ALLEGED KINGPIN AMONG THOSE NABBED IN HEROIN BUST

CHICAGO - The alleged kingpin of a heroin ring with tentacles reaching from
South America to Chicago, New York and Miami has been arrested with 18 of
his followers, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

James Valencia, 36, a U.S. citizen who has been living in Colombia was
among 25 people charged in a 147-page criminal complaint filed as part of
an 11-month U.S. Customs Service investigation called Operation Smackdown.

Six people were still being sought on charges in the complaint of
conspiracy to distribute heroin. Valencia and five others also were charged
with money laundering.

Eighteen of those in custody, including Valencia, were arrested Wednesday
in Chicago. Valencia had come to Chicago to meet with couriers and
Chicago-based distributors, federal officials said.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald told a news conference it was "rare that
law enforcement has the opportunity to arrest the alleged overseas leader
of a drug distribution empire in this country."

"Customs agents and their partners in this case hit paydirt through their
painstaking efforts," Fitzgerald said.

Besides the arrests, agents seized three kilograms of heroin, more than
$90,000 in cash, several guns and 10 automobiles, authorities said.

Valencia's defense attorney, Standish Willis, was not reached immediately
for comment. A message was left with his answering service.