NDLEA Arrests Filmmaker Emeka Mbadiwe in Lagos Drug Bust
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended Emeka Mbadiwe, a US-trained Hollywood and Nollywood filmmaker and motivational speaker, for his involvement in an illicit drug shipment operation. The arrest occurred on January 1, 2025, at his Lekki hotel room in Lagos.
Peruvian Fugitive Convicted of Drug Trafficking Apprehended in Connecticut
A Peruvian fugitive convicted of drug trafficking in Argentina was apprehended in Hartford, Connecticut, on July 25 by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston. The 39-year-old man, who has a lengthy history of unlawful reentries into the United States, was taken into custody by deportation officers from ERO Boston’s Hartford field office.
NDLEA Arrests Lagos Socialite Alhaja Aishat Ajoke Elediye
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended 61-year-old drug kingpin Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye, also known as “Iya Ruka,” in a raid on her mansion in Lagos. Alhaja Ajoke, who has been a key figure in one of Lagos’ most notorious drug cartels, was arrested following the interception of a large shipment of illicit drugs by her staff.
U.S. Officers Remove Fugitive Valdeci Passos-Soares to Brazil
SALT LAKE CITY — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers successfully removed 47-year-old fugitive Valdeci Passos-Soares to Brazil on May 31. Passos-Soares, a Brazilian national, was wanted in Brazil for drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearm ammunition.
Five Arrested in Tay Ninh for Laundering Money via Bank Accounts
Five individuals in southern Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam, were arrested by local authorities on Wednesday for their involvement in a large-scale money laundering operation. The suspects—Pham Van Nghia (45), Ngoc Tuan Anh (27), Vuong Thi Hoa (35), and two others—are accused of helping foreign criminals launder money by selling bank accounts.
Springfield Police Seize Ghost Gun, Drugs, and Cash in Arrests
Springfield, Mass. — On Wednesday, October 16th, at approximately 5:30 p.m., officers from Squad “C,” Traffic, and C3 Units of the Springfield Police Department made a significant seizure following a routine traffic stop. The officers confiscated a loaded Ghost Gun, drugs, and over $1,300 in cash during the operation.
Brooksville Man Arrested for Drug Trafficking After Fleeing from Deputies
On December 13, 2024, a routine traffic stop in Brooksville led to the arrest of Steven Wendt, 35, on drug trafficking charges. Deputies from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, including D. Barlow and S. Belmonte, stopped Wendt, a bicyclist, in the area of Alberta Street and Tascosa Avenue.
Glenn Galloway Arrested in Foley on Drug and Gun Charges, Bond Set at $319,500
Glenn Alexander Galloway, 59, of Foley, Alabama, was arrested on a slew of drug trafficking and firearm charges following complaints from neighbors in his subdivision. On Monday afternoon, Galloway appeared before a judge, where his bond was set at $319,500.
Mckenzi Finn Arrested After Firing Shots at Bus in Hernando County
Mckenzi Finn, 20, was arrested Monday evening after discharging a firearm at a vehicle leaving an adult living facility in the Hill ‘N Dale community, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
Kentrell Madison Arrested in Ferriday, La. Drug Trafficking Bust
FERRIDAY, La. (KNOE) — Kentrell Madison was arrested on January 6, 2024, as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. On January 2, the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) Narcotics Unit received a tip about Madison’s location in Ferriday. After obtaining a search warrant, authorities found a variety of illegal substances, including heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and ecstasy, as well as unidentified pills, drug paraphernalia, cash, and a firearm.
Ronnie Guthrie Arrested in Murray for Drug Trafficking
MURRAY, Ky. — On January 2, 2024, deputies from the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) observed 58-year-old Ronnie Guthrie of Murray exit his vehicle in a parking lot on Lowes Drive. According to CCSO, Guthrie approached another vehicle, where he appeared to engage in a hand-to-hand drug transaction. Deputies then arrested Guthrie, who was transported to the Calloway County Detention Center.
Clinton Williams Arrested for DUI, Faces Drug Trafficking Charges
PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A routine DUI stop in Pikeville led to drug trafficking charges for Clinton Williams, 53, of Pikeville, KY. On Monday, officers pulled Williams over on U.S. 23 after observing his vehicle weaving. The officer noted Williams’ lethargy and glassy eyes, prompting a field sobriety test that he failed. Williams admitted to taking two Neurontin pills earlier in the day, leading to his arrest for DUI and multiple traffic violations.
