BREAKING: Five individuals have been arrested in a massive drug trafficking operation that allegedly shipped an astonishing 22 tons of cocaine and over $100 million in cash between Los Angeles and New York City. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed the arrests earlier today, marking a significant blow to a sophisticated cross-country drug network.
Authorities report that the alleged ringleaders, David Rodriguez, 45, and Raymond O’Connell, 39, have been in custody since 2024. The duo, known by their aliases “Gotti” and “Sal,” managed to facilitate the transport of cocaine hidden in locked plastic cases, disguised as high-value freight for jewelry shipments, into NYC’s Diamond District.
More than 800 parcels containing cocaine were reportedly shipped from L.A. to New York, with an estimated street value of $315 million, while over 500 parcels were transported back to L.A. carrying around $105 million in cash. The DOJ noted that the organization utilized luxury freight firms specializing in shipping valuable items to evade detection.
In a shocking twist, investigators have already seized over $2.8 million in cash, 725 kilograms of cocaine (nearly 1,600 pounds), and high-end vehicles and jewelry purchased with drug proceeds.
The five individuals arrested today include:
– Ronnell Sweat, 47, who is already serving a 15-year sentence for federal firearm charges.
– Jamel Donald Levy, 52, from Brooklyn
– Bruce Adams, 50, from the Bronx
– Cindy Rachel Imbert, 33, from Englewood, New Jersey
– Nohely Jimenez, 30, from downtown L.A.
– Lorna “Cookie” Martinez, 42, also from downtown L.A.
These defendants made their initial court appearances today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, while Rodriguez and O’Connell are expected to appear in federal court in L.A. tomorrow.
Rodriguez and O’Connell face severe charges, including:
– Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise
– Conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine
– Multiple counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine
– Money laundering conspiracies
If convicted, both could face mandatory life sentences in federal prison. The charges related to cocaine distribution carry a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, while money laundering could result in up to 20 years behind bars.
As law enforcement continues to pursue additional suspects, including Daniel “Nice” Vega, 52, and Gregory “G” Antonio Benitez, 40, both from NYC, the investigation sheds light on the extensive and dangerous operations of drug trafficking organizations operating across the nation.
This urgent case underscores the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the U.S. and the significant resources being devoted to dismantling such networks. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
