New Orleans, LA – A notorious heroin kingpin has taken a deal to avoid a lengthy trial. Antwine Smith, 39, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over one kilogram of heroin.
Smith was one of twelve defendants charged in a 23-count indictment on July 25, 2014, stemming from an investigation into a heroin-trafficking organization operating in New Orleans East. Court documents revealed that this organization was responsible for distributing at least 15 kilograms of heroin in the New Orleans area.
As part of the arrests in this case, federal agents seized approximately $1,200,000 in assets from the twelve defendants, including vehicles, currency, jewelry, and real property, all believed to be proceeds made from the sale of heroin.
Smith now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, as well as a possible fine of up to $10,000,000. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier has set sentencing for June 9, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter, stating that their efforts have led to a significant blow to heroin trafficking in the city.
Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution, and it’s expected that his team will push for the maximum sentence given the severity of the crime.
The guilty plea deal is a significant victory for law enforcement, who have been working tirelessly to combat the heroin epidemic in New Orleans. The city has seen a surge in heroin-related overdoses and deaths in recent years, and cases like Smith’s serve as a reminder of the dangers of the drug trade.
Related Federal Cases
- Heroin Kingpin Jamie Jones Sentenced to 30 Months · Louisiana
- Marrero Kingpin Austin Gets 25 Years for Cocaine & Gun Trafficking · Louisiana
- Williams and Kelly Sentenced in Operation Wild Wild East Heroin Ring · Washington
- Louisiana Man Gets Life for Orange Co. Meth Conspiracy · Texas
- Darion Tinson Sentenced in New Orleans Heroin, Gun Case · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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