News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2007
Contact: Chuvalo J. Truesdell
PIO/AFD
Number: 404-893-7124

Mexican-Based International Drug
Trafficking Organization Takes Big Hit in US
Large Amounts of Cocaine, Crystal Methamphetamine and Millions of Cash Seized

DEC 11 -- Atlanta, GAFederal, state and local agents completed the initial searches and arrests in two multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency investigations coordinated through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program. The investigations targeted major Mexican drug trafficking organizations that smuggled cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana into the United States for distribution in Georgia, California, North Carolina, New York, and elsewhere. These investigations focused on two separate Mexican-based drug organizations that regularly cooperated in using transportation routes into and out of the Atlanta area.

The evidence seized during the searches and arrests just over the past two days includes 111 kilograms of cocaine, 17 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, approximately $8,000,000 to $10,000,000 in cash and at least 32 firearms, including handguns and assault rifles.


Cash and Weapons Seized
The two investigations were code named “Operation Shooting Starâ€