Richard Dacey Rogers Arrested for Drug Trafficking in North Charleston
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — Richard Dacey Rogers, 39, was arrested on Tuesday morning and charged with drug trafficking after North Charleston police discovered fentanyl during a trespassing investigation. Officers responded to a call around 6:30 a.m. about people trespassing at a vacant business on Rivers Avenue. Upon arrival, they found Rogers sleeping on the sidewalk in front of the building.
Three Arrested in Gordon County Meth Trafficking Bust
GORDON COUNTY, GA — Earlier this week, Gordon County Deputy Sheriffs conducted a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle on US Highway 41 near the Bartow County line. Upon searching the vehicle, deputies discovered a large quantity of methamphetamine that was packaged and ready for distribution.
James Edwards & Chase Vandyne Arrested in Guernsey County Drug Bust
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OH — James Edwards, 47, and Chase Vandyne, 35, both of Cambridge, are currently in custody at the Guernsey County Jail after their arrest on multiple drug-related charges on Thursday.
James E. Brown & Sammy L. Welcome Sr. Convicted of Drug Trafficking
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA — James E. Brown, 55, and Sammy L. Welcome Sr., 57, were recently convicted on multiple drug trafficking charges after a lengthy investigation. The verdicts came in late 2024 in the courtroom of Honorable Judge Willard Pope.
Courtney Lowe Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charges in Dayton
DAYTON, Ohio — On Thursday morning, 33-year-old Courtney Lowe was arraigned in court and pleaded not guilty to a series of serious charges, including six counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault related to serious physical harm, and two more counts of felonious assault involving a deadly weapon.
Three Arrested on Drug Trafficking Charges in Auburn
AUBURN,Maine — Three individuals, including two men from Georgia, were arrested on drug trafficking charges after a traffic stop in Auburn on Friday, January 3.
Three Arrested in Kingston Drug Trafficking Raid
KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY — Three men were arrested, and various drugs were seized following a two-month-long drug trafficking investigation in Kingston, Pennsylvania, according to the Kingston Police Department.
Exiled Tycoon’s Chief of Staff Sentenced for Role in $1.4B Fraud Scheme
NEW YORK (AP) — Yvette Wang, the chief of staff to exiled Chinese business tycoon Miles Guo, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her involvement in a massive fraud scheme that defrauded thousands of investors of approximately $1.4 billion.
Two Lawrence Residents Arrested for Drug Trafficking in New Hampshire
GREENLAND, N.H. — Two individuals from Lawrence, Massachusetts, were arrested on drug trafficking and firearms charges following a traffic stop on Interstate 95.
Burlington Man Lance Mason Arrested for Multiple Burglaries
BURLINGTON, Vt. — A Burlington man, Lance Mason, was arrested on Thursday after a series of burglaries, including theft from the campaign office of Senator Bernie Sanders.
Yoni Barrios Indicted on Terrorism Charges for Las Vegas Stabbings
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Yoni Barrios, 34, has been indicted by a Clark County grand jury on charges, including terrorism and murder, following a deadly stabbing spree on the Las Vegas Strip in October 2022.
Belfast Residents Alexander Wilson and Brittany Saucier Arrested in Drug Trafficking Bust
BELFAST, Maine (WABI) — Two people were arrested in Belfast following a traffic stop on Wednesday afternoon, as part of a larger investigation into drug trafficking in Maine and New Hampshire.
Megan McDonald Arrested in Connection to 14-Year-Old’s Murder in Sidney
AUGUSTA, Maine (WMTW) — Megan McDonald, 39, has been arrested in connection to the murder of her 14-year-old son in Sidney, Maine. McDonald has been held at the Kennebec County Jail since her arrest on Friday.
Lynne Leyson Arrested After 16 Months on the Run for Drug Offenses
CARMARTHEN, UK — Lynne Leyson, 53, has been arrested after 16 months on the run following her conviction in May 2023 for her involvement in a drug trafficking operation. Leyson had been found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply cannabis, and possessing criminal property at Swansea Crown Court.
London Man Arrested for Methamphetamine Trafficking After Traffic Stop
LONDON, KY — A 50-year-old London man, Kevin Hampton, was arrested by the London Police Department following a traffic stop on Hal Rogers Parkway. Hampton, who was charged with 1st-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and other minor traffic violations, was taken into custody after a K9 unit detected the presence of drugs in his vehicle.
David Silva, Convicted of 2013 Readfield Murder, Dies in New Jersey Prison
READFIELD, MAINE — David Silva, the man convicted of the 2013 murder of Robert Orr in Readfield, has died while incarcerated in a New Jersey prison. Silva, 46, was serving a 43-year sentence for the brutal killing of 56-year-old Orr when he passed away last Thursday following an encounter with correctional officers.
