The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 27 year-old Luzerne County resident was charged today with importing into the United States the illegal drug ketamine.

     According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, his office filed a criminal Information against Erich Chiogna, of West Pittston, PA. The information alleges that Chiogna imported ketamine from the country of Pakistan in January 2012.

     The charge against Chiogna stems from an investigation by Special Agents of the Department of Homeland Security.

     U.S. Attorney Smith noted that if Chiogna is convicted of the charge, he faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and at least two years of supervised release.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.

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An indictment and criminal information is not evidence of guilt but simply a description of the charge made by the United States Attorney against a defendant. A charged defendant is presumed innocent until a jury returns a unanimous finding that the United States has proved the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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