Project Reckoning nets 507 arrests and 23 tonnes of marijuana
US authorities announced on 17 September 2008 that the 15-month Project Reckoning investigation into the Gulf Cartel had produced 507 arrests and seizures including 51,258 pounds (about 23.25 tonnes) of marijuana. The DEA-led operation targeted the cartel's distribution networks across the United States, Mexico and Italy.
🇺🇸 United States, Mexico and Italy · United States
On 17 September 2008, US authorities announced that 175 people had been arrested that day and the day before in a coordinated enforcement action against the Gulf Cartel, bringing the 15-month Project Reckoning investigation to 507 arrests to date.[1][2]The takedown seized about $60.1 million in cash, 16,711 kilograms of cocaine, 1,039 pounds of methamphetamine, 19 pounds of heroin, 51,258 pounds (about 23.25 tonnes) of marijuana, 176 vehicles and 167 weapons.[1][2]
A 15-month cartel investigation
Project Reckoning was a DEA-led multi-agency effort against the Mexican Gulf Cartel and its US and international distribution networks, combining operations including Dos Equis, Vertigo, Stinger and The Family.[1][2]Three alleged cartel leaders were indicted in the District of Columbia on charges of conspiring to import drugs into the United States from Mexico.[1][2]The cartel moved multi-ton quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana from Colombia, Guatemala, Panama and Mexico into the United States and distributed them within the country.[1][2]
Case data
Every number and detail the sources state, with the sources that state it.
Cameron County deputies arrested Farid Sadek Khouane after a search warrant at his home on Varela Court in Brownsville. Deputies reported seizing just over 13 ounces of marijuana, 49 THC pens, suspected cocaine, three weapons and cash.
SWAT operators and the Border Belt Drug Task Force searched a home on Stanton Road southeast of Maxton, North Carolina, on 12 November 2026 and seized cocaine, Suboxone strips, prescription pills, marijuana and a firearm. Tommy Dale Barnes, 40, surrendered the next day and faces charges including possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, held on a $1.1 million secured bond.
Chad Andrew Chandler, 42, of Rockmart was arrested after allegedly fleeing a Polk County officer on New Prospect Road and being found with marijuana. He faces marijuana possession and other charges including crossing the guard line with drugs, giving false information, obstruction and a bicycle equipment violation.
Florence County sheriff's deputies, with the SWAT team, executed a search warrant on an Ossie Lane home in Florence after an undercover operation and arrested Jack Randall Newsome, 48. He faces charges including distribution and trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) and flunitrazepam, and is held at the county detention centre awaiting a bond hearing.
