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The High Intensity Drug

Trafficking Area Program:

An Overview

Mission of the HIDTA Program

The mission of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program is to enhance and

coordinate America’s drug-control efforts among local, state and Federal law enforcement

agencies in order to eliminate or reduce drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical

regions of the United States. The mission includes coordination efforts to reduce the production,

manufacturing, distribution, transportation and chronic use of illegal drugs, as well as the

attendant money laundering of drug proceeds.

The HIDTA Program and the National Drug Control Strategy

The HIDTA Program is an important component of the President’s National Drug Control

Strategy, predominantly addressing Goal Two – to “Increase the safety of America’s citizens by

substantially reducing drug-related crime and violence”; Objective Two – to “Improve the ability

of the HIDTAs to counter drug trafficking.” The HIDTA Program advances the President’s

National Drug Control Strategy by providing a coordination umbrella for local, state, and Federal

agencies to combine drug control efforts through an outcome-focused, strategy-driven approach,

which is developed collectively by regional law enforcement agencies.

From the Beginning

Realizing that drug trafficking in certain areas of the United States affects other areas of the

country, Congress established the HIDTA Program to operate under the direction of the Office of

National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (P. L.100-690,

November 18, 1988) and the ONDCP Reauthorization Act of 1998. The HIDTA Program

provides Federal assistance to better coordinate and enhance counterdrug law enforcement

efforts of local, state, and Federal law enforcement agencies in areas where major drug

production, manufacturing, importation, or distribution flourish. The HIDTA Program

designates geographic areas to which Federal resources are allocated to link local, state, and

Federal drug enforcement efforts and to optimize the investigative return on limited fiscal and

personnel resources. Properly targeted, HIDTAs offer greater efficiency in countering illegal

drug trade in local areas. HIDTA Programs are based on a logical, comprehensive methodology

for prioritizing needs and working with other initiatives.
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In 1990, Federal funds were appropriated to five areas of the United States that were considered

the most critical high intensity drug trafficking area “gateways” for drugs entering the nation.

The five regions included specific designated counties in Los Angeles, Houston, New York/New

Jersey, South Florida and the Southwest Border. As an innovative and unique program, ONDCP

established a policy and strategy for the HIDTA Program, consistent with congressional intent.

The HIDTA concept of coordinating drug law enforcement efforts in critical areas of the United

States has remained and thrived. To further build on the efforts to combat drug-related crime

and counter drug trafficking, the Administration and members of Congress have continued to

support the program, which currently consists of 26 designated HIDTA regions. The Program

has achieved a great deal of success in breaking down old barriers between the local, state, and

Federal law enforcement agencies. Coordinating efforts and sharing information has extended

beyond a single initiative or task force, to between initiatives and task forces in a single HIDTA,

a region, and among HIDTAs nationally.

Resources provided to the HIDTA Program have grown from $25 million in Fiscal Year 1990 to

$192 million in FY 2000. The FY 2000 HIDTA Program coordinated the efforts of a total of

949 local, 172 state and 35 Federal law enforcement agencies and 86 other organizations

participating in 462 HIDTA-funded initiatives containing numerous multi-jurisdictional task

forces, in 26 HIDTA regions plus five Southwest Border HIDTA partnerships, 292 counties in

40 states plus Washington DC, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Designation of a HIDTA

HIDTAs are designated by the Director of ONDCP, in consultation with the Attorney General,

Secretary of Treasury, heads of drug-control agencies, and respective governors. In designating

HIDTAs, ONDCP considers the following statutory criteria:

The extent that:

• the area is the center of drug production, manufacturing, importation, or distribution.

• state and local law enforcement agencies have committed resources to respond to the

drug trafficking problem, thereby indicating a determination to respond aggressively.

• drug activities in the area are having a harmful impact on other areas of the country.

• a significant increase in Federal resources is necessary to respond adequately to drugrelated activities in the area.

