An Ashburn, Virginia resident has entered a guilty plea in a federal court to charges related to trafficking over a kilogram of cocaine. Kareem M. Strong, aged 33, admitted to possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes.
Strong was apprehended on December 13, 2023, while traveling by bus from Nevada to Virginia. Authorities found him with a black backpack containing a heat-sealed brick of white powder marked “ROLEX” at the bus station. The Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory confirmed the substance to be cocaine in salt form, weighing 1,004.73 grams.
Federal law stipulates that Strong could face up to a 20-year prison sentence without parole. However, final sentencing will be determined by the court, taking into account the advisory sentencing guidelines and other legal factors. The court will schedule a sentencing hearing post a presentence investigation conducted by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh, following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.
