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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2006

Five Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute
155 Kilos of Cocaine

United States Attorney Pat Meehan today announced that five men have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. A search of defendant Raoul Alburg's home on Kingsberry Drive in Somerset, New Jersey led to the seizure of 155 kilos of cocaine and $500,000 in cash. In addition, agents confiscated approximately 500 grams of cocaine, five handguns, and furniture with secret compartments for storing cocaine at 1010 South Colorado Street in Philadelphia. Defendants Raoul Alburg, Ramon Alburg, Omar Teagle, Donnell Ball, and George Rodgers are currently in custody. Teagle, Ball, and Rodgers are scheduled for initial appearances in U.S. District Court tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, Pennsylvania State Police, Philadelphia Police, and Bureau of Narcotics Investigation.

"The defendants were was not satisfied with the cocaine business on the east coast so they reached out to suppliers on the west coast," said Meehan.

Raoul Alburg and two others drove a recreational vehicle with a trailer attached to California, loaded the cocaine into furniture with hidden compartments, and transported the drugs to the East Coast.

"This investigation is a outstanding example of a coordinated effort between federal, state and local law enforcement which resulted in the dismantlement of a major cocaine trafficking organization, operating between California and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," said James M. Kasson, Special Agent-in-Charge for the D.E.A. in Philadelphia.