Defendant in Massive Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Convicted

PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that Malik Martin a/k/a “Leek,” has been convicted by a jury of conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and of one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  The jury trial spanned four weeks and took place before United States Senior District Judge R. Barclay Surrick.

Martin also was acquitted of a second count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  The jury was unable to reach a verdict against co-defendant Alan Womack, who was charged in a second superseding indictment with conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana.  Judge Surrick declared a mistrial as to co-defendant Womack.

Martin and his co-conspirators were part of a long-running drug-trafficking organization (“DTO”) which distributed 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and then laundered the drug proceeds.  The DTO used a number of tractor-trailer drivers to transport bulk quantities of marijuana from Arizona, California, and Texas to the East Coast to ultimately be distributed in the greater Philadelphia area.  Martin worked closely with the head of the DTO to bring money out to the West Coast, coordinate the purchase of the marijuana on the West Coast, and load the delivery of marijuana to the East Coast.

“Martin and his co-conspirators set up a decade-long drug trafficking operation that criss-crossed the United States, leaving a path of destruction in its tracks,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain.  “Today’s victory demonstrates my Office’s steadfast commitment to taking down criminal organizations like Martin’s and cutting off the supply of illegal drugs into our communities.”

“This sprawling drug trafficking enterprise operated for many years, across thousands and thousands of miles,” said Michael T. Harpster, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. “As massive amounts of marijuana and money moved across the country, Malik Martin and his co-conspirators eagerly racked up the ill-gotten gains.  The FBI will continue to investigate and disrupt drug trafficking operations, as we work to make our communities safer.”

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel Velez and Randall Hsia.