Canadian Drug Trafficker Sentenced To 21 Years In Prison

PHILADELPHIA- Thinh Hung Le, 53, of Toronto Canada, was sentenced to 252 months in prison by the Honorable Juan R. Sanchez.  On June 17, 2014, a jury found Le guilty of a variety of drug importation and distribution charges.  The evidence at trial proved that Le smuggled large quantities of ecstasy pills and marijuana from Canada to Philadelphia in 2006.  Le was subsequently indicted and extradited from Canada.

Specifically, investigators with the Department of Homeland Security (HSI) seized three shipments of drugs which Le sent to his customer in Philadelphia.  On April 4, 2006, the HSI investigators seized approximately 105 pounds of marijuana.  On July 30, 2006, the HSI investigators seized approximately 26,000 ecstasy pills containing both methamphetamine and MDMA.  On October 23, 2006, the HSI investigators seized approximately 10,000 ecstasy pills.  In order to determine Le’s identity, the HSI investigators requested assistance from the Toronto Police Service.  Thereafter, two undercover Toronto police law enforcement officers met with Le pretending to be drug dealers from Philadelphia.  Le explained to the undercover officers that he could supply them with 100,000 ecstasy pills within three days and provide a custom “brand” for the pill.  Le further explained that he could manufacture the pills so that the high would last either 4 hours or 6 hours.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations in conjunction with the Toronto Police Service.  Additional assistance was provided by the DEA, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the York (Canada) Regional Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Livermore.  Extradition assistance was provided by the United States Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs.

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525