A major operation has resulted in the charge of 39 individuals who schemed to import a massive amount of fentanyl — enough to kill over 14 million people.

Over 120 law enforcement officers from 30 different law enforcement agencies were in on Operation Cookout. The major arrest operation involved strategies in Virginia, North Carolina and Texas.

During the 3-day takedown, law enforcement seized 24 firearms, 30 kilograms of fentanyl, 30 kilograms of heroin, 5 kilograms of cocaine, and over $700,000 in cash.

This massive interdiction of narcotics, which included enough fentanyl to kill over 14 million people, is proof positive of the power and strength of federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration. — G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia

Thirty-five defendants were arrested for their respective roles in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base in Hampton Roads.

Thirty-nine co-conspirators were involved in an alleged large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy. These roles ranged from supplier, packager, transporter, financier, distributor, and facilitator.

The narcotics organization identified by our team reached far and wide, spanning state lines and crossing all the way to and from our southern border. This indictment, and the 106 counts within, demonstrates clearly that the dangerous and illegal smuggling operations from the border limitlessly stretch into the United States and reach directly into our neighborhoods and communities. — Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Norfolk.

The DEA will continue to carry out operations like this one.

Read the press release here and the entire indictment here.

39 people charged for importing enough #fentanyl into the @HamptioRoadsVA area to kill over 14.5 million people!! "Incredible work by over 120 law enforcement agents & officers" @EDVAnews "A special thanks to our DEA counterparts!" @ICEgov Check it —https://t.co/zObn85c8ti pic.twitter.com/816gvcNewH — DEAWashington (@DEAWashingtonDC) August 30, 2019

Source: Justice.gov | Photo via DEA.gov

