Four California men are accused of exporting “wholesale” amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine disguised as instant noodles, condiments and car parts to Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand over about five years, the Justice Department said.
Federal prosecutors estimate that from 2017 to 2022, the men operated a complex drug-trafficking network, using military-grade encryption software and encrypted messaging applications to export drugs by air, sea freight and US mail, according to the US Attorney’s Office for Central. District of California.
Two Orange County men – Hoang Xuan Le, 42, and Tri Cao Buinguyen, 38 – have been arrested on a three-count federal grand jury indictment, the Justice Department announced Friday.
Trung Buinguyen, 40, of Lakewood, and Narongsak Champy, 28, of Long Beach, are being sought by law enforcement, according to a press release.
Federal prosecutors estimate that from 2017 to 2022, the man operated a complex drug trafficking ring. Reuters
The crew allegedly used false names, businesses and email addresses to communicate with intermediaries, including vendors, shipping companies, customs brokers and customs officials in the US and foreign countries, authorities said.
Law enforcement seized a total of 1,664 pounds of methamphetamine and over 220 pounds of cocaine. Officials estimate the stash is worth $160 million.
In one 2018 instance, 860 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in packets of instant noodles and mushroom seasoning were shipped to Australia. Another time that year, 249 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 220 pounds of cocaine were shipped disguised as garlic seasoning, according to the US Attorney’s Office.
If convicted of all charges, each defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison, according to the US Attorney’s Office. Getty Images/iStockphoto
All were charged with conspiracy to export and distribute a controlled substance while Le and Buinguyen, who both pleaded not guilty, were also charged with trafficking methamphetamine.
All four face life in prison if convicted.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
