14 Central Texans are facing federal charges, after being arrested for suspected involvement in what authorities describe as an Austin area cocaine distribution network. At least 6 others are facing state charges in connection with the distribution ring.
“The evidence will suggest that there was over 150 kilos of cocaine involved in the conspiracy and, as such, these individuals were charged at the highest level,” says Robert Pitman, U.S. Attorney with the Department of Justice’s Western District of Texas.
The announcement lists a total of 21 people in a “large-scale” cocaine distribution ring. The indictments arose from a joint investigation including the Austin, Round Rock and Killeen police departments, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Texas Dept. of Public Safety and the DOJ’s Office of Inspector General.
Vivid Kahey, 34, is named as possessing an “alleged leadership role” in the operation. The suspects were indicted on federal and state charges related to drug trafficking. If found guilty, they face sentences of ten years to life in federal prison.
“Testimony provided during detention hearings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dennis Green in Austin yesterday revealed that during the time of the conspiracy, these defendants collectively were responsible for the distribution of an average of five kilograms of cocaine per week,” reads a announcement from U.S. Attorney Pitman's office.
