WCNYH

Former Fugitive Makes Initial Court Appearance on Narcotics and Firearms Smuggling Case

February 8, 2013

           Kujtim Lika aka “Timmy”, 47, who had been on the run for three years before being arrested last May in Toronto appeared before Magistrate Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in federal court in Newark today to face multiple charges in connection with an investigation into several loosely connected Balkan criminal enterprises operating throughout New Jersey, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Canada and the Netherlands. Lika was detained without bail.

           In 2009, Lika was among 26 people charged by the US Attorney’s Office in Newark with narcotics and firearms trafficking, money laundering, interstate transportation of stolen property and criminal conspiracy. Lika, who was a fugitive from justice until his arrest in Toronto, was featured on the television show “America’s Most Wanted”.

           US Attorney Paul Fishman credited the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor for their roles in the investigation.

           A copy of the US Attorney's press release is attached.

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