Operation Gangplank Border Enforcement Security Task Force cracks down on crime at Miami Seaport

Border Enforcement Security Task Force cracks down on crime at Miami Seaport: "arrested six individuals, who were charged with conspiracy to import cocaine, heroin, and marijuana and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Arrested were longshoremen Albert W. Hines, 30, of Pembroke Pines, Fla.; Michael Canada, 30, of Miramar, Fla.; Alexander Terrell Pratt, 33, of Miami; Santonio Riou, 33, of Miami; Jessie Lamons, 58, of Miami; and Morris Henderson, 32, of Miami, who is currently in federal custody on ecstasy trafficking and weapons charges.
Francisco Gonzalez, 52, of Coral Springs, Fla. Devin Jackson, 42, residing in Costa Rica; Climaco Asprilla, 37, residing in Panama; and Mickey Honeyghan, 39, of Jamaica are also charged in the 20-count indictment. Longshoreman Vondre Asbury, 24, of Miami, was also previously arrested in February 2009, and is currently in federal prison on cocaine trafficking and importation charges.
The investigation, dubbed 'Operation Gangplank,' began in July 2007 after ICE HSI agents and task force officers from the Miami-Dade Police Department, DEA agents, and CBP officers at the Miami Seaport uncovered that longshoremen were actively involved in an international conspiracy that involved the importation of multiple kilograms and millions of dollars worth of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana through the Port of Miami and Port Everglades.
The investigation revealed that certain members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) were smuggling narcotics through these ports for suppliers located in Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Panama. The narcotics were often secreted in the chassis that the cargo containers were loaded on and other hiding places throughout the ships."