By Courtney Dentch
The 12 people were arrested after an initial probe by state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer into counterfeit cigarettes uncovered a larger fencing operation, according to a release from Spitzer's office.The investigation resulted in the recovery of nearly 7,000 portable compact disc players, 140 stolen televisions, 350 ecstasy tablets, $75,000 worth of counterfeit cigarettes and more than $250,000 in prescription medications. The pharmaceuticals included AIDS, anti-psychotic, cholesterol blood pressure and other medications, the release said.The yearlong investigation found that the majority of the drugs came from a pharmaceutical sales representative, who stole samples of prescription medications and sold them to buyers on the black market. The medicines were sold at a pharmacy in Brooklyn, the release said.It was unclear if the drugs were sold in Queens. Additional information on the source of the electronics was also unavailable.”Law enforcement agencies across the state have intensified their efforts to combat illicit markets in counterfeit and stolen goods,” Spitzer said. “This case highlights the value of the superb cooperation shown by the law enforcement agencies participating in this investigation.”Seven people were charged in Queens, including Jamal Almasri, 43, and Ka Foun, 26, both of Queens, the release said. No addresses for either of the suspects were available.Almasri was charged with multiple counts of possession of stolen property, diversion of prescription medications and trademark counterfeiting. Foun was charged with diversion of prescription medications, the release said. Arraignment information was unavailable.Five others from outside the borough were charged in Queens with similar crimes, and an additional five suspects were charged in Brooklyn, the release said.”The investigation that has resulted in today's announcement was the result of teamwork by law enforcement agencies determined to uncover, apprehend and prosecute individuals accused of illicit dealings involving counterfeit cigarettes, stolen and diverted prescription drugs and other stolen property,” said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.Reach reporter Courtney Dentch by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.
