August 07th, 2015
BUFFALO, NY — Jordan Ali, 35, of Arizona has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, as well as a separate charge of money laundering conspiracy, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leslie Foschio. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life and a fine of $10,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that between 2004 and February 1, 2012, the defendant conspired with others to distribute large quantities of cocaine and marijuana in the Buffalo area. In April 2009, Ali and co-defendant Shane Grafman began assisting one another in their drug distribution businesses. The defendants obtained the narcotics in the State of Arizona, and then utilized several methods to send the marijuana and cocaine to the Buffalo area, including cars, trucks, shipping crates and United States Postal Service parcels. Grafman also utilized private jets to travel from Arizona to Buffalo to pick up his drug proceeds.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized approximately $1,000,000 in United States currency, including $671,385 from a hidden compartment within a Honda Ridgeline driven by Grafman.
As part of his plea, the defendant admitted that he distributed between five and 10 kilograms of cocaine and more than 100 kilograms of marijuana during the course of his crimes.
A total of six defendants have been arrested in this case, four have been convicted. Grafman was convicted and is awaiting sentencing. back...
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that between 2004 and February 1, 2012, the defendant conspired with others to distribute large quantities of cocaine and marijuana in the Buffalo area. In April 2009, Ali and co-defendant Shane Grafman began assisting one another in their drug distribution businesses. The defendants obtained the narcotics in the State of Arizona, and then utilized several methods to send the marijuana and cocaine to the Buffalo area, including cars, trucks, shipping crates and United States Postal Service parcels. Grafman also utilized private jets to travel from Arizona to Buffalo to pick up his drug proceeds.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized approximately $1,000,000 in United States currency, including $671,385 from a hidden compartment within a Honda Ridgeline driven by Grafman.
As part of his plea, the defendant admitted that he distributed between five and 10 kilograms of cocaine and more than 100 kilograms of marijuana during the course of his crimes.
A total of six defendants have been arrested in this case, four have been convicted. Grafman was convicted and is awaiting sentencing. back...
