Final defendant sentenced in seaport cocaine smuggling ring

MIAMI – The final defendant in a complex cocaine smuggling ring was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for conspiracy to import and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. The sentence resulted from an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms; the Miami-Dade Police Department; the Broward Sheriff’s Office; the City of Miami Police Department; and the Sunrise Police Department.

Clinton Coleman Jr., 47, of Miami, and six other men were arrested Aug. 13 for smuggling cocaine into south Florida. The arrests were part of HSI-led Operation Pier Pressure that began more than two years ago to identify corrupt members of the International Longshoremen’s Association working at Port Miami. The men diverted narcotics from cargo and cruise ships arriving at the port.

Six other defendants have already been sentenced as part of the conspiracy.

Tyrone Jackson, 54, of Miami, was convicted and sentenced Nov. 19 to 115 months in federal prison for conspiring attempting to import and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Ronald Chestnut, 44, of Hallandale, Florida, and Jimmie Alexander Jr., 67, of Opa Locka, Florida, pled guilty were sentenced Jan. 22 to 87 months in federal prison for conspiracy to import cocaine and 87 months for importation of cocaine, respectively.

Jimmy Beasley, 47, of Miami Gardens, Florida, pled guilty and was sentenced Dec. 8 to 57 months in federal prison for conspiracy to import cocaine.

Yves Belmont, 42, of Miami, pled guilty and was sentenced Feb. 1 to 30 months in federal prison for attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Joel McNeal, 45, of Hollywood, Florida, pled guilty and was sentenced Dec. 8 to time served with four years of supervised release and 12 months of home confinement for attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

This very successful investigation focused on the insider threat within our nation’s critical infrastructure and key resources, specifically Port Miami.  Due to the vast amount of trade and travel through the port and the importance of it for our economy, these investigations are vital to secure these environments.  HSI, and its many partners, works to protect assets, systems and networks vital to the United States to maintain and secure a resilient critical infrastructure.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected drug trafficking and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.