Thirty-seven people are under indictment for money laundering and trafficking fenatnyl, cocaine, methamphetamine following raids last week on a jewelry shop and an automotive store.Investigators report seizing more than $500,000, along with more than 150 pounds of drugs, 47 weapons, 12 vehicles, and inventory and assets totaling approximately $1.1 million.
Among those arrested are 27 people from Southwest Ohio.
"The indictment alleges two Cincinnati businesses were used to launder proceeds from the narcotics conspiracy: Tri-State Jeweler on Race Street and Nationwide Automotive on Vine Street," according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. "It is alleged that cash was kept stored at both locations. The cash was then allegedly concealed and packaged to be transported to and from the Cincinnati region."
The operation allegedly ran from March 2016 through October 2019.
"Co-conspirators are also charged with maintaining drug premises on Prosser and Glenmore avenues in Cincinnati," the statement says.
The drug charges carry a possible sentence of 10 years to life in prison and the money laundering charges are punishable up to 20 years in prison.
