Organized Crime

The FBI has responsibility for the investigation of organized crimes and drugs.

At the end of fiscal year 1999, there were 22 identified La Cosa Nostra (LCN) families with over 1,000 "made" members. The LCN is involved in criminal enterprises such as telemarketing, internet gambling, and manipulating stock prices. Over the years, the FBI has worked to loosen the LCN's grip on unions and related industries while addressing other crimes traditionally associated with LCN such as murder, racketeering, arson, drug trafficking and extortion.

Today, there are new emerging crime groups with international ties, such as Russian/Eurasian criminal enterprises and Asian Organized Crime which are involved in a wide range of crimes from sophisticated fraud to narcotics trafficking to murder.

Drug Program

In the Drug Program, the FBI focuses investigations on national priority targets and U.S. based affiliated groups. Major international drug elements are found in Mexico, Columbia/South America, Nigeria and other countries. New drug concerns include the importation of Ecstasy into America.

The FBI works jointly with other Federal, State and local agencies in Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, and intelligence gathering centers to negatively impact the drug trade in the United States.