San Juan: Hundreds of FBI agents flew into Puerto Rico to round up dozens of police officers accused of aiding drug traffickers.
In pre-dawn raids on Wednesday, about 1,000 federal agents swept up about 130 people, including nearly 90 law enforcement officers accused of providing security to drug dealers on a US territory where police are struggling to curb spiralling crime and rampant drug smuggling.
US Attorney General Eric Holder said it was the largest police corruption investigation in the FBI's history.
"We will not allow the corrupt actions of a few to destroy the good work of so many," Holder said at a news conference in Washington. "The people of Puerto Rico deserve better."
The suspects include a dozen prison guards, two soldiers in the US Army, three National Guard soldiers and civilians.
The indictments allege law enforcement officers provided security for drug deals in exchange for payments ranging from $500 to $4,500, Holder said.
FBI agents conducted 125 undercover drug transactions between July 2008 and September 2010 that formed the basis of the indictment, he said.
Among the charges included in the 26 indictments are conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, attempt to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking offence.
A total of 77 police officers from state and municipal precincts across the island were indicted.