HIDTA regions are comprised of specific designated counties, based on the drug threat facing

that area. The following areas, with specific designated counties in the noted states, have been

designated as HIDTAs:

1990: Houston, Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, South Florida, and the Southwest

Border (California, Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas and South Texas);

1994: Washington/Baltimore and Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands;

1995: Atlanta, Chicago, and Philadelphia/Camden;
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1996: Rocky Mountain (Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming), Gulf Coast (Alabama, Louisiana,

and Mississippi), Lake County (Indiana), Midwest (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri,

Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota), and Northwest (Washington);

1997: Southeast Michigan and Northern California;

1998: Appalachia (Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia), Central Florida,

Milwaukee and North Texas; and

1999: Central Valley (California), Hawaii, New England (Connecticut, New Hampshire,

Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont), Ohio, and Oregon

A HIDTA Region

HIDTAs are joint efforts of regional local, state, and Federal law enforcement agencies whose

leaders work together to assess regional drug threats, design strategies to combat the threats, and

develop initiatives to implement the strategies. HIDTAs:

• Provide a coordination umbrella for local, state, and Federal drug law enforcement

efforts;

• Foster a strategy-driven, systems approach to integrate and synchronize efforts; and

• Focus on outcomes.

HIDTA strategies are developed by an equal partnership of regional law enforcement agencies.

The balancing of power between the law enforcement leaders ensures the integration and

synchronization of efforts to reduce drug trafficking, eliminate unnecessary duplication of effort,

maximize resources, and improve intelligence and information sharing both within and between

regions.

Regional HIDTA strategies include building collocated, multi-agency drug task forces and

initiatives. Collocation and multi-jurisdictional task forces are fundamental program standards

that promote achievement of strong levels of coordination and partnership building. These

standards provide valuable opportunities for agencies to combine their wide range of knowledge,

skills, jurisdictional powers and resources to target illicit drug organizations and drug-related

crime, as well as to share information and resources, develop lasting teamwork, and even conduct

cross training. The strategies are developed based on the identified regional drug trafficking

threat. Every year, each HIDTA reviews their strategy and initiatives to improve effectiveness and

to respond to changes in the threat.

The HIDTA Program focuses on outcomes and performance based funding. HIDTA Program

policy includes HIDTA Developmental Standards that outline requirements of every HIDTA

region, from basic to optimum in the areas of Intelligence and Information Sharing, Teamwork,

Accountability, and Strategy Building. Additionally, the HIDTA Program is measured by the

National Drug Control Strategy’s Performance Measures of Effectiveness, per congressional

mandate. By focusing and measuring outcomes, the HIDTA Program increases America’s impact

on the illicit drug trafficking industry and helps make our communities safer and free of drugs.

The HIDTA Program creates a system that empowers agencies to synchronize their efforts. In

addition to providing additional equipment and technology, the Program enables drug control
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agencies to pioneer new ways of collaboration. The agencies communicate more rapidly and

effectively and actively share intelligence resources, such as, manpower and equipment. As

partnerships mature, personnel from different agencies hand off cases to each other and conduct

cross-case analysis. By working together, agencies develop a common vision and collective

problem solving techniques.

In the HIDTA system, agencies have a mechanism to quickly adapt to fluctuating drug

trafficking patterns. This ability becomes increasingly important as drug traffickers use more

and more complicated schemes and methods to bring illicit drugs into the United States.

HIDTA Program Policy and Unity of Effort

ONDCP establishes program policy and has oversight responsibility to the HIDTA Program.

The ONDCP Director oversees development and implementation of the Program and approves

funding for regional HIDTA strategies and initiatives. At the national-level, the HIDTA

Coordination Committee makes recommendations on policy, program, and funding to the

ONDCP Director. The Coordination Committee is made up of representatives from ONDCP and

the Department of Justice, Treasury, and Health and Human Services. Additionally, the National

HIDTA Program establishes various sub-committees with representation from state and local law

enforcement agencies around the nation.

At the regional level, each HIDTA has an Executive Committee (EXCOM), which is the

governing body for the individual HIDTA. The EXCOM consists of an equal number of

representatives from local/state and Federal law enforcement agencies. The EXCOM is

responsible for the development and implementation of the HIDTA Strategy and the attendant

initiatives and budgets. The EXCOM also has administrative oversight responsibility for the

fiscal operations of the HIDTA, which includes ensuring that HIDTA funds and resources are

utilized in compliance with all program guidance and policies. The EXCOM hires a HIDTA

Director to assist with the day-to-day administration of the HIDTA, implement appropriate

oversight controls per the EXCOM, and liaison with ONDCP. Operational control of initiatives

is the sole purview of the participating law enforcement agencies. Moreover, HIDTA initiatives

and/or individual task forces abide by the rules and regulations of their respective agencies. For

example, all chain-of-command, report writing, and security issues of HIDTA task forces and

initiatives must comply with the standards of the respective participating agencies. HIDTA

brings the agencies together, provides the concept, structure and additional resources for the

participating agencies’ manpower and expertise to accomplish enhanced and meaningful

outcomes.

