Dennis Berard of Niagara Falls pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and 500 grams or more of cocaine

Dennis Berard of Niagara Falls pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and 500 grams or more of cocaine. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison, an $8 million fine or both.

Berard and a partner were arrested earlier this year in a crackdown on a drug-smuggling operation that authorities say imported Canadian marijuana and Mexican cartel cocaine into Niagara Falls.

Another series of raids in Niagara Falls on June 30 resulted in nine arrests of people identified as suppliers to the ring from Buffalo and Massena.