Fugitive charged in $14M drug-smuggling ring caught
A man who was a fugitive for years after he became a suspect in a $14 million South Florida drugsmuggling ring was recently caught in Mexico and deported to face federal charges in Broward County.
Jorge Luis Fleites-Sanchez, 55, was using an international driving permit, a Mexican driver’s license and a Sam’s Club card with his photo but someone else’s name when he was arrested, federal prosecutors said in court Thursday.
When agents greeted himatMiami International Airport after his deportation fromMexico, prosecutors said Fleites-Sanchez put out his hands in a gesture that showed he was ready to be handcuffed and said “he was so relieved he was not going to have to continue to look over his shoulder.”
Fleites-Sanchez was declared a fugitive in August 2013, one month after he was indicted on federal drugtrafficking and conspiracy charges.
Authorities said FleitesSanchez played an important role in a major drugtrafficking ring that was uncovered when a sailboat ran aground in Port Everglades on Jan. 8, 2010.
The crew on board the “SeaYa” called for help, but they acted so suspiciously that a marine towing company called law enforcement. Investigators searched the vessel and found close to 740 pounds of cocaine in a hidden compartment.
Two men on board, and a third man linked to the case, pleaded guilty to related charges and were