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Large Scale New York Meth Investigation Results in 24 Indicted on PSE Smurfing-Related Charges
Following a year-long investigation, 24 people have been indicted on charges related to the large scale manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine in central New York. The 24 individuals indicted have been charged with possession or distribution of pseudoephedrine (PSE) with the knowledge that it will be used to illegally manufacture meth, which is a federal felony as explained in a DEA news release. DEA explains that “As purchasers of pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in the production of methamphetamine, those indicted personally purchased thousands of pseudoephedrine pills over the last two to three years, and received thousands of pills from individuals, known as ‘smurfs,’ who bought the pills to trade for the finished product, methamphetamine, with the meth ‘cooks.’” The investigation involved collaboration among the US Department of Justice, the New York State Police, and law enforcement agencies in Madison, Oneida, and Oswego Counties. As of June 13, 2012, 16 of the 24 defendants had been arrested and were scheduled to appear before US Magistrate Judge Andrew T. Baxter. If convicted, they each face a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. One individual is also charged with possession of a firearm, a felony that carries a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. DEA notes that the indictment is a mere accusation and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