HIDTA Investigative Support Centers

The HIDTA Program establishes Investigative Support Centers (ISCs) in designated areas

specifically to create a communication infrastructure that can facilitate information-sharing

between Federal, state, and local law-enforcement agencies. Information gleaned from the

collection, evaluation, analysis, and synthesis of intelligence must be shared in order to reduce

production, transportation, distribution and use of drugs. Cooperation in sharing and
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deconflicting strategic and operational intelligence is critical for combating the international and

domestic drug problem.

HIDTA ISCs are therefore the centerpieces of the Program. They facilitate information sharing,

intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination, technical and strategic support to HIDTA

initiatives and participating agencies. A state or local and a Federal law enforcement agency

jointly manage ISCs. The multi-agency personnel at the ISCs provide event and subject

deconfliction services for HIDTA task forces and other law enforcement agencies in and outside

the HIDTA region for increased officer safety. They also provide intelligence that increases the

effectiveness and efficiency of task forces by analyzing information and identifying drug

trafficking organizations and their vulnerabilities. These services help law enforcement agencies

target drug organizations at several levels: local, regional and national. Drug control data is

collected from Federal agencies, including the DEA, FBI, U. S. Customs, and a multitude of

state and local law enforcement agencies. In most cases an agency representative is on-site and

controls the information based on agency rules and regulations. In cases where sensitive

information cannot be disclosed, the representative provides contact information so that the

agents and/or officers can make direct contact with one another. HIDTA ISCs provide secure

sites and information systems for participating law enforcement agencies to store and

appropriately share information and intelligence.

Each HIDTA produces an annual drug threat assessment, which is created with information

received from regional drug control agencies. The threat assessments depict the actual drug

threat in the region in order to assist individual departments and agencies in developing strategies

and learn about intelligence gaps. They are also useful to policy makers in determining the drug

threat priorities and resource allocation. HIDTA drug threat assessments are integrated and

coordinated with the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC), who has the responsibility of

producing the national drug threat assessment.

The General Counterdrug Intelligence Plan (GCIP), published in 2000, embodies the HIDTA

philosophy by recognizing the critical role that intelligence plays and promoting local, state, and

Federal law enforcement information sharing. GCIP’s goal is to establish a drug intelligence

framework that supports operators in the field, improves local, state, and Federal relationships,

and responds to policymaker needs as they formulate counterdrug policy, taskings, and resource

decisions. Specific proposals in the GCIP reinforce and promote the HIDTA program concept,

goals, and requirements.

Challenges for the Future

After several decades of wrestling with the drug problem, drug-related violence and crime

continue to be among the most profound problems confronting the Nation. Although drugrelated crime and drug use have declined, illicit drugs continue to take the lives of Americans

and cost billions to our society. The Nation working together has made substantial progress in

confronting illegal drug trafficking and drug abuse; however serious challenges remain.

The HIDTA Program has begun a review process that includes on-site visits to HIDTAs by

ONDCP staff, as well as members from the Departments of Justice and Treasury. The on-site
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reviews will help strengthen management at the individual HIDTAs, and policy at the National

level. This will provide greater communication with the National office. Additionally, the

individual HIDTA sites are obtaining the ability to share “best practices” around the Nation.

The HIDTA regions are achieving a closer working relationship with the El Paso Intelligence

Center for the accumulation of methamphetamine intelligence. Additionally, the National Drug

Intelligence Center is being utilized for the streamlining and production of regional and National

threat assessments. HIDTA is closely coordinating efforts with complimentary programs such as

OCDETF and HIFCAs and with National Centers (EPIC, FinCEN, NDIC, and CNC) to

eliminate duplication of effort and maximize drug control efforts regionally and nationally.

To achieve its mission, the HIDTA Program must continue to enhance performance; work to

develop a system that enhances synchronization of drug control efforts, not only in task forces

but also among task forces; and continue to improve its performance measures. In addition, to

help protect America from increasingly sophisticated threats; the abilities of joint law

enforcement efforts must grow with technology. Although the challenges are great, the HIDTA

Program is one of America’s most powerful tools for addressing the drug problem.

The strategies and initiatives that have been developed as a result of the HIDTA Program’s

coordination infrastructure are a significant component in America’s domestic drug fighting

arsenal. The resulting accomplishments of intelligence initiatives along with successful

interdiction operations, multi-agency investigations and prosecutions are a vivid example of the

benefits of leveraging resources and maximizing intelligence-sharing and cooperative drug

enforcement operations. Although the historical trends of the drug problem will not be reversed

overnight, the mission is clear and achievable: America has joined forces to reduce drug

trafficking.

For more information, please visit the official ONDCP website at whitehousedrugpolicy.gov
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

HIDTA/Year Designated Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Proposed

Houston (1990) $3.3 $10.6 $11.9 $11.6 $11.5 $10.0 $9.6 $9.5 $9.5 $9.6 $9.6 $9.6

Los Angeles (1990) 3.2 10.6 11.9 11.8 12.1 11.5 11.5 11.7 13.9 13.9 13.9 13.9

South Florida (1990) 3.8 10.6 11.9 12.2 11.8 11.6 12.7 13.2 14.0 14.1 14.1 14.1

New York/New Jersey (1990) 4.0 10.6 11.9 12.4 12.5 11.6 9.9 11.0 11.0 11.0 11.0 11.0

Southwest Border (1990)* 10.7 30.0 38.0 38.0 38.0 37.7 35.7 36.8 38.9 46.0 46.0 46.0

 SWB Arizona 8.0 7.7 8.0 9.1 11.1 11.1 11.1

 SWB California 8.1 7.9 8.2 8.9 10.4 10.4 10.4

 SWB New Mexico 6.7 6.0 5.7 5.7 7.6 7.6 7.6

 SWB South Texas 7.0 7.0 7.3 7.3 8.0 8.0 8.0

 SWB West Texas 7.0 6.2 6.5 6.5 7.5 7.5 7.5

Washington/Baltimore (1994) 0.1 12.6 12.2 11.9 11.9 12.4 12.4 12.4

Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands (1994) 9.0 9.0 9.1 9.1 9.1 9.1 9.1

Atlanta (1995) 1.0 0.9 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8

Chicago (1995) 1.0 0.9 4.2 4.3 5.3 5.3 5.3

Philadelphia/Camden (1995) 1.0 0.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6

Northwest (1996) 3.0 3.0 4.0 4.0 4.0

Gulf Coast (1996) 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0

Lake County (1996) 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0

Midwest (1996) 8.0 9.5 11.9 11.9 11.9

Rocky Mountain (1996) 3.0 7.5 8.5 8.5 8.5

Northern California (1997) 1.0 1.8 2.5 2.5 2.5

Southeastern Michigan (1997) 1.0 1.0 2.5 2.5 2.5

Appalachian (1998) 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0

Milwaukee (1998) 3.0 4.5 4.5 4.5

Central Florida (1998) 1.0 2.5 2.5 2.5

North Texas (1998) 0.3 2.6 2.6 2.6

Central Valley California (1999) 0.8 1.5 1.5

Hawaii (1999) 0.7 1.3 1.3

New England (1999) 1.0 1.9 1.9

Ohio (1999) 0.7 1.3 1.3

Oregon (1999) 0.6 1.1 1.1

Other 9.6 0.4 0.4 1.5 1.5

Total $25.0 $82.0 $86.0 $86.0 $86.0 $107.0 $103.0 $140.2 $162.0 $186.5 $191.3 **205.8

*Southwest Border consists of Arizona, California, New Mexico, South Texas, and West Texas Partnerships and a management initiative (Funds for management are included in the Southwest Border total.)

Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

**$14.5m plus up proposed for the HIDTA Program as of press time.

HIDTA HISTORICAL BUDGET AUTHORITY OVERVIEW

FY 1990 - FY 2001 ($ in millions)

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Appalachia HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The overall mission of the Appalachia HIDTA is to measurably reduce

the impact of regional marijuana production, trafficking, and distribution in the Appalachia

region and other parts of the United States through multi-agency collocated and co-mingled

initiatives that attack, disrupt, and dismantle the drug trafficking and money laundering

organizations operating within the Appalachia HIDTA area.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1998

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Kentucky: Adair, Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Floyd,

Harlan, Jackson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, McCreary,

Magoffin, Marion, Monroe, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Pulaski,

Rockcastle, Taylor, Wayne, and Whitley counties

Tennessee: Bledsoe, Campbell, Claiborne, Clay, Cocke, Cumberland,

Fentress, Franklin, Grainger, Greene, Grundy, Hamblin,

Hancock, Hawkins, Jackson, Jefferson, Macon, Marion,

Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Rhea, Scott, Sequatchie, Sevier,

Unicoi, Van Buren, and White counties

West Virginia: Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Gilmer, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Mason,

McDowell, Mingo, and Wayne counties

Contact: (606) 877-2100

Threat Abstract:

The Appalachia HIDTA was designated in 1998. It is comprised of sixty-five counties located

within the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The designated region is located

within easy reach of several large major population areas of the United States. At the same time,

the area consists of predominately rural and rugged terrain with soil, temperature, and other

climate conditions ideally suited for marijuana production. Demographic conditions of the

Appalachia HIDTA, including relatively high unemployment and low median family income,

create an environment where illegal activities and corruption can flourish.

According to eradication statistics, marijuana is the number one cash crop in the three states

which comprise the Appalachia HIDTA. Kentucky’s eradicated marijuana crop for 1999 yielded

plants valued at $787,088,000. That amount exceeded the number one legitimate cash crop,

tobacco, by nearly $9,000,000. Tennessee’s eradicated marijuana crop for 1999 yielded plants

valued at $628,226,000 which surpassed all other legitimate cash crops individually with the

closest being tobacco at $217,429,000. West Virginia’s eradicated marijuana crop for 1999

yielded plants valued at $70,728,000. The total value of all other legitimate cash crops grown in

West Virginia combined ($57,290,450) does not reach the cash value for eradicated marijuana.

A total of 1.6 million cultivated marijuana plants were eradicated. Within the past year, a number
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of drug trafficking organizations have been identified as operating within the Appalachia

HIDTA. The makeup of drug trafficking organizations within the Appalachia HIDTA generally

consist of a loose confederation of family units and other associates cooperating in marijuana

cultivation and information sharing regarding new growing techniques and law enforcement

activity.

Strategy Abstract:

An Executive Committee comprised of eight federal and eight local/state law enforcement

leaders from the three Appalachia HIDTA states allow a regional focus and synchronization of

efforts to reduce the cultivation and distribution of marijuana within Kentucky, Tennessee, and

West Virginia. The manpower strength of the Appalachia HIDTA includes 105 full-time, and

595 part-time personnel utilized during intense concentrated enforcement periods. All

signatories of the Appalachia HIDTA Memorandum of Understanding agree to mutual

cooperation, sharing resources and intelligence information, utilization of specialized equipment,

and regionalized training of personnel.

Appalachia HIDTA initiatives that implement the strategy include the three enforcement

initiatives entitled Eradication, Investigation, and Interdiction. Eradication utilizes a regionally

focused effort with heavy participation by the National Guard and state enforcement agencies, as

well as the DEA. Investigation/Money Laundering which, because of the rural nature of the

region, relies heavily on existing intelligence sources from State Police outposts, local agencies,

and existing drug task forces. Interdiction focuses on the transportation of marijuana into and out

of the Appalachia HIDTA region by private and commercial means.

In addition to the enforcement initiatives, the Appalachia HIDTA also includes Prosecution,

Intelligence, Demand Reduction, Administration, and Evaluation Initiatives. Prosecution

includes fulltime state and local prosecutors to encompass the full range of culpability of

violators. Intelligence includes the Investigative Support Center (ICS) and the Marijuana

Signature Lab. Demand Reduction utilizes their resources to attempt to change the attitudes

towards acceptance of marijuana cultivation and use. Administration and Evaluation support all

other initiatives.

Investigative Support Center:

The Appalachia HIDTA Investigative Support Center (ISC) is the centerpiece of the HIDTA as it

provides the collocation and commingling of vital federal and state law enforcement personnel,

and databases to assist all regional law enforcement agencies in counterdrug investigations,

eradication, and interdiction. The ISC provides event and subject deconfliction services for

officer safety and enhanced intelligence production; strategic intelligence for refined targeting

and officer resource allocation; and in-service analytical intelligence training. The ISC provides

HIDTA agencies and task forces with operational analytical support for ongoing “initiative

driven” case activity through access to multiple criminal and commercial databases. The ISC

provides narcotics intelligence analysis, prepares threat assessments, strategic reports,

organizational studies, participates in informant/defendant debriefings, cultivates new Sources of

Information (SOIs), performs post-seizure and search warrant analysis, supports large arrest

operations (or “round-ups”), prepares and conducts briefings for visitors to the HIDTA, and

assists in trial preparations. Additionally, the ISC conducts self-initiated intelligence analysis
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projects to generate leads for HIDTA investigative agencies. The Appalachia HIDTA Threat

Assessment requires quarterly statistical reporting so that resources and direction can be

reevaluated among the HIDTA initiatives.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Appalachia HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Eradication – a multi-agency aerial and ground surveillance effort to identify and eliminate

both outdoor and indoor-cultivated marijuana in attempts to combat marijuana distribution

and consumption in the three states. Within the Eradication Initiative, agencies conduct

operations to identify and eliminate both outdoor and indoor-cultivated marijuana by

providing trained personnel and equipment to search for marijuana plots and grows and help

eliminate the marijuana cultivation.

2. Investigation/Money Laundering – a collocated joint operation within each of the three-state

areas focused on identifying and arresting persons involved in marijuana cultivation and

trafficking and/or persons or businesses that are laundering drug trafficking proceeds. It

conducts follow-up investigations resulting from significant seizures from interdiction

efforts.

3. Interdiction – a multi-agency effort to investigate, identify, and immobilize inbound/

outbound major domestic/international marijuana smuggling and trafficking by focusing on

highway interdiction, as well as commercial carrier and package interdiction. This includes

three-state combined resource efforts on specific locations at specific times of the year. This

focused interdiction effort is designed to compliment seasonal eradication efforts.

4. Prosecution – a joint federal and state prosecution effort to aggressively prosecute all

marijuana and other illegal drug-related and money laundering investigations. It concentrates

on working with the other initiatives to prosecute marijuana traffickers, cultivators and

violent felons to target their equipment, property, and currency assets for seizure and

forfeiture.

5. Intelligence – an operation consisting of the collocated HIDTA Investigative Support Center

(ISC) and the Marijuana Signature Lab located in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together they

provide strategic, operational, and tactical intelligence to law enforcement officers and

agencies. The Signature Lab researches domestically produced marijuana in an effort to

determine areas of origin and trace the trafficking routes within the United States. The ISC is

charged with three primary functions, case support, event deconfliction, and threat

assessment development.

6. Demand Reduction – an effort to reduce marijuana use among youth and alter the public

consciousness that marijuana is a benign drug. It is connected through regional prevention

centers in the three states and charged with stimulating the development of a comprehensive

prevention program for all Appalachia HIDTA-designated counties. This is being

accomplished by leveraging existing prevention resource programs and family service

organizations and integrating multi-media advertisement campaigns.
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7. Administration – a collocated group comprised of officials who are responsible for both

administration of the HIDTA funds and support of the funded activities. It carries out the

policies of the Executive Committee, ensures that initiatives are established and executed in

an effective manner, provides program oversight, measures program effectiveness, and

revises initiatives where needed. It assists in the development of new initiatives and reports

periodically to ONDCP through the Executive Committee.

8. Evaluation – a unit located on the University of Louisville campus that serves as a resource

center for the Appalachia HIDTA Executive Committee, Director, and Sub-committees for

the Operations Initiative. It develops baseline data and measures the effectiveness of the

HIDTA objectives as well as assists the Executive Committee and Director in data collection

and analysis related to fiscal and budgetary issues.

Outcomes:

The Appalachia HIDTA has been instrumental in allowing the law enforcement agencies within

the three states to focus and concentrate on the tremendous marijuana problem. Because of

severe manpower and budgetary constraints, as well as the proliferation of other drugs into the

area, and the growing cultural acceptance of marijuana, the participating agencies were

previously unable to dedicate the necessary resources to adequately address the marijuana

cultivation problem. This situation was exacerbated by a general judicial sentiment within some

of the state judicial circuits that trafficking marijuana was a less serious offense than trafficking

other substances. The Appalachia HIDTA has refocused the spotlight on marijuana as a serious

threat to national health and well being, and allowed the participating agencies to dedicate

manpower to address the threat.

