Fmr. Miami Police Officer Admits Role In Drug Conspiracy
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NEWARK, N.J. (CBSMiami/AP) — A former Miami-Dade Police officer admitted to taking part in a drug trafficking ring, according to federal prosecutors in New Jersey.
They say Ralph Mata bought six firearms for the organization and used his connections to smuggle those weapons through airport security checkpoints.
The 45-year-old Broward County resident is a former lieutenant with the Miami-Dade police who was known as "the Milk Man." He pleaded guilty Tuesday to aiding and abetting a narcotics conspiracy, conspiring to distribute cocaine and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity.
Mata faces a potential life term when he's sentenced July 14. He also will forfeit $75,405.
Prosecutors said Mata provided advice and counsel to drug traffickers on the means and methods they should use to import and distribute cocaine.
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