"Bruce and Jean Seidel of Kutztown thought they were doing a friend a favor by accepting what they thought were parcels from China filled with Viagra.
For accepting each shipment, the couple was paid $100 by their friend, Edward B. Webb of Allentown, according to federal authorities.
But in August, customs officials in Miami intercepted a box destined for Webb through the Seidels and discovered nearly 1,000 OxyContin pills with a street value of $79,200.
Federal prosecutors on Thursday charged Webb with two counts of attempted possession with intent to distribute OxyContin.
If convicted, Webb, 41, would face up to 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine.
The Seidels were not charged.
According to prosecutors, after the box was intercepted in Miami, agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement followed it to its delivery at the Seidels' home.
After interviewing the Seidels, ICE agents had Bruce Seidel wear a wire when he delivered the package to Webb on Aug. 21. After the delivery, Seidel went outside to smoke a cigarette, which alerted ICE agents that Webb had received the package.
Webb was subsequently arrested but released on $10,000 bond. His indictment was unsealed on Thursday."
Until today I had no idea the charge "attempted possession" even existed.
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