Key player in smuggling ring sentenced

Associated Press

NEWARK, N.J.

A Chinese national whom authorities called a key player in a large-scale international smuggling ring was sentenced to more than three years in prison Friday.

Ning Guo was one of 29 people charged two years ago in what authorities said was an operation that smuggled counterfeit UGG boots, fake designer handbags, cigarettes and other items worth more than $300 million to the U.S. The 40-year-old Guo pleaded guilty last August to two counts of conspiracy. A federal judge in Newark sentenced him Friday to 38 months in prison.