A Kent man was one of 10 individuals who pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws in relation to an international drug trafficking organization.
Mohamed Kariye pleaded guilty April 23, according to an April 24 media release from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Western District of Pennsylvania office in Pittsburgh. In addition to Kariye, seven individuals are from Arizona, one from Ohio and one from Mexico. Kariye entered his plea in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh.
The 10 were among 35 individuals charged through a second superseding indictment unsealed in January 2024 for their participation in a domestic and international narcotics and money laundering conspiracy involving substantial quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine.
In connection with the guilty pleas, the court was advised that, on various dates from in and around August 2021 to in and around June 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl or methamphetamine, according to the media release.
Kariye conspired to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Kariye faces a penalty of not less than five years prison and with a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Sentencings are scheduled for Nov. 3-5. Kariye was arrested in March 2023.
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