News Releases

Canadian indicted on federal narcotics charges

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A local man was indicted by a federal grand jury Monday on narcotics charges. This indictment resulted from a joint investigation conducted by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Aso Pola, 32, of 4410 Wilshire Ave., Louisville, was indicted Jan. 6 on charges of possession with the intent to distribute OxyContin pills. OxyContin is a powerful pain killer widely used in clinical medicine. However, because of its mood-altering effects, OxyContin, like morphine, can be abused. Unlawfully possessing it may be subject to criminal prosecution. Its mood-altering effects have led to a significant increase in illicit usage.

According to the Dec. 10 indictment, Pola agreed to sell OxyContin to a confidential source as part of a controlled buy organized by ICE and DEA. The OxyContin was to be purchased for about $45,000.

"The teamwork among federal, local and international agencies disrupts the flow of illegal drugs into our communities, and also works as a significant deterrent" said Jerry Phillips, resident agent-in-charge of the ICE office of investigations in Louisville. "ICE and our law enforcement partners work aggressively to keep drugs off our streets, and dismantle the criminal networks that profit from narcotics trafficking."

Pola is a native of Iraq and a citizen of Canada. After he completes his criminal proceedings he will be subject to deportation back to Canada.

If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, a $1 million fine, and supervised release for three years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney, J. Scott Davis, Western District of Kentucky, is prosecuting this case. Pola is scheduled to appear for arraignment before the U.S. Magistrate Judge on Jan. 20.