Fed task force arrests two on drug charges

David Kihara

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2005 | 11:06 a.m.

A federal task force arrested two men last month for allegedly trying to distribute five kilograms of cocaine and 8,000 tabs of the club drug Ecstasy with an estimated street value of more than $500,000.

A U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration task force arrested David Levy and Zachary Moran, who identified himself as a manager at Western Cab Co., on Aug. 27. The pair allegedly attempted to sell the drugs to an undercover agent at the MGM Grand, according to a complaint filed in federal court.

Both face charges of conspiring to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to sell a controlled substance, according to the complaint.

"It's an ongoing investigation at this time," said Michael Flanagan, assistant special agent in charge of the Las Vegas DEA.

Investigators estimated the street value of the Ecstasy at $120,000 and $400,000 for the cocaine.

A secretary at Western Cab Co. said Moran was not available this morning.

Moran is the son of John T. Moran Jr., a prominent Las Vegas attorney, former member of the Nevada Gaming Commission and former chairman of the Nevada Wildlife Commission. Zachary Moran is the grandson of the late Clark County Sheriff J.T. "John" Moran Sr.

Levy and Zachary Moran had an initial appearance before a U.S. District Court magistrate on Aug. 29, said Natalie Collins, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's office. The men have not yet entered pleas, Collins said.

Their next hearing had yet to be put on the court calendar. Levy is in custody and Moran was released to a third party.