Nation: Tuna Catch

Computer hooks a drug ring

"Black tuna, black tuna," crackled the clandestine radio. That was the signal that another planeload of marijuana was being picked up from Colombia to be sent to the U.S. by the Black Tuna Ring, whose members carry medallions engraved with the fish. The gang is estimated to have smuggled $300 million worth of narcotics into the U.S. since 1974. Last week a federal grand jury in Miami hooked 14 Black Tunas with a 40-count indictment for, among other things, racketeering and smuggling. It was one of the biggest drug...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!