Feds Charge 5 Suspects in Drug Ring That Shipped Cocaine via Private Jets

Authorities seized more than $2.8 million in cash and 725 kilograms—about 1,600 pounds—of cocaine.

During the investigation, more than 800 parcels of cocaine weighing more than 22 tons were shipped from Los Angeles to New York. Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images

Authorities on Sept. 16 arrested five people suspected of operating a multimillion-dollar drug trafficking ring that used luxury private jets to ship more than 20,000 kilograms of cocaine—about 44,000 pounds—and more than $100 million in drug proceeds between Los Angeles and New York City.

The defendants were charged on a 10-count federal indictment alleging their participation in the drug trafficking ring.