Pubdate: Sun, 15 Mar 2009
Source: Watertown Daily Times (NY)
Copyright: 2009 Watertown Daily Times
Contact:  http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/792
Author: David Winters
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)

8 MORE SUSPECTS CITED IN POT-SMUGGLING CASE

Federal authorities continue rounding up suspects reportedly involved
in an international marijuana-smuggling operation.

Eight more people, including two Fort Covington residents, were
charged during the past two weeks with reportedly helping move
thousands of pounds of the drug through the St. Regis Mohawk
Reservation, reportedly netting about $100 million. So far,
authorities have charged 18 people in connection with the alleged syndicate.

Fort Covington residents Sean Barilko, 37, and Floyd Bingham, 36, each
faces charges of conspiracy to import and distribute marijuana and
money laundering, federal court records show.

Six other people - Dennis Quinones, 34, Queens, Scott General, 33,
Rochester, Gentian Shkurti, 29, Bronx, Joseph Chicarelli, 40,
Secaucus, N.J., and Philadelphia, Pa., residents Joseph Scavetti, 28,
and Anthony Zingarelli, 33 - were indicted on charges of conspiracy to
import and distribute marijuana and money laundering.

Authorities say 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 ringleaders of the operation allegedly were Randolf "Randy"
Square, 44, of Hogansburg, and David Sunday, 37, Snye, Quebec. Both
were accused of running a "continuing criminal enterprise" - a
racketeering statute generally used to prosecute organized crime
members. Mr. Square and Mr. Sunday also were charged with conspiracy
to import and distribute marijuana and money laundering.

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 expected,
prosecutors said Friday.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin