvin Cook in Killeen, Texas, in the summer of 2010. Thomas sold the heroin, which was concealed in two DVD cases, for $5,000.

Thomas also admitted he sold approximately 500 grams of heroin to Ronaldo Edmund and Kevin Morris in Washington, D.C., in December 2010. Thomas sold the heroin, which was packaged in several DVD cases, for $30,000. Edmund and Morris have each pleaded guilty to drug trafficking offenses in the District of Delaware.

In addition to heroin transactions with Cook, Edmund and Morris, Thomas also admitted that he directed the shipment of approximately 210 grams of heroin, which he had received from Sharif, to a DEA confidential source at an address in Newark, Del., in September 2011. The heroin was concealed in a DVD case and located within the false bottom of a can of oil.

Ultimately, Thomas placed the source in direct contact with Sharif. On April 27, 2012, Sharif and co-defendant Charles Richardson traveled to Wilmington to meet with the source. They were arrested while meeting with the individual in a vehicle outside the Amtrak train station. In a later search, agents found two DVD cases that contained heroin – one in a bag belonging to Sharif, and another in a bag belonging to Richardson. The total net weight of the heroin was approximately 115 grams.

Following his arrest, Sharif admitted to traveling to Delaware to sell the heroin to the source. He also admitted that he imported heroin into the U.S. during his time in Afghanistan.

Sharif is the 15th individual charged in connection with the Wilmington-based drug organization to enter a guilty plea. Eleven defendants have entered guilty pleas in the United States District Court, District of Delaware, while four other defendants have entered guilty pleas in the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas. Six other individuals remain in custody in Panama.

Foreign Nationals Charged with Extensive Drug Trafficking and Identity Fraud Scheme

Eleven foreign nationals were charged Thursday, July 19, 2012, in a 90-count superseding federal indictment alleging they conspired to distribute cocaine and engaged in tax fraud, money laundering, identity theft and other financial crimes.

The indictment comes following a multi-agency Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDEF) investigation, stemming from an initial Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Anchorage police drug probe. The magnitude of the financial crimes, money laundering and identity theft, resulted in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) taking a lead role.

According to the indictment, the Dominican and Mexican-national defendants engaged in a conspiracy to defraud the United States by filing false tax returns and illegally claiming millions of dollars in tax refunds. Investigators believe that between January and March the defendants conducted their scheme using names and Social Security numbers of individuals from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

"Today's indictment is a clear warning that anyone who steals the identities of innocent taxpayers and uses the information for personal profit will be aggressively pursued, investigated and prosecuted, in Alaska or throughout the United States," U.S. Attorney Karen Loeffler said. "This case is an example of how interagency cooperation and teamwork can successfully bring down an entire organized criminal conspiracy."

Three laptop computers seized by investigators contained information for approximately $19 million in fraudulent refund claims, 2,600 stolen identities including individual names, Social Security numbers and other identity information. It is also alleged that one or more of the defendants obtained the physical addresses used on the tax returns by stealing mail from mailboxes in and around the Anchorage area.

The defendants obtained Alaska identification cards using the stolen identities, which were necessary to open the numerous bank accounts needed to cash their tax refund checks. They also falsely claimed to be U.S. citizens to obtain the identity documents and open the accounts.

"These criminals illegally posed as U.S. citizens and exploited our financial system for personal gain," said Brad Bench, special agent in charge of HSI Seattle, who oversees HSI investigations in Alaska. "By pooling our unique resources, legal authorities and expertise, HSI and the IRS were able to dismantle a significant scheme to defraud the people of the United States."

"The charges brought forth today against these 11 individuals serve as another reminder that IRS Criminal Investigation is aggressively pursuing those who choose to defraud the government and disrupt the lives of innocent taxpayers," stated Richard Weber, IRS Criminal Investigations chief.

"Drug traffickers' greed clearly has no limits, as evidenced by this investigation," said Douglas James DEA acting special agent in charge. "The DEA is proud of its partnership with the Anchorage Police Department, which brought this case to their federal counterparts, exposing this multi-faceted criminal organization."

