By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Six people are under arrest in Buffalo for their alleged involvement in a scheme to manufacture methamphetamine.
The six were arraigned Wednesday on charges of conspiracy to possess and distribute ephedrine and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.
The alleged ringleader is identified as 58-year-old Hugh Stevens of Derby. His wife, Sandra Jacobi, co-owner Jacobi's Italian Restaurant in Lackawanna, was also arrested.
Assistant US Attorney Thomas Duszkiewicz said the investigation, dubbed "Operation Lame Horse," involved several law enforcement agencies.
"The Drug Enforcement Administration cooperated with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in developing information that groups of individuals were involved in getting ephedrine, which is manufactured in India," Duszkiewicz said. "It was transported into and throughout Canada and ultimately to the individuals who were arrested. They were allegedly involved in the transportation and importation of it into the United States."
Duszkiewicz seized 200 kilos of ephedrine in July at the Lewiston Queenston Bridge. Ephedrine is a key ingredient of methamphetamine.
Duszkiewicz confirmed a search warrant was issued for Jacobi's Restaurant but that he could not comment further.
He said more arrests are expected.