News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Traci Hughes (202) 727-4383
September 17, 2009
METROPOLITAN POLICE AND DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION
SEIZE THOUSANDS IN CASH AND DRUGS IN SE TAKEDOWN
Washington, DC – 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 23 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 in the Seventh District 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 23 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 is 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.
Anyone with information about crimes that occur in the District is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM [E]. Anonymous information may also be forwarded to the DC Crime Solvers Unit at 1-866-411-TIPS and to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. If the information provided to Crime Solvers leads to an arrest and indictment, that caller will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
