By CHARLES WILSON
Associated Press Writer
INDIANAPOLIS- Seventeen people face drug charges for their alleged involvement in a cartel that smuggled cocaine from Mexico and California to Chicago and Indianapolis, officials said Wednesday.
A federal indictment issued Tuesday alleges a conspiracy involving more than 60 kilograms of cocaine worth $6.6 million during a four-month period in 2004.
The indictment alleges Juan Carlos Bermudez of California, as the head of the conspiracy, allegedly directed a shipment of Colombian cocaine into the United States in vehicles outfitted with secret compartments and driven by paid couriers.
Money was then smuggled back to Bermudez’ base in Mexico in the same compartments, officials alleged.
A federal judge entered an innocent plea for Bermudez during an initial hearing Wednesday afternoon in Indianapolis.
U.S. Attorney Susan Brooks said police seized some 44 kilograms of cocaine, which is likely a fraction of what the cartel smuggled into Indianapolis during the nearly two years since the investigation began.
Those named in the indictment were upper-level suppliers, midlevel distributors or couriers, officials said.
Seven of those named in the indictments Tuesday had not yet been arrested, while the others, including Bermudez, already were in custody, officials said; several of the suspects involved were in America illegally.
Those charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and could face from 10 years to life in prison if convicted.