Galveston County experienced an explosion in gang activity and related drug violence in 1992. The rapid formation of new gangs and the expansion of existing gangs were due in part to increased law enforcement efforts in adjacent cities. By late 1994, Galveston County had the highest per capita juvenile homicide rate in Texas. An established entity, the Galveston County Narcotics Task Force, assumed a lead role in implementing violence prevention measures. In addition, the county requested assistance from the DEA in 1995. The DEA sent a team composed of specially trained agents to work with the county's task force. The initial time frame for the DEA project in Galveston County was set at 90 days, but the project lasted 6 months. The focus was on covertly investigating sources of supply for cocaine and crack sales by gangs and on unsolved drive-by shootings and homicides. A special DEA agent conducted a predeployment intelligence workup to shape the investigations and maximize results. The task force officer most familiar with local gangs was assigned to assist DEA analysis. Two investigative teams were established to work different organizations. The most violent offenders and gang leaders were targeted for special attention in an effort to reduce street violence. Law enforcement officials in Galveston County declared the MET deployment a total success and reported the MET approach permitted law enforcement agencies to penetrate past street drug pushers and apprehend main distribution organizations. 1 photograph