The former drug trafficking legend "Freeway" Ricky Ross has been arrested for possesing what authorities believe to be $100,000 in drug money. The iconic popular cultural symbol of the 1980s' crack epidemic, and the CIA scandal in which he was involved, has largely stayed out of trouble since his release in September of 2009. However, last week, the former kingpin was arrested in Sonoma County, California after he was caught with $100,000 of money suspected to be related to the sale of a controlled substance, likely cocaine, according to the Los Angeles Times.
According to a Sonoma County Sheriff's Office arrest log, the famous drug dealer - who was locked up from 1996 to 2009 for conspiring to buy more than 100 kilograms of cocaine - was also arrested on suspicion of conspiring to commit a crime.
As the Sonoma County sheriff's jail records show, Ross is no longer in custody, but will likely face trial in the coming months.
After Ross was released in 2009, the former offender went on speaking tours to inform young people about his life in the drug trade. Ross also sued rapper/former correctional officer Rick Ross over his name, claiming the artist used his name to fuel his fame and profit.
This lawsuit, along with Ross's life and criminal behavior are documented in the film Freeway: Crack In The System.
Ross was also portrayed in the popular film Kill The Messenger starring Jeremy Renner as Gary Webb, whose 1996 piece in the San Jose Mercury News uncovered the link between Ross, the CIA, The Iran-Contra Scandal, and the cocaine trade in the United States (particularly Los Angeles).
"Freeway" Ricky Ross has become an iconic symbol among rappers and others hoping to embody the "gangster" lifestyle. However, it is apparent that the former kingpin's life is not nearly as glamorous or exciting as some may wish to present.
© 2024 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
