Top FARC Commander Sentenced in Cocaine Conspiracy

Gerardo Aguilar Ramirez, a former commander in one of Colombia's rebel groups, was sentenced to 27 years in prison for conspiring to import tons of cocaine into the United States. Aguilar Ramirez was a leader in The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which is designated by the U.S. State Department as a foreign terrorist organization. Aguilar Ramirez admitted that his FARC unit manufactured and distributed large quantities of cocaine that was headed to the U.S.

Two Arrests in Florida

Federico de Jesus Montejo Castillo, of Golden Gate, Florida, was arrested and charged with possessing cocaine, a felony, and misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, indecent exposure, and having an open container of alcohol. In addition to having cocaine on his body, deputies say he was holding a beer can and urinating outside a convenience store. In nearby Bonita Springs, Florida, Amber Lynn Johnson, was arrested and charged with distribution of a synthetic narcotic, smuggling cocaine into a detention facility, possession of cocaine and driving while license suspended/habitual offender.

Half-Pound of Cocaine Seized in Laredo, TX

The Webb County Sheriffs Department of Laredo, Texas, seized a half-pound of cocaine – worth an estimated $5,300 on the street, two handguns, two riffles, and other drug paraphernalia after receiving information from the local Crime Stoppers program. The only person arrested during the bust was Francisco Esquivel. The Sheriff's Department applauded the cooperation between the citizens of Laredo and law enforcement.

Chicago Gang Members Arrested in Drug and Weapons Sting

Four Chicago gang members, Joshua Vidal, Juan DeJesus, Juan Velez, and Victor Torres, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to possess cocaine in connection with the attempted robbery. According to authorities, the four men were prepared to take any means necessary, including shooting people, in an effort to steal more than 30 kilograms of cocaine. As part of a larger investigation by the Chicago police and the FBI that included the use of undercover agents, authorities charged another 21 suspects in separate complaints of violating state or federal drug or weapons laws. The FBI announced that three suspects still remain at large.

Australian Authorities Intercept Shipment of Cocaine from Mexico

In New South Wales, Australia, police announced seizing a 240kg shipment of cocaine from Mexico. While police arrested four men in connection with the shipment, they still believe a "hidden group" of cocaine users is on the rise. According to the Australian Crime Commission's Illicit Drug Report from 2009, cocaine use in Australia is at its greatest level since 1993 and cocaine arrests are at their highest in more than a decade.

Shot-up Car Leads to Large Cocaine Bust in Edmonton

Following reports of gunshots, Edmonton police found a shot-up vehicle that led to the seizure of $250,000 in cocaine. The car, which was parked outside a home near Cutts Court, had bullet holes in its front end and contained items that led authorities to believe drugs were being kept inside the home of the owner of the car. A warrant was obtained and the subsequent search yielded over five kilograms of cocaine. Tommy Tran has been charged with possession of drugs and items used for the purpose of drug trafficking.

Repeat Criminal Wastes No Time Getting Back Into Life of Crime

Benjamin Morris Zapata, a Manitoba gang member, wasted no time getting into trouble after being released from prison. Less than 48 hours after being released, and despite being on parole with strict orders not to have any contact with gang members or associate, Zapata began carrying on sanctioned gang business and arranged a large cocaine deal with another gangster who was secretly working as a police agent as part of a massive undercover sting operation. Additionally, Zapata already had five prior drug-related convictions on his criminal record. Zapata pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and was convicted of participating in a criminal organization and conspiracy to launder proceeds of crime. Zapata was sentenced to 99 months in prison.