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Up To Date

'Operation Blockbuster' Shuts Down Massive Drug Ring

As head of one of the most successful drug operations, Alejandro Corredor moved hundreds of pounds of cocaine, meth, and marijuana from Mexico through Kansas City. Using part-time rappers as part of his crew, Corredor managed to move millions of dollars worth of Mexican drugs.

Of course, the massive size of the operation meant that it couldn't last for long, and the DEA orchestrated a plan, called "Operation Blockbuster," to stop Corredor's drug distribution scheme. Corredor's arrest in 2009 marked the beginning of the end, and this June, when the last person in connection to the smuggling ring was sentenced, "Operation Blockbuster" officially came to a successful end.

Tuesday on Up to Date, those who helped to prosecute and report on the largest drug operation in recent Kansas City history are in-studio. Assistant U. S. Attorney Joseph M. Marquez, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security InvestigationsGilbert Trill, and Kansas City Star reporter Ian Cummings explain what it took to build a case against big-time criminals operating in Johnson County. Cummings' article in 913 Magazine tells the story.

Wonder what it takes to bust the drug ring, or how officers dealt with challenges in "Operation Blockbuster"?  Join the conversation: call 816 235 2888 during the show, email uptodate@kcur.org, Tweet us @KCURUptoDate, or join KCUR's Facebook discussion.

Joseph M. Marquez is an Assistant U.S. Attorney, based in the Western District of Missouri.   Gilbert Trill is an Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Home Security Investigations and is based in Kansas City. Ian Cummings is a KU student and intern reporter for the Kansas City Star.

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When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.