Nationwide DEA Sweep Nets 541 Arrests, $11 Million in Cash

Operation "sends a message" to drug cartels

Updated: Thursday, 24 Feb 2011, 9:30 PM MST
Published : Thursday, 24 Feb 2011, 8:10 PM MST

PHOENIX - After only one day, a nationwide crime sweep headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration has netted 541 arrests and nearly $10,993,925 in U.S. currency.

The DEA is not able to give specific locations, but Arizona, Atlanta, St. Louis, Denver, Detroit, San Antonio, San Diego, Chicago, Newark and Miami are key areas.

The operation is a joint effort by the DEA, ICE, U.S. Marshals, ATF, Border Patrol, and local agencies. Authorities are sending a message to drug cartels and known drug traffickers on their radar, calling it "a robust and aggressive strike" against those that break our laws.

They also add, we "will not tolerate strike back or retaliation of any officer or law enforcement."

Also seized Thursday were 395 kgs cocaine, 24 lbs heroin, 130 lbs meth, 32,668 lbs of pot, 306 weapons, and 85 vehicles, as of 5:30 p.m. Arizona time.

The sweep started Wednesday and will continue throughout the week.

"We're gonna provide all the support we can to Mexico to ensure that justice is served in a very firm and swift manner," said ICE Director John Morton.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/cr ... -2-24-2011