Aug 26, 2009

Denver meth ring used comic books to launder cash

Investigators have broken up a massive methamphetamine ring in the Denver area that distributed pounds of the dangerous drug every week and laundered the profits using collectible comic books.

To launder the money you have to use something that is quick and convenient - in this case it was rare comic books.

While arresting the alleged ringleaders, brothers Aaron and Alfonzo Castro, law enforcement officers seized about 100 boxes of first-edition collectible comic books.

Alfonzo Castro (on left) and Aaron Castro

Investigators say one title alone is worth $3,500 and the total collection of comics is worth half a million dollars.

The seized comic books included some first-edition Superman and Batman titles. The fragile, vintage comics were stored in plastic bags for protection.

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