An international team of drug investigators seized 52 tons of cocaine and three islands off Panama in breaking up an alleged drug-trafficking ring.Drug law enforcement officers from the United States, Brazil, Colombia and Panama participated in the 3-year investigation that concluded Tuesday with the arrests of more than 100 people and the seizure of some $70 million in assets in addition to the cocaine and islands. The operation broke up the Pablo RAYO-Montano drug trafficking organization, which is alleged to have smuggled more than 15 tons of cocaine a month from Colombia to the United States and Europe.
DEA Administrator Karen Tandy said, "The RAYO-Montano organization had its own private, rogue navy to run a drug business that was nearly as sophisticated as a small nation."
U.S. federal indictments in the case were returned in Florida and Washington, charging members of the RAYO-Montano operation with money laundering and conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, those charged could be sentenced to life in prison.