In a series of raids yesterday, federal agents and Montgomery County police seized records and contraband at 11 jewelry stores in Washington, D.C., and its Maryland suburbs, charging five people with laundering drug profits through purchases of jewelry.

Led by U.S. Customs agents, the arrests capped a two-year probe dubbed "Operation Green Ice" that centered on the Bethesda Jewelry Exchange and other stores, according to an indictment filed yesterday by Lynne A. Battaglia, U.S. attorney for Maryland.

Charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and other offenses are: Daniel Mutai, 40, of Potomac and his brother Moshe Motai, 43, of Bethesda, owners of the Jewel Collection store in Georgetown; Robert Miller, 39, of Potomac; Baruch Pondak, 47, of Rockville; and Andre Coxson, 27, of Baltimore.

Pub Date: 4/21/99