PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION

Press Release

December 6, 2004
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Shares $10 million in Confiscated Proceeds with UK's National Crime Squad

Officials from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) handed over a check for $10 million to the National Crime Squad and Home Office Minister on Monday, December 6, at the U.S. Embassy.

The $10 million is part of a $20 million confiscation order made against a Colombian national who was at the heart of an international narcotics-related money-laundering network investigated by the U.S. DEA and the National Crime Squad.

Trevor Pearce, Director General of the National Crime Squad, said, "The $10 million presented to us today by our colleagues in the U.S. DEA is the largest amount awarded to UK law enforcement. We acknowledge that successes like this can only be built on the foundation of international partnerships. The money we have received today will enable UK Government to re-invest into our continued attack on crime on all levels and those engaged in it."

In a warning to criminals and drug traffickers, Pearce added, "The National Crime Squad, together with our international partners, is committed to tracking you down, dismantling your networks and recovering your proceeds. The message from us today is that crime really does not pay."

Home Office minister Caroline Flint applauded the combined efforts of the U.S. DEA and the National Crime Squad.

"I would like to congratulate the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the National Crime Squad for their excellent work in seizing this substantial amount of money, which will be ploughed back into cracking even more crime gangs," she said.

Anthony Placido, U.S. DEA Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Office in New York, also praised the longstanding close cooperation between the DEA and the National Crime Squad.

"These $10 million dollars represent the profits derived at the expense of tens of thousands of individual drug users. These drug users have caused substantial damage to our communities, their families, and themselves. This same money will now go back into the community to combat those who would hope to benefit financially from the misery of others," he said.

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