M. Hogsett, 26, might walk free from jail within a week,

M. Hogsett, 26, might walk free from jail within a week, said Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Thomas Knoll Jr. If she qualifies for home incarceration, Hogsett may shed her orange jumpsuit for an electronic monitor, Knoll said.
Authorities arrested Hogsett in August 2009, a month after an informant alerted authorities to her dealings with inmates. Later that month, an investigator searched Hogsett’s yellow pickup truck, finding letters, addresses, plastic baggies and balloons.Authorities identified Hogsett’s co-conspirators as Anthony Dwayne Roach, 33, who organized and operated the ring from inside prison walls, and Charles Daniel Koberstein Jr., 33, and Kevin Lee Gregory, 39.But Roach’s outside help involved more people than Hogsett, according to court records.Investigators used phone call recordings, text message records and money orders to link Hogsett to Kelly Tianna Morris, Roach’s outside drug source, the records state.According to notes from the investigation, Roach worked as the ringleader of the operation, with Koberstein as second-in-command.Hogsett received at least one payment of $120 from Roach for her services, Knoll said.Morris was charged with one count of delivering drugs to a prisoner. Koberstein is scheduled for a plea hearing Feb. 8, 2010. Roach’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for May.

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Hien Quang Bui, 38, was arrested when he tried to drive away as the Abbotsford

Hien Quang Bui, 38, was arrested when he tried to drive away as the Abbotsford Police Department's drug squad was executing a search warrant on a home in the 36000-block Sandringham Drive.A search of the home turned up his 33-year-old wife, Thuy Hoang Bui, and a four year-old girl, who were in the master bedroom along with "a large quantity of heroin, cocaine and cash," said police spokesman Const. Ian MacDonald in a release.The girl has been placed in the care of the Ministry for Children and Family Development.Among the items seized was an open blue zippered pouch, stuffed inside a Disney store bag, that contained heroin and cocaine.
Seized during the search were more than 270 grams of cocaine, 170 grams of heroin, $3,600 and a small amount of individually packed marijuana.
"Drug paraphernalia was located throughout the home," said MacDonald.
The couple are facing charges of trafficking in cocaine and heroin and possession of marijuana.

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death sentenced meted out to a Filipino "drug mule" caught smuggling over 500 grams of cocaine at the Kuala Lumpur

Malaysian supreme court has upheld the death sentenced meted out to a Filipino "drug mule" caught smuggling over 500 grams of cocaine at the Kuala Lumpur

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D’Shaun Watson, 26, 11 De Koven Drive, was arrested following a motor vehicle stop on Vine Street

D’Shaun Watson, 26, 11 De Koven Drive, was arrested following a motor vehicle stop on Vine Street at 2:13 p.m. After a check with the state Department of Motor Vehicles, it was determined that the suspect was driving a car while his license was under suspension. Watson was placed under arrest and searched.Police allegedly discovered a plastic bag containing 13.3 grams of cocaine in Watson’s pocket, along with four baggies of marijuana later found to be laced with PCP, police said. The drugs found were pre-packaged for selling, officers said.Watson was charged with possession of a hallucinogenic substance, possession of cocaine, possession of drugs with intent to sell and possession within 1,500 feet of a school zone.
He appeared in Middletown Superior Court Friday, where court officials said he was expected to be served with an additional arrest warrant out of Hartford.Judge Elpedio Vitale set bond at $75,000 and continued the case to Feb. 5.Watson is currently out on bond for prior arrests, which include drug possession and assault, police said.

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Chang Cheng Weng (45) and Boo Guan Teik (38) may now be charged under Indonesia's tough narcotics laws with a possible death sentence waiting

two Malaysian nationals were arrested on Wednesday, January 20, 2010, with 2 kilograms of sabu-sabu or methamphetamine taped to their torsos while trying to enter the country.

Now in police custody are Chang Cheng Weng (45) and Boo Guan Teik (38).

The two men arrived on Cathay Pacific Flight no. 785 from Hong Kong at 3:30 pm after reportedly making two earlier assessment survey visits to the airport.

Police, who were initially suspicious of the men when they passed through a security gate, resorted to a more basic tactic and had an official "accidentally" bump into one of the men. Detecting an extremely hard abdomen, the police took the too men to an examination room where they discovered plastic packets of drugs taped to their mid-sections.Police estimate the street value of the smuggled drugs at Rp. 2 billion (US$200,000).The two men are claiming that they were merely acting as "mules" or couriers and were to be paid HKD 5,000 after the successful delivery of the drugs to a local address.The two men may now be charged under Indonesia's tough narcotics laws with a possible death sentence waiting at the end of the legal process.
Police are seeking the two men's Bali contact to whom they were intended to deliver the contraband drugs.

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Convicted drug dealer Naseer Zaman, who plotted to smuggle cocaine and heroin into the country, has had his 15-year prison sentence cut

Convicted drug dealer Naseer Zaman, who plotted to smuggle cocaine and heroin into the country, has had his 15-year prison sentence cut by appeal court judges.Lawyers for 41-year-old Zaman claimed yesterday that the sentence imposed at Wolverhampton Crown Court in 2008 was too long.Judges at London’s Court of Appeal reduced the sentence to 12 years after also being informed that Zaman had helped save the life of a fellow inmate.“We have come to the conclusion that the total sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment was manifestly excessive in this case, following pleas of guilty,” said Lord Justice Maurice Kay.

