San Rafael Couple Faces Federal Charges, Linked To Massive Ecstasy Operation
SAN RAFAEL (KCBS)— A San Rafael couple linked to an alleged drug-smuggling operation in Canada are scheduled to go to trial on May 19th after pleading not guilty to five federal charges including conspiracy to possess and distribute MDMA, or ecstasy.
Paul and Meghan Grudzien were arrested early in 2013 as part of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security.
According to authorities, two drug smugglers brought 62 pounds of ecstasy from Canada into Washington state and handed it to a courier to bring into the Bay Area. It turned out the courier was an informant who turned the drugs over to the authorities.
It was arranged for the courier to meet with the buyers at Novato Oaks Inn in Ignacio, but the actual drugs were replaced with a non-illicit white powder.
Paul Grudzien is alleged to have taken possession of the fake drugs and then drove to his San Rafael home. At that point, federal agents arrived and took him and his wife into custody.
The couple are out on bail pending their scheduled trial.