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SB Based Marijuana Trafficking Bust, Nets 31 Suspects

Written by KEYT Assignment Desk

Story Created: Mar 9, 2010 at 2:22 PM PST

Story Updated: Mar 9, 2010 at 5:45 PM PST

Further investigation into an interstate marijuana trafficking ring, based out of Santa Barbara County, has resulted in the arrest of 31 people.

According to the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department, authorities have linked two Central Coast men, who were previously arrested in January, to a trafficking ring, spanning several states.

It all started in January of this year, with the arrest of Kenneth Koster, a 46-year-old Goleta man. Koster was arrested in Oklahoma for transporting over 30 pounds of pot. Detectives determined, Koster was transporting the drug to a contact in Seminole County, Florida.

Law enforcement agencies in Seminole County, were already investigating a large drug trafficking organization, that they believed Koster and another Santa Barbara County man were associated with.

Following Koster's arrest in Oklahoma, Santa Barbara detectives served a search warrant at his Goleta home, and found over 100 marijuana plants, processed marijuana, accounting records and close to $30,000 in cash. During the search, deputies also arrested George Foxx, who was a partner of Koster's.

Investigators in Florida believe Foxx was brokering marijuana sales with individuals associated with the smuggling ring in Seminole County. Koster and others, would then allegedly smuggle the marijuana across state lines to Florida.

Florida officials say Koster and Foxx grew the marijuana in Santa Barbara and Humboldt counties.

Koster, who recently bailed out of an Oklahoma jail, was re-arrested late last week by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department on a warrant out of Florida. Koster is currently awaiting extradition.

An arrest warrant had also been issued for Foxx. Foxx's whereabouts are unknown at this time, and authorities are asking for the public's help in locating him.

So far, Seminole County authorities have arrested more than 30 people, seized 600 pounds of pot, a half a kilo of cocaine, 27 vehicles, and $700,000.
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