Black Tuna Gang
The Black Tuna Gang was the name given to a gang led by Robert Platshorn and Robert Meinster in Miami in the 1970s. The group never called themselves the "Black Tuna Gang", but the name was used by the media based on the solid gold medallion with a black tuna emblem, worn by members to identify themselves. The gang also used the words "Black Tuna" as a code word when discussing drug shipments over the radio; this term was heard on DEA interception of their communications.[1]
The gang was accused of importing around 500 tons of
At the time, the Black Tuna gang was alleged by the DEA to be one of the most sophisticated drug smuggling organizations encountered. The gang used specialized equipment to listen in on conversations by police and
The gang was eventually brought down by a joint
During the trial, certain members of the gang were additionally accused of attempting to murder the presiding judge and bribe jurors,[1] a claim the gang members denied. One of the jurors they were accused of attempting to bribe would ultimately be charged with obstruction of justice.[1] In spite of this, a total of 8 members of the gang, Platshorn and Meinster among them, were convicted and received lengthy prison sentences.[1]
The Black Tuna Gang was featured as part of the Rakontur documentary film Square Grouper: The Godfathers of Ganja.