Ten Arrested In Cocaine Bust In Los Angeles And Seattle

Ten people have been charged with conspiracy to traffic in cocaine after an eightmonth investigation by police and federal agents led to a two-city drug bust that netted 20 kilograms of cocaine and $245,000.

The defendants made initial court appearances Monday in Seattle and Los Angeles, Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman Bruce P. Stubbs said here Tuesday.

The investigation, initiated by Seattle police last year, was joined by the DEA and the Internal Revenue Service because of the case’s interstate aspects.

Six people were arrested in Seattle over the weekend, when a small amount of cocaine, $85,000 and 10 luxury cars were seized.

An additional four people were arrested Monday in Los Angeles, where 20 kilograms of cocaine, $160,000 and two luxury cars were seized. A kilogram is 2.2 pounds.

All those arrested were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in this case cocaine, Stubbs said.

Some also were charged with possession with intent to distribute, he said. Additional charges - such as money laundering and operation of a continuing criminal enterprise - are likely, Stubbs said.