US charges 16 in ICE probe of international scheme to launder $7 million in drug money

US charges 16 in $7M drug laundering scheme

MIAMI — U.S. authorities have charged 16 people with laundering at least $7 million in drug money by smuggling cash on commercial flights from Puerto Rico to Miami and elsewhere.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say arrests are being made Wednesday in Florida, Puerto Rico and New York. Most suspects were indicted on a money laundering conspiracy charge, which carries a maximum 20-year sentence.

An ICE affidavit says 58-year-old Herman Solorzano of Miami and his son regularly smuggled $100,000 at a time in suitcases on airplanes from Puerto Rico to Miami. The money was then deposited in banks or transferred to other people.

Solorzano pleaded not guilty Wednesday. His attorney declined further comment.