News Release
January 24, 2005
Contact: G/S William Dodson (313) 234-4000

Detroit Drug Gang Shut Down After 55 Kilograms of Cocaine Seized

Detroit, MI- As part of an ongoing narcotics investigation being conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit, the Darnell CARTER cocaine and heroin trafficking organization has been put out of business. The investigation is being conducted by the newly created DEA Detroit Financial Investigations Team (FIT) which is responsible for investigating high level drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The FIT is comprised of members of the Wayne County Sheriffs Department, Oakland County Sheriffs Department, Roseville Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, Hamtramck Police Department, Internal Revenue Service and Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

On January 4th 2005, the FIT Team had members of the CARTER organization under surveillance when they arrived at a warehouse located at 12130 Greenfield Road, Detroit. Several federal search warrants were executed and evidence seized. Evidence seized included:

• 1,700 pounds marijuana
• 1 kilogram of heroin
• 9 kilograms of cocaine
• 100 grams of crack cocaine
• $140,000.00 Cash
• 7 handguns

As the investigation continued, on January 21, 2005, agents seized an additional 55 kilograms of cocaine, with a street value of over $10 Million dollars. Those arrested and federally charged in connection with these seizures include:

• Darnell CARTER, 40 yrs, Southfield, MI
• Michael JOHNSON, 35 yrs, Ferndale, MI
• Ricardo ONTIVERSOS-ROSALES, 32 yrs, Thomasville, NC
• Wesley Dan McCOURT, 60 yrs, Alliance OH

“The concept of the Financial Investigations Team (FIT) is to bring the best investigative talents that federal, state and local law enforcement agencies have to attack the financial infrastructure of drug trafficking organizations. This investigation proves that if you follow the money, you will find the drugs,” Special Agent in Charge John P. Gilbride, DEA Detroit.