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Fort Myers Police Officers arrest seven in reverse sting operation.

On January 22 the Fort Myers Police Department's Special Investigations Group with assistance of uniformed officers conducted a reverse sting operation in the 3100 block of Dunbar Avenue. Undercover officers posed as street level drug dealers.
As a result of the operation, the following subjects were arrested and charged with Criminal Solicitation for attempting or conspiring to purchase a controlled substance.

Gregory Patrick (d.o.b. 05-02-67) charged with Driving With A Suspended Driver's License and Criminal Solicitation, for attempting to purchase crack cocaine.

Lorraine Solis (d.o.b. 04-03-74) charged with Criminal Solicitation, for attempting to purchase crack cocaine.

Carl Johnson (d.o.b. 05-26-60) charged with Criminal Solicitation, for attempting to purchase crack cocaine.

Dana Berndt (d.o.b. 08-09-1975) charged with Criminal Solicitation, for attempting to purchase crack cocaine.

Destery Walker (d.o.b. 12-16-1958) charged with Criminal Solicitation, for attempting to purchase crack cocaine.

Marvin McMillion (d.o.b. 08-15-1954) charged with Driving With A Suspended License and Criminal Solicitation, for attempting to purchase crack cocaine.

Douglas Bondie (d.o.b. 08-23-1968) charged with Criminal Solicitation, for attempting to purchase marijuana.

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William J. Nelson, 45, was identified as a suspect and placed under surveillance by narcotics and tactical officers

William J. Nelson, 45, was identified as a suspect and placed under surveillance by narcotics and tactical officers," he said.Reports indicated Nelson was wanted on outstanding warrants for delivery of a controlled substance and aggravated battery. About 10:20 p.m. Thursday, Nelson allegedly left his room and got into a Ford Explorer, which was pulled over by Joliet police Officers Aaron Bandy, Jeffrey German and Sgt. John Stefanski."Those officers found 6.9 grams of cocaine on his person, which allowed us to get a search warrant for the room," Roechner said.
Nelson, who apparently does not have a permanent residence, also had $2,400 in his pocket, according to reports.While searching the room, police found 187 grams of cocaine

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Paul Jason Smith, aged 23, was found with 11 polythene bags - containing more than seven grams of cocaine

Paul Jason Smith, aged 23, was found with 11 polythene bags - containing more than seven grams of cocaine - concealed beneath his trousers when police arrested him at Barnsley Interchange last September. A search of his home uncovered a further 23 bags of the Class A drug - the total haul carrying a street value of over £1,000, Sheffield Crown Court heard.When interviewed by police, Smith claimed he had purchased such a large amount of cocaine because it was cheaper to "buy in bulk".
He said he intended to share the drugs with friends and "likened it to buying a round of drinks", Louise Gallagher, prosecuting, told the court.Smith admitted possession with intent to supply a Class A drug but was spared jail.Ian Storey, defending, said that as well as a full time job Smith had "serious family responsibilities".Since being caught with the drug, Smith had given cocaine up and "distanced himself from his gang of cronies", Mr Storey said.Sentencing Smith to 50 weeks' imprisonment, suspended for two years, Judge Simon Lawler QC told him: "You are essentially a good character, but you have been tempted into this and you have to stay away from it." Smith, of Parkdale Avenue, Audenshaw, Manchester, was handed a nine-month curfew between the hours of 9pm and 6am, and was also ordered to complete 200 hours of community work and pay £600 prosecution costs.

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suspected cocaine smuggler died in Guatemala

suspected cocaine smuggler died in Guatemala Tuesday following the seizure of his boat in the Eastern Pacific Ocean by the U.S. Coast Guard. The man was medevaced to Guatemala City when he sustained possible engine fragment or shrapnel injuries after shots were fired to disable the boat’s engines as it fled from authorities.
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, operating from a Coast Guard cutter patrolling the area, pursued the suspicious craft, signaled the operator to stop, and fired warning shots. The boat did not stop so rounds from a high powered rifle were aimed at the boat’s engines to disable them.A Coast Guard boarding team, in a pursuit boat dispatched from the cutter, discovered the injured suspect when they reached the disabled craft. The man was immediately transferred to the cutter, where a medical technician worked to stabilize his condition, then medevaced to Guatemala City by helicopter. He was transferred to an ambulance ashore in critical but stable condition but was pronounced dead at the hospital.An investigation will be conducted to review the details of Tuesday’s interdiction operation, try to determine exactly what caused the man’s injuries, and ensure all appropriate procedures and safety measures were followed.“We extend our condolences to the suspect’s family,” said Capt. Kevin O’Day, chief of response for the 11th Coast Guard District. “The U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies go the extraordinary lengths to minimize the chance of injury to suspected smugglers. It is regrettable, in this case, that the smugglers did not heed our multiple orders or warnings to halt,” he said. “We deeply appreciate the assistance of the Guatemalan Air Force, the Guatemalan Military Medical Center and the Centro Medico hospital for their efforts to organize the medevac of the patient.”Two other boats were stopped as part of Tuesday’s counter-drug operation. One of those vessels halted after orders to stop and warning shots from the helicopter. Another boat ignored warnings and required engine-disabling gunfire to make it stop. Five suspected smugglers and bales of cocaine thought to have been thrown overboard from the three seized boats are in custody of U.S. authorities. The interdictions occurred in international waters approximately 32-miles off the west coast of Guatemala.Injuries to smuggling boat crews in connection boat engine disabling fire from helicopters are rare. Including Tuesday’s incident, U.S. Coast Guard records indicate there have been two fatalities and two serious injuries to suspects out of 176 cases where the tactic was used since it was initiated in the late 1990’s.
The law enforcement phase of U. S. drug interdiction operations in the Eastern Pacific are conducted under the tactical control of the 11th Coast Guard District headquartered in Alameda, California. In 2009 some 135 tons of cocaine were intercepted in the Eastern Pacific by U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies operating in the region.

