Attorney General John Ashcroft and United States Attorney Carol C. Lam announced today the unsealing of two indictments charging a total of 12 individuals who represent the top hierarchy of the Arellano-Felix Organization (AFO). Long-reputed to be one of the most notorious multi-national drug trafficking organizations ever, the AFO controlled the flow of cocaine, marijuana and other drugs through the Mexican border cities of Tijuana and Mexicali into the United States. Its operations also extended into southern Mexico as well as Colombia. In an unprecedented show of international cooperation between the United States and Mexico in criminal narcotics prosecutions, Mexican Attorney General Rafael Macedo-De La Concha, whose office provided substantial assistance to the U.S. during the course of the investigation, joined Attorney General Ashcroft at the press conference announcing the unsealing of the indictments in San Diego, California. The Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, John P. Walters, also participated in the press conference. “These indictments mark the culmination of years of hard work and represent the finest in international cooperation and interagency teamwork,” said Attorney General John Ashcroft. “This case sends a message to drug dealers everywhere: We will investigate, prosecute, and punish all those who deal in drugs. There is no escape across the border.” Full Story
About OODA Analyst
OODA is comprised of a unique team of international experts capable of providing advanced intelligence and analysis, strategy and planning support, risk and threat management, training, decision support, crisis response, and security services to global corporations and governments.