The indictment also charges various defendants with submitting false claims for refund, possessing stolen mail, making false claims of U.S. citizenship, committing passport fraud, making false statements to banks and credit unions, and passing forged U.S. Treasury checks, as well as aggravated identity theft.

The fraud charges each carry maximum penalties of between two and 30 years imprisonment, in addition to the five-year mandatory minimum prison term required upon conviction on the drug charges.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. State Department's Diplomatic Security Service also investigated. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska and the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division.

An indictment is merely a formal accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Drug Trafficking Ring Dismantled

Members of a violent Bronx drug trafficking crew were arrested and charged Thursday, June 14, 2012, with distributing crack cocaine and other drugs. These charges come as a result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led El Dorado Task Force (EDTF) in New York.

Special agents and police officers arrested 21 members and associates of the Murder Moore Gangstas (MMG), a violent drug trafficking crew based in and around the Moore Houses in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx. They were charged with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, MDMA-ecstasy, and painkillers, as well as assorted firearms offenses.

"Today's arrests dealt a significant blow to a criminal organization that allegedly peddled crack cocaine and marijuana throughout New York City communities," said James T. Hayes Jr., special agent in charge of HSI New York. "The successful outcome of this investigation is exactly why HSI's El Dorado Task Force brings together local and federal law enforcement agencies to detect and disrupt criminal factions that distribute illegal drugs contributing to the demise of our society."

"This violent gang and drug trafficking organization has been dismantled and taken off the streets today to eliminate fear from the community and to keep our streets safe," said Wilbert L. Plummer, acting special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Field Division. "Cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana were being distributed in open air markets, and through our collaborative efforts from the law enforcement community we have arrested those responsible and put them behind bars."

"With today's arrests in the Bronx, there are 21 fewer alleged criminals infesting the streets with narcotics and using deadly firearms to support and defend their illegal trade," said Preet Bharara, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. "Cleaning up the neighborhoods in this district so that residents can live in peace, knowing their communities and their children are safe, remains one of our top priorities."

"ATF is committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to impact and reduce violent crime in New York City," said Joseph Anarumo Jr., special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in New York. "Today's arrests and seizures exemplify that cooperative effort to remove violent, predatory criminals from our streets."

"These gang members pushed illegal narcotics and used violence and intimidation to further their drug trade," said Raymond W. Kelly, commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). "I want to commend the NYPD Bronx Gang Squad and particularly the undercover detectives who at great risk to themselves took drugs, guns and ultimately these suspects off the streets."

"As part of the El Dorado Task Force, the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division works with our law enforcement partners to accomplish a number of objectives to make life better for the citizens of the New York City–Metropolitan area," said Victor W. Lessoff, acting special agent in charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CID). "Combating drugs and violence on our streets, using our financial investigative expertise, is one of them."

In a coordinated operation Wednesday, June 13, 2012, and Thursday, June 14, 2012; federal, state and local law enforcement officers arrested 14 MMG members and associates in the Bronx. One of the charged defendants was previously arrested on state charges, and six defendants are still at large.

According to court documents, between December 2011 and June 2012, undercover detectives with NYPD made multiple purchases of crack cocaine and other drugs from MMG members and associates in the Moore Houses area of the Bronx. Investigators also had court-authorized wiretaps on some of the defendants' phones, and intercepted them engaging in their drug business.

Defendants Juan Fernandez, Ramon Morales, Odell Scarborough, Yemelia Ayala, Angel Alicea, Emmanuel Miller, Robert Rivera, Eugene Miller, Edward Brown, Lamont Robinson, James Miller, Alberto Bajana, Miguel Otero, Bryan Cummings, Jose Valdez, Dennis Sanders, Nathaniel Johnson, Kristopher Meade, Rolando Montes and Ricky Walker are charged in an indictment with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, MDMA and oxycodone/roxycodone. The defendants operated in and around 550 Cauldwell Avenue and

480 Concord Avenue

, the Bronx. Fernandez, Morales, Scarborough, Emmanuel Miller, Edward Brown and Rolando Montes are also charged with possessing firearms in connection with their drug activity.

Defendant Melvin Caceres is charged in a complaint with trafficking in firearms without a license.

