News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2002

Ku Klux Klan Motorcycle Club Members Convicted Of Federal Drug Trafficking, Weapons And Money Laundering Charges

Concord, NH…Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, United States Attorney Tom Colantuono, New Hampshire Drug Task Force Commander James Norris and Chairman William Fenniman, New Hampshire State Police Colonel Gary Sloper and New Hampshire Attorney General Philip McLaughlin, announced that two members of the Northern New England-based Ku Klux Klan Motorcycle Club, JAMES MICHAEL COYNE, of Laconia, New Hampshire and CARROLL LANE, a/k/a "JAY" LANE, of Wells, Maine, were convicted in U.S. District Court of federal narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and weapons charges

JAMES MICHAEL COYNE entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Paul J. Barbado to an Information charging him with conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and laundering the proceeds of drug trafficking. He faces a potential life sentence of life imprisonment.

CARROLL LANE, a/k/a "JAY" LANE, entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Paul J. Barbado to an Information charging him with conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and laundering the proceeds of drug trafficking. He faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment.

Both COYNE and LANE were detained without bail pending their February 21, 2003 sentencing hearings in U.S. District Court.

COYNE and LANE admitted to conspiring to purchase large quantities of methamphetamine from a source in Phoenix, Arizona, transporting the methamphetamine to New Hampshire and Maine, and distributing the methamphetamine in New Hampshire and Maine during 2001 and 2002. Specifically COYNE and LANE traveled to Phoenix, Arizona every 30 to 90 days during 2001 and 2002, purchased crystal methamphetamine in quantities of 2-5 pounds per trip, would transport the drugs back to Northern New England via automobile and commercial airplane, for distribution to customers.

"The DEA is committed to working with our New Hampshire State and local law enforcement partners to combat the scourge of Methamphetamine," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Trouville. "We will continue to aggressively fight against Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs such as the Ku Klux Klan Motorcycle Club and the criminal activity associated with these gangs."

During the investigation, investigators seized over seven pounds of 80% pure crystal methamphetamine, also known as "crystal meth," "glass," and "ice," over 25 firearms including handguns, assault and conventional rifles, and shotguns, approximately $40,000 in cash, a 2002 custom-built motorcycle, Ku Klux Klan Motorcycle Club "colors" (gang insignia) and assorted "pro-white" and other Ku Klux Klan propaganda.