News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2002

Office of the United States Attorney
Eastern District of Texas

Arrests Made Of North Texas Drug Suspects

(Plano, TX) A combined task force of federal, state and local law enforcement agents have begun arresting suspects allegedly involved in illegal drug trafficking in the North Dallas area. On October 9, 2002, a federal grand jury returned a 12-count indictment, under seal, charging 14 individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (ecstasy), cocaine, and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB); possession with intent to distribute ecstasy and gamma hydroxybutyrate; possession with intent to distribute ecstasy; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine and gamma hydroxybutyrate; possession with intent to distribute cocaine and ecstasy; possession of a controlled substance; and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

The indictments and arrests are the result of a drug trafficking investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration agents and Dallas Police Narcotics officers from the DEA Dallas Field Division Provisional Task Force Group 2. The investigation began in January 2000 and centered on drug trafficking in the North Dallas area As of mid-afternoon, 11 suspects are in custody on federal charges. Others have been arrested on state charges. More arrests are expected.

Matthew D. Orwig, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, praised the work of the Task Force, "This indictment was accomplished through cooperative police work by the DEA, the Dallas Police Department and a number of other agencies. Their hard work and dedication has led to the indictment of 14 people and the disruption of a major Ecstasy conspiracy in the North Dallas area. One of highest priorities has been, and will continue to be, disruption and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations in the Eastern District of Texas."

Sherri F. Strange, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dallas Field Division, stated, "What better way to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, than by successfully dismantling a significant drug trafficking organization that was distributing MDMA/Ecstasy throughout the Metroplex. We have seen the horrible effects that MDMA/Ecstasy is having on our community and because of the outstanding cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement, in this operation, our community will be much safer."

If convicted, each defendant could face a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine. It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of either guilt or innocence.

Participating agencies include the DEA, the Dallas Police Department, Plano Police Department, Farmers Branch Police Department, Weatherford Police Department, Denton Police Department, Denton Sheriff's Office, Collin County Sheriff's Office, The Colony Police Department, Texas DPS Narcotics, Irving Police Department, Garland Police Department, Addison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Smith is prosecuting the case.

U.S. v Maggio, Jones, et al.
11 suspects arrested on federal drug charges October 22, 2002