Goran Gogic, Maritime Narcotrafficking, New York 2024
A former heavyweight boxer from Montenegro has been charged with conspiracy to violate the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act and three counts of violating the act, stemming from the seizure of over 20 tons of cocaine from the MSC Gayane at the Port of Philadelphia.
Goran Gogic, a citizen of Montenegro, was arrested last night as he attempted to board an international flight from Miami International Airport. He is expected to appear this afternoon in federal court in Miami and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date.
The indictment alleges that Gogic, along with his criminal associates, was responsible for overseeing long-range narcotics transportation on container ships as well as the wholesale distribution of cocaine throughout Europe. The seizure of over 20 tons of cocaine was one of the largest in U.S. history.
“The arrest and indictment of Gogic, a former boxer allegedly responsible for trafficking a staggering amount of cocaine, more than 20 tons, which he attempted to move through U.S. ports, is a resounding victory for law enforcement,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. “The meticulous planning by the defendant and his co-conspirators failed to take into account the federal agents whose hard work resulted in this body blow to the organization and individuals responsible for distributing massive quantities of cocaine.”
Mr. Peace also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for its assistance in the investigation.
Gogic is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act and three counts of violating the act. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York City Police Department, and the New York State Police.
New York State Police First Deputy Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli stated, “Gogic allegedly conspired with drug suppliers, ships' crewmembers, and port workers to traffic massive quantities of cocaine through the U.S. to Europe via commercial cargo ships. His arrest demonstrates the FBI’s and our partners’ global reach and resolve to bring narcotraffickers to justice for violating U.S. laws and exploiting maritime commerce.”
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Gogic is currently being held without bail.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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