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 arrested four defendants charged in two federal grand jury indictments alleging a narcotics trafficking ring that sold illegal opioid prescriptions for cash through a series of sham medical clinics.
The four Kenyans are Louise W. Mureithi, 69, her son Harrison Maruje Mureithi, 42, Duncan Muthoni Wanjohi, 23, and Xavier Muduki Mabale, 42.
According to court documents, the group allegedly worked under the guidance of Dr. John Michael Korzelius, 68, also known as 'Dr. K,' of Camarillo, who is charged with illegally writing medically unnecessary prescriptions at a pain clinic to fake patients who sold the drugs.
Authorities claim that Louise, Harrison, and Xavier were arrested on Wednesday and arraigned in US District Court in Santa Ana, California. Wanjohi, however, is yet to be arrested and charged.
Investigators say they have impounded 30,737 oxycodone pills and $177,610 in cash in the last two years.
The two grand jury indictments charge the 10 defendants with a variety of narcotics-related offenses, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, distribution of fentanyl, and money laundering.
