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Release [print-friendly
page] DEA, DC Police Take Down Local Drug Network SEP 18 -- WASHINGTON, DC, September 17, 2009 - The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Washington Division Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today the arrests of 26 suspects for the possession and distribution of narcotics. The DEA Mobile Enforcement Team (MET), a joint operation of MPD and DEA, has been targeting violent drug related crime in the Parkland Park neighborhood of Southeast DC since May 13, 2009. MET has been targeting violent offenders who are trafficking in crack cocaine, heroin, PCP, and marijuana in this neighborhood. MET quickly determined that drug trafficking took place in this neighborhood at all hours of the day and night. In addition, MET is dismantling the sources of supply who provide the drugs and guns to the violent drug crews MPD’s Narcotic and Special Investigations Division (NSID) and MET have executed ten search warrants and made 26 arrests of suspects for numerous offenses, including distribution and possession of crack cocaine, heroin, PCP, and marijuana, and seized drugs with a street value in excess of $89,000. Three guns and nearly $80,000 in cash was also seized. “Where there are drugs there is crime, and this neighborhood has been plagued by both,” said Chief Cathy L. Lanier. “As Chief, I have a responsibility to this community to make sure the people who live here can do so peacefully and without fear. Today’s takedown clears this neighborhood of the crews who are tied to the much of the violence here.” “This continued show of force and zero tolerance approach taken by DEA and our partners in the Metropolitan Police Department sends a strong message to those engaged in drug trafficking, violent crime, gun, and gang activity that this type of behavior will not be tolerated. Together, DEA and MPD will vigorously pursue these criminals and lock up those engaged in such violence and illegal conduct,” said Ava Cooper-Davis, DEA Special Agent in Charge Washington Field Division. The primary mission of MET is to disrupt and dismantle violent drug trafficking crews/organizations and their drug and gun sources of supply. |
