Embassy Press Release

DEA and Romanian Police work together in stopping second cocaine shipment from Brazil to Romania

DEA Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) Harry Giknavorian listens to a question from the audience, during the joint press conference with the Romanian Ministry of Administration and Interior. American Cultural Center, Bucharest, February 9, 2009 (Lucian Crusoveanu / Public Diplomacy Office)

The U.S. Embassy in Romania held a joint press conference with the Ministry of Administration and Interior to discuss the recent seizure of approximately 4 tons of cocaine, as a result of a joint investigation between the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Romanian National Police, General Directorate for Combatting Organized Criminality (DGCCO), Romanian Directorate for Combatting Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), and the Brazilian Federal Police (DPF).

As previously reported, on January 29, 2009, the Brigade for Countering Organized Criminality Constanta -- part of DGCCO -- seized 1203.9 kilograms of cocaine in the Agigea Port of Constanta, Romania from two containers that arrived from the port city of Paranagua, Brazil. The drugs were concealed in a shipment of wood. Four individuals were arrested by the RNP DGCCO.

During the course of the investigation, the RNP DGCCO developed and shared intelligence information with DEA based at the SECI Regional Center for Combatting Transborder Crime (SECI Center) in Bucharest regarding ensuing cocaine shipments to Romania. On February 5, 2009, during a joint DEA/DPF operation in Paranagua, several containers were tracked and ultimately located. During a search of the containers, approximately 3,780 kilograms of cocaine were discovered concealed within a similar wood shipment. The containers were also destined for Romania. This joint investigation continues as future investigative leads develop.

DEA Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) Harry Giknavorian explained during the press conference that this is an ongoing investigation: “The DEA and the SECI Center have supported and will continue to support the Romanian National Police (DGCCO), the Romanian Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) and the Brazilian Federal Police (DPF) in this investigation as it continues.” He also emphasized the good cooperation between Romanian, Brazilian and U.S. law enforcement authorities: “This joint DEA/DGCCO/DIICOT/DPF investigation serves as another fine example of the excellent relationship and partnership that exists between all respective law enforcement agencies. This investigation also demonstrates how DEA and its international partners work together to target and dismantle international drug trafficking organizations.”

The Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Administration and Interior, Chief Commissary Toma Rus, said: “This operation is not only a victory in the fight against drug trafficking, but from our point of view it represents the clear message that Romania will not be an open gate for drugs’ access within the EU borders.”

For more information please contact:
Garrison Courtney
DEA Public Affairs Section Chief
Office: 001-202-307-2402

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