Kirkwood, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Seven people face federal drug trafficking charges after allegedly distributing crystal methamphetamine.
The investigation, dubbed "Operation Crystal Ball," began in January 2011, and dealt with major meth manufacturing through mobile super labs.
During the investigation, police seized more than a pound and a half of meth, 45 guns, and more than $30,000.
But New York State Police say this seven person drug ring was moving about two to three pounds of meth every three weeks from Mexico to Georgia to right here in the Twin Tiers.
"It means a lot of methamphetamine off the streets that has been brought up," said New York State Police Lt. Patrick Garey. "At this point, that we can say, certainly over the last six or eight months, a tremendous amount of meth coming into the area by this group."
The ringleader, Donivan Pittman of Georgia, faces a maximum term of life in jail and a minimum sentence of 20 years.
The other six also face life in prison, but a minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment.
Five of the seven people arrested live in the Twin Tiers. They were sent to local jails, including Broome, Tioga, Chenango and even Onondaga County Jail.
Assistant United States Attorney Thomas P. Walsh is prosecuting the case.
Defendants:
Donivan B. Pittman, 30, Mableton, Cobb County, Georgia
Thomas P. Cole, 49, Town of Union
Matthew W. Hibbard, 54, Town of Binghamton
Dillan T. Capwell, 33, Montrose, PA
Ernesto Nava, 50, New Milford, PA
Cynthia Hibbard, 57, Town of Binghamton
Addie B. Cole, 39, Marietta, Cobb County, Georgia
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