Thread: DEA arrests 130 in massive heroin bust

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060815/...heroin_arrests


WASHINGTON - Federal agents arrested more than 130 alleged drug traffickers from coast-to-coast Tuesday who U.S. officials said smuggled heroin from Mexico and offered phone-up home delivery like a takeout pizza shop.


Beginning before dawn, Drug Enforcement Administration agents conducted arrest raids and searches, seeking up to 150 people, about half of them illegal aliens, according to senior drug enforcement officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity before the official announcement.

By early afternoon, the investigation had produced 131 arrests in 15 cities, from Charleston, S.C., to Los Angeles, based on 10 federal indictments and state charges, the officials said.

Known as Operation Black Gold Rush, the investigation was being described at an afternoon news conference here by Assistant Attorney General Alice Fisher and deputy DEA administrator Michele Leonhart.

Officials said the ring grew its own poppies and refined them in Mexico and smuggled an unusually pure variety of black tar heroin across the U.S.-Mexican border, mostly in Arizona, with couriers on foot or in vehicles.

Among other marketing strategies, the gang preyed on recovering heroin addicts. It sent street dealers out from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and operated outside methadone clinics where addicts receive treatment.

Agents conducted surveillance that showed the gang also distributed telephone numbers clients could call. At first a courier would be sent to deliver the heroin to the customer in a car in parking lot, but later after several sales, clients could call and order delivery of heroin to the front door of their home.

their motto.. "Heroin delivered in 30 minutes or less..or it's FREEEE"
(another 130 lowlifes off the street, is good news)