Four-year investigation ends in conviction of a Canadian man

An undercover narcotics investigation that was initiated by members of the Huron Undercover Narcotics Team in 2001, involving the sale of ecstasy in Montmorency County, ended in the conviction of a Canadian citizen. As the investigation unraveled, and with the inclusion of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it revealed an elaborate trafficking operation of ecstasy tablets into the United States from Canada.

Subsequently, Chanh Chan Lao, of Toronto, Ontario, was arrested (indicted) federally. In November of 2004, following a six-day jury trial in Bay City, Lao was found guilty of various violations of federal drug laws. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hluchaniuk, who prosecuted the case, said, “the evidence presented at the trial established that Mr. Lao caused the importation of over 600,000 ecstasy tablets between 1999 and 2003 into Michigan from Canada. These ecstasy tablets were then distributed in various locations in Michigan, including the Alpena area.”

Following Lao’s conviction, Lao was scheduled for sentencing in February of 2005. Based on the verdicts returned by the jury, Lao faces a minimum of 30 years in prison and a fine. This investigation also included Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. D/Lt. Rick Schultz, HUNT commander, advised that ecstasy is the street name for MDMA, which is a laboratory produced drug that was banned in 1985, based on evidence that it caused long-term brain damage.

Ecstasy is a Schedule 1 controlled substance, in the same category as heroin. It is manufactured b

y drug dealers in illegal laboratories and sold on the street. In recent years, it has become especially popular at huge all-night dance parties called “raves.” Ecstasy is a mind-altering drug that also works as a stimulant. It causes a sense of euphoria, empathy, self-acceptance, and emotional closeness to others. It also causes deep depression, anxiety, and paranoia, sometimes for weeks after taking the drug. It increases heart rate and blood pressure that sometimes causes dehydration at a dangerous level. Ecstasy can dramatically lower inhibitions and increase the risk of sexual assault.

Some studies have shown that it can cause long-term brain damage and memory impairment, even after a single dose, and sometimes will cause death. Schultz advised that ecstasy has a firm footing in the community and is warning parents to be alert of its presence. Ecstasy usually comes in pill form, in many shapes and sizes, and makers often put brand-name logos or other symbols on them.