Authorities Arrest Dozens In New York-Florida Pot Ring
NEW YORK (AP) -- Federal authorities say they've rounded up more than 40 people in New York and Florida, including one of the founders of the Roc-A-Fella rap label founder, during a takedown of a wholesale marijuana ring.
Investigators say those arrested include Kareem Burke, who founded the label with Jay-Z and Damon Dash in the 1990s. An employee of High Times magazine also was charged.
Jim Hayes, head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in New York, said on Friday that the arrests were the result of an 18-month investigation. He said agents seized $1 million and almost 200 pounds of marijuana.
Authorities say the marijuana was grown using hydroponics in Florida and smuggled to New York for street sales.
The name of Burke's attorney was not immediately available. There was no immediate response to an e-mail sent to the label.
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