In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, five individuals were arrested on Tuesday for their roles in a large-scale cocaine operation that transported approximately 22 tons of cocaine and over $100 million in cash between Los Angeles and New York City. The U.S. Department of Justice revealed that the alleged leaders of the operation, David Rodriguez—known as “Gotti” and “Fat Boy” from Dumont, New Jersey—and Raymond O’Connell, known as “Sal” and “White Boy” from Manhattan, have been in custody since 2024.
The sophisticated operation involved shipping cocaine hidden in locked plastic cases via high-value freight forwarding companies that typically manage jewelry, precious metals, and fine art. These shipments originated from an office disguised as a jewelry store in Los Angeles’ California Jewelry Mart and were sent to New York City’s Diamond District. Upon arrival, Rodriguez and O’Connell allegedly distributed the narcotics to their co-conspirators while directing the cash proceeds back to Los Angeles for laundering.
Investigators uncovered that more than 800 parcels of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $315 million, were shipped from L.A. to New York, while over 500 parcels valued at $105 million were sent back. Law enforcement officials seized more than $2.8 million in cash, 725 kilograms of cocaine, and luxury items acquired with drug money.
Another significant player in the case, Ronnell Sweat, had previously pleaded guilty to federal firearm charges in 2024 and is currently serving a 15-year sentence. The recent arrests included three defendants from the East Coast who appeared in court on Tuesday, while two individuals from Los Angeles are scheduled for a court appearance on Wednesday. The specific charges against the five newly arrested individuals have yet to be disclosed.
If convicted, Rodriguez and O’Connell could face mandatory life sentences in federal prison. The cocaine distribution charges carry a minimum of 10 years, potentially extending to life imprisonment, while money laundering charges could lead to up to 20 years in prison. Authorities are also continuing their search for two additional suspects, Daniel “Nice” Vega and Gregory “G” Antonio Benitez, both from New York City.
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