Approx. 5"

On June 20, 2001, culminating an 18-month nationwide investigation, agents of the DEA, the FBI, and the U.S. Customs Service, and state and local law enforcement officers arrested 76 individuals. In addition, 185 individuals had previously been arrested as part of the operation. The suspects were involved with a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization responsible for putting tens of millions of dollars worth of cocaine and marijuana on the streets of at least a dozen U.S. cities. The investigation has continued and as of August, 48 additional arrests were made, bringing the total Operation Marquis arrests to 309 individuals. So far, the operation has resulted in the seizure of 8,645 kilograms of cocaine, 23,096 pounds of marijuana, 50 pounds of methamphetamine, and $13 million in U.S. currency.

Special Operations Division, a joint Department of Justice, DEA, FBI, U.S. Customs and IRS program, staffed by attorneys from the Justice Department's Criminal Division and agents and analysts from the participating investigative agencies.