DETROIT – A former state lawmaker from Detroit is among 12 people charged in a major drug investigation in southeastern Michigan.
Federal prosecutors say the ring is linked to more than 60 pounds of heroin, 24 pounds of cocaine and a half-ton of marijuana.
Carlos Powell, 37, of Macomb County, is described as a leader.
The indictment says the Powell organization used semi-trucks and vehicles with secret traps to transport drugs and money from Detroit to Phoenix. More than $20 million in cash has been seized.
He was on crutches as he left a courthouse in Detroit on Tuesday. He didn't comment.
The DEA raided Powell's Washington Township home in 2010 and confiscated a Bentley, Ferrari and some boats. It was revealed in court Tuesday that the raid had been part of an investigation that had been ongoing for five years.
Federal prosecutors allege Powell built cars with trap doors and special compartments to store drugs and money.
The ex-legislator is Ken Daniels, who served in the Michigan House until 2004. He's accused of structuring two bank transactions to evade certain reporting requirements.
Both men are out on bond.