Pubdate: Wed, 20 Jun 2001
Source: CNN (US Web)
Copyright: 2001 Cable News Network, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.cnn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/65
Author: Kelli Arena, CNN Justice Department Correspondent

DEA ARRESTS 185 IN NATIONWIDE DRUG BUST

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has arrested 
185 people and issued warrants for another 170 in connection with a Mexican 
drug operation, DEA officials said Wednesday.

The 18-month investigation, dubbed "Operation Marquis," focused on a ring 
that allegedly ran cocaine and marijuana from Mexico to Texas, distributing 
in at least 27 U.S. cities, including New York, San Antonio, Texas; 
Cleveland, Ohio, and Charlotte, North Carolina, the DEA said.

Citing an "unprecedented level of cooperation" from Mexican authorities, 
DEA agents said they had seized 8 tons of cocaine and $12 million. DEA 
officials said they have severely crippled many well-organized distribution 
cells in the United States as a result of these arrests. The investigation 
involved as many as 80 state and local law enforcement agencies.

The DEA said "Operation Marquis" also identified principal Colombian 
sources of supply as well as significant Mexican traffickers, some of whom 
have already been indicted.

The arrests occurred throughout the United States.

Some of those arrested include Hugo Villareal, the alleged leader of the 
Mexican crime syndicate in San Antonio, Texas; Marcus Boykins, a 
maintenance worker for an Akron, Ohio, school district; and Jesse Liendo, 
an employee of LiBrado Pina Warehouse in Laredo, Texas, according to the DEA.

LiBrado is the sole importer of Corona beer into the United States. Liendo 
allegedly used trucks from the warehouse to distribute drugs, the agency said.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager