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News Release [printer friendly page] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2005 DOJ (202) 514-2008 DEA (202) 307-7977 TDD (202) 514-1888 Attorney General Gonzales and DEA Administrator Tandy Announce Results of Unprecendented National Anti-Meth Initiative 200 U.S. Cities Take Part in DEA Led “Operation Wildfire”
“Operation Wildfire” was successful, because of the numerous law enforcement and drug diversion tactics practiced by the DEA and their state and local law enforcement partners including; undercover meth purchases; meth laboratory identification and seizures; execution of search and arrest warrants; identification and dismantlement of large-scale meth trafficking organizations; deployment of DEA Mobile Enforcement Teams to assist state and local authorities in their meth investigations; and the investigations of pseudoephedrine importers, grey-market wholesalers, and retailers. “The consequences of meth are undeniable–for the abuser, for the trafficker, for the environment, for communities, and for the innocent children who live in filth and neglect,” said DEA Administrator Karen P. Tandy. “Methamphetamine abuse has ruined families, destroyed neighborhoods and put a tremendous strain on all levels of law enforcement and social services. This historic enforcement effort illustrates our commitment to extinguishing this plague and protecting innocent Americans from the harmful ripple effects meth leaves behind.” The Justice Department and the DEA have been fighting methamphetamine for over 20 years and “Operation Wildfire” demonstrates the sustained efforts of the Department to target an unprecedented rise in the use, trafficking and manufacture of methamphetamine nationwide and to make advances on the national and international front to combat this unique drug. The actions of the past week represent the largest single enforcement effort against meth to date, but it is far from the first. Last week the DEA announced the dismantling of three major international drug transportation organizations that each month brought in enough meth for more than 22,000 users in the U.S.
“The enforcement actions announced today provide a shock to the system of meth trafficking and production,” ONDCP Director John Walters said. “As we have learned from experience with other dangerous drugs, a balanced strategy of prevention, treatment, and law enforcement is critical in making progress against this serious drug threat.” “Operation Wildfire,” where dedicated law enforcement officials at all levels worked cooperatively, demonstrates that the fight against this highly addictive drug requires coordination at all levels. The Department is committed to working with our state and local law enforcement partners to address this destructive drug nationwide. Community involvement among neighbors, parents, community leaders, schools, and businesses is also an essential component in this fight. It is extremely important to educate young people about the irreversible harm to the body and damage to the quality of life this drug leaves in its wake. In conjunction with this enforcement effort, DEA launched a new website today as part of its efforts to raise public awareness about the dangers of the drug. The anti-drug website, www.justthinktwice.com, gives teens and their parents the straight facts about methamphetamine. For more information about methamphetamine, please also visit: www.MethResources.gov. Fact Sheet included separately that includes specific cities involved Prepared Remarks of DEA Administrator Karen P. Tandy at Operation WildFire Press Conference ***B-Roll video available***
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