UNIVERSAL ARYAN BROTHERHOOD MEMBER SENTENCED FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING, RACKETEERING

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Friday, April 15, 2016

Universal Aryan Brotherhood Member Sentenced to 294 Months in Prison for Racketeering and Drug Trafficking

A member of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood (UAB) prison gang was sentenced in federal court today to 294 months in prison for conspiring to conduct a racketeering enterprise and related charges, announced Assistant Attorney General ­­­­­­­Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Danny C. Williams Sr. of the Northern District of Oklahoma.

Anthony Ramon Hall, aka Tony, 40, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan of the Northern District of Oklahoma, who also ordered Hall to serve five years of supervised release.

Hall pleaded guilty on June 9, 2015, and in connection with his plea, Hall acknowledged his membership in or association with the UAB, a violent, “whites only” prison-based gang with members and associates operating inside and outside of state prisons throughout Oklahoma.  According to the plea, Hall held a leadership position in the UAB as a “main-council” member.

Hall admitted that he conspired in racketeering activities to advance the UAB enterprise, including possessing and selling 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Specifically, Hall admitted to using smuggled cell phones to coordinate the delivery, receipt and sale of methamphetamine by UAB members and associates outside of prison who would then return profits to him while he was incarcerated.  Hall also coordinated the firebombing of automobile car that belonged to someone Hall believed had stolen from the UAB drug conspiracy, he admitted.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Tulsa Police Department; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; FBI; Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and Oklahoma Department of Corrections investigated the case.  Trial Attorney John C. Hanley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allen Litchfield and Jan Reincke of the Northern District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case.

GUATEMALA-BASED DRUG TRAFFICKERS CONVICTED FOR ROLES IN INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS BUSINESS

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Leaders of Lorenzana Drug Trafficking Organization Convicted on International Narcotics Trafficking Charges

Eliu Elixander Lorenzana-Cordon and Waldemar Lorenzana-Cordon, leaders of a Guatemala-based  international drug trafficking organization responsible for importing multi-ton quantities of cocaine into the United States, were convicted on international narcotics trafficking charges in the District of Columbia following a four-week trial.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division announced the conviction.

“For well over a decade, the defendants led a major Central American drug trafficking organization responsible for importing tons of cocaine into the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell.  “This verdict sends a powerful message that the United States and its partners will pursue and obtain justice against international drug traffickers.”

“Eliu and Waldemar Lorenzana-Cordon’s crimes have destroyed families and communities,” said Acting Deputy Administrator Riley.  “Their organization fed a pipeline of drugs ultimately sold on American streets, fostering violence and drug addiction.  Their conviction marks the end of their criminal reign and the beginning of their life behind bars.”

Eliu, 43, and Waldemar, 49, were each convicted on one count of conspiring to unlawfully import and distribute cocaine into the United States.  The defendants were arrested in Guatemala after their indictment on this conspiracy charge and then extradited to the United States.

According to evidence presented at trial, the Lorenzana-Cordons were leaders of an international drug trafficking organization with close ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.  Evidence at trial demonstrated that between 1996 and 2009, the defendants and their co-conspirators received, stored and distributed multi-ton quantities of cocaine from Colombia at their properties in Zacapa, Guatemala, for importation into Mexico and then ultimately into the United States.

On April 27, 2010, the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control designated both defendants as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act due to their significant roles in international narcotics trafficking and their ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, according to evidence presented at trial.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s 959/Bilateral Investigations Unit and Guatemala City Country Office led the investigation, which was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.  Trial Attorneys Michael Lang, Stephen Sola and Emily Cohen of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section are prosecuting the case.  The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance.  The Chicago Police Department and the governments of El Salvador and Panama provided support and assistance in this prosecution.  The Justice Department in particular wishes to convey its gratitude to the government of Guatemala for its steadfast commitment, collaboration and assistance in the investigation, extradition and prosecution of this case.

34 FACE CHARGES RELATED TO TRAFFICKING METH ON MESCALERO APACHE RESERVATION

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Monday, December 14, 2015

34 Individuals Facing Federal and Tribal Charges Relating to Methamphetamine Trafficking on the Mescalero Apache Reservation

Thirty-four individuals are facing federal and tribal drug charges as the result of an 18-month multi-agency investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) into methamphetamine trafficking on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.  Eighteen defendants, including five members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and 13 non-Natives are charged in six indictments and a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico in November and December 2015.  Sixteen other members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe are charged in tribal criminal complaints approved by the Mescalero Apache Tribal Court.

