June 16, 2010

DESPITE LEAVING THE U.S. TO AVOID ARREST, DRUG TRAFFICKER CAUGHT AND SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS

TOPEKA, KAN. – Kevin X. Frater, 57, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said today.

Frater pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. In his plea, he admitted the investigation began in December 2002 when a Gulfstream II flying from Van Nuys Airport in California, to Farmingdale, N.Y., landed at the airport in Salina, Kan., to refuel. Acting on a tip, Drug Enforcement Administration agents searched the plane and found 153.4 kilograms (more than 338 pounds) of cocaine.

After learning Frater had chartered the plane and a courier on the plane was working for him, DEA agents attempted to lure Frater to Salina to pick up the cocaine by making him think the plane had been grounded with mechanical problems. Instead, Frater left the United States to avoid arrest. He did not return until he was extradited from England on Aug. 27, 2009. Frater spent time in Cuba, Jamaica, the United Arab Emirates and England. When he was arrested, he was detained at Heathrow Airport while returning from Jamaica to Dubai.

Welch commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.