(WXYZ) — Four men allegedly paid an undercover agent $300,000 for fake cocaine, according to federal authorities.
David Miranda, Jose Caraballo-Troche, John Sciarrotta and Christopher Tallarico were arrested for conspiracy and attempt to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of distribution of 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.
According to a criminal complaint, Miranda was running a drug-trafficking organization. He was a source of supply for Caraballo-Troche, an alleged street level drug dealer.
Authorities say Miranda and his associates sold large quantities of cocaine around metro Detroit.
In early March, authorities received information about Tallarico regarding his involvement in cocaine distribution. On March 7, his location was determined to be at 455 South York Street in Dearborn, an address registered to Sciarrotta.
Agents saw a black Cadillac Escalade with a Pennsylvania license plate and a white Ford Explorer with a Michigan license plate parked at the address.
Miranda allegedly arrived and met with Sciarrotta and Tallarico in the garage. Agents observed a blue bag get loaded up into the back of the Cadillac Escalade. Tallarico drove the Escalade while Sciarrotta and Miranda drove the white Explorer. Tallarico arrived at a restaurant in Wayne while the others were observed circling the area in the Explorer before leaving.
Tallarico then allegedly met with an undercover federal agent and negotiated a large cocaine sale in exchange for $300,000, showing him the blue duffel bag full of money. They agreed to meet at a Holiday Inn location in Canton. Sciarrotta, Miranda and Caraballo-Troche all arrived at the Holiday Inn.
Once at the hotel, Tallarico allegedly handed the agent money and the agent provided three bags containing approximately 30 kilograms of sham cocaine.
All four suspects were later seen conducting a meeting in the parking lot of a Mobil gas station in Canton. Authorities say the suspects were approached by agents who ordered them to surrender. After being ordered to surrender, Tallarico attempted to flee the area, but was prevented by Sciarrotta, who was stopped a short distance behind him.
Agents executed search warrants for five separate locations in Wayne County, including residences and a warehouse.
Agents seized approximately $13,000, several firearms and a quantity of suspected cocaine.
