Blair Leflore, Heroin and Cocaine Trafficking, California 2024

LOS ANGELES – A cross-country narcotics network funneling heroin and cocaine from Los Angeles to Detroit is crumbling after federal authorities unsealed charges against two key figures. The case stems from a March 7 seizure of over two kilograms of heroin and one kilogram of cocaine at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), revealing a sophisticated operation with roots in both cities.

Kevin Blair, 45, also known as “Wood,” a resident of Pasadena, was taken into federal custody yesterday morning and is being held without bond. Authorities allege Blair supplied narcotics to a Detroit woman, Kennsha Mason, 28, who was arrested at LAX attempting to transport the drugs. Mason was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury last Friday on three counts: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. She awaits arraignment.

The investigation quickly expanded, leading to the identification of Delano Leflore, 37, of Detroit, also known as “Bop Bop,” as a central coordinator. Leflore remains a fugitive and is actively sought by federal authorities. Both Blair and Leflore are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and cocaine – a charge carrying a potential penalty of life in federal prison. The feds say Leflore hired Mason to be a courier and arranged her travel from Detroit to LA.

The connection between the players deepened when Pasadena Police Department, responding to an outstanding felony warrant for assault with intent to murder issued in Wayne County, Michigan, arrested Blair. A subsequent search revealed a UPS receipt for a package shipped from Los Angeles to Detroit. Yesterday, authorities intercepted that package, recovering one kilogram of suspected heroin and one ounce of suspected fentanyl. Blair was transferred to federal custody immediately after.

According to the criminal complaint, Mason allegedly traveled to a townhouse on South Oakland Avenue in Pasadena, where Blair allegedly provided the narcotics found in her checked luggage at LAX. Blair’s court hearing yesterday established a preliminary hearing date of April 17 and an arraignment date of April 21. He remains in custody pending those proceedings.

The DEA Los Angeles International Airport Narcotics Task Force, a multi-agency operation including the FBI, Los Angeles Airport Police, LAPD, and LA County Sheriff’s Department, spearheaded the investigation with assistance from the Pasadena Police Department, CBP, and TSA. A criminal complaint contains allegations only; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.