The investigation leading to the federal and tribal charges was initiated in May 2014 in response to an increase in violent crime on the Mescalero Apache Reservation perpetrated by methamphetamine users.  The investigation initially targeted a drug trafficking organization allegedly led by Lorenzo Saenz, a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, which distributed methamphetamine within the Reservation.  It later expanded to include two other drug trafficking organizations in southern New Mexico that allegedly served as sources of supply for the methamphetamine distributed within the reservation.

In August 2014, the investigation was designated as part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, which combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations.  The investigation is one of the first OCDETF investigations to utilize electronic surveillance (wiretaps) in Indian Country.  More than ten kilograms of methamphetamine were seized during the course of the investigation.

“Methamphetamine has a disproportionate devastating impact on tribal communities, accounting for up to 40 percent of violent crime on reservations,” said U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez of the District of New Mexico.  “This investigation is an example of the Justice Department’s commitment to working with Tribal Governments to improve the safety of Native communities and increase awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine use.”

“I want to thank the BIA’s Division of Drug Enforcement and Office of Justice Services, the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the many, many hours they put forth during this investigation,” said President Danny Breuninger of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.  “Before and since taking Office as the President of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, I heard complaints from our Tribal Members and saw the pain and suffering caused by illegal drug use and sales on our Reservation.  Many of our young people are being poisoned by methamphetamine and lives are being shattered by senseless drug-related injuries and deaths.  As the leader of my Tribe, it is my job to do all I can to preserve the safety and welfare of our people and to preserve our culture, traditions and customs.  The great majority of our Tribal Members are great people who work hard every day to support their families and raise their children with the values and traditions that have been passed down generation after generation.  But continuing to do this is very hard when our Tribal Members’ lives are being torn apart by illegal drug use.  I call on the federal government, including the President, the Attorney General and Congress, to continue supporting and working with BIA and tribal police departments in these types of collaborative efforts throughout Indian Country.  Thank you again for all of the support and dedication in serving the Mescalero Apache Tribe.”

Saenz and four other members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe are charged in four federal indictments with distributing methamphetamine within the Mescalero Apache Reservation.  Saenz and a co-defendant are alleged to have participated in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy during which they sold methamphetamine to undercover agents on multiple occasions.  Saenz was one of two federal defendants arrested on Dec. 11, when 13 of the 16 tribal defendants were also arrested.  A third federal Mescalero Apache defendant is in state custody on unrelated charges and the remaining two have yet to be arrested.  

Thirteen non-Natives, alleged members of two drug trafficking organizations that supplied the methamphetamine distributed within the Mescalero Apache Reservation, are charged in two other federal indictments and a federal criminal complaint.  Eight of the non-Natives are charged with methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering offenses in a 24-count indictment; three are charged with methamphetamine trafficking offenses in a five-count indictment; and two are charged with methamphetamine trafficking offenses in a criminal complaint.  Eight of the non-Natives have been arrested, two are in state custody on unrelated charges and three have yet to be arrested.

“The DEA and Bureau of Indian Affairs dismantled three drug trafficking organizations distributing methamphetamine on the Mescalero Apache Reservation and across southeastern New Mexico,” said Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy of the DEA’s El Paso Division. “This is our warning to others who think they can hide their crimes on Tribal Lands:  we are coming for you.”

“The BIA would like to thank the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for an outstanding collaborative effort that shows the resolve of our law enforcement partners to address the issue of illicit drug use in Indian Country and their dedication to provide safe communities for Indian people,” said Special Agent in Charge William McClure of District IV of BIA’s Office of Justice Services.  “The many hours and resources that went in to this operation have increased the safety of tribal community members and reduced their fear of the danger posed by these individuals charged and their associates.”

“Methamphetamine continues to have a devastating effect on Native American families and communities throughout Indian Country,” said Regional Agent in Charge Gary Cunningham of BIA’s Division of Drug Enforcement.  “The results of this multi-agency investigation are a great example of what can be accomplished when the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies combine efforts and resources to remove these drug trafficking organizations from our communities.  Indian Country is grateful for these partnerships and BIA will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively remove these negative elements from our communities.”

