BIO: Robert Pletshorn The Godfather of Ganja. He was the leader of the Black Tuna Gang featured in the documentary "Square Grouper".
In September of 1981 High Times magazine published a cover story titled "Black Tuna, The Gang hat Couldn't Deal Straight" about Robert Pleshorn's life story. However High Times kept Robert Pleshorn's name out of the article as he was still active in narcotics trafficking.
He also published his autobiography titled "Black Tuna Diaries". 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 was accused of importing around 500 tons of marijuana into the United States over the course of 16 months. The gang operated at least at one time from a suite in the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, and arranged bulk deliveries to a boathouse.
At the time, the Black Tuna gang was alleged by the DEA to be one of the most sophisticated drug smuggling organizations encountered. They frequently used creative and unconventional methods of communication and organization, such as sending an associate a box of diapers as a coded message to signal they were ready to go ahead with a drug deal. They also modified the painted water lines on boats so that they could carry larger volumes of contraband without appearing to ride low in the water. The operation that exposed the Black Tuna gang was the first joint FBI-DEA operation of its kind. Bailey was a key aspect in bringing down the gang.
During the trial, certain members of the gang were additionally accused of attempting to murder the presiding judge and bribe jurors, 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. In spite of this, a total of 8 members of the gang, Platshorn and Meinster among them, were convicted and received lengthy prison sentences. The Black Tuna Gang was featured as part of the Rakontur documentary film Square Grouper: The Godfathers of Ganja. THIS IS AN AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED CUT that was been mated with an unsigned in uniform 8x10 inch photograph perfect for framing. The black mat measures 11x14 inches. I ONLY SELL AUTHENTIC HAND AUTOGRAPHED MEMORABILIA. I do not sell reprints or facsimile autographs. You will receive the same item that is pictured in the scan. I currently have other rare autographed military and historical signed items available. Please take a look at my other auctions of rare military and historical autographed items.