On Thursday, June 14, 2012, law enforcement officers searched six locations in the Moore Houses area and recovered, among other items, a rifle, a revolver and drug paraphernalia. Officers also recovered small quantities of crack cocaine, powder cocaine and marijuana from certain of the defendants.

The six other defendants charged in the indictment; Eugene Miller, Johnson, Montes, Otero, Rivera and Valdez remain at large.

20 Arrested for Drug Trafficking After 18 Month Investigation

Twenty people were arrested Wednesday, May 30, 2012, following the two separate federal grand jury indictments charging 22 defendants with crimes related to trafficking methamphetamine and international money laundering. The charges were announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office of the District of Colorado, and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force's (OCDETF) Strike Force.

All 20 people were arrested May 30 without incident in Metro Denver, California, Utah, and Iowa. The two others not arrested are considered fugitives from justice. The first indictment involves 11 defendants and 135 counts. The second indictment involves 11 additional defendants and 22 counts. Most of those arrested appeared in U.S. District Court in Denver Wednesday where they were advised of the charges pending against them.

During the course of the investigation, including fruits from search warrants executed May 30, agents and officers seized more than six pounds of methamphetamine, $715,340 in currency, one firearm and property. Five vehicles were seized, including two 2004 Freightliner tractor trailers, and a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.

The arrests are a culmination of a year-and-a-half long OCDETF investigation known as Dark Angel, which targeted the Armando Mendoza-Haro drug trafficking organization (DTO), which has ties to Mexico. The DTO utilized corrupt drivers from a trucking company, using their semi-tractor trailers to move methamphetamine from California to Colorado. The tractor trailers were also used to move money back from Colorado to California. In one instance, the money was hidden in a truck load of milk. The DTO also used other means to send money back to California, including one instance where a minor had cash strapped to his body as he was being driven to California.

One unique aspect of this investigation was the money laundering the defendants allegedly engaged in. The defendants attempted to conceal and disguise the origin of the methamphetamine proceeds. They did this by depositing the methamphetamine proceeds into various bank accounts at financial institutions (called funnel accounts). In an attempt to avoid bank-reporting requirements, the defendants structured the deposits into the accounts by making deposits less than $10,000. Financial institutions are required to file a currency transaction report (CTR) for currency transactions more than $10,000. To further conceal the ownership and source of the methamphetamine proceeds in the funnel accounts, the defendants moved the funds that were deposited into the funnel accounts to other accounts via wire transfers. These wire transfers included transferring funds domestically and internationally. In some instances there were subsequent wire transfers back to the original funnel accounts with cash withdrawals made in California, avoiding the $10,000 reporting requirement.

Commissioned in July 2011, the mission of the Denver OCDETF Strike Force is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute the command and control structure of major international and interstate drug transportation and smuggling organizations operating in and through the Mountain West region of the United States through collaborative criminal and financial investigations. The Denver OCDETF Strike Force is one of only 11 across the country. The Strike Forces are mostly housed in large cities.

The Denver OCDETF Strike Force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, Aurora Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Denver Police Department, Fort Collins Police Services, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, and Lakewood Police Department.

Those arrested May 30 include the following:

·                             Armando Mendoza-Haro (Northglenn, Colo.)

·                             Jesus Segovia (Denver, Colo.)

·                             Miguel Angel Sanchez (San Bernardino, Calif.)

·                             Daniela Munguia de Ortiz (Pomona, Calif.)

·                             Yuly Hernandez-Orozco (Edgewater, Colo.)

·                             Alejandro Morales-Garcia (Marshalltown, Iowa)

·                             Carlos Martin Segura Chang (Downey, Calif.)

·                             Sonia Perez (Denver, Colo.)

·                             Reyna Mendoza-Haro (Corcoran, Calif.)

·                             Jaime Moreno-Lopez (currently in BOP custody)

·                             Ricky Henry Cisneros (Denver, Colo.)

·                             Ivan Gomez-Avila (Denver, Colo.)

·                             Shana Louise Claybourn (Denver, Colo.)

·                             Cris Anthony Sandoval (Lakewood, Colo.)

