The department's Narcotics Vice Interdiction Team began its drug smuggling investigation in 2006. Merriweather said he modeled the change after other cities, including similarly sized Santa Clara. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. What do you want? Browse our hundreds of reports, webinars, one-pagers and checklists covering many topics related to child care. We're sure he found that to be a vast improvement on his life. "They're the most violent people that I know. That was me, Platt said of Charlottes troubled youth. WebThe $4 Million and Drug Story From March 2019 to September 2019, Cheng Cam Yang led a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy operating in Caldwell County, North Carolina "People want homicides tried in Mecklenburg County, people want to make sure that violent crime offenders are held accountable in a court of law in Mecklenburg County and we need to make sure we're doing that," he said. A federal jury in Statesville, NC returned a guilty verdict on February 23, 2023 against 41-year-old Jermaine Grandy for trafficking fentanyl and illegal possession of firearms. The cartel doesnt care if they live or die, he explained. we asked. DEA agents said the drugs were linked to the CJNG cartel. At the same time, he pursued a rap career, and began to see some success down that avenue. Trailer-park champion Kid Rock sold drugs before he hit it big in the music industry. we asked Puckett Williams, who protested CMPD in 2020. They take their sentence on the chin.. "They dont want to die. At first we thought she made it up. Roger Dale tookinformation abouthis connections to the grave when he diedof a heart attackin federal prison in 2017. Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources. I believe we can make a big change in the lives of people, he said. That was part of the problem. Drugs and weapons in the hands of drug dealers are some of the deadliest killers on our streets. They stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Looking back, Lisa Dawn said selling meth where the addiction is rampant was easy. "We're moving towards the right way to treat the problem. Last Tuesday, Platt got a chance at redemption when city and Mecklenburg County officials named him the site supervisor for the new Alternatives to Violence program. Platts credibility within the community and suitability for the job makes his hiring a perfect fit, he said. "This is someone that is out here putting all the drugs back into the community that you don't want to prosecute on. Organized drug trafficking still pervades the region. We will not tolerate the destruction of lives through the scourge of the drug trade., Our community and our citizens are safer today because of the removal of a massive amount of drugs, weapons and cash that were destined to destroy lives, said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. Since early 2011, CJNGhassmuggled hundreds of millions of dollars of drugs over the borderinto the U.S., spreading into atleast35 stateswith a sophisticated network thathas usedless populated rural areas to quietly movetons of product, a Courier Journal investigation found. That case stopped with him, but he was connected to the CJNG.. "It takes a lot of money, it takes a lot of manpower and it actually takes away from the things in the community that are happening that they could be focusing on," she said. It is one of the largest amounts of the opioid painkiller NC. Theylivedin Roger Dales fathers house among hundreds of miscellaneous items theyd obtained by bartering withtheir drug-addictedcustomers, who would give up anything for a bag of dope. They call Charlotte a cartel transshipment location due to its booming population and network of highways. Liam Connor Stewart - Trafficking in Marijuana, Sell Marijuana Timothy R. Streater - Trafficking in Heroin, Trafficking in Methamphetamines, Possession of Cocaine, PWISD Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Untearda Ray Massey - Sell Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana Quadell Dashawn Howie - PWISD Crack Cocaine she replied. Once the cartel brings a huge load across and throws it out there for everyone to sell, its out of their hands. Bennett andNunnenkampwereamong severalmajormethtraffickerswho operatedout of this cluster of North Carolina counties, drivenbythe explosion of meth into the regionfrom CJNG and other cartels. She works as a peer support counselor with people who struggle with addiction and mental health issues. "The program is focused on dismantling the largest, most sophisticated drug trafficking organizations, which often are Mexican drug cartels," said Steven Kaufman, assistantU.S. attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Evangelous says none of the four men saw the bust coming. Police arrested James Brown, Christopher Gause and Bryan Walker Tuesday for trafficking cocaine. Police discovered a drug ring stretching from Texas to Fayetteville, which may have been operating for 20 years. The defendants named in the 33-count indictment are all charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. That place is for prostitutes, druggies, drug dealers, etc. But hes in a very dangerous business. She calls @CharMeckDA a trailblazer. Having lost three sons, Platt said he felt like Sunday Hoops and the ATV job were an opportunity for him to be what his sons didnt have while they were alive. TheMexican Americanworked 40 to 50 hours a week at two well-known construction companies driving a dump truck. WebIREDELL COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Twenty-two drug dealers were arrested after a massive round-up operation by the Iredell County Sheriffs Office. I am proud of our partnership with the DEA and FBI in making the largest removal of heroin in the state of Georgia. In total, agents seized approximately 170 kilograms of heroin, 10 kilograms of cocaine, eight kilograms of marijuana, more than $1 million in cash, and 41 firearms. Mexican drug lord's super cartel infiltrates US small towns, How a Mexican cartel turned a rural area into a hidden cocaine hub, One mistake trapped a desperate dad in a Mexican drug cartel's web. The Narcotics Vice Unit has intercepted a total of five deliveries for people who live in the city limits of Fayetteville. This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). Few knew Saldana and others were living a double life in the drug trade. 