The Region : Drug Smuggler Hands Over $1 Million

A Palos Verdes man who admitted flying cocaine and money in and out of the United States turned over about $1 million in drug profits to federal authorities in Scranton, Pa., as part of a plea agreement. John F. Robertson III, 39, former general manager of an air charter service based at Scranton-Wilkes-Barre Airport, surrendered several cardboard boxes full of $10 and $20 bills that he said were profits from drug-running operations. Robertson, who is a lawyer, faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1.6-million fine on his plea of guilty to four federal smuggling-related charges. He agreed to surrender any drug-related profits still in his possession, and to testify against others involved in the operation.