(WHAS11) - A nationwide crime syndicate has come to an end with the conviction of a Louisville man. The organization known as the Black Mafia Family operated in 12 states. This bust is one of the largest in history.
The federal government says that Toree Sims is a member of the Black Mafia Family A $19 million drug enterprise that stretched from Detroit to Atlanta. The group was even connected to the shooting of P. Diddy's former bodyguard.
In 2005, the Organized Crime Task Force began rounding up members of the Black Mafia Family. More than 100 people were indicted. But Sims was not arrested. He was fugitive and was featured on America's Most Wanted.
Sims was captured about a year later in 2006. Wiretapped conversations between Sims and leaders of the Black Mafia Family talking about drug transactions were played in court and within the last week Sims was convicted.
Authorities say that Sims had drivers that would travel across the country in luxury cars. They hid the drugs and money in secret compartments on the interior of the car.
The DEA says the operation was so elaborate that they even had a special way of removing the smell of drugs from their cars so drug sniffing dogs wouldn't find them.
The Black Mafia Family also ran BMF Entertainment. Authorities say it was a front for their drug operation. Industry insiders say this illegal enterprise helped well known rappers like T.I. get their start.
Sims will be sentenced in October and will most likely spend 20 years in prison.
During his time on the streets Sims was the biggest drug dealer in Louisville. He went to Central High School and lived in Fern Creek.
