OSWEGO -- Oswego police arrested six people in an international drug ring that was fueling 47 pounds of marijuana into Oswego and Onondaga counties.
Police arrested two Canadians along with two members of the Akwesasne Mohawk Tribe and two others accused of bringing in a large quantity of drugs over the last few weeks for sale and distribution.
Members of the department's criminal investigations division executed multiple search warrants on June 7th and 8th, including four cars and two motel rooms at the Days Inn on St. Rt. 104 in Oswego.
Police have now charged six people with conspiracy, a felony. Authorities seized approximately $102,000 and 5.6 grams of cocaine. They also seized three cars, allegedly used in the transport, sale and distribution of illegal drugs.
The suspects include: 30-year-old Christos Fourkiotis, of Canada, 45-year-old Rodney LaLonde, of Canada, 20-year-old Dan Rode, of Norfolk, 20-year-old Adam LaLonde of Massena, 30-year-old Stephanie Smoke, of Hogansburg, and 29-year-old Matthew Mitchell, of Akwesasne.
CNY Central has obtained two depositions from Oswego City Court that sheds more light on this alleged conspiracy. According to the depositions, Christos Fourkiotis, of Cornwall Canada, told several of the other alleged conspirators he could "get any amount of marijuana we wanted."
On June 2nd, two vehicles crossed the border headed for Oswego and Onondaga Counties. One was a pick-up rigged with a "hidden compartment". The other car acted as a "lookout" for police.
The six suspects smuggled 47 pounds of marijuana to a home on the Onondaga Indian Nation, for which they were paid $90,000.
They were arrested by Oswego Police at two locations: The Days Inn in Oswego, and the McDonald's Restaurant in Fulton. Police say they confiscated $102,000 in cash and 5.6 grams of cocaine.
Five of the suspects were arraigned in Oswego City Court and sent to the Oswego County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000.00 cash bail. The other suspect, Matthew Mitchell, was locked up in lieu of $10,000.00 cash bail.
Police say Fourkiotis and Rodney LaLonde entered the United States from Canada illegally.
Anyone with information about the case should contact Oswego police at (315) 342-2283. You can also remain anonymous and contact the tips-line at (315) 342-8131, or email crimewatch@oswegony.org.
