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Florida Man and California Women Sentenced for Body-Smuggling Drugs
Tampa, FL – In a shocking case of drug trafficking, a Florida man and two California women have been sentenced to prison for conspiring to body-smuggle drugs to Tampa. Vanessa Cooper (39, El Cajon, California), Canetha Johnson (43, El Cajon, California), and Raul Carbajal (23, Plant City, Florida) were sentenced by U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore to 17, 14 and 15 years in federal prison, respectively.
The trio was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. Cooper and Johnson were found guilty by a federal jury on September 23, 2013, while Carbajal pleaded guilty on September 13, 2013.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on or about April 1, 2013, Cooper and Johnson departed from an airport in San Diego, California, destined for Tampa, Florida. The purpose of the trip was to deliver approximately two pounds of high-purity methamphetamine to Carbajal. In a brazen attempt to evade airport security, each individual smuggled a package inside of her body.
The three women arrived in Tampa on April 2, 2013, where they were met by Carbajal. All three women then delivered the packages of methamphetamine to Carbajal. In a similar manner, Cooper and another accomplice had delivered methamphetamine from California to Carbajal in Tampa on several prior occasions.
This case was investigated by special agents and local task force agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Jackson. The sentencing of Selena Blanchard, a co-defendant, has not yet been set.
The case highlights the creative and often disturbing methods used by drug traffickers to smuggle their goods. In this instance, the three women used their bodies to transport the methamphetamine, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of those involved.
As the Grimy Times continues to investigate this case, we will provide updates on the sentencing of Selena Blanchard and any other developments in this disturbing case of body-smuggling drugs.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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