Brazilian Fugitive Arrested in Somerville by ICE Officers After Drug Trafficking Conviction in Brazil
BOSTON, MA — Diogo De-Sales Gomes, a 34-year-old Brazilian citizen, was arrested by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston officers in Somerville on Feb. 3. Gomes had been convicted and sentenced to prison in Brazil for drug trafficking and was the subject of an active criminal warrant issued by Brazilian authorities.
cottish Tourist Detained in Colombia for Attempted Drug Trafficking
CARTAGENA, Colombia — Ricky Grant Courage, a 32-year-old tourist from Aberdeen, has been detained by Colombian authorities on drug trafficking charges after sniffer dogs alerted officials to suspicious substances in his luggage. The arrest took place on September 29th at an airport in Cartagena, Colombia, shortly before he was due to board a flight to Scotland.
Faaris Zaman Jailed for 11 Years in Drug Smuggling Case
Faaris Zaman, a 27-year-old drug dealer from Bradford, has been sentenced to 11 years and seven months in prison after evading authorities for over three years.
Mark Moran and Daniel Livingstone Jailed for £42m Drug Seizure
Two men have been jailed for their roles in one of the UK’s largest ever cocaine seizures. The drugs, which were worth more than £42 million, were landed by boat on the East Yorkshire coast in May, with more than half a tonne (524kg) of cocaine intercepted.
John Bonner, Christopher Laycock, and David Kelly Jailed for Drugs Plot
Three men have been sentenced for their roles in an elaborate drugs smuggling plot, which involved hiding large quantities of cocaine and heroin inside fake solar panel generators. The men—John Bonner, Christopher Laycock, and David Kelly—were part of a serious organised crime network operating between March 2020 and January 2022.
John Barry McDuff Jailed for Drug Trafficking Operation
John Barry McDuff, a former Mr Scotland bodybuilder, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being caught in a major drug trafficking operation. The 40-year-old, who previously won the 90kg category at the National Amateur Bodybuilding Championships in 2012, was involved in the purchase, sale, and supply of cocaine, heroin, and other controlled substances between March and June 2020.
Two Men Sentenced in County Lines Drug Operation Between Scotland and the West Midlands
Two men have been sentenced for their roles in a County Lines drug trafficking operation linking Aberdeen and Birmingham. Fleury Tsaty, 29, was sentenced to three years and three months in prison at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on June 28, 2024. His co-defendant, 19-year-old Wasem Sharif, was given an 18-month community payback order.
Colombian Authorities Capture Notorious Drug Lord Pazooki Farhad in International Cocaine Smuggling Operation
Pazooki Farhad, a powerful drug lord also known as “The Professor,” has been captured in Colombia after escaping a police operation aimed at dismantling his international cocaine smuggling network. Farhad, who is Norwegian, was arrested at Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport, following his flight from an undisclosed location after a bust involving his drug trafficking operation.
Martin Murphy Jailed for Drug Trafficking After High-Speed Police Chase
Martin Murphy, 45, was sentenced to four years and four months in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh after being convicted of drug trafficking linked to a £90,000 cocaine deal. The organised crime gang member was caught after attempting a high-speed escape when police raided the Glasgow Fort shopping centre in April 2020.
Six Jailed for Running Drug Line Between West Midlands and Scotland
Six individuals involved in a major drug trafficking operation between the West Midlands and Scotland have been sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court. The group, which ran the “Flash” drug line, supplied heroin and crack cocaine from the West Midlands into Aberdeen between 2017 and 2021.
Peterborough Drug Dealer Jailed for Five Years After Cocaine Supply Conviction
Alfons Kojku, a 37-year-old drug dealer from Peterborough, has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple drug-related charges, including the supply of cocaine and driving offences. The conviction follows a joint investigation between Suffolk and Essex Police into the organised distribution of drugs.
Argentina Arrests Waiter in Connection with Liam Payne’s Death and Cocaine Allegations
Braian Nahuel Paiz, the Argentine waiter charged in connection with Liam Payne’s tragic death, has been arrested on January 3 after being accused of supplying the late singer with cocaine. Paiz, 31, was taken into custody outside Buenos Aires, just days after being charged by Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office. The charges are related to Paiz’s alleged role in the events leading to Payne’s fall from a hotel balcony in October 2023. Paiz is now facing a prison sentence ranging from four to 15 years if convicted.
