Pubdate: Sat, 05 May 2007
Source: Detroit Free Press (MI)
Copyright: 2007 Detroit Free Press
Contact:  http://www.freep.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/125
Author: David Ashenfelter, Free Press Staff Writer
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.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

DIAL-FOR-DRUGS RING BUSTED IN DETROIT; 10 ARE CHARGED

Federal agents call it dialing for drugs.

And over the past few years, they said, the phone number they called
eventually led them to the Detroit Thug Lordz, a ring that used cell
phones and couriers to supply customers with cocaine and marijuana in
northwest Detroit.

Advertisement The ring, which took drug orders over the phone, took a
major hit Friday when agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives arrested several people believed to be members.

A federal indictment unsealed Friday in U.S. District Court in Detroit
said the ring was run by [redacted]. The
indictment charged him and nine others with drug trafficking.

[redacted] and four other defendants made brief appearances Friday in
U.S. District Court in Detroit. U.S. Magistrate Judge Mona Majzoub
temporarily detained [redacted] and two others until a court hearing
Monday. She released two others on bond. Two defendants are in prison,
and two are at large.

Court records said agents, working with informants, called cell phones
to place drug orders. The person on the other end told them where to
meet couriers to make the drug buy. One such location was Radcliff and
Montrose in Detroit.

The Federal Defenders Office declined to comment on behalf of the
defendants.

If convicted, [redacted] could face a mandatory 20 years in prison. Six
juvenile suspects will be referred to the Wayne County Prosecutor's
Office, the government said. . 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake