November 26, 2002

Operation Import - Export

Today the department announced the conclusion of "Operation Import-Export." It should be noted, however, that some spin-off investigations continue here and in Duplin County, North Carolina. In September of 2001, members of the Metropolitan Police Department's Major Narcotics Branch (MNB) obtained information, during an investigation, about illegal narcotics and gun trafficking by violent gangs in the northwest area of the District. MNB members devised a plan to open a store in the northwest section of the city and pose as merchants interested in buying drugs and weapons.

During the operation, investigators identified a major East Coast illegal arms trafficker who allegedly supplied area gangs with weapons. MNB members, working with agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), went to Duplin County in North Carolina. Assisted by Sheriff Glen Jernigan and his department, undercover officers were able to purchase high-powered assault rifles and handguns that were destined for streets in the District. Investigators also identified a major supplier of Methamphetamine believed to be working with a Mexican drug trafficking organization operating out of the southwestern section of the country.

While working closely with members of the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, members of the MNB, ATF and Duplin County Sheriff's Department made a total of 35 arrests during the undercover operation. During the operation, MNB, ATF and Duplin County members purchased or seized approximately nine kilograms of powder cocaine, one and a half kilograms of crack cocaine, over five pounds of Methamphetamine, 120 grams of heroin and 31 firearms. The street value of the narcotics is approximately $1,500,000.

Chief of Police Charles H. Ramsey took this opportunity to commend the members of the MNB and thank Sheriff Jernigan, ATF agents and members of the U.S. Attorney's Office for their assistance. He also noted that this case illustrates the incredible availability of an alarming number of illegal weapons that greatly impacts on the number of homicides and assaults committed in this country.