7 Charged in Alleged Computer Drug Ring

By VICKIE CHACHERE

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Seven men were charged in a crackdown on a drug ring that authorities say used tiny spaces in computer hard drives and books with hollowed out binders to smuggle heroin and cocaine.

Authorities said the arrests announced Wednesday capped a nearly three-year year probe that began when U.S. Customs investigators in Houston discovered drugs hidden in computer hard drives being shipped to Tampa from Colombia.

“Traffickers are very innovative,” said John Paxton, acting special agent in charge of the Tampa office of the federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “If they can think of any way to conceal something, they can find a way to fabricate it and fill it in there.”

The group also brought cocaine to Tampa from Texas in cars, earning $450,000 a month from drug sales, authorities said.

The investigation is continuing, but authorities said they believe last week’s arrests disrupted the operation, which also allegedly moved drugs to New York.

Investigators raided a body shop in east Tampa and seized 11 pounds of cocaine, more than a pound of heroin and $125,000 in cash.

Six suspects were being held without bail. The seventh was released on $25,000 bail. All face state charges of racketeering and drug offenses that could land them in prison for life.

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