The federal and tribal cases were investigated by the Las Cruces office of the DEA, District IV of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services (Mescalero Agency), BIA’s Division of Drug Enforcement, Mescalero Tribal Police Department, Hatch Police Department, FBI and Lea County Drug Task Force.

The following additional agencies assisted the investigating agencies with law enforcement operations on Nov. 20 and Dec. 11:  U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Border Patrol, New Mexico State Police, HIDTA Interagency Metro Narcotics, New Mexico National Guard, Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force, Pecos Valley Drug Task Force, Alamogordo Police Department, Ruidoso Police Department, Socorro Police Department Sunland Park Police Department and Tularosa Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Terri J. Abernathy of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the federal cases and Mescalero Tribal Prosecutor Alta Braham is prosecuting the tribal cases.

Charges in indictments and criminal complaints are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

COLOMBIAN NATIONAL RECEIVES PRISON TERM FOR ROLE IN DRUG MONEY LAUNDERING SCHEME

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Colombian National Sentenced to 63 Months for Conspiring to Launder Drug Trafficking Proceeds

A Colombian national was sentenced today to 63 months in prison for conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Tito Miller Parra-Isaza, 45, pleaded guilty on May 26, 2015.  U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade of the Northern District of Texas imposed the sentence.

According to a factual stipulation filed in connection with his guilty plea, Parra-Isaza coordinated the deposit of bulk cash, which he knew to be the proceeds of drug trafficking, into financial institutions in Mexico and elsewhere.  The bulk cash was later wire transferred into bank accounts in Dallas and then transported to Panama and elsewhere for distribution to individuals involved in drug trafficking.

Four other defendants previously pleaded guilty.  Of the remaining charged defendants, three are fugitives and one is deceased.

This case is being investigated by the DEA.  This case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Mark Irish and Trial Attorney Nicole Grosnoff of the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section.  The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also has provided substantial assistance.

U.S.-CHINA TO COORDINATE COMBATING INTERNATIONAL DRUG TRAFFICKING

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Friday, September 18, 2015

Justice Department and Chinese Ministry of Public Security Coordinate Efforts to Combat International Drug Trafficking

This week, law enforcement officials from the United States and the People’s Republic of China met in Beijing to coordinate their efforts to fight international drug trafficking.

Representatives of the two sides held two separate but related meetings to exchange law enforcement information, share their assessments of the drug problem, discuss responses in their respective countries, review progress and examine possible mechanisms for further cooperation.  In doing so, the two countries expanded their understanding of the differences in their legal systems, investigative practices and national situations.

The Bilateral Drug Intelligence Working Group, led by officials from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, met on Sept. 14-15, 2015.  Primarily an exchange mechanism for law enforcement information, the Bilateral Drug Intelligence Working Group conducted briefings on the major drug issues faced by each country.

The Counternarcotics Working Group, led by the Department of Justice and Chinese Ministry of Public Security, met on Sept. 16-17, 2015.  This group, which reports to the Joint Liaison Group on law enforcement cooperation, focuses on expanding mutual understanding and cooperation on drug issues.  In this meeting, among other issues, the sides discussed the legal and regulatory challenges posed by “designer drugs” – also known as new psychoactive substances – as well as potential avenues for cooperation in investigating and combating this emerging threat.

Going forward, law enforcement exchange and cooperation mechanisms such as these will facilitate more effective cooperation between the two countries in confronting their shared problem of drug trafficking and abuse.

USMS ANNOUNCES AFTER 12 YEARS, FUGITIVE APPREHENDED

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE  

Fugitive's Run Comes to an End After Nearly 12 Years

Sioux City, IA – A fugitive who fled after violating conditions of his pre-trial release was arrested Friday by the Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force in Tacoma Washington.

Somsock Senlouangrat, age 45 was released Sep. 14, 2003, on pre-trial release pending his trial after being arrested for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Senlouangrat was being supervised by a United States Probation Officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he resided until November of 2003 when he stopped contacting his probation officer. A warrant was issued for Senlouangrat in December of 2003; however there was no trace of Senlouangrat and very few leads to follow.

