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November
2000
OPERATION NEW GENERATION
Six
tons of chemicals were seized as part of Operation New Generation
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In November 2000,
the DEA Bogota Country Office, in conjunction with the Colombian National
Police and the Fiscalia Nacional de la Republica (equivalent to U.S. Attorneys
Office), reported the culmination of Operation New Generation. Since November
1998, the DEA had been investigating the drug trafficking and money laundering
activities of the Colombia-based Carlos Mario Castro-Arias cocaine transportation
organization. Castro-Arias was a significant drug trafficker responsible
for smuggling large quantities of cocaine concealed inside heavy machinery
via containerized vessel from Colombia to the United States through Mexico.
He also coordinated the return of drug proceeds from the United States
and Mexico to Colombia. On November 1, the DEA and the Colombian National
Police successfully executed 52 arrest warrants (44 in Colombia/six in
New Jersey/two in New York). Additionally, over 100 search warrants were
executed resulting in the seizure of approximately $2 million from five
different locations in Colombia and one location in Florida. Unfortunately,
Castro-Arias evaded authorities and remains a fugitive. The investigation
yielded 102 arrests and seizures of $2.3 million; 2,110 kilograms of cocaine;
1,400 grams of heroin; and six tons of miscellaneous chemicals.
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Traffickers
used heavy machinery shipped in cargo containers to smuggle cocaine
to the United States. |
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