Massive Louisville drug ring exposed

Posted: Sat 9:38 AM, Jul 28, 2012

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Federal officials say they have broken up what could be the largest drug ring in Louisville.

According to court documents, Spencer County resident Michael A. McCarthy Jr. led the operation that distributed 953 kilograms of cocaine from December 2008 to February 2010. Authorities say McCarthy, who had no felony convictions and was employed as a contract commercial cleaner, hid in plain sight from investigators.

An investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led to charges against McCarthy and 25 others. Thirteen of those charged in the conspiracy, including McCarthy, have entered guilty pleas.

The Courier-Journal (http://cjky.it/NZ5Ttg) reports that court records offer a rare glimpse into how large amounts of cocaine from Mexican drug cartel representatives in Southern California moved into Louisville.

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