This archive report was first published on 9 August 2020.
Four Kenyans Indicted in US Over Alleged Opioid Trafficking Ring ¶
On August 9, 2020, law enforcement authorities in the US arrested four Kenyans accused of operating a narcotics trafficking ring that sold illegal opioid prescriptions through a series of sham medical clinics.
The four Kenyans, Louise W. Mureithi, 69, her son Harrison Maruje Mureithi, 42, Duncan Muthoni Wanjohi, 23, and Xavier Muduki Mabale, 42, were charged in two federal grand jury indictments alleging a narcotics trafficking ring.
According to court documents, the group, led by Dr. John Michael Korzelius, 68, also known as 'Dr. K,' operated a group of chiropractic, medical, and wellness clinics in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties.
Dr. Korzelius, along with other medical professionals, allegedly met with fraudulent patients and provided them with unnecessary prescriptions for drugs, including oxycodone.
Investigations revealed that the group had impounded 30,737 oxycodone pills and $177,610 in cash over the last two years.
The group is accused of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, distribution of fentanyl, and money laundering.
If convicted, the defendants each face a statutory maximum sentence of at least 20 years in federal prison.
