Jose Rodolfo Escajeda, also known as 'Rikin,' was extradited to the U.S Alleged drug trafficker extradited by Mexico to US | AP Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Alleged drug trafficker extradited by Mexico to US AP Texas News Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says that a suspected Mexican drug gang leader linked to a 2006 border incursion by armed traffickers into Texas has been extradited by Mexico to the U.S.
The DEA said Saturday that Jose Rodolfo Escajeda, also known as 'Rikin,' was extradited to the U.S. to stand trial on marijuana and cocaine trafficking charges.
Escajeda, who allegedly worked for the Juarez cartel, was indicted by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in 2006. From a base in Chihuahua, Mexico, he is alleged to have controlled a drug trafficking corridor for marijuana and cocaine in the area of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, located across from El Paso, Texas.
He was arrested by Mexican authorities last year"

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Customs Sniff Out Record Cocaine Shipment | News | ERR

Customs Sniff Out Record Cocaine Shipment News ERR: "Tax and Customs Board have announced that in October they seized a 47.81 kilogram shipment of pure cocaine, the largest ever found in the nation. Three suspects have been detained and charged in connection with the haul, while a fourth remains at large.
'This is the biggest quantity of cocaine seized in Estonia's history,' state prosecutor Helga Aadamsoo was quoted by rus.err.ee as saying. She said that the amount was enough to get 5 million people intoxicated.

Rene Kanniste, head of the Tax and Customs investigation unit, said that the cocaine was hidden in an air shipment of coffee that arrived from Venezuela, and had an estimated street value of over 6.4 million euros.

According to the State Prosecutor, two of the suspects are Estonian citizens, while the other two are citizens of “other countries.” If convicted they face sentences ranging from six years to life in prison.

Before this haul, Estonia's largest cocaine bust was in 2005 when a 43.1 kg of the drug was found hidden in a large cog wheel shipped from Peru. In that case three Israeli citizens were convicted and received sentences of nine, 11 and 15 years."

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BBC News - Warning over heroin emergencies in Dorset

BBC News - Warning over heroin emergencies in Dorset: "Police in Dorset have issued a warning to heroin users after six people were taken to hospital having suffered adverse reactions to the drug.
Paramedics were called to eight locations in Bournemouth, Dorchester and Wareham on Saturday night.
In total, four men and two woman were taken to hospital.
Two men have since been discharged and conditions of the four remaining in hospital are not thought to be life-threatening.
Another man received treatment from an ambulance crew but was not admitted to hospital, while a further man refused treatment when paramedics attended."

'Superman logo' drug dealer jailed

The Press Association: 'Superman logo' drug dealer jailed: "Ashley Wiltshire, 31, led a gang which used presses to stamp images on the £50,000 blocks - also using 'F1' and 'Playboy bunny' symbols.
Police seized drugs with a total street value of £500,000 at a youth club in Poplar, east London, in April and at a house in Loughton, Essex, in June.
Wiltshire, of Romford, Essex, along with Larry Hammersley, 44, of Poplar, Jay Putinas, 25, of Woodford Green, Essex, and Daniel Vann, 32, of Ongar, Essex, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Hammersley was jailed for six years, Putinas for four-and-a-half years, and Vann for four years, following the investigation by City of London police.
Judge Martin Stephens told the men: 'You did it to make money quite unconcerned about the misery that the trade would bring to so many people.'
He said the operation to prepare and distribute cocaine across the South East on a 'very substantial scale' was 'sophisticated and professionally organised'."

The Press Association: 'Superman logo' drug dealer jailed

The Press Association: 'Superman logo' drug dealer jailed: "Ashley Wiltshire, 31, led a gang which used presses to stamp images on the £50,000 blocks - also using 'F1' and 'Playboy bunny' symbols.
Police seized drugs with a total street value of £500,000 at a youth club in Poplar, east London, in April and at a house in Loughton, Essex, in June.
Wiltshire, of Romford, Essex, along with Larry Hammersley, 44, of Poplar, Jay Putinas, 25, of Woodford Green, Essex, and Daniel Vann, 32, of Ongar, Essex, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Hammersley was jailed for six years, Putinas for four-and-a-half years, and Vann for four years, following the investigation by City of London police.
Judge Martin Stephens told the men: 'You did it to make money quite unconcerned about the misery that the trade would bring to so many people.'
He said the operation to prepare and distribute cocaine across the South East on a 'very substantial scale' was 'sophisticated and professionally organised'."

Customs officials at Newark, JFK airports seize pounds of cocaine, heroin in separate drug busts | NJ.com

Customs officials at Newark, JFK airports seize pounds of cocaine, heroin in separate drug busts | NJ.com: "random check of a Costa Rican woman’s luggage by Customs inspectors at Newark Liberty International Airport on Oct. 30 revealed 30 pounds of cocaine concealed in wooden hangers and saturated into her clothing.
In a separate incident two days later, inspectors at JFK airport arrested two men arriving from Ecuador as they attempted to smuggle more than 16 pounds of heroin in six pairs of pants and five pairs of cargo shorts.
Customs officials said the men's clothing was 'unusually heavy.'
Both of these drug busts followed routine checks of luggage for which U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspectors need no probable cause to conduct, said John Saleh, a spokesman for the federal agency. The cocaine seized at Newark Liberty has a street value of more than $660,000, and the heroin is worth more than $744,000."

Three men accused of selling cocaine to undercover officers | Amarillo Globe-News

Three men accused of selling cocaine to undercover officers | Amarillo Globe-News: "46-year-old Raymundo Nava Palacios and 22-year-old Alejandro Amparan Nunez, were arrested after they, along with a third man who was not identified Friday, met with undercover officers of the Amarillo Police Department Narcotics Unit around 5 p.m. Thursday to sell them 1 kilogram of cocaine, police said.
All three were arrested in the 3800 block of Northeast 18th Avenue and booked into the Potter County jail, police said. About $80,000 worth of cocaine was seized. The Amarillo SWAT team, Randall County sheriff's office and the 47th District attorney's office assisted with the investigation, the release said.
Police said Palacios, Nunez and the third man were charged with manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance more than 400 grams."

large quantity of the class A drug was discovered in the property in Mallard Close, Croxteth, on Friday afternoon

BBC News - Three arrests after cocaine find at house in Croxteth: "Three men have been arrested on suspicion of supplying cocaine after officers searched a house on Merseyside.
A large quantity of the class A drug was discovered in the property in Mallard Close, Croxteth, on Friday afternoon.
A significant amount of cash was also seized, police said.
The men aged 30, 21 and 27 years, all from the Huyton area, have been arrested and are being questioned."

seized $1 million worth of heroin from two suitcases before they were loaded onto a flight for Indianapolis.

Las Vegas police detectives say they seized $1 million worth of heroin from two suitcases before they were loaded onto a flight for Indianapolis.Metro narcotics officers say they arrested two suspects on suspicion of federal charges of distributing heroin and conspiracy.

Police say they were alerted to suspicious suitcases by routine surveillance at McCarran International Airport and found more than 12 pounds of black tar heroin inside, making it one of Las Vegas's largest heroin seizures.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department announced the seizure on Sunday. Police say the suitcases were checked in for a flight from Las Vegas to Indianapolis by way of Chicago.

TEENAGE girl claimed she was injected with heroin in her sleep just days before her death, an inquest heard.

TEENAGE girl claimed she was injected with heroin in her sleep just days before her death, an inquest heard.

Isha John, of Caerau, Bridgend, was 16 when she died in February this year.

DC Huw Evans, of Bridgend Police Station, told an inquest at Aberdare Coroner’s Court that on February 14, she moved into a bedsit with Carl Melbourne in Nantyffyllon.

DC Evans told the court Mr Melbourne was a known heroin addict and 16-year-old Isha also had a drug habit which included the misuse of valium.



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Drug bust: One Million in black tar heroin headed to Indianapolis from Vegas - wsbt.com

Drug bust: One Million in black tar heroin headed to Indianapolis from Vegas - wsbt.com: "Las Vegas drug investigators seized black tar heroine valued at $1 million inside two pieces of luggage headed for Indianapolis.

A drug dog sniffed out the bags containing the heroin at McCarron Airport Saturday around 3:30 p.m. The heroin was wrapped in plastic inside the luggage on a flight with a stop in Chicago. Jessie Gallegos, 47, and Jose Villarreal-Gazaviz, 31, had boarded the flight. Police say one of them paid cash for the tickets and checked the two bags.

When police discovered the first bag filled with heroin, they pulled the second bag that also contained more of the drug."

$20K In Heroin Found In Traffic Stop - News Story - WHIO Dayton

$20K In Heroin Found In Traffic Stop - News Story - WHIO Dayton: "Deputies in Preble County said they stopped a car on Interstate 70 over the weekend, and while searching the vehicle they found heroin with a street value of about $20,000.
The heroin was estimated at about four ounces.
Deputies said they believe that the driver may have bought the drugs in Dayton and was headed west to Richmond, Ind., to sell it."

Dumfries dealer jailed over anthrax heroin

BBC News - Dumfries dealer jailed over anthrax heroin: "court has heard how a woman ended up in hospital in Dumfries after buying heroin from a dealer who was unaware it was contaminated with anthrax.
Sheriff Kenneth Ross said he accepted Darren Scott, 24, had not known the drug was infected.
Scott admitted supplying heroin at the Lochside and Lincluden housing estates in Dumfries between September last year and the end of March.
He was jailed at the town's sheriff court for a total of four years.
Depute fiscal Pamela Rhodes said Scott's dealing came to light during a police operation following a number of anthrax cases among heroin users.
The court heard the total value of drugs passing through his hands had a street value of up to £20,000.
Solicitor Liz Dougan said that Scott, described as a prisoner in Dumfries, had developed a cocaine habit and had agreed to become involved with the heroin to write off a debt of about £1,000."

Ezequiel Cárdenas Guillén, alias “Tony Tormenta”, one of the top capos of the Gulf cartel, shot and killed along with four of his henchmen

Ezequiel Cárdenas Guillén, alias “Tony Tormenta”, one of the top capos of the Gulf cartel, shot and killed along with four of his henchmen in a battle in Matamoros, Tamaulipas.

Cardenas had escaped capture this past September when a raid by Marines on a safehouse in Matamoros where he was staying was repulsed by his bodyguards, "Los Escorpiones".

Jose Luis Vergara, a spokesman for the agency, declared that Cardena’s death has dealt a major blow to the structure and organization of the Gulf Cartel organization.

Ezequiel Cardenas was the brother of Osiel Cardenas Guillen, the former head of the Gulf cartel and founder of “Los Zetas”, who is now imprisoned in the United States.

Since August the Army and Marines have intensified the search for the leaders of the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas. Los Zetas are lead by Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano “El Verdugo” “El Lazca” and Miguel Angel Trevino Morales “Z-40” who is in charge of the Nuevo Laredo trafficking corridor. The Gulf Cartel is lead by Jorge Eduardo Costilla Sanchez “El Coss”.

San Diego-to-Tijuana drug tunnel uncovered; 25 tons of pot seized - ivpressonline.com

San Diego-to-Tijuana drug tunnel uncovered; 25 tons of pot seized - ivpressonline.com: "Federal authorities discovered a tunnel linking drug warehouses in San Diego and Tijuana that led to the seizure of more than 25 tons of marijuana, one of the largest-ever drug seizures in San Diego, officials said.

The 1,800-foot transnational passageway — roughly equivalent to six football fields in length — isn't the longest or the most sophisticated ever built, but it is one of the few instances in which authorities were able to seize drugs on both sides of the border.

The scale of the operation pointed to the work of a major Mexican drug cartel, authorities said, and comes two weeks after Mexican authorities discovered a record 134 tons of marijuana in an industrial area near Tijuana. Officials don't know if there is a connection between the two events, but called this week's discovery another significant blow against organized crime groups."