·                             Todd Joseph Trujillo (Westminster, Colo.)

·                             Kennie Ray Snyder (currently in state custody)

·                             Christina Rose Malmgren (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)

·                             Desiree Rose Ceballes (Glendale, Colo.)

·                             Ricardo Paniagua-Rodriguez (San Ysidro, Calif.)

·                             Sergio Mendoza-Valdovinos (Utah)

"Thanks to the outstanding efforts of the OCDETF Strike Force, twenty-two drug dealers have been charged with trafficking methamphetamine, most of which was delivered to Metro Denver," said U.S. Attorney John Walsh. "This week's arrests will have an impact on the availability of methamphetamine on the streets of Denver."

"The indictments we are announcing today reflect the hard work of Denver OCDETF Strike Force, who targeted a Mexican drug trafficking organization responsible for the transportation of significant quantities of methamphetamine from California to Colorado," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Barbra Roach. "In addition to the drug trafficking aspects of this investigation, it is important to note the success investigators had in detecting and charging the money laundering scheme."

"Methamphetamine-trafficking organizations are deeply rooted in money and greed," said Michael Holt, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Denver. "HSI routinely uses our unique law enforcement authorities in such operations to specifically target the finances that drive these crimes."

"IRS – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) is committed to fighting the war on drugs in conjunction with our law enforcement partners," said Sean Sowards, Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation, Denver Field Office. "IRS-CI has the financial investigators and expertise to disrupt these organizations and deprive them of their illicit gains."

"Long term collaborative investigations like 'Dark Angel' are invaluable, especially when they achieve this kind of success," said Denver Police Chief Robert White. "Getting 22 drug dealers and their narcotics off the street will make Denver a much safer city."

"This multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional investigation will curtail the illegal drug market in the Western United States," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge James Yacone. "We will continue the efforts with our federal, state and local partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute these drug smuggling organizations that impact our communities."

If convicted, the defendants face penalties ranging from not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison, to not less than five years and up to 20 years, depending on the quantity of drugs they are accused of trafficking. Some face not more than 20 years in federal prison for money laundering and/or other drug trafficking charges. Others face not more than four years for using a communication facility (i.e., a phone) while committing the felony drug offense.

The indictments also include asset forfeiture allegations. If convicted, the defendants shall forfeit their right, title and interest in all property constituting and derived from any proceeds obtained directly and indirectly as a result of their crimes.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Phillips and Kasandra Carleton. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tonya Andrews assisted with the asset forfeiture aspect of this case.

The charges contained in the indictments are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Members of International Khat Ring Convicted

Thirteen individuals have been convicted for their roles in an international conspiracy, trafficking more than 10 million grams of khat throughout the United States.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with support from U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Marshals Service, as well as local law enforcement in Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and New York. This case was prosecuted as part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force's "Operation Buried Treasure."

"This case exemplifies that those who attempt to smuggle controlled substances and other contraband into and out of our country will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted," said John P. Torres, special agent in charge of HSI Washington, D.C. "HSI thanks our domestic and international law enforcement partners for their significant cooperation in dismantling this smuggling and money laundering organization."

Indicted June 16, 2011, the following defendants were convicted May 17 of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cathinone, a schedule I controlled substance found in khat: Suado Mohamed Ali, 45, of Burke, Va.; Hibo Musse Samantar, 34, of Annandale, Va.; Ahmed Ali Hassan, 31, of Alexandria, Va.; Osman Yusuf, 56, of Clifton, Va., Abdirahman Abshir Jibril, 45, of Fairfax, Va.; Harun Salhan, 47, of Wheaton, Md.; Ismail Mohamud Abdi, 50, of Alexandria, Va.; Abdi Muhumed, 43, of Parkville, Md.; Lutf Mohamed Albukhaiti, 36, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Nagi Mansor Sea Alashmali, 50, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Khaled Ahmed Isa, 36, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Abdi Omar Abdi, 56, of Columbus, Ohio; and Abokor Gurreh, 55, of Columbus, Ohio.

