In today's Tampa Bay Tribune, Elaine Silvestrini wrote a fascinating story about one of the largest drug busts in U.S. history and the trial that began today in the courtroom of U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich. Throughout the 1980's until the late 1990's, Joaquin Mario Valencia-Trujillo, also known as Oscar Martniez, is believed to be responsible for pushing 20% of the cocaine into the United States. Due to some quirky Columbian law, Valencia who was believed to be the Colombian cocaine supplier to Miami drug lords Salvador Magluta and Augusto Guillermo "Willie" Falcon will only be charged for crimes committed after 1998.

Valencia who has $500 million in assets had his assets frozen but is getting strong representation from two public defenders. The Tribune piece also delves into the role of the FBI's star informant who has assisted with 775 arrests and 400 tons of cocaine. The trial is expected to last about six months and should result in some fascinating testimony that would resonate even with a casual Miami Vice fan.

Photo Credit: DEA