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This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

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West Hollywood Man Sought as Lynchpin in L.A. to N.Y. Cocaine Ring

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William Wright

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Authorities are searching for a West Hollywood man thought to be at the core of an extensive cocaine distribution network that reaches from here in L.A. to New York State. An eight-month investigation has so far "netted 32 kilos of cocaine worth an estimated $3 million, nearly $900,000 in cash, illegal steroids, a cocaine press for drug street sales, money counters and two shotguns," explains Babylon Village Patch.Four New York men are behind bars for their part in the operation. The men "are charged with running a cocaine smuggling operation that originated in Mexico and funneled drugs to a kingpin in Los Angeles. The drugs were then smuggled to Suffolk [County, NY] using secret compartments in vehicles on car carrier trucks."

But still on the lam is William Wright, a 33-year-old West Hollywood resident who authorities say is "the prime architect of the cocaine network distribution operation." A warrant has been issued for Wright's arrest.

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