Drug Trafficking Press Conference

US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald speaks. US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald speaks at a press conference to announce forty-three defendants in the United States and Mexico, including 10 alleged Mexican drug cartel leaders, were charged in 12 indictments in Brooklyn and Chicago as part of a coordinated strike against Mexican drug trafficking organizations.

Attorney General Holder looks on. Attorney General Eric Holder looks on as US Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald speaks with the press. "Breaking up these dangerous cartels and stemming the flow of drugs, weapons and cash across the Southwest border is a top priority for this Justice Department," said Attorney General Eric Holder.

US Attorney Benton Campbell extends his thanks. Benton J. Campbell, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York extended his grateful appreciation to ICE and the DEA Task Force in New York, the agencies responsible for leading the Eastern District's investigation, and to the assistance provided by ICE and DEA in Miami, Houston, Mexico and Colombia.

Acting DEA Administrator Leonhart delivers her remarks. DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart emphasizes the continued commitment to disrupting and destroying these threats to the United States, "Our relentless investigations penetrated deep into these pervasive criminal organizations, connecting street operations in U.S. communities like Chicago and New York to the top drug kingpins calling the shots in Mexico. Make no mistake; along with our courageous partners in Mexico, we will break these cartels and pursue their leaders."

John Morton speaks on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security. Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for ICE John Morton spoke on behalf of his agency's involvement with the investigation.

The Attorney General takes questions. Attorney General Eric Holder takes questions at a press conference announcing a coordinated strike against Mexican drug trafficking organizations.

John Morton discusses inter-agency tactics used against the drug cartels. "Law enforcement agencies in the Americas are working closer than ever before and setting up a united, borderless offense against drug cartels," said Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for ICE John Morton. "This is a significant step in breaking down the infrastructure of these criminal organizations."