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Release [print friendly page] Two Men Arrested for Conspiracy to Distribute JUL 16 -- OKLAHOMA CITY , OKLAHOMA - John C. Richter, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, announced that two Oklahoma men made an initial appearance today before a federal magistrate judge on a charge of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute approximately four kilograms of opium gum. Yaghoub Khorsandnia, 58, of Edmond, and Bahman Asle Hashemi, 53, of Warr Acres, each appeared before Federal Magistrate Judge Gary M. Purcell on the charge. Preliminary and detention hearings for both men have been set for July 18, 2008 at 1:30 pm. If convicted of their respective charge, each defendant could face up to 20 years in prison and a 1 million dollar fine. “The cooperation among our domestic law enforcement agencies as well as our international partners has been instrumental towards the successful outcome of this investigation,” said James L. Capra, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Dallas Division. “All law enforcement agencies have a common goal of combating crime,” said John Chakwin, Special Agent in Charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Dallas. “This case is a model example of international and federal law enforcement agencies working cooperatively to seize imported opium, and arrest those allegedly responsible. It’s law enforcement at its best.” Chakwin oversees 128 counties in north Texas and the State of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma City Police Department and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol also provided assistance in this case. The public is reminded that the complaint is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Reference is made to the complaint for further information. ###
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