$22M IN MARIJUANA SEIZED IN JFK PROBE

NEW YORK -- A 15-month investigation of drug trafficking through
Kennedy International Airport has resulted in the seizure of 4,425
pounds of marijuana worth $22 million, authorities said Wednesday.

A task force of police and federal agents also arrested 37 people, and
seized 18 handguns and $311,000 in cash over the course of the
operation launched last year. Many of the suspects were couriers -- or
"mules" -- caught carrying marijuana on flights from California,
Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said at a news conference.

Large quantities also were shipped through major delivery companies.
On Feb. 11, authorities seized two shipments -- one weighing 406
pounds, the other 383 pounds -- at a shipping facility in Maspeth.