Three people are facing charges for their alleged role in a heroin trafficking ring that stretched from Bangkok to the Bronx.
Henry Sichone, Andrew Sarpong and Yaya Yahayai were extradited Wednesday from Thailand to New York. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) says its agents found small amounts of heroin being distributed in Harlem in 2003. While some suspects were arrested, agents say those who escaped prosecution set up a distribution center at 1706 Anthony Ave. in the Bronx. The DEA raided the spot in February 2005. Agents say that raid turned their attention to Africa and eventually Bangkok.Yahayai pleaded not guilty in court, but prosecutors say wiretaps will confirm the suspect's involvement. The trio each face a maximum of life in prison if convicted, and they would have to forfeit more than $30 million allegedly obtained in the operation.