Fourteen people are facing federal drug trafficking charges in Los Angeles, according to an L.A. Times report.
Authorities allege the Hollywood-based ring used chartered planes to ship hundreds of pounds of cocaine and millions of dollars between Los Angeles and Baltimore. Fourteen people have been charged with trafficking and money laundering by a federal grand jury.
The investigation, dubbed "Operation Snow Bird," alleges that the defendants shipped 390 kilos of cocaine and over $4 million in cash during one six-week stretch. About 298 kilos of cocaine and just over $1 million was seized as a result of the investigation.
The government contends that members of the ring would fly to Baltimore, oversee the drug sales, and fly suitcases of cash back to Los Angeles. Five of the 14 under indictment are in custody, while the remainder are being sought by authorities.
The alleged leader of the group was identified as Ricky James Brascom, 28, a Woodland Hills resident and chief executive of Behind da Scenes Entertainment. His brother, Jerome Mondale Brascom, 30, of Colorado Springs, Colo., was also indicted. Two others taken into custody were Steven Velazquez, 31, of San Fernando and Alberto Cruzado, 57, of Sylmar. And a fifth person, Leonardo Concepcion, 50, of Downey, allegedly worked as a pilot.
Among those still being sought by authorities is Darrin Ebron, identified as a 43-year-old DJ and clothing designer from Washington, D.C., who allegedly served as a distributor.
Authorities also report the seizure of several luxury vehicles, including Aston Martins, a Mercedes and a BMW. Charges include conspiracy to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to launder money and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, according to the U.S. District Attorney's Office.
If you are facing drug charges in Los Angeles, contact Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
