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CALIFORNIA MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN CFC SMUGGLING CONSPIRACY
Release Date: 01/29/99
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, JAN. 29, 1999
CALIFORNIA MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN CFC SMUGGLING CONSPIRACY
Cowas Gustad Patel of San Dimas, Calif., pleaded guilty on Jan. 26, in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles, to conspiracy to smuggle the restricted chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant CFC-12 into the United States in violation of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Patel is the owner and operator of K&P Imports in San Dimas which sells and distributes refrigerants to automotive parts stores and repair shops. Patel conspired to bring approximately 1,200 30-pound cylinders of CFC-12 into the United States through the San Ysidro Port of Entry in Southern California. The importation of CFC-12 into the United States is highly restricted because its release into the atmosphere depletes the earth’s ozone layer which protects people from ultraviolet radiation that can cause skin cancer and cataracts. Two other co-defendants, Moussa Khalil Toubbeh, owner of Jobber’s Warehouse in Westminster, Calif., and George Shahin, owner of Geo’s Auto Supply in Baldwin Park, Calif., previously pleaded guilty to CAA conspiracy charges. When sentenced, all three men face a maximum term of imprisonment of up to five years and/or a fine of up to $250,000. The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Federal Environmental Task Force which includes the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the United States Customs Service, and was prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice.
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