Military

The DEA Announces New Initiative, Project Safeguard, and Preliminary Results

October 21, 2020Joshua Skovlund
DEA

Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. Photo courtesy of the DEA.

The Drug Enforcement Administration announced Tuesday a new initiative, Project Safeguard, and the preliminary results since its August 2020 launch. The project was started to combat violent crime in connection with drug trafficking organizations.  


“Drug trafficking and violent crime are inextricably linked. From the extreme levels of violence in Mexican cartels, to the open air drug markets in American cities, drug traffickers employ violence, fear, and intimidation to ply their trade,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea in a press release. “Neighborhoods across our country are terrorized by violent drug trafficking organizations that have little regard for human life, and profit from the pain and suffering of our people. Along with our law enforcement partners, DEA is committed to safeguarding the health and safety of our communities.”


DEA
Some of the drugs seized during Operation Crystal Shield, a DEA operation. Photo courtesy of the DEA.

Project Safeguard has resulted in the arrest of more than 1,500 violent drug traffickers — 40 of which were labeled “dangerous fugitives” — more than 13,400 pounds of illegal drugs seized, the confiscation of 2,130 weapons, and the seizure of almost $24 million in profits from various drug cartels. The DEA, along with its multi-agency partners, also seized more than 30,000 rounds of ammunition, pipe bombs, and other types of explosives. 


There are three main goals of Project Safeguard: to “disrupt, dismantle and destroy” the most prominent and violent drug trafficking organizations throughout the US. The DEA enhanced its interagency collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) by sharing intelligence in order to enhance federal prosecution of illegal firearms traffickers in conjunction with drug trafficking organizations. The DEA is placing extra emphasis on capturing violent drug traffickers by enhancing their collaboration with the US Marshals Service. 


Katherine Pfaff, a DEA spokeswoman, responded via email in regard to why Project Safeguard is different from past approaches to violent crime and drug trafficking. She explained that this new initiative builds on and enhances investigations conducted by other operations like Operation Legend and Operation Relentless Pursuit. In addition to targeting violent drug trafficking organizations, the DEA, “seeks to work with community groups to prevent the next generation from turning to a life of crime and violence. DEA, through our outreach efforts, has formed great partnerships with community groups across the country to do just that.”


 


DEA project safeguard
Some of the firearms seized by the DEA during a drug bust. Photo courtesy of the DEA.

The DEA has been operating in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, and Los Angeles. Approximately 33,000 criminal organizations are active in the US, according to the FBI. Drug traffickers are often responsible for assaults, murders, and other nefarious gang activities throughout the US. 


“These criminals employ fear, violence, and intimidation to traffic drugs, and in doing so, exacerbate a drug crisis that claims more than 70,000 American lives every year. DEA is committed to treating these crimes as homicides, where appropriate,” Shea said. 


Drug trafficking organizations have ties to the larger and more dangerous Mexican cartels that distribute illicit drugs, often using violence to intimidate their competitors. In many major drug busts, the DEA and its multi-agency partners seize the illegal drugs as well as caches of illegal firearms.



Joshua Skovlund
Joshua Skovlund

Joshua Skovlund is a former staff writer for Coffee or Die. He covered the 75th anniversary of D-Day in France, multinational military exercises in Germany, and civil unrest during the 2020 riots in Minneapolis. Born and raised in small-town South Dakota, he grew up playing football and soccer before serving as a forward observer in the US Army. After leaving the service, he worked as a personal trainer while earning his paramedic license. After five years as in paramedicine, he transitioned to a career in multimedia journalism. Joshua is married with two children.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Coffee Or Die Photo
From the Team Room to Team Room Design: An Operator’s Creative Journey

BRCC partners with Team Room Design for an exclusive T-shirt release!

Coffee Or Die Photo
Get Your Viking On: The Exclusive 30 Sec Out BRCC Shirt Club Design

Thirty Seconds Out has partnered with BRCC for an exclusive shirt design invoking the God of Winter.

Grizzly Forge BRCC shirt
Limited Edition: Grizzly Forge Blades on an Awesome BRCC Shirt

Lucas O'Hara of Grizzly Forge has teamed up with BRCC for a badass, exclusive Shirt Club T-shirt design featuring his most popular knife and tiomahawk.

BRCC Limited Edition Josh Raulerson Blackbeard Skull Shirt
From Naval Service to Creative Canvas: BRCC Veteran Artist Josh Raulerson

Coffee or Die sits down with one of the graphic designers behind Black Rifle Coffee's signature look and vibe.

Medal of Honor is held up.
Biden Will Award Medal of Honor to Army Helicopter Pilot Who Rescued Soldiers in Vietnam Firefight

Biden will award the Medal of Honor to a Vietnam War Army helicopter pilot who risked his life to save a reconnaissance team from almost certain death.

dear jack mandaville
Dear Jack: Which Historic Battle Would You Want To Witness?

Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.

west point time capsule
West Point Time Capsule Yields Centuries-Old Coins

A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
Contact Us
© 2024 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved