The US Coast Guards and partner agencies have interdicted seven suspected drug smuggling vessels over 10 days near the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico in the Eastern Caribbean.
In a release today the Coast Guard reported the collaboration with the US Navy, Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations and the Dutch Caribbean coast guard resulted in more than 3,700 pounds of cocaine worth more than $64 million and 19 suspected drug smugglers being apprehended. These individuals may now face criminal charges by prosecution partners in the Department of Justice.
“Seven successful drug smuggling ventures disrupted in 10 days is a clear example of the mission-ready team we have here in the Seventh District s area of responsibility,” said Rear Admiral Eric C. Jones, Seventh Coast Guard District commander.
Ricky Terrell pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm
An Essex County, New Jersey, man admitted possessing a handgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Ricky Terrell, 24, of Newark, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Court Judge John Michael Vazquez to an information charging him with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, specifically, the possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.
According to U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito and documents filed in this case and statements made in court Stephen Crane Village is a public housing complex in Newark, where law enforcement officers investigated individuals who controlled an open-air drug market.