Baltimore man sentenced in illegal drug importation

A 45-year-old Baltimore man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison yesterday for conspiracy to import cocaine and heroin into the United States from Barbados, Dominica and elsewhere, according to the Maryland U.S. attorney's office.

In his plea agreement, Derrick "Prince" Gilliard admitted arranging the importation of more than 150 kilograms of cocaine or heroin, though he was convicted of importing much smaller amounts.

According to the government's sentencing memorandum, which calls Gilliard a "seasoned drug smuggler and businessman," he recruited couriers, typically young women, to take large amounts of money out of the country and return with kilograms of drugs, which were distributed in Baltimore and New York City.

The couriers made at least 200 trips to the islands from 2001 through February, importing at least 600 kilograms of cocaine and heroin into the United States; they were paid between $8,000 and $12,000 per trip.

A 45-year-old Baltimore man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison yesterday for conspiracy to import cocaine and heroin into the United States from Barbados, Dominica and elsewhere. Derrick "Prince" Gilliard admitted arranging the importation of more than 150 kilograms of cocaine or heroin, using young women who made more than 200 trips from the islands.