Statement by Director of Communications Matt Chandler

The following press release was published by the US Department of Homeland Security on Oct. 26, 2012. It is reproduced in full below.

For Immediate Release DHS Press Office Contact: 202-282-8010 “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working with stakeholders in Puerto Rico to maintain a unified and coordinated approach to support the execution of the investigation, intelligence collection, interdiction, and other law enforcement activities directed at disrupting the flow of illegal weapons, drugs, money, and migrants into and out of Puerto Rico. These efforts are intended to focus on transnational criminal organizations and targeting violent gang members for federal prosecution. In the past two months alone, DHS operations have resulted in the seizure of over 16,000 lbs of drugs and more than 100 arrests. In addition, DHS is working with the Department of Justice and other federal and local island partners to support local law enforcement efforts, maintain a strong presence of vetted officers, and establish enhanced training and professionalism standards.” For more information, please see this fact sheet.

Source: US Department of Homeland Security