Probation For Former Airline Worker in Drug Ring

A former Continental Airlines employee has been sentenced to three years' probation for his role in a drug ring that smuggled heroin in passengers' life jackets.

Jose Moreno of Elizabeth was cited Tuesday in federal court in Newark for his cooperation with the government's investigation.

Moreno secretly recorded conversations with coconspirators and testified in court.

Joseph Muniz of Perth Amboy pleaded guilty in July to conspiring to possess and distribute the drug. The plea came as closing arguments in his trial were about to get under way.

Moreno was a ramp side employee and Muniz worked as a Continental mechanic when they were arrested in 2008. The U.S. Attorney's Office alleged the men were part of a narcotics trafficking ring with ties to El Salvador and Colombia.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)