134 likes. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has not changed our enforcement strategy as we continue to identify alternative solutions to arrests in drug possession cases. These kids are out here killing, and theyre out here being killed, because they lack knowledge, Platt said. It was the power and money associated with selling meth that kept her by Roger Dales side. Ten people are now facing charges. Thanks, your message has been sent successfully. Nunnenkampwas sentenced to 10 yearsin federal prison and is expected to be released in 2022. On Feb. 21, police arrested Donald Wayne Miles at his Texas residence. Along the way, CJNG relied on residents like Roger Dale and Lisa Dawn to deal its drugs to users people who would seamlessly blend with the local community without arousing suspicion. Conaway said the meth is shipped in liquid form to Atlanta where it's converted to crystal meth and brought to the Charlotte-area, often in tractor-trailers. WebAccording to these court documents the owner was trying to get thirty kilos of cocaine to Charlotte from south Florida. People liked what we had. Bennettreceived15 years and 8 months and will be released in December 2026. It sentin at leastfive trusted, high-levelcartel memberswhoset up North Carolina stash houses and front businesses in metro Charlotte, Hickory(a suburban town of about 40,000 an hour north of Charlotte)and nearby Johnson City, Tennessee,federal agents say. "The fact that the district attorney is saying, 'We are not going to prosecute folks for these things' and the police say, 'Oh well, we're going to do it anyway,' shows that they are not here to protect and serve and to do the will of the people.". Looks like Marky Mark thinks he should get special treatment. I learned that that was my place of preparation, he said of Conway. Join us for partnership and thought leadership as we unpack todays child care challenges and opportunities. That's number one, but number two, when you know good and well that it's going to be dismissed eventually, that it's never going to be prosecuted, but yet your life is still tied up in this carceral system, because until it gets dismissed, you have to go to court, you have to miss work, if you're able to bond out. Conaway said they're also seeing a presence of fentanyl and heroin. #Defenders. But when asked about it during his appearance on George Lopez Tonight, Snoop Dogg said, "I might have sold her some of that white-girl weedtwigs and sticks.". WebIn October 2019 Elio Godinez orchestrated a $15,500 drug deal involving the sell of 2 kilograms (bricks) of methamphetamine. "And he'svery lucky thathe didnt die,Kaufman, the federal prosecutorwho tried the case against Saldana, said in his closing statement. He only could blame himself, he said. "We have been assured that the District Attorney will continue to prioritize drug cases that are associated with violence in addition to cases involving drug sales and trafficking. This year's Symposium features five unique learning tracks, preview our concurrent sessions now. "Hell no!" CJNG hid drugs on trucks shipping furniture, ceramics and produce into the U.S. through Texas cities such as Brownville, Laredo and McAllen, Healy said. Allen's trial was set for that following November and, according to Biography.com, it was during that one-month waiting period that Allen decided to give comedy a try, debuting at the Detroit Comedy Castle. Jermaine will have a hard time in prison with that beard. "It's not fair, number one just off the surface level of being arrested for a mental health condition. In Catawba County, these seizures reflect excellent working relationships and partnerships between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Two men face drug charges after the bust. The penalties associated with the drug charges range from a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of up to life in prison and a monetary fine of up to $10 million. A locked padlock A separate criminal indictment was filed charging Brandy Nicole Short, 34, of Gastonia, N.C. with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, bringing the total number of those arrested in connection this investigation to nine. Because it's here, Mexican cartel in US: Rural folks who cant escape drug trade end up locked up or dead, A dangerous Mexican drug cartel has infiltrated the addicted, mountainous region of North Carolina. WebBelton Money Rock Platt was one of Charlottes biggest drug dealers in the 1980s. The idea of drug decriminalization, especially to this degree, remains controversial. She was sentenced to 2years and released in June 2015. ATLANTA Antonio DaShawn Daniels has been indicted on federal charges related to possession with the intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.. He paid taxes, had citizenship and helped raise his three American daughters. Attorneys Jennifer Dillon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Lindahl of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Miles is facing federal drug charges for smuggling marijuana and cocaine from Texas. (arrested), Kevin Eliezer Velasquez Melendez, 18, of Concord, N.C. (previously arrested on a complaint), Alejandro Jose Lopez Ceballos, 20, residence unknown. CMPD officers continue to have the discretion to arrest as they perform their duty.". Methseizuresalong theMexicanborder increased 255% fromabout 8,400 kilos in2012 to30,000 in2017,according to Drug Enforcement Administration data. They had folks to clean their house and drive them around, Lisa Dawn said. Child Care Aware of America is dedicated to serving our nations military