Washington - U.S. Customs and Border Protection efforts in the multi-agency effort led by the Department of Justice known as Project Deliverance contributed to the more than 2,200 individuals arrested on narcotics-related charges in the U.S. and more than 74.1 tons of illegal drugs seized. CBP identified and apprehended Project Deliverance suspects entering or exiting the U.S. and intercepted illicit currency, narcotics and firearms associated with these organizations.
"Opportunities to secure our borders are aggressively being identified on an ongoing basis through our partnerships and collaboration efforts. Building upon these relationships will be at the forefront of our priorities and strategies," said CBP Commissioner Alan Bersin.
In support of Project Deliverance, enhanced operations were conducted at all CBP ports of entry and crossings along the southwest border, with a primary focus on the Rio Grande Valley and El Paso corridors.
More than 3,000 agents and officers from more than 300 federal, state, local and foreign law enforcement agencies operated across the U.S. to make the arrests. During the enforcement action, law enforcement personnel seized $5.8 million in U.S. currency, 2,951 pounds of marijuana, 112 kilograms of cocaine, 17 pounds of methamphetamine, 141 weapons and 85 vehicles.
Project Deliverance, a 22-month effort, concluded on June 9 and targeted the transportation infrastructure of Mexican drug trafficking organizations in the U.S., especially along the Southwest border.
The investigative efforts in Project Deliverance were coordinated by the multi-agency Special Operations Division, comprised of agents and analysts from the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and CBP, as well as attorneys from the Criminal Division's Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section.