Nickdfresh
12-30-2004, 12:33 PM
'Santa's Helpers' busted in drug arrests
Authorities seize 175 pounds of cocaine in Ohio
Thursday, December 30, 2004 Posted: 10:30 AM EST (1530 GMT)
CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) -- The packages were labeled as toys for good girls and boys and the business was called Santa's Helpers. But authorities say the packages were nothing more than a naughty ruse to cover a large-scale drug smuggling operation.
The bogus business tried to smuggle $7.8 million worth of cocaine from Los Angeles to nearby Willoughby, Ohio authorities said. Drug agents seized about 175 pounds of cocaine Monday in the largest seizure in Cleveland this year.
Four 55-gallon steel drums used as shipping containers raised suspicions. Billing information said the barrels contained toys, novelties and games.
Federal prosecutors charged Edward Boynton, 35, of Inglewood, California, with intent to possess cocaine. Boynton appeared in U.S. District Court on Tuesday. His attorney, Mary Jo Tipping, had no comment.
Authorities say police learned Friday -- Christmas Eve -- of suspicious packages at the Roadway Express offices. Officers brought in a police dog, which picked up the scent of drugs. Officers confiscated the drums and called the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Authorities say Boynton drove a rented truck to the business on Monday. He wore a coat and a T-shirt with the logo "Santa's Helpers" and had paperwork and tracking information for the shipment.
Boynton told authorities that he had flown from Los Angeles to Cleveland to meet the shipment.
Willoughby police stopped him as he left.
Boynton was being held without bond pending additional hearings.
CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/12/30/santa.cocaine.bust.ap/index.html)
Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Authorities seize 175 pounds of cocaine in Ohio
Thursday, December 30, 2004 Posted: 10:30 AM EST (1530 GMT)
CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) -- The packages were labeled as toys for good girls and boys and the business was called Santa's Helpers. But authorities say the packages were nothing more than a naughty ruse to cover a large-scale drug smuggling operation.
The bogus business tried to smuggle $7.8 million worth of cocaine from Los Angeles to nearby Willoughby, Ohio authorities said. Drug agents seized about 175 pounds of cocaine Monday in the largest seizure in Cleveland this year.
Four 55-gallon steel drums used as shipping containers raised suspicions. Billing information said the barrels contained toys, novelties and games.
Federal prosecutors charged Edward Boynton, 35, of Inglewood, California, with intent to possess cocaine. Boynton appeared in U.S. District Court on Tuesday. His attorney, Mary Jo Tipping, had no comment.
Authorities say police learned Friday -- Christmas Eve -- of suspicious packages at the Roadway Express offices. Officers brought in a police dog, which picked up the scent of drugs. Officers confiscated the drums and called the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Authorities say Boynton drove a rented truck to the business on Monday. He wore a coat and a T-shirt with the logo "Santa's Helpers" and had paperwork and tracking information for the shipment.
Boynton told authorities that he had flown from Los Angeles to Cleveland to meet the shipment.
Willoughby police stopped him as he left.
Boynton was being held without bond pending additional hearings.
CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/12/30/santa.cocaine.bust.ap/index.html)
Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.