37 Busted in FBI Raid on Boeing Plant

Prescription drugs allegedly being bought, sold illegally
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 29, 2011 3:44 PM CDT
37 Busted in FBI Raid on Boeing Ridley Park Plant
U.S. Attorney Zane Memeger, center, with FBI Special Agent in Charge, George Venizelos, left, and DEA acting Special Agent in Charge Vito Guarino speak.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A handful of workers at Boeing's Ridley Park plant were apparently doing more than building military aircraft: The FBI today arrested 36 current and former employees, along with a 37th individual, who were allegedly involved in illegally distributing prescription drugs. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the arrests follow a four-year investigation, which began at the behest of Boeing officials. The 37 either allegedly sold drugs to someone working with the FBI, or bought drugs (in truth placebo pills) from that individual.

US Attorney Zane David Memeger shared details: Most of those arrested ranged from their 40s to 60s in age, and were connected to prescription drugs like fentanyl, oxycodone, and Xanax. "This wasn't an organized ring. It was a number of independent actors," he said. "A number of independent sellers and no shortage of buyers were found by investigators." Meanwhile, in Illinois, word of another bust: The Illinois Tollway announced that it has pressed charges against a dozen employees who reportedly stole $25,000 in toll money, reports the Chicago Tribune. (More prescription drugs stories.)

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