THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 2, 2021 Page 7 Malden man charged in connection with drug trafficking, money laundering By Christopher Roberson C hi Ying, a Chinese national living in Malden, was one of eight individuals recently indicted in federal court on charges of fentanyl and cocaine traffi cking as well as money laundering. According to federal law enforcement offi cials, a wiretap investigation, which was conducted during the past year and a half, revealed that Ying and the seven other defendants were connected to a poly-drug traffi cking organization in Mexico. It is also alleged that the sales from the narcotics were being laundered on behalf of the Mexican drug cartel. On March 23, investigators reportedly seized approximately 17 kilograms of fentanyl, approximately $220,000 and three vehicles from locations in Boston, Malden, Quincy, Milton and Centerville. During the investigation, authorities reportedly intercepted phone conversations from members of a drug cell in Massachusetts who COVID-19| FROM PAGE 2 The bill also provides tax relief for lower-income workers who collected unemployment benefi ts in 2020 and 2021; these individuals can deduct the fi rst $10,200 in unemployment compensation received in both calendar years. The bill prohibwere receiving large volumes of fentanyl and cocaine from the Mexican cartel. According to authorities, since August 2020, a total of 26 individuals have been charged for their involvement in the cartel. A total of 55 kilograms of fentanyl have also been seized in that time as well as 24 kilograms of cocaine, 500 fentanyl pills and approximately $1.4 million. Ying and the other defendants are currently charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine and conspiracy to launder money. If convicted, each defendant faces 30 years to life in prison, eight years to life of supervised release and a fi ne of up to $10.2 million. “Much of the illegal narcotics trade in Massachusetts is sourced by drugs coming from other countries, and a comprehensive narcotics interdiction strategy must target not just the local street-level dealers at the end of the chain, but also those with ties to the international its the Department of Revenue from imposing any tax penalties for 2020 based solely on a failure to remit taxes on unemployment compensation. Taxpayers who have already been assessed the penalty will receive an abatement. Finally, the bill creates a special commission to study and Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! “Same name, phone number & address for family since 1958 • 62 over half a century. We must be doing something right!” •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roof • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com •Roo ng Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! source,” said State Police Colonel Christopher Mason. “As shown by these charges, this operation was successful in doing just that and deals a blow to this particular pipeline of fentanyl and cocaine from Mexico into the Boston area. I commend the federal, state and local offi cers whose hard work produced these excellent results.” Acting U.S. Attorney Nathaniel Mendell said the opioid epidemic remains prevalent. “All eyes have been on the COVID pandemic, but the opioid epidemic continues to kill thousands of people in Massachusetts each year,” he said in a written statement. “Prosecuting drug traffi ckers who profi t off of addiction and desperation is essential to save lives, protect the vulnerable and make communities safer. On behalf of all our federal partners, I would like to acknowledge the exceptional work of the Massachusetts State Police in this case. Their investigative skills and commitment to teamwork made this result possible.” develop recommendations for the long-term solvency of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, with a report due by December 15. The legislation now awaits action by Governor Charlie Baker, who is expected to sign the bill into law soon. Spring! CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Advocate Call now! 617-387-2200 advertise on the web at www.advocatenews.net Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net
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