News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2002

Major Ecstasy Organization Taken Down

On November 20, 2002, at approximately 5:30 PM, Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), San Diego Field Division, arrested six (6) individuals without incident in Carlsbad, California pursuant to the seizure of seven (7) pounds of pure methyledioxymethamphetamine, commonly known as "ecstasy", in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846 and 841 (a) (1). Additionally, further investigation led to the acquisition of a Federal search resulting in the seizure of approximately 73 marijuana plants from a residence located at 3888 Mission Road, Fallbrook, California. The seized ecstasy has a street value of approximately 1.25 million dollars.

This investigation was initiated in September of this year with one of the defendants negotiating with an undercover DEA agent for large quantities of the drug. It is believed the ecstasy was manufactured domestically. Traditionally, the drug has been produced primarily in Europe; however, recent DEA investigations indicate the rise of domestic manufacture of the drug.

Michael Vigil, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, San Diego Field Division, praised the efforts of the agencies that assisted the DEA in this critical investigation to include the United States Customs Service, the North County Regional Gang Task Force, the Integrated Narcotic Task Force and the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California.

DEFENDANTS

Tyler Owen Wolf
DOB: 11/03/70

Kyle Robert Leonhardt
DOB: 12/05/75

William Henry Kahrs
DOB: 04/23/79

Blazej Marck Mikulicz
DOB: 03/21/80

Farren Drew Martin
DOB: 10/04/77

Dereme Ann Church
DOB: 02/02/71

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Number of Defendants: 6

Violation: Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846 and 841 (a) (1) - Conspiracy to distribute ecstasy.

PARTICIPATING AGENCIES

Drug Enforcement Administration
United States Customs Service
North County Regional Gang Task Force
Integrated Narcotic Task Force

For additional information, contact Special Agent Donald Thornhill, Jr. at (858) 616-4166.