Get Active Subscribe Support Us

THREE MORE CHARGED IN RESERVATION POT-SMUGGLING OPERATION

Three more people were charged in connection with an international marijuana smuggling operation that moved thousands of pounds of the drug through the St.  Regis Mohawk Reservation, reportedly netting about $100 million. 

[redacted] each faces charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and money laundering, federal prosecutors said.  [redacted] were picked up Tuesday, while [redacted] was arrested by federal authorities Monday. 

The two-year investigation exposed a pipeline bringing about 50,000 pounds of marijuana into the U.S.  and distributing it to several cities, including Syracuse, Rochester and New York.  The operation is alleged to have moved the marijuana through the reservation from January 2003 until January of this year. 

The ringleaders of the operation allegedly were [redacted].  Both were accused of running a "continuing criminal enterprise" - a racketeering statute that's generally used to prosecute organized crime rings. 

Five other people - [redacted] - were indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, and money laundering.  [redacted] also face those charges. 

All 10 were arraigned in U.S.  District Court in Brooklyn, [redacted] .  The rest were ordered held without bail. 

A status conference hearing is scheduled for today before Judge Sandra L.  Townes. 

Several federal, state and area law enforcement agencies assisted in the investigation.  Authorities seized an unknown amount of drugs, weapons, vehicles and cash.  Prosecutors also are looking to seize several properties in Quebec, Hogansburg and Middle Village. 

The investigation is continuing and more arrests are pending.