Operation Xterminator press conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) here, in conjunction with Wilmington/New Hanover/City/County Vice Narcotics Unit, closed a two-year long operation recently focusing on identifying Marines and sailors using or distributing designer drugs.

Operation Xterminator began in February 2000, after base officials were alerted to the number of service members frequenting clubs in Wilmington where designer drugs were prevalent.

Since the operation began, 84 active duty service members were suspected of designer drug distribution or use; 61 distributors and 23 users. The operation also identified 99 civilian drug distributors and users. Approximately 105 investigations were conducted during the course of the investigation. To date, the operation has seized $1,424,980 worth of illicit narcotics. "The support we received from the Marine Corps and other agencies involved was great; it was definitely a joint effort," said Tim Rose, special agent, NCIS.

A press conference will be held July 3 at 10 a.m. here with representatives from the agencies involved in Operation Xterminator.

For more information, contact the Consolidated Public Affairs Office at the numbers above.

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