National
Drug Intelligence Center New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Drug Market Analysis June 2007 Illicit FinanceIllicit drug proceeds generated in the New England HIDTA region typically are laundered through bulk cash smuggling, money services businesses (MSBs), front companies, and the purchase of expensive consumer goods. Wholesale-level traffickers transport bulk drug proceeds in personal vehicles and tractor-trailers directly to Canada or Mexico for eventual repatriation. They also transport bulk proceeds to New York City to be combined with other drug proceeds for eventual transport to southwestern states and Mexico. Wholesale-level traffickers operating in the HIDTA region also launder drug proceeds through MSBs, typically by electronic wire transfers of funds to associates outside the HIDTA region or to domestic and international bank accounts owned by the trafficker. Midlevel and retail traffickers operating in the region often launder proceeds by commingling them with legitimate funds generated in area businesses such as clothing, music, and convenience stores and travel agencies. Additionally, retail drug distributors often purchase expensive clothing, jewelry, and automobiles with the proceeds from illegal drug sales. |
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