Feds Bust Alleged Hollywood Drug Ring That Used Charter Planes

(Nov. 16) -- Two top executives of a California entertainment company and a DJ who spun records at actor Eddie Murphy's wedding in 2008 were among 14 people indicted today for their alleged role in a Hollywood-based drug ring that shipped hundreds of pounds of cocaine on chartered jets from Los Angeles to Baltimore.

A task force of federal and local cops worked the case in which the ring allegedly distributed the drugs in the Baltimore area and then flew suitcases of cash back to Los Angeles, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles said.

Those indicted included Darrin Ebron, 43, a DJ who moves between Washington and Los Angeles, whom The Washington Times described as "'the poor man's Puffy' for his fashion and entertainment businesses that endear him to stars such as Kanye West, Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake."

Ebron, who is also owner of GoodLife American Clothing, reportedly spun the records at Murphy's wedding to Tracey Edmonds at a private island off Bora Bora two years ago. (About two weeks after the ceremony, the wedding was declared invalid.)

Others indicted included the alleged ring leader, James Brascom, 28, CEO of Behind da Scenes Entertainment, and Charles Dwight Ransom Jr., 36, of Hollywood, who is also a CEO of that company, authorities said.

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The indictment capped a seven-month investigation dubbed "Operation Snow Bird." Over a six-week stretch, authorities said the organization shipped more than 800 pounds of cocaine and $4 million in cash. Of that, authorities said they seized about 600 pounds of cocaine and $1.1 million in cash. Authorities said five of the suspects were arrested two weeks ago.

"The individuals indicted today have been brought to justice as the result of the joint effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies spanning from Los Angeles to Baltimore," said Timothy Landrum, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration in Los Angeles.

In addition to seizing drugs and cash, authorities confiscated a number of cars, including two 2010 Aston Martin Rapides, a 2008 Mercedes CL63 and a 2009 BMW 750 Li.