Calif. Man Sentenced In NY Cocaine Smuggling Case
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (AP) — The leader of a drug smuggling ring that shipped cocaine and marijuana cross-country in luxury cars has been sentenced to 13½ years in prison.
William Wright of West Hollywood, Calif., was sentenced Tuesday in Riverhead, N.Y.
Wright previously pleaded guilty to money laundering, conspiracy, drug possession and other charges.
Prosecutors say Wright bought the cocaine in California for $20,500 a kilogram and sold it in New York for five times that amount. They estimate he shipped over 200 kilograms in the months before his 2011 arrest.
Prosecutors say the drugs were hidden inside luxury vehicles that were being transported in tractor-trailers. The car carrier companies were not aware of the criminal activity.
The DA says four others linked to the case have either pleaded guilty or will plead guilty shortly.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