DEA: 45 Mexican drug cartel suspects arrested in Atlanta - CNN.com

DEA: 45 Mexican drug cartel suspects arrested in Atlanta - CNN.com: "Federal agents arrested 45 people in Georgia believed to be members of a top Mexican drug cartel and confiscated nearly $2.4 million in cash, authorities said Thursday.
The arrests were made by members of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, the Clayton County District Attorney's Office and other law enforcement agencies, the DEA said. The investigation, called Operation Choke Hold, started in May 2009.
The suspects are believed to be connected with La Familia Michoacana, which 'was responsible for the importation of bulk quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana into the metro Atlanta area,' the DEA said.
In addition to distributing narcotics in metro Atlanta, the drug-trafficking organization also shipped large quantities to Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Illinois and North Carolina, the DEA said."

Cocaine and cash found in Co Galway search - RTÉ News

Cocaine and cash found in Co Galway search - RTÉ News: "Cocaine and cash have been seized in a raid on the Headford Road in Co Galway.
Gardaí recovered cocaine with an estimated value of €245,000 and €200,000 in cash.
The drugs and money were recovered in a search of a house at Annaghdown yesterday evening.
A high-powered Honda motorcycle was also seized. No arrests were made."

Police seize drugs worth £170,000

The Press Association: Police seize drugs worth £170,000: "Drugs worth an estimated £170,000 have been seized at two properties, police have said.
Officers found cocaine with an estimated street value of £60,000 at a house in Kirkhill Place, Maryhill, Glasgow at around 8am.
Two men, aged 19 and 21, and a 24-year-old woman were arrested in connection with the seizure."

Catya Washington, Reality TV Star Arrested For Possessing Drugs

Catya Washington, Reality TV Star Arrested For Possessing Drugs: "US reality TV star Catya Washington was arrested by the Pennsylvania State Police for possessing drugs. The star allegedly had cocaine in her possession when she was arrested on Thursday. She shot to fame after working in “Bad Girls Club: Miami” a reality show aired on Oxygen Network. She also had other narcotic stuff with her said the cops who arrested her. Apart from that the starlet also had a gun with her. The Elite Player as she was called in the reality show has been booked with no less than 5 counts which include possession of a firearm as well as illegal possession of drug. It is not clear if she has been released or not."

Adam Frantz, 28, and Ryan Gravlin, 28, both of 811 Chase Road, Lunenburg, were each charged with trafficking in marijuana (about 2,225 pounds)

Adam Frantz, 28, and Ryan Gravlin, 28, both of 811 Chase Road, Lunenburg, were each charged with trafficking in marijuana (about 2,225 pounds) and conspiracy to violate the controlled substances law. Mr. Frantz also faces a charge of a drug violation in a school zone.

He pleaded not guilty today in Worcester Central District Court and was ordered held on $100,000 bail by Judge Bethzaida Vega. He is expected back in court on Dec. 3.

Mr. Gravlin additionally was charged with illegal possession of a firearm. He pleaded not guilty today in Fitchburg District Court. He was ordered held on $50,000 bail by Judge Elliott L. Zide and is expected back in court on Nov. 16.

Authorities say the investigation began Wednesday when a tractor-trailer inspection at Lewiston Bridge, in Lewiston, N.Y., revealed about 225 pounds of marijuana among a cover load of televisions and fabric.

The load was then driven in the company of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents out of Buffalo, N.Y., to its intended destination, 150 Blackstone River Road in Worcester.

Last night, state police detectives assigned to Mr. Early's office, along with personnel from ICE and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, and detectives from the Worcester Police Department conducted a controlled delivery of the 225 pounds of marijuana to a man later identified as Mr. Frantz.

With the marijuana in the bed of his gray pickup, Mr. Frantz headed north. When he reached Reservoir Road in Lunenburg, he was stopped and arrested by state troopers with dogs and the Community Action Team.

A subsequent search of his home uncovered another 2,000 pounds of marijuana, packaging materials, scales, ledgers, numerous cell phones, about $100,000 and a small firearm. Mr. Gravlin was arrested at the house.

“This is law enforcement at its best,” Mr. Early said. “A lot of hard work and cooperation went into this effort. We're focused on using all available resources to keep our communities safe.”

Bruce Foucart, special agent in charge of the Homeland Security Investigation office in Boston, said of the bust, “Keeping drugs off the streets is one of the most important missions of law enforcement, since drug smuggling and the resulting damage from drug abuse tears at the very fabric of our communities.”

The investigation is continuing.

Kids get drunk for half the cost of a chocolate bar | The Sun |News

Kids get drunk for half the cost of a chocolate bar | The Sun |News: "YOUNGSTERS can get drunk for HALF the price of a bar of chocolate, a shocking new study has found.
Supermarkets and off-licences are selling cider for as little as 10p per unit of alcohol. Lager can be bought for just 26p a pint - equal to 2½ units. The average price of chocolate such as a Yorkie bar is 60p.
Teenagers and younger children who gain access to booze are at risk because they become drunk on fewer units than adults. The recommended daily allowance for a man is three units. It is two units for a woman.
Researchers visited England's eight biggest cities outside London to monitor booze prices. They found three-litre bottles of strong cider - containing seven per cent alcohol - on sale for just £2.25.
Doctors say that level of alcohol would be almost enough to KILL a small child."

'Alcohol worse than hard drugs' | The Sun |News

'Alcohol worse than hard drugs' | The Sun |News: "HEROIN, cocaine and Ecstasy are less dangerous than booze, experts have claimed.
Professor David Nutt, former Government chief drugs advisor, said that alcohol wreaks more havoc on health and communities than hard drugs.
And he argues The Lancet that Ecstasy and LSD are the 'least damaging' drugs.
The professor warned that its cheap price and wide availability made alcohol so risky."

‘Kitchen Nightmares’ Chef Joseph Cerniglia Allegedly Overdosed On Cocaine Before Taking His Own Life « Hollywood Life

‘Kitchen Nightmares’ Chef Joseph Cerniglia Allegedly Overdosed On Cocaine Before Taking His Own Life « Hollywood Life: "Joseph Cerniglia, 39, is now one of two troubled chefs who killed themselves, coincidentally after starring on one of Gordon Ramsay’s reality television shows. Joseph, who was featured on Gordon’s Kitchen Nightmares in 2007, was found dead Sept. 24 in New York’s Hudson River, after jumping from the George Washington Bridge. But new reports in the New York Post reveal that Joseph also tried to end his life in July after allegedly overdosing on cocaine.The Hackensack, NJ., police report states that Joseph was found “sweating profusely, shaking and in need of medical assistance.”
Joseph was immediately rushed to the Hackensack University Medical Center, and was later arrested for “being under the influence of narcotics.”"

Australian faces Bali jail for cocaine use - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Australian faces Bali jail for cocaine use - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "Melbourne man Angus McCaskill faces as many as 12 years in a Bali jail after he was arrested and confessed to using cocaine.
McCaskill has been paraded in front of reporters at a press conference organised by the Kuta beach district police.
He says he made a 'silly mistake' and took the cocaine after getting drunk watching a World Cup match.
He says he is 'very sorry'.
McCaskill was arrested last week by police who say they found several packets containing around three-and-a-half grams of cocaine in his wallet.
Sniffer dogs searched his villa but did not find any more drugs.
McCaskill told police he is an investment broker and not addicted to cocaine."

Rehab clinic lambasted after overdose death - Times Online

Rehab clinic lambasted after overdose death - Times Online: "sheriff has criticised one of Scotland’s leading private hospitals over the “entirely preventable” death of a young drug addict.
Kieran Nichol died after he was prescribed the heroin substitute methadone at Castle Craig Hospital in the Borders. A fatal accident inquiry heard that the dying 20-year-old patient was put to bed by staff and told to sleep.
Sheriff Gordon Liddle said in his Determination following the case that it was “difficult to identify anything that went significantly well”.
Castle Craig is one of Europe’s leading rehabilitation clinics, charging about £400 a day. The former leader of Glasgow council, Steven Purcell, and Peter Howson, the artist, have sought treatment there.
Mr Nichol, a valium addict, spent six weeks at the clinic in the autumn of 2005 before discharging himself that October. On December 9, suffering from depression and suspected drug abuse, he was readmitted. He died two days later.
Sheriff Liddle said a “different decision or choice by a number of individuals could have made the difference”."