DRUG-MONEY STING BRINGS NEW ARRESTS

The United States widened its crackdown on drug-money laundering Wednesday,
arresting three Venezuelan citizens and seeking two more in a sting
operation that has now nabbed more than 150 people, including 22 Mexicans.

It was the second major announcement of arrests this week in "Operation
Casablanca," the largest U. S. campaign against laundering of drug profits
from the Mexican Juarez and Colombian Cali drug cartels, the Treasury and
Justice Departments said.

The Treasury Department said the five Venezuelan nationals were charged
with laundering $9.5 million in illegal drug proceeds through four
Venezuelan banks.