BREAKING: Five individuals have been arrested in a massive federal drug trafficking operation that transported 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) announced these developments just hours ago, emphasizing the scale and sophistication of the operation.
Prosecutors allege that the organization, led by David Rodriguez (45), also known as “Gotti” and “Fat Boy,” and Raymond O’Connell (39), nicknamed “Sal” and “White Boy,” has been operational since at least 2024. Both men are currently in custody and face serious charges, including engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. If convicted, they could face life sentences in federal prison.
According to officials, Rodriguez and O’Connell orchestrated the shipment of cocaine from a front business—a jewelry store located in the California Jewelry Mart in downtown L.A.—using luxury freight companies disguised as shipping services for high-value items. This method allowed them to transport cocaine in locked plastic cases undetected to New York City’s Diamond District.
The DOJ reported that over 800 parcels of cocaine were shipped across the country, with a street value estimated at an eye-watering $315 million. In addition, more than 500 parcels of cash were sent back to L.A., where members of the organization laundered the money.
The investigation has resulted in the seizure of more than $2.8 million in cash and nearly 1,600 pounds of cocaine. Authorities confiscated luxury vehicles and jewelry acquired with drug proceeds, underscoring the lavish lifestyle funded by this criminal enterprise.
Among the additional arrests made during this operation is Ronnell Sweat, 47, who is already serving a 15-year sentence for federal firearm charges. The latest arrests, occurring on September 16, 2024, include:
– 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, from downtown L.A.
All defendants are expected to face initial court appearances in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, while Rodriguez and O’Connell will appear in Los Angeles federal court tomorrow.
The DOJ has indicated that two other suspects, Daniel “Nice” Vega, 52, and Gregory “G” Antonio Benitez, 40, remain at large, with authorities actively pursuing their capture.
Officials are urging anyone with information about the ongoing investigation to come forward. As the situation develops, this case raises significant concerns about the scale of drug trafficking operations in the U.S. and the profound impact they have on communities.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. This major drug bust highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance against organized crime and drug trafficking in America.
