I.C.E. News Release

October 28, 2008

ICE and Fort Pierce Police seize $250,000 in cocaine
Jamaican national arrested in connection with the seizure

FT. PIERCE, Fla. - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents and Fort Pierce Police Department (FPPD) detectives seized here Tuesday 5.1 pounds of cocaine with a street value of approximately $250,000 and arrested one man who is alleged to be a drug trafficker following an ICE-led investigation.

Marvin Coote, 29, of 510 Texas Court Apartment A in Fort Pierce, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine with the intent to sell and traffic.

The seizure took place at about 1:15 p.m. after FPPD detectives working in conjunction with ICE, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Postal Inspectors made a controlled delivery of the cocaine to Coote's address. Coote accepted the package upon delivery.

"This seizure demonstrates the level of partnership between ICE and law enforcement agencies," said Anthony V. Mangione, special agent in charge of ICE's Office of Investigations in Miami. "We will continue working together to identify drug smugglers, how they operate, and to prevent illegal drugs from being distributed throughout our communities."

The team of investigators arrested Coote and seized the narcotics, which were hidden in various coffee bags, originally sent from Guyana, South America. Coote was transported to the St. Lucie County Jail without incident where he awaits the outcome of his case.

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities.

Last Modified: Friday, October 31, 2008
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0810/081028ftpierce.htm