Over 40 arrested in New York, Florida pot ring takedown

After an 18 month investigation, agents seize $1 million, 200 pounds of marijuana, arrest founder of record label

Published October 15, 2010 7:05PM (EDT)

Federal authorities say they've rounded up more than 40 people in New York and Florida, including one of the founders of the Roc-A-Fella record label, during a takedown of a wholesale marijuana ring.

Investigators say those arrested include Kareem Burke, who founded the hip-hop label with Jay-Z and Damon Dash in the 1990s. An employee of High Times magazine also was charged.

Jim Hayes, head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in New York, said Friday that the arrests are the result of an 18-month investigation. He says agents seized $1 million and almost 200 pounds of marijuana.

Authorities say the marijuana was grown in Florida and smuggled to New York.

The name of Burke's attorney wasn't available. There was no immediate response to an e-mail sent to the label.


By Associated Press

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