| 28 Arrested in Fairfax-Based Cocaine Trafficking Case
The affidavit alleges that once the couriers arrived in the United States, members of the conspiracy would pick up the items containing cocaine from the couriers and then distribute it to dealers in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and Massachusetts, who in turn would send sale proceeds back to Honduras through wire transfers. What's more, the complaint affidavit contains allegations that members of the conspiracy engaged in the distribution of crack cocaine, money laundering, and various firearm offenses. This ongoing investigation was led by the FBI's Washington Field Office, in partnership with the Fairfax County, Arlington County, City of Falls Church, and Prince William County Police Departments; Virginia State Police; Northern Virginia Gang Task Force; Drug Enforcement Administration; U. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Washington Field Office, made the announcement after the charges became public. "Through creativity and coordination, this tight network of Honduran immigrants allegedly distributed vast amounts of cocaine throughout Northern Virginia and across the mid-Atlantic," said U. Leaders of the conspiracy allegedly supply wholesale quantities of the imported cocaine to co-conspirators, who are themselves street-level dealers or who supply other street-level dealers. "Thanks to close partnerships among law enforcement, we were able to put together the case that led to today's charges. According to the affidavit, the trafficking ring was discovered in the autumn of 2011 by law enforcement after the investigation and arrest of Lindor Delis Martinez-Guevara, aka Lindo or Genero, 38, of Falls Church, Va. "These individuals face charges for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking ring that brought large amounts of cocaine into our communities," said Assistant Director in Charge McJunkin. , by the Fairfax County Police Department. Lindor, Melcy, Samuel Benitez-Pineda, aka Wilfredo Benitez or Roque or Chiripa, 34, of Arlington, Va. , are some of the members of the conspiracy who allegedly worked directly with sources of supply in Honduras to import cocaine into the United States. Attorney MacBride. Marshals Service; U. Those named in the criminal complaint were charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, which carries a minimum mandatory of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of forty years in prison. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia,and James W. Postal Inspection Service; and U. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. |
Friday, 11 May 2012
28 Arrested in Fairfax-Based Cocaine Trafficking Case
