News Release
March 8, 2007
Contact: Erin Mulvey
212 337-2906

Four Arrested For Marijuana Trafficking

MAR 8 -- (New York) John P. Gilbride, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, announced the arrests of four North Country residents on federal drug trafficking charges. Drug Enforcement Special Agents, assisted by members of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, Franklin County Drug Task Force, New York State Police, Adirondack Drug Task Force, U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested four individuals during the morning hours of Thursday, March 8, 2007.

The arrested individuals are identified as Christopher J. LABARR, 26, Malone, NY; Michael L. LAUGHING, 41, Hogansburg, NY; Matthew LANGDON, 34, Hogansburg, NY and Samual GARROW, Jr, 33, Hogansburg, NY. These individuals have been charged with possession with the intent to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841 (a)(1) and Conspiracy to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana in violation of Title 21, USC, Section 846. The individuals were also charged with the importation into the United States of over 100 kilograms of marijuana in violation of Title 21, USC, Section 952 and 953. If convicted of these charges, the individuals will face sentences of five to forty years incarceration.

The United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of New York, is also pursuing federal forfeiture proceedings against the arrested individuals in the amount of one million dollars.

“Drug smuggling is a crime. Marijuana smuggling is a crime. These individuals were responsible for smuggling marijuana and are paying the price of that crime. Today’s arrests prove that the DEA is focused on identifying and dismantling drug trafficking organizations nationwide,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge John Gilbride. SAC Gilbride commended the diligent work of the DEA, the New York State Police and the Franklin County Drug Task Force during this two year investigation.

Derek Champagne, Franklin County District Attorney, applauded the efforts of the investigators involved in this case. District Attorney Champagne stated that these arrests will not only affect the marijuana trafficking in the North Country but will also disrupt the marijuana trade throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic states.