News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2003

DEA Hands Out $1,912,741.00 In Drug Assets Sharing Awards
to State/Local Agencies

Back row (left to right): HPD Executive Assistant Chief C.A. McClellard, Montgomery County Constables, Tim Holifield, Travis Bishop, Montgomery Co. Sheriff, Guy Williams, Harris Co. Sheriff, Major George Sturgis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Stabe, Front row: SAC Kevin C. Whaley and Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Herrera

NOV 14--(Houston, TX) Today, Special Agent in Charge Kevin C. Whaley with the Houston Division of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United States Attorney's Office announced the presentation of assets sharing checks to state and local law enforcement agencies in the Greater Houston area. These awards total $1,912,741.00 and are the proceeds of assets seized by these agencies in conjunction with the DEA concerning a criminal drug investigation spanning over a two year period, during the year of 2001. This group was operationally based in Monterrey, Mexico, the state of Tamaulipas, and distributed/transported their illegal drug trade across the southwest border to Houston and other areas of the United States.

The investigation culminated with the execution of multiple search/seizure warrants, the arrests of 19 individuals in the group and 2,500 pound of marijuana and 150 pounds of cocaine seized. Agents were also successful in making several money seizures totaling more than 3.2 million dollars in U.S. currency, 2 tractor/trailer rigs and a BMW suv.

Special Agent in Charge Kevin C. Whaley said, " today I am proud to hand out these monies to our state and local partners, clearly demonstrating DEA's commitment to assist local law enforcement to eradicate illicit drugs in their communities and the inherent violent crimes associated with drug trafficking."

The following is a list of the recipient law enforcement agencies awarded shared monies:

3	Sheriff's Depts.	26,003.81
2	Constable Offices	478,185.28
6	Police Depts.	669,459.40
1	Dept. of Public Safety	239,092.64
TOTAL		1,912,741.13

Any questions concerning this press release should be directed to Special Agent Robert Paiz, Spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Administration, Houston Division, @ (713) 693.3030 or cell (281) 831.1919.