Senlouangrat continued to go undetected until 2014 when Deputy United States Marshal Brandon Johnson found a link to Senlouangrat in the Tacoma Washington area, which eventually led to the arrest of Senlouangrat last Friday.

“I cannot say enough about the outstanding and diligent investigation conducted by Deputy Johnson in an effort to locate Senlouangrat; it exemplifies the high standards set by Deputy United States Marshals” said United States Marshal Kenneth Runde.

The Marshals Service assumes custody of individuals arrested by all federal agencies and is responsible for the housing and transportation of prisoners from the time they are brought into federal custody until they are either acquitted or incarcerated.

"DOOM" CONVICTED FOR FIREARMS AND NARCOTICS OFFENCES

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Drug Trafficker Convicted for Narcotics and Firearms Offenses

Kelvin L. Brown, aka “Doom,” 34, of Newport News, Virginia, was convicted a federal jury of participating in a drug conspiracy in the Newport News area, from the early 2000’s through September 2013.   Brown was also convicted of distribution of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, two counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente for the Eastern District of Virginia, Special Agent in Charge Royce E. Curtin of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office and Chief Richard W. Myers of the Newport News Police made the announcement after the verdict was accepted by U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar of the Eastern District of Virginia.

During trial, evidence was presented of various drug transactions and firearms possession by Brown and co-conspirators to protect the drug conspiracy and its proceeds, and threats made by Brown against a cooperating witness during the course of the case.   On Sept. 13, 2013, officers of the Newport News Police Department seized a firearm, a scale and cocaine in a barricaded apartment occupied by Brown.

This investigation was led by FBI and the Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from the Newport News Police, the Virginia State Police and the Newport News Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.   This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Joseph K. Wheatley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard J. Zlotnick of the Eastern District of Virginia.

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR MURDERING 8 AND UNBORN CHILD IN 2009 MASS SHOOTING

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 
Thursday, October 24, 2013

Puerto Rico Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2009 Mass Shooting
David Oquendo-Rivas, 29, was sentenced today to life in prison for his role in the murder of eight people and an unborn child during a mass shooting at a Puerto Rico nightclub in 2009.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez made the announcement.

Oquendo-Rivas and his co-defendant, Alexis Candelario-Santana, were convicted by a federal jury on March 8, 2013.  Oquendo-Rivas was convicted of 28 counts of committing violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity and nine counts of using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.  These offenses occurred on Oct. 17, 2009, in what became known as the “La Tómbola Massacre.”  Candelario-Santana was sentenced to life in prison on Aug. 28, 2013.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Oquendo-Rivas was recruited by Candelario-Santana in 2009 to assist Candelario-Santana in reinstituting control over his drug trafficking organization, which operated principally in Sabana Seca, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.  The organization purchased drugs in bulk, processed and packaged the drugs, and sold them at Sabana Seca through numerous sellers, runners and enforcers under Candelario-Santana’s control.  The organization sold crack, cocaine, heroin and marijuana, and members of the organization routinely possessed firearms to protect its drug points.

On Oct. 17, 2009, the new leader of Candelario-Santana’s drug trafficking organization, who had displaced Candelario-Santana, held the grand opening of a nightclub he had rented and refurbished called La Tómbola, located in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, complete with a popular live band and a festive Paso Fino horse parade, known as a “cabalgata.”  The event was heavily attended, with families congregating inside and outside the establishment, most of whom had nothing to do with the drug trafficking organization and merely resided in the general area.  At approximately 11:50 p.m., Oquendo-Rivas, Candelario-Santana and others – all of whom were heavily armed – drove to La Tómbola. When they arrived, they immediately opened fire indiscriminately on all the patrons located outside, many of whom were women, children and elderly people.  Oquendo-Rivas and Candelario-Santana stormed into the La Tómbola, and Candelario-Santana was heard to yell “no one gets out alive” as they opened fire on the people inside.

In all, eight people and an 8-month unborn child were killed as a result of the gunfire at La Tómbola, and 19 other victims were shot and injured.  The evidence introduced at trial demonstrated that 335 expended shell-casings were recovered from the La Tómbola crime scene.  The ballistics evidence established that three AK-47-type assault rifles, one AR-15-type assault rifle, eight 9mm semi-automatic pistols, three 40-caliber semi-automatic pistols, and two 45-caliber semi-automatic pistols were used in the attack.

