Modus Operandi by Mauro Corvasce (universal ebook reader txt) 📕

and nationalities of the members. The posses have two main sources of revenue: narcotic smuggling and proficiency in providing false documentation. Posse groups are very violent and appreciate high-power, high-capacity weaponry. To kill their enemies, a single 9mm shot to the head or a drive-by shooting in a public place is popular. Other forms of killing by posses are disemboweling, mutilation and even beheading. Bodies are disposed of by dumping in remote sites. It is common to have a victim's body part sent to his family. Torture before killing is also commonplace.

The Colombians generally supply the posses with their merchandise. The posse flies the shipment by private aircraft from Colombia onto one of ninety illegal landing strips on the island of Jamaica. Jamaica is the ideal transfer point because it is so close to South America and the United States. All of these flights are arranged and cleared through the officials of the countries the plane flies over.

When landing in Jamaica, time of day is not important. The cargo is transferred from one plane to another, and the plane will then fly to its final destination, either Florida or Georgia to an unprotected landing strip. These planes are packed so full with narcotics that the pilot is totally enclosed and cannot exit the plane without first removing some of his cargo.

Posses import small amounts of narcotics using couriers and commercial airline flights. Young adults and females are popular couriers because they don't seem as suspicious. A female smuggler coming in from Jamaica once used a dead infant to smuggle the drugs—the body was cut open and the internal organs were removed and replaced with cocaine. The woman was apprehended when a suspicious crew member noticed the infant didn't move or cry. Marijuana and cocaine are smuggled in hidden spaces in carry-on luggage or body cavities. For larger loads, small private planes are loaded on municipal airports within the islands and transported to isolated landing strips in Florida. Posses also use cruise ships and smaller private boats for transportation.

Upon arriving with the contraband in the United States, posses usually lease vehicles, altered to sustain heavy loads. Many of these vehicles have sun roofs, which are used to fire weapons through when needed. Smuggling operations incorporate a caravan, using vehicles for transportation of the drugs and vehicles for protection, which carry personnel and weaponry.

Jamaican posses, like the Asian gangs, go to great lengths to protect their merchandise. All exits and entrances, windows and hallways of their strongholds are fortified to repel rapid entry by the police or rival drug gangs. These fortifications include hazardous traps, gunports and hidden compartments to hide their merchandise and weapons. The narcotic is not sold hand to hand, but through small holes in the door of their headquarters. Posses use money transfers, beepers and car telephones to conduct their business.

The Mob

Traditional organized crime families such as La Cosa Nostra are starting to expand into narcotics smuggling because most of the older members, who refused to take part in drug trafficking, are losing control due to assassinations and law enforcement efforts. The younger members are more violent risktakers and are more willing to smuggle for the fast money. La Cosa Nostra works out of the little Italy sections of large cities, such as New York and Philadelphia.

Black Gangs

Black gangs are very structured, organized crime units. At one time mostly located in Los Angeles County, over the last few years, black street gangs have emerged in inner cities throughout the United States. Currently, these gangs are increasing their activities in the Midwest. At present the narcotics they deal with are crack cocaine and phency-clidine (PCP).

The organization has no formal structure, but gang-

bangers selected to control the organization are chosen for several qualities. Physical appearance is important because one has to be able, if necessary, to use force to control any situation. A person's age is also important; the older the person, the more mature he will be in handling everyday problems. Arrest record and behavior also lead to a position of leadership.

The age of these enterprising young men is early twenties. As a gangbanger increases his fortune, he will tend not to get involved with the daily comings and goings of the gang. The gangbanger will support his gang by contributing large sums of money, weapons and narcotics.

As new recruits or members, gangbangers gain respect and power through behavior and displays of manhood, e.g. being brave, trustworthy, taking the rap, and going to jail. Recently, because of the money made through narcotics trafficking, prestige in the gang can also be obtained by making money in dealing drugs.

Gangs deal an enormous volume of drugs, which makes it possible to sell them more cheaply than their competition. Organized gangs are now dealing directly with the main suppliers of narcotics and are buying large quantities at one time. These purchases will be in the millions of dollars, and yes, it's all cash. Gangbangers who sell drugs are responsible for the narcotic itself and the money generated from its sale. If the total dollars don't reflect the sales, the gangbanger will suffer the consequences. The punishment will be proportionate to the amount of the loss. If the loss is large enough, it could get you killed.

Successful gangs purchase legitimate businesses to launder money and in an attempt to present a positive image to the community. They may even run for and win a political office. Some of the businesses gangbangers purchase are check cashing outlets, cellular phone and beeper companies, electronics stores, elite car washing services and parking garages. You can see how these types of businesses could be used for narcotic trafficking.

If the police put the heat on, gangbangers will generally move locations rather than look for trouble. This probably explains the recent spread to more rural areas. The gangs easily take over the new area, because they possess the heavy equipment necessary to overpower their rivals. They are heavily armed with assault weapons and semi-au-tomatic handguns. They also have the muscle,