Federal authorities have arrested five people in connection with a huge cross-country drug trafficking network that transported 22 tons of cocaine and more than $100 million in cash between Los Angeles and New York City. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) made the announcement on Tuesday.
Ringleaders Already in Custody
According to prosecutors, alleged ringleaders David Rodriguez, 45, of Dumont, New Jersey—known as “Gotti” and “Fat Boy”—and Raymond O’Connell, 39, of Manhattan—known as “Sal” and “White Boy”—have been detained since 2024.
The men are accused of operating bulk cocaine shipments from a California Jewelry Mart storefront in downtown Los Angeles.
Luxury Shipping Routes for Drugs and Cash
Cocaine was allegedly sent in closed plastic boxes disguised as legitimate merchandise passing through New York City’s Diamond District. Shipments were assisted by high-value freight forwarding organizations that typically handle jewels, precious metals, and art.
- More than 800 parcels of cocaine were shipped from Los Angeles to New York, totaling an estimated 22 tons with a street value of $315 million.
- Over 500 parcels of cash were shipped back from New York to Los Angeles, worth about $105 million.
The DOJ revealed that throughout the investigation, detectives seized $2.8 million in cash and nearly 1,600 pounds of cocaine, as well as various luxury cars and other items purchased with narcotics proceeds.
Other Defendants and Guilty Pleas
Ronnell Sweat, 47, of New York City, pleaded guilty to federal firearms crimes in 2024 and is currently serving a 15-year federal prison sentence.
According to KTLA, the five suspects apprehended on September 16 are:
- Jamel Donald Levy, 52, of Brooklyn
- Bruce Adams, 50, of Bronx
- Cindy Rachel Imbert, 33, of Englewood, New Jersey
- Nohely Jimenez, 30, of downtown Los Angeles
- Lorna “Cookie” Martinez, 42, of downtown Los Angeles
On Tuesday, defendants from the East Coast appeared in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The two Los Angeles suspects are due to appear in federal court in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
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