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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