Indictment Unsealed Charging International Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy

U.S. Attorney Kenneth Allen Polite, Jr. announces the recent unsealing of an indictment charging three individuals with conspiring to violate federal drug distribution laws.  On April 10, 2014, a federal grand jury returned the indictment charging RYAN ERNST NYBERG, age 33, CHRISTOPHER BYRON FRITCHIE, a/k/a “Byron,” age 42, and NASER YOUSEF GHEITH, a/k/a “Nick,” age 35, with one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere.

According to the indictment, NYBERG, FRITCHIE, and GHEITH conspired from 2011 through 2014 to violate federal drug distribution laws.  NYBERG is a United States citizen currently residing in Germany.  FRITCHIE and GHEITH are also United States citizens and reside in the San Francisco area.  If convicted, the charged individuals each face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release. 

U. S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.  

On March 20, 2014, German Customs Investigation Bureau (the Zollkriminalamt or ZKA) authorities arrested NYBERG in Duisburg, Germany.  The United States intends to formally request his extradition from Germany.  On April 29, 2014, DEA Agents arrested FRITCHIE in San Francisco, California.   GHEITH remains at large.

The DEA New Orleans Division Office investigated this case with assistance from the DEA Frankfurt, Germany Country Office and the DEA San Francisco Division Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Payne.

(Download Indictment )