Ontario man charged with conspiracy to import meth

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Mohamed Patel, 39, of Ontario, CA, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to import morphine, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute morphine. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, since January 2021, Patel, working together with others, has moved bulk quantities of morphine into the Western District of New York, then subsequently shipped the controlled substances to Canada. It is believed he uses a network of truck drivers to facilitate the shipments, including Bashir Kasozi. Patel is believed to be supplied by multiple sources of supply from outside the United States, by way of India. The investigation revealed that Patel has received bulk quantities of morphine, primarily through the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City, which are then shipped to the Western District of New York. On August 23, 2024, 62 packages were delivered and transferred to defendant Kasozi. A few hours later, Kasozi was arrested by Customs and Border Protection Officers after the 62 packages were discovered at the Lewiston Port of Entry.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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