Nine of the defendants – Suado Mohamed Ali, Osman Yusuf, Abdirahman Abshir Jibril, Ismail Mohamud Abdi, Abdi Muhumed, Lutf Albukhaiti, Khaled Ahmed Isa, Abdi Omar Abdi and Abokor Gurreh – were convicted of conspiracy to launder the proceeds of khat sales to khat suppliers in the United Kingdom and Africa. Harun Salhan was acquitted on the money laundering conspiracy charge.

The defendants will be sentenced Aug. 10 and 17. Each faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

"This ring illegally imported millions of grams of fresh, potent khat into the United States and then laundered the khat proceeds to hide and promote their illegal activity," said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Neil H. MacBride. "These convictions should serve as a warning to others who knowingly bring illegal narcotics into the United States and distribute them for profit."

According to court records and evidence at trial, the defendants joined a conspiracy that smuggled khat into the United States from Europe, using human couriers, the U.S. Postal Service and delivery companies. The conspiracy would then distribute the khat throughout the eastern United States, including Ohio, New York and the Washington, D.C. metro area. The conspirators would transmit proceeds from their drug sales to others in England, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda through money-service businesses such as Dahabshiil, Inc. Osman Yusuf, a former branch manager at a Dahabshiil branch in Falls Church, Va., and Abdirahman Abshir Jibril, an employee at that Dahabshiil branch, assisted the leader of the khat trafficking conspiracy, Yonis Muhudin Ishak, in wiring his drug proceeds overseas.

"This verdict is the result of several law enforcement agencies pooling their resources and working together toward a common goal: to protect citizens from the perils of illegal and dangerous drugs," said Postal Inspector in Charge Daniel Cortez. "I would like to thank the inspectors, as well as the special agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection who worked tirelessly to achieve this verdict. I greatly appreciate their dedication of continuing to ensure the safety of the U.S. mail."

Fresh khat leaves contain the drug cathinone, an addictive stimulant with effects similar to, but less intense than that of methamphetamine or cocaine. Over time, the cathinone in khat leaves degrades, and the evidence at trial showed that the conspiracy placed priority on ensuring the khat smuggled into the United States was fresh. The conspiracy used human couriers, who were paid about $1,000 per trip to travel to England and return with khat smuggled in their passenger luggage. Couriers used rented vehicles to transport khat to and from airports, as well as to designated locations throughout the United States. They also used them to retrieve or ship khat to conspirators in other parts of the country. Additionally, members of the conspiracy would receive Express Mail packages containing khat from khat suppliers in the United Kingdom. The shipping labels on these packages falsely reflected their contents as "baby clothes," "picture frames" and other items.

Local law enforcement participation included Arlington County Police Department, Fairfax County Police Department and Alexandria Police Department in Virginia; Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority in Washington, D.C.; Columbus Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff's Department and Gahanna Police Department in Ohio; Baltimore County Police and Montgomery County Police in Maryland; and the New York City Police Department in New York.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary K. Daly and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Frank, Elizabeth L.D. Cannon and Brian K. Fitzpatrick are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

Former Police Officer Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

A former New York City police officer was sentenced to 25 years in prison Wednesday, May 9, for participating in a violent robbery crew. This sentence stems from an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD), with the assistance of the New York State Police, the Bridgeport (Conn.) Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Department.

On April 25, 2012, Emmanuel Tavarez, 33, pleaded guilty to robbery conspiracy, cocaine and heroin trafficking conspiracy and firearm charges.

Tavarez was a member of a violent robbery crew responsible for more than 100 robberies of narcotics traffickers in the New York metropolitan area and elsewhere that netted more than 250 kilograms of cocaine and $1 million in drug proceeds.

Beginning in approximately January 2001, crew members posing as law enforcement officers staged fake arrests of the traffickers and then forcibly seized the traffickers' contraband. Members of the crew restrained victims with handcuffs, rope or duct tape and often brandished firearms and physically assaulted victims. Crew members sold the stolen drugs and divided the proceeds amongst themselves.

Tavarez participated in at least eight separate robberies and attempted robberies while employed as an NYPD police officer. During these robberies and attempted robberies, Tavarez acted as a lookout and, on at least one occasion, entered a private residence with other members of the robbery crew where he brandished a firearm.