Current:Home > ContactFederal indictment accuses 15 people of trafficking drugs from Mexico and distributing in Minnesota -LegacyCapital
Federal indictment accuses 15 people of trafficking drugs from Mexico and distributing in Minnesota
View
Date:2025-04-13 18:14:41
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Federal authorities said Tuesday they have indicted 15 people on charges of trafficking illegal drugs from Mexico and distributing them in Minnesota, including a man from that state they identified as the leader of the operation.
Clinton James Ward, a 45-year-old Minnesota native, is charged with more than a dozen drug offenses as well as engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, under what is known as “the drug kingpin statute,” Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger said during a news conference.
Luger said Ward was behind “one of the largest and most prolific drug organizations that has operated in Minnesota.”
The criminal enterprise charge carries a mandatory prison sentence of 20 years, while possession with intent to distribute carries a 10-year mandatory minimum. Under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, Ward could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted of all of the offenses he faces.
The others named in the indictment face a variety of charges including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession- and distribution-related drug offenses. Authorities say they were living and distributing drugs in Minnesota, according to a federal prosecutor’s memo to the court.
After his drug-related arrest in 2019, Ward fled to Mexico where he established ties with the Sinaloa and CJNG drug cartels and built an international drug trafficking organization, Luger said.
For five years, Ward ran a distribution network that shipped and sold thousands of pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine in Minnesota, Luger said. Members of his network transported the drugs from Mexico in shipping containers, private vehicles and semi-trailers, he said.
In March, Mexican authorities caught Ward and handed him over to the FBI.
Agents seized over 1,600 pounds (725 kilograms) of methamphetamine, 30,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills, 4 kilograms (9 pounds) of cocaine, 2 kilograms (4.5 pounds) of fentanyl, 45 guns and over $2.5 million in drug-related proceeds, authorities said.
Luger said it was “one of the most sophisticated and significant drug trafficking organizations we have prosecuted.”
More than 50 people tied to Ward have been charged with trafficking-related crimes, Luger’s office said.
Ward’s attorney, Kurt Glaser, said he knew the indictment was coming but hadn’t heard about it when contacted by The Associated Press. He declined to comment but to say Ward has a wife and two children in Mexico.
veryGood! (97)
Related
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Halle Berry reveals perimenopause was misdiagnosed as the 'worst case of herpes'
- Texas AG Ken Paxton reaches deal to resolve securities fraud charges before April trial
- DMV outage reported nationwide, warnings sent to drivers with scheduled appointments
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- One month out, New Orleans Jazz Fest begins preparations for 2024 event
- What to know about the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore that left at least 6 presumed dead
- Geoengineering Faces a Wave of Backlash Over Regulatory Gaps and Unknown Risks
- What polling shows about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ new running mate
- Debunked: Aldi's bacon is not grown in a lab despite conspiracies on social media
Ranking
- Mega Millions winning numbers for August 6 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $398 million
- Waiting on your tax refund? Here's why your return may be taking longer this year
- Time, money, lost business are part of hefty price tag to rebuild critical Baltimore bridge
- Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on Good Friday 2024? Here's what to know
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Meta ban on Arabic word used to praise violence limits free speech, Oversight Board says
- Search for survivors in Baltimore bridge collapse called off as effort enters recovery phase
- MLB's five most pivotal players to watch for 2024
Recommendation
Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
Utah women's basketball team experienced 'racial hate crimes' during NCAA Tournament
Pregnant Chick-fil-A manager killed in crash with prison transport van before baby shower
Youngkin acts on gun bills, vetoing dozens as expected, amending six and signing two pairs
3 years after the NFL added a 17th game, the push for an 18th gets stronger
What to know about the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore that left at least 6 presumed dead
Sparks paying ex-police officer $525,000 to settle a free speech lawsuit over social media posts
Children’s author Kouri Richins hit with new charges alleging earlier attempt to kill her husband