NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Five alleged cocaine traffickers were extradited from Curacao to New York City on Thursday, where they’ll stand trial on drug smuggling charges, according to the Department of Justice.
Jo-Andy Balentina was the alleged leader of the group. He’s joined by Joell Balentina, Sheriann Bryan, Leon Hall and Edlyson Sophia, who worked as part of the leadership structure and organized cocaine shipments to the U.S. from their base in Curacao, according to prosecutors.
Israel Osial Barrett, an alleged associate of the group, was arrested in the U.K.
Since at least early 2017, the defendants were responsible for importing large shipments of cocaine into the U.S., officials said.
The cocaine would be transported through cruise ships and commercial airlines, according to authorities.
The group allegedly used corrupt airport employees to make the runs, including staff at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.
The organization is also accused of running distribution networks within the U.S. that would sell cocaine from the shipments.
“The defendants operated an international drug trafficking enterprise that for years funneled over one hundred kilograms of cocaine into the United States onboard cruise ships and commercial airliners, using an extensive network of corrupt airport employees,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.
Each of the defendants faces international cocaine distribution conspiracy charges, and Balentina is also charged with money laundering.
They all face life in prison if convicted.
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