Colorado-based AF Reservists support bust of global money laundering case

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Collier
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  An Air Force Reserve C-130 aircrew transported more than $40 million worth of gold, silver and jewels from Panama to the U.S. as part of one of the United State's longest investigations into an international drug money laundering scheme.

Several members of the Colorado-based 302nd Airlift Wing landed April 8 in Panama where they were met by agents from several U.S. Department of Justice agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Criminal Division and the U.S. Marshall's office. According to a U.S. Department of Justice DEA news release, the federal agencies worked hand-in-hand with Panamanian authorities, who were each instrumental in investigating and charging two individuals with running the elaborate Central American scheme.

"This was the first time any of us had ever heard of such a unique mission," Capt. "Brian" said, whose last name was being withheld for security purposes. "We're all happy to have been given the chance to represent the 302nd AW and the AF Reserve."

Once the cargo, valued at $40 million, had been placed on three pallets and loaded onto the C-130, with federal agents in tow, it was off to Austin, Texas, where additional federal agents were waiting. After landing April 9 in the Lone Star state, the crew and agents offloaded and secured the more than 19,000 pounds of assets, which were then turned over to Department of Justice agencies.

"I think our crew never realized how big of a deal [the bust] was until we got back to the United States," Captain Brian pointed out. "The DEA agents were very thankful for our help, but all the gratitude should go to them. Their hard work and dedication denied drug dealers to collect on some hefty profits. I'm thankful for that and for what they do."

The millions of dollars worth of precious metals were seized as a result of what is considered to be one of the longest international money laundering investigations in DEA history, according to DEA public affairs specialist Don Caetano. That investigation eventually identified two companies in the Panama Canal's free trade area which were involved in illegal activities related to profits from narcotics sales. Both individuals who were detained in relation to the seizure ran each company, respectively.

Known as the Colon Free Zone, the Panamanian free trade area boasts more than 2,500 companies operating in the world's largest free trade zone, after Hong Kong, according to www.colonfreezone.com.

"This unique seizure represents a model of international cooperation, persistence and diligence," said DEA Special Agent-in-Charge John P. Gilbride. "Criminals who attempt to thwart the efforts of international law enforcement through complex trade-based money laundering schemes will not triumph. The DEA along with our partners will continue to pursue all avenues to deny drug traffickers and money launderers the one thing they value the most - their profit."

According to the news release, the seized assets will be liquidated with the final proceeds from those sales going to the Department of Justice's Assets Forfeiture Fund. The fund can be used to enhance future criminal investigations, recognize the critical assistance of our foreign law enforcement counterparts and support other law enforcement initiatives.

Stay with www.302aw.afrc.af.mil for the latest news and information.