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Michael Sammon, 49, converted hundreds of blank-firing pistols into deadly weapons before selling them on to criminal gangs.

Lethal: The firearm supplied by Sammon used in the shooting of Kamilah Peniston


Michael Sammon, 49, converted hundreds of blank-firing pistols into deadly weapons before selling them on to criminal gangs.Twelve-year-old schoolgirl Kamilah Peniston would later be killed by one of the guns, when she was accidentally shot at home by her teenaged brother.Sammon bought the pistols openly in Germany before smuggling them into the UK by sea and using the postal service.In a workshop in Manchester, he converted them to fire live ammunition.One of the guns ended up in the hands of Kasha Peniston, 17. In the lounge of the home he shared with his sister Kamilah in Greater Manchester, he accidently shot her in the head with it.
He was jailed for two years for her manslaughter in 2007.Five other men were sentenced in 2006 for their part in the smuggling operation.Kasha Peniston: Sentenced to two years in prison for the manslaughter of his sisterJudge Martin Steiger QC described them as "merchants of death".But Sammon initially escaped detection using fake passports and by changing his appearance.In June 2008 he was traced to a caravan park in Hampshire and arrested. Manchester Crown Court heard he was the "ruthless boss" behind the operation.Half the firearms were recovered but around 100 remain untraced.Sentencing Manchester-born Sammon, Judge Steiger said: "Many have been used in shooting incidents and there have been at least two fatalities."One hundred of the guns are still in circulation, waiting to do their lethal work to innocent victims."Sammon is a man who is both ruthless and manipulative. He undoubtedly was the head of this sinister commercial operation."Sammon was found guilty of conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to import firearms, conspiracy to manufacture firearms, conspiracy to possess firearms and possessing false passports.

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Detroit police seized $200,000 in cocaine and suspected drug money

Detroit police seized $200,000 in cocaine and suspected drug money in two separate narcotics busts Thursday, officials said.Both raids occurred about 4 p.m., but they were unrelated. The first took place in the 9000 block of Esper, where investigators seized more than 340 grams of cocaine with an estimated street value of $140,000, officials said.Police also recovered two handguns and arrested two suspects inside the home.Another narcotics crew raided a home in the 2300 block of Pasadena a few minutes later, seizing about $63,000 in what authorities believe to be drug proceeds.
Police say narcotics busts in the past two months have netted more than 25 kilos of cocaine, 400 pounds of marijuana and $750,000 in drug money. The seized cash is being used to pay for crime-fighting efforts, such as the department's recently unveiled "TIP411" campaign, in which people can send anonymous tips via text message to 847411 by beginning the message with "DPD.""Yesterday's seizures are not as large as some of our recent ones, but are still significant and are upsetting the local drug trade," Chief Warren Evans said in a news release today. "We have put far more attention on making major confiscations as opposed to just going after the low-level street dealers who

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Black tar herion Oscar A. Esquival-Pena, 23, of Auburn, Wash., and Juana Esquival-Pena, 35, of Fife, Wash., were arrested.

Two Washington residents were arrested in Tehama County after 40 pounds of black tar heroin were found during a traffic stop Thursday midday on northbound Interstate 5 at Sourgrass Road.A California Highway Patrol K-9 unit was making a stop for a speed violation at 11:50 a.m. Thursday, a CHP release said.Upon contact, the CHP officer saw indicators of possible drug trafficking and deployed a narcotic detection dog.The dog raised an alert on what was later discovered to be a hidden compartment with a remote locking mechanism within the dashboard, where the drugs were later located, the release said.The black tar heroin has a rough street value of $1.8 million, the release said. The vehicle's occupants, Oscar A. Esquival-Pena, 23, of Auburn, Wash., and Juana Esquival-Pena, 35, of Fife, Wash., were arrested.
Both were booked into Tehama County Jail on charges of possession and transportation for sale of heroin, said CHP Officer Phil Mackintosh. They were also booked on the charge of possession of a false compartment, he said.

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