Thread: Eleven arrested in bust of drug ring ( Clark County, OH)

Eleven arrested in bust of drug ring
By Natalie Morales Staff Writer

http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/n/con ... raids.html


Friday, May 11, 2007

A Clark County resident was among 11 arrested Thursday in a federal investigation into an international drug distribution circuit.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI recently learned they each were researching the same organization trafficking drugs from Colombia to Mexican cartels, which brought the drugs to the Dayton area for distribution, said William Schenck, assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio U.S. District Court.

The agencies joined efforts on the case, which started at least

2 1/2 years ago and comprises investigations of drug rings in at least eight other U.S. locations, including California, Las Vegas, Miami, New York and El Paso, Texas, Schenck said.

DEA and FBI investigators have netted 60 kilograms of cocaine during the investigation, said Eric Thomas, FBI agent in charge.

A 17-person sealed indictment was filed, and local law enforcement agencies aided federal investigators in executing 16 search warrants and attempting to locate the 17 individuals in Clark, Greene and Montgomery counties, he said.

The Springfield Police Division raided a West National Road home and arrested Benjamin Loya, 29, before 7 a.m. Thursday.

Loya's charges include conspiracy to possess and distribute, which alleges the sale of more than 5 kilograms of powder cocaine and more than 2 pounds of methamphetamine, Schenck said.

All 17 people indicted face the same charge, which carries a minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison and a $4 million fine, Schenck said.

Other attempted possession and attempted distribution charges also were filed, he said. Weapons and narcotics were recovered during the raids as well, he said.

The indictment was unsealed late Thursday afternoon and will be available this morning.

The 11 suspects were illegal aliens from Mexico and will be held without bond, Schenck said.

Everyone arrested will be prosecuted in federal court, he said.

The 11 suspects were illegal aliens from Mexico and will be held without bond, Schenck said.

As our illustrous president, Jorge Boosh told us, "They bring their moral values with them to America".