Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/states/newsrel/dallas071608.html
Two Men Arrested for Conspiracy to Distribute
Four Kilograms of Opium Gum
JUL 16 — OKLAHOMA CITY , OKLAHOMA - John C. Richter, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, announced that two Oklahoma men made an initial appearance today before a federal magistrate judge on a charge of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute approximately four kilograms of opium gum.
Yaghoub Khorsandnia, 58, of Edmond, and Bahman Asle Hashemi, 53, of Warr Acres, each appeared before Federal Magistrate Judge Gary M. Purcell on the charge. Preliminary and detention hearings for both men have been set for July 18, 2008 at 1:30 pm. If convicted of their respective charge, each defendant could face up to 20 years in prison and a 1 million dollar fine.
“The cooperation among our domestic law enforcement agencies as well as our international partners has been instrumental towards the successful outcome of this investigation,” said James L. Capra, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Dallas Division.
“All law enforcement agencies have a common goal of combating crime,” said John Chakwin, Special Agent in Charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Dallas. “This case is a model example of international and federal law enforcement agencies working cooperatively to seize imported opium, and arrest those allegedly responsible. It’s law enforcement at its best.” Chakwin oversees 128 counties in north Texas and the State of Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma City Police Department and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol also provided assistance in this case.
The public is reminded that the complaint is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Reference is made to the complaint for further information.
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Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/states/newsrel/seattle071808.html
Joint Operation Nets 24 Spokane-Area Gang Members
JUL 18— (Seattle, WA) – DEA Special Agent in Charge Arnold R. Moorin and United States Attorney for Eastern District of Washington James A. McDevitt, announced on July 17, 2008, the results of a massive joint law enforcement operation targeting gang activity in the Spokane, Washington region. 24 members and associates of the Crips and Gangster Disciple gangs were charged with over 40 federal crimes to include: Distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy and felons in possession of firearms. One gang associate was charged with two counts of coercing juvenile females to engage in prostitution which was fueled by Internet advertisements
Special Agent Arnold R. Moorin noted, “ Drugs and guns are a lethal combination that breeds violence and other horrific crimes as in this case. The DEA has been a part of this community for over 35 years and will continue to work with our law enforcement counterparts to aggressively seek out those responsible for drug trafficking and violent crimes.”
Early this morning more than 175 federal, state and local authorities executed over 20 federal search warrants and arrested 20 suspects in Spokane, and 4 others in Tacoma and Seattle. State charges were filed on 11 others. Today’s operation caps an 18 month long investigation by the Spokane Violent Crime Gang Enforcement Team.
The agencies involved in today’s operation include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives, United States Marshal’s Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Protective Service, Washington State Gambling Commission, Washington State Department of Corrections, Spokane Sheriff’s Office, Spokane Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Spokane Regional Drug Task Force, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Tri-Cities Violent Gang Task Force, and the North Idaho Regional Violent Crime Task Force.