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Drug bust nets DEA three islands, 52 tons of cocaine, and more
 An international team of drug investigators seized 52 tons of cocaine and three islands off Panama in breaking up an alleged drug-trafficking ring.Drug law enforcement officers from the United States, Brazil, Colombia and Panama participated in the 3-year investigation that concluded Tuesday with the arrests of more than 100 people and the seizure of some $70 million in assets in addition to the cocaine and islands. The operation broke up the Pablo RAYO-Montano drug trafficking organization, which is alleged to have smuggled more than 15 tons of cocaine a month from Colombia to the United States and Europe. DEA Administrator Karen Tandy said, "The RAYO-Montano organization had its own private, rogue navy to run a drug business that was nearly as sophisticated as a small nation." U.S. federal indictments in the case were returned in Florida and Washington, charging members of the RAYO-Montano operation with money laundering and conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, those charged could be sentenced to life in prison. Posted by: trailing wife 2006-05-18 |
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