Feds bust multimillion-dollar drug ring
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MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- Details of a multimillion dollar money-laundering and drug smuggling business become public Friday when federal authorities disclose specifics about the two-continent operation, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration sources said.
A news conference at the U.S. attorney's office in Miami will provide information about the four-year-long laundering operation of about $20 million, $13 million of which has been seized by federal authorities.
Primary transactions occurred between Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Colombia, but tentacles stretched into several other U.S. cities. Cocaine was among the drugs involved.
Sources said 30 of 39 people who have been indicted are in custody. Twelve were arrested in Colombia.
Nine people waived their first court appearances Thursday in U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale, and three more are expected to appear Friday.
The sources say the arrested include some Colombian suspects "who were lured here to pick up drugs or money" as part of the investigation.
One person was arrested in Los Angeles, three in New York, one in Chicago and at least one person in New Haven, Connecticut.
The money was picked up at various locations and was in turn wired by participants around the world, the sources said.