 Oquendo-Rivas and another individual were discovered several days following the massacre with three pistols, one of which was scientifically matched to the La Tómbola massacre.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department, with the collaboration of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Instituto de Ciencias Forenses; and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice.  The case was prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney María Dominguez-Victoriano and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcela C. Mateo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico and Trial Attorney Bruce R. Hegyi of the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section.

AFGHAN NARCO-TERRORIST SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Haji Bagcho Sentenced to Life in Prison on Drug Trafficking and Narco-Terrorism Charges Afghan National Responsible for Almost 20 Percent of World’s Heroin Production
WASHINGTON – An Afghan national with ties to the Taliban was sentenced to life in prison today for conspiring to distribute heroin to the United States and for using drug proceeds to fund, arm and supply the Taliban, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Administrator Michele M. Leonhart of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
 
Haji Bagcho, an Afghan national and large scale drug trafficker, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ellen S. Huvelle in the District of Columbia.   In addition to his prison term, Bagcho was ordered to forfeit $254,203,032 in drug proceeds along with his property in Afghanistan.

 “Haji Bagcho led a massive drug production and trafficking operation that supplied heroin in more than 20 countries, including the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Breuer.  “In 2006 alone, he conducted heroin transactions worth more than $250 million.   Bagcho used the profits of his narcotics trafficking operation to support high-level Taliban commanders in Afghanistan.   Today’s life sentence is an appropriate punishment for one of the most notorious heroin traffickers in the world.”

“This is DEA at its finest, working in close collaboration with our Afghan partners to end the long reign of this Afghan drug lord whose drug proceeds financed terror,” said DEA Administrator Leonhart.   “One of the world’s most prolific drug traffickers who helped fund the Taliban will spend his remaining days behind bars in a U.S. prison due to the relentless efforts of DEA, our Afghan counterparts and our prosecuting partners.”  

Bagcho was convicted by a jury on March 13, 2012, after a three week trial, of one count of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, knowing and intending that it would be unlawfully imported into the United States; one count of distribution of one kilogram or more of heroin knowing and intending that it would be unlawfully imported into the United States; and one count of narco-terrorism.   The trial, before Judge Huvelle, was only the second under the narco-terrorism statute since its enactment in 2006.

Bagcho was charged in a superseding indictment on Jan. 28, 2010, after his arrest and extradition to the United States from Afghanistan in May 2009.

The DEA, in cooperation with their Afghan counterparts, conducted the investigation, which revealed that Bagcho was one of the largest heroin traffickers in the world and manufactured the drug in clandestine laboratories along Afghanistan’s border region with Pakistan.   According to information presented at trial, Bagcho, who had been operating his heroin business since at least the 1990s, sent the drug to more than 20 countries, including the United States.   Proceeds from his heroin trafficking were then used to support high-level members of the Taliban in furtherance of their insurgency in Afghanistan.

With the help of cooperating witnesses, evidence showed that the DEA purchased heroin directly from Bagcho’s organization on two occasions, which Bagcho understood was destined for the United States.   They also conducted several searches of residences belonging to Bagcho and his associates, recovering evidence consistent with drug trafficking.   During one search, ledgers belonging to the defendant were found and were later introduced at trial.   One ledger, cataloguing Bagcho’s activities during 2006 alone, reflected heroin transactions totaling more than 123,000 kilograms, worth more than $250 million.   Based on heroin production statistics compiled by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime for 2006, the defendant’s trafficking accounted for approximately 20 percent of the total amount of heroin produced worldwide that year.

Over several years, evidence at trial established that Bagcho used a portion of his drug proceeds to provide cash, weapons and other supplies to the former Taliban governor of Nangarhar Province and two Taliban commanders responsible for insurgent activity in eastern Afghanistan, so that they could continue their “jihad” against western troops and the Afghan government.

The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Matthew Stiglitz and Marlon Cobar of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section.   The case was investigated by the DEA Special Operations Division in the United States, with assistance from the DEA’s Foreign Deployed Advisory Support Team and Kabul Country Office in Afghanistan, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, and in close cooperation with Afghan law enforcement.   The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section provided invaluable support.