The Failure of Operation Fast and Furious

The U.S. federal government recently decided to focus on the gun trafficking that is centered in Arizona and created Operation Fast and Furious as a plan to stop the crime in this area. According to Reuters, the officials who were in charge of the case were supposed to effectively apprehend the flow of firearms that were being sold to drug cartels in Mexico. Operation Fast and Furious started in in 2009, but has been relatively ineffective. About 2,000 illegal firearms have been trafficked across the border since the operation was put in place.

Recently, 17 federal employees were faulted when they were blamed with ruining Operation Fast and Furious. Two senior officials on the project were forced to leave their government positions but Attorney General Eric Holder was cleared of any wrongdoing in regards to the project. Reuters says that one agent has been killed in connection with the operation. An inspector from the Department of Justice discovered that officials on the operation made mistakes of “systemic” scope. The investigator confirmed that no one had tried to cover up the mistakes, and that they were a direct threat to public safety in the United States.

While the failed operation was a disappointment, it has also fueled a political battle. When General Holder was excused of any fault with the case, it helped to quiet the eruption that may have pitted outspoken republicans against Obama’s party. This is because General Holder is the top law enforcement official appointed by the Obama Administration and has a responsibility to uphold his Democratic party through his actions.

While Operation Fast and Furious may not have been successful, law enforcement is still keeping a close eye on gun trafficking to make sure that everything is under control and that illegal traffickers are being prosecuted. If you have been charged with illegal gun trafficking, then talk to a criminal defense attorney to get representation on your case today!