One of the brothers of the Scopa mafia clan, who was arrested at the request of the Americans in the case of drug trafficking worth $ 37 million, hopes to be released during the extradition process, vowing to lead a peaceful life with his family. Far away from his two brothers who were killed.
• Read more: Drug Trafficking in America: Brother of Scopa Mafia Clan Arrested in Montreal
“You didn't choose your family, we had a relationship not by choice, they were the ones who came to my house to bother me,” Roberto Scopa testified in a Montreal court this Tuesday.
Swearing he was not part of organized crime like his brothers Andrea and Salvador, he sought bail in a wider drug-trafficking case in the United States.
Last January, the 55-year-old Montrealer was handcuffed at his home at the request of California authorities.
“It was like a normal day, like going to the gym when I heard the sirens,” he recounted. Then a car stopped in front of me and people got down and ordered me not to move, I was shocked and asked them if this is wrong.
A vast drug network
However, for US officials, this was not an error. Because according to California prosecutors, Scopa was part of a large drug ring that was capable of exporting hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and other drugs from Mexico to Los Angeles, with the intention of then exporting it in Canada or redistributing it to our neighbors. South.
US police estimated that a total of 951 kg of cocaine, 845 kg of methamphetamine, 20 kg of fentanyl and 4 kg of heroin were smuggled. Sold in bulk, all these drugs are worth up to CAN$37 million.
U.S. authorities, along with the RCMP, have dismantled a drug-trafficking network of which Roberto Scoppa, brother of slain mafiosi Andrea and Salvatore Scoppa, was a member. Courtesy Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Photo courtesy of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
But while awaiting the outcome of the extradition request, Scopa requested his release and, among other things, a bond of approximately $100,000 to ensure compliance with conditions. He will also agree to wear a GPS bracelet and not leave the country.
U.S. authorities, along with the RCMP, have dismantled a drug-trafficking network of which Roberto Scoppa, brother of slain mafiosi Andrea and Salvatore Scoppa, was a member. Courtesy Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Photo courtesy of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
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“I wake up at 5:30 in the morning, make lunch and go to work [dans la construction] It ended at 5 pm, he said. I will take care of my old mother and go back home. At the weekend, I go grocery shopping with my partner.
If Roberto Scoppa tried to portray himself as a man without stories, a far cry from his brothers Salvador and Andrea, who were murdered in recent years, it was argued that he was not without reproaches.
Because in addition to the charges in the United States, he would have been seen in Colombia with Martin Robert, who is considered the most influential figure in the Hells Angels in Quebec.
“It was 2019 and I was on vacation with my family and by chance we ended up at the same hotel,” explained Scopa. We made it a habit to eat at different times so as not to clash with him.
The trial before Judge Marc-Andre Blanchard will continue on Thursday. M represents Scopae Geoffrey Borrow, while me Erin Morgan represents the Attorney General of Canada for the United States.
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