Updated

WASHINGTON --A U.S. Justice Department investigator says a federal campaign against the smuggling of high-powered guns used in Mexico's deadly drug cartel war focuses too much on small-time gunrunners instead of larger trafficking groups.

The inspector general's review of Operation Gunrunner -- a high-profile effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives -- found that agents concentrate on one- and two-person trafficking cases at the behest of superiors who urge them to quickly close cases.

The report released Tuesday also criticizes the ATF for not working better with other federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement.