[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
26222: Hermantin(News) Feds Arrest 10 over Haiti Drug Ring (fwd)
From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>
Miami Herald
Posted on Sat, Sep. 10, 2005
FEDS ARREST 10 OVER
HAITI DRUG RING
Federal agents arrested 10 suspects in an alleged Haiti-to-Miami
cocaine-smuggling ring whose members include a trio of baggage handlers at
Miami International Airport, according to sources familiar with the probe.
The illegal drugs were transported in suitcases on American Airlines flights
departing from Port-au-Prince and arriving at MIA, sources said.
The baggage handlers received tips about which luggage contained the cocaine,
so they could unload it to evade authorities.
Some of the defendants arrested on Thursday were expected to appear in federal
court in Fort Lauderdale, the sources said.
The unsealed indictment names 11 defendants, including one who is still at
large.
The investigation, by the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Immigration
and Customs Enforcement, is targeting other suspects.
Officials with the FBI, which is leading the probe, declined comment.
According to sources, the investigation of baggage handlers at MIA is unrelated
to the DEA's three-year investigation of cocaine trafficking and money
laundering in the administration of deposed Haitian President Jean-Bertrand
Aristide, who is in exile in South Africa.
That investigation has led to conspiracy charges against at least 14 people.
Most have pleaded guilty.