Pubdate: Tue, 08 Nov 2005
Source: Medina County Gazette (OH)
Copyright: 2005 Medina County Gazette
Contact:  http://www.medina-gazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3851
Author: Denise Sullivan
Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our 
editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who 
have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise 
public figures or officials.

TASK FORCE AGENT LAUDED FOR WORK IN DRUG BUST

MEDINA - An agent with the Medina County Drug Task Force last week 
received a Special Award of Honor for participating in a three-year 
investigation called "Operation Dark Star."

The award, given by the International Narcotic Enforcement Officers 
Association, is a result of the 30-count indictment naming 55 
suspects in Ohio, Arizona and Florida, a press release stated.

"It was a huge honor for the entire agency to be involved in a case 
spanning so many states to begin with, let alone to receive an 
international award," said award recipient Agent Smith, who refused 
to provide a first name, citing safety reasons. "We wouldn't have 
gotten this had we not worked together on the case."

Each suspect was charged in April with conspiracy to distribute 
crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy and the date-rape drug, GHB (gamma 
hydroxy butyrate).

The alleged "ringleaders" in Ohio were [names redacted]. The men 
reportedly received weekly shipments from suppliers in Phoenix and 
ran a network that distributed the drugs in Northeast and southern 
Ohio as well as Miami, the press release stated.

Numerous transactions allegedly were conducted in a Medina County
apartment, the release stated.

County residents charged in the investigation were [names redacted].

At the time Operation Dark Star was completed, former Agent in Charge 
Fred Wolk said the Medina County Drug Task Force dedicated numerous 
resources to the investigation and much of the alleged activity took 
place in the county.

The Summit County Drug Unit, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification 
and Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration also 
received the award.
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MAP posted-by: Beth