FBI arrests 133 in Puerto Rico corruption probe

San Juan, Agency
Scores of law enforcement personnel were among the 133 people arrested Wednesday in the FBI's largest-ever operation against corruption in Puerto Rico.

The suspects are accused of conspiring to smuggle arms and illegal drugs, FBI Special Agent in Charge Luis Fraticelli told a press conference in San Juan.

He said the arrests were the fruit of an investigation that began in July 2008.

The FBI brought hundreds of extra agents to Puerto Rico to implement "Operation Guard Shack."

U.S. federal authorities say the police and prison guards arrested Wednesday provided security for drug traffickers, receiving payments ranging from $500 to $4,500 per transaction.

"The Justice Department's commitment to rooting out and eradicating corruption in our law enforcement ranks has never been stronger," Attorney General Eric Holder told reporters in Washington as he announced the arrests in Puerto Rico.

He identified the suspects as 61 Puerto Rico Police Department officers, 16 municipal police, 12 corrections officers, one administrative examiner, one Social Security Administration employee, three Puerto Rico National Guard soldiers, two U.S. Army officers, seven former law enforcement officers and 30 civilians.

"We are proud of the outstanding work that was performed by the FBI, led by its San Juan Division," Holder said.