Five indicted in $500,000 drug bust

WASHINGTON - Five people have been indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and interstate transportation of stolen goods charges after D.C. police say they have broken up a major drug ring that operated in the District and Prince George's County.

At a press conference Wednesday afternoon, D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier has a word of warning for those operating similar drug rings.

"The efforts of the metropolitan police department send a great message to the bad guys," Lanier says. "You might not think we know who you are, but we do know who you are."

Police have thus far seized two kilos of cocaine, 500 grams of crack cocaine, 147 pounds of marijuana, 140 thousand dollars in cash, and four firearms.

This year along investigation has helped to solve many other pending cases in the community.

"In the beginning of this year we saw our burglary number going up," says Lanier. "At the conclusion of this operation, we should be able to close hundreds of burglaries."

Each defendant faces a possible prison term of anywhere from ten years to life in prison.

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