DEA launches operation to combat drug trafficking and armed violence in NYC – Telemundo New York (47)

NEW YORK – To combat drug trafficking and gun violence in New York City, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced a new massive crackdown on this type of crime on Tuesday.

Through a statement, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the creation of the “Safeguard Project”, the purpose of which is to intensify its battle against violent crimes related to drugs and drug trafficking at the national level.

Under this new initiative, the DEA will identify and prioritize ongoing drug trafficking investigations with a nexus to violent crime.

“With rising crime rates, the DEA has stepped up investigations into local drug gangs and networks that threaten public safety and instill fear in our neighborhoods while continuing to identify the main drug trafficking organizations responsible for supplying illicit drugs to New York, ”said DEA Special Agent Ray Donovan.

The DEA will work collaboratively with our federal, state and local partners, including the Office of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) the country’s Marshals Service, the DEA operation will comprise three focus areas to address the growing threat. of violent crime in many cities in the United States.

So far, the Safeguard Project has resulted in the arrest of more than 1,500 people, the seizure of more than 2,130 firearms, and the seizure of more than $ 24 million in assets nationwide.

According to the DEA, the war on drug trafficking claims more than 70,000 American lives each year.

– .