and DoD families. His business is tied to the decisions police, prosecutors and judges make. Those people all spent time in jail even though prosecutors will dismiss most of their cases. Not only does she question the fairness of continuing to arrest people, she also questions the department's use of resources, especially as violence in the city continues. He said the largest cartel operating in the Charlotte-area is the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion. Im excited!. Watching neighborhood drug dealers rake in cash without helping their community, Platt says, made him want to make all the money so he could give back. In making todays announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray praised the outstanding efforts of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John A. WebClevo O. Shuff (Photo courtesy of the Mecklenburg County Jail) CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - A Charlotte man convicted of drug trafficking and firearms offenses has been sentenced Bobbie Overbey is charged with possession of the drug. It's part of a larger federal enforcement effort to combat the organized drug trade. There were 41 firearms stashed throughout the apartment, along with kilo-presses, scales, strainers with white powder residue, and a money counter. Two women from Brownsville, Texas, would come to the residence every two to three weeks topick up money and bring it to Saldanain Mexico,Williams said during the trial. When Roger Dale woke up andwas escorted by police to a nearby tree lineto relieve himself,one of the officers observed thata large amountof crystal meth fell out of his pants. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Saldana we were never able to interview him, said a North Carolina state law enforcement official who didnt want to be namedbecause he wasnt authorized to discuss the case. She didnt know Roger Dale was dealing withacartel. Then he vanished, How a Mississippi trooper almost took down the worlds most powerful cartel boss, Mother searches photos of mutilated dead men, hoping to find her abducted son, Officer disabled after helicopter shot down by rising Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Copyright 2023 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. His mayhem came to an end when he was arrested and jailed at 16. They've been involved in the drug world for decades," Evangelous says. "Sometimes they send their own people to establish the network or sometimes it's just to oversee the distribution network and then other times, they recruit local gangs, people that are already in the area to do their business and distribute their drugs.". The money laundering charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Your donation or partnership can help families access high-quality, affordable child care. And CJNG will be there with their endless supply. Inside a studio apartment in Atlanta, agents found approximately 28 kilograms of heroin, six kilograms of cocaine, eight kilograms of marijuana, and more than $1 million in cash. Hereceiveda 40-year sentencebecause of his priorrecord. The businesses include a barbershop, a towing company Knights Inn Charlotte South: Crack heads, Hookers and drug deals !!!! As Saldanas small empire crumbled toward the end of 2012, another alreadywaswell underway. That happens by getting what you need.". Ive known Bones since I was 16,and I got tired of tracking him down. Now that's method acting. ATF will continue to work collaboratively with our federal, state and local investigative partners to identify and apprehend violent career criminals and keep our communities safe, said Wayne Dixie, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). If you squash one, two more take its place, said Lt. Williams, who worked both Saldanas and Bennetts cases. The DEA stands resolute with our law enforcement partners to protect the health, safety, and security of the American people.. WebThe Drug Enforcement Administration has reported a notable increase in seizures of methamphetamine and cocaine that include fentanyl. This poly-drug trafficker brazenly continued his drug trafficking activities despite having served time in federal prison for drug distribution. Example video title will go here for this video. February 15, 2020. @kristie_1979 knows what it's like to wait in jail for a court case while battling addiction. Martha Olivia Placencia Beltran, 48, of Charlotte. With what we know about Snoop Dogg's relationship with marijuana, it'd be more surprising to find out that he never sold drugs. "You don't get to almost 12 years clean from a crack-cocaine addiction by being locked up. Thats how I help out people, he said. The DEA encourages parents, along with their children, to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting DEAs interactive websites at www.justhinktwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, www.campusdrugprevention.org and www.dea.gov. Also follow DEA Atlanta via Twitter at @DEAATLANTADiv. Federal officials believe that some Conaway said there's now so much meth around here, crystal meth is almost just as affordable as high-grade marijuana. Police pulled them over after an illegal U-turn. Lisa Dawn pleaded guilty to conspiracyto distribute meth in exchange for her testimony against Roger Dale. Late Tuesday afternoon, in response to our reporting, CMPD emailed officers, detailing Merriweather's new policy and telling them they "have discretion to police and should continue to police in a way that builds confidence and safety in our community, equipped with the knowledge that certain cases will likely not be prosecuted.". Allen began selling drugs during college and continued to do so until his arrest for bringing about a pound-and-a-half of cocaine into the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport in October 1978. Nunnenkamp and Bennett joined forces after realizing they had the same CJNG connection, according to law enforcement. 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