Reagan orders an attack on drugs, mob activity

President Reagan ordered the federal government Thursday to mobilize for a sustained attack on drug trafficking and organized crime, saying it is time to ''cripple the power of the mob in America.''

The drug fight will shift about 1,000 experienced federal agents and prosecutors to 12 cities where task forces will be formed. New agents would be hired to replace those transferred to the task forces. Initial money to get the units operating in January will come from existing money in the budgets of federal agencies. Once fully operational, it will take congressional appropriations of $160 million to $200 million annually.