Additionally, the HIDTA Executive Committee conceptualized and implemented the Marijuana

Signature Lab that is the only effort of its kind in the United States. This lab mirrors DEA’s

efforts in their signature programs of cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin in conducting its

research to determine origin and track the flow of domestically cultivated marijuana to its

marketplaces within the United States and even foreign lands.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration,

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Tennessee

Valley Authority Police, United States Forest Service, United States Marshal Service, United

States National Park Service, United States Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Kentucky,

United States Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Tennessee, United States Attorney’s Office

– Middle District of Tennessee, United States Attorney’s Office – Northern District of West

Virginia, United States Attorney’s Office – Southern District of West Virginia, United States

Attorney’s Office – Western District of Kentucky, Department of Defense Joint Task Force Six

State: Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement, Tennessee Alcohol Beverage

Commission, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Department of Public Safety, West

Virginia Public Service Commission, West Virginia State Police

Local: Association of Chiefs of Police (KY, TN, WV), Sheriffs Association (KY, TN, WV)
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Other: Champions for a Drug Free Kentucky, Civil Air Patrol, Kentucky Army National Guard,

Kentucky Commonwealth Attorney’s Association, Laurel County Fiscal Court, Tennessee

District Attorney’s Conference, Tennessee National Guard, University of Louisville Justice

Administration Department, West Virginia Air National Guard, West Virginia Army National

Guard, West Virginia Prevention Resource Center, West Virginia Prosecuting Attorney’s

Institute

Information is provided by the Appalachia HIDTA.
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Atlanta HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the Atlanta HIDTA is to improve the quality of life in

metropolitan Atlanta by reducing the availability of and demand for illicit drugs; curtailing the

attendant violent crime and illegal firearms trafficking; eliminating the profits from illegal drug

related activities, and reclaiming neighborhoods from criminal control. The HIDTA Mission is

accomplished through integration of prevention and drug treatment support linked to strict

enforcement by the HIDTA Task Force employing applicable federal, state and local laws. The

HIDTA Task Force along with DeKalb Police units operating within the DeKalb HIDTA

Enforcement Initiative are focused on dismantling major illicit drug organizations within or

directly influencing the Atlanta HIDTA’s geographical areas of responsibility.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1995

Geographic Areas of Responsibility:

Georgia: City of Atlanta, Fulton and DeKalb Counties and Hartsfield

International Airport

Contact: (404) 815-4400 

ThreatAbstract:

Metro Atlanta’s rapidly expanding immigrant/refugee population and long standing preference as

a significant importation base, wholesale and retail distribution point, consumption hub, storage

depot and rendezvous point are causative factors in the movement of controlled substances.

Metropolitan Atlanta is comprised of the City of Atlanta, Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, and 17

contiguous counties. Its population, of more than 5 million people, represents the heaviest

human density and most ethnically diverse area in Georgia. Within the City of Atlanta and the

boundaries of Clayton County stands Hartsfield International Airport, the nations busiest, in

terms of air cargo and passenger volume. Peachtree DeKalb Airport, also situated in one of the

Atlanta HIDTA, is the second busiest air terminal in the state. The existing zones identified for

HIDTA program activities are the city of Atlanta (incorporated) Fulton and DeKalb counties and

the Federal Inspection Station at Hartsfield Airport. The most prevalent available drugs are, in

rank order: marijuana, cocaine (crack), methamphetamine and heroin.

In metro Atlanta, Mexican criminal organizations routinely engage in wholesale level trafficking

and, to a lesser extent, in retail distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. These

groups traffic in multi-kilogram quantities of controlled substances supplied from south Florida,

southern California, Texas and Mexico. Mexican criminal groups interface with local major

traffickers without regard to ethnic affiliation and are primary sources for drugs within the

Atlanta HIDTA area. Criminal hierarchy and organized infrastructure from locally based

organizations as well as local national distributors represent the target groups for the Atlanta

HIDTA Task Force.
15

Crack cocaine distribution and concomitant violent felonies continue to be the principal criminal

activities in the HIDTA zones. Street distribution of crack cocaine has created within specific

urban areas, a level of violence and social decay never before experienced in this city. This

deterioration is not limited to designated HIDTA zones. The corrosive influence of drug abuse,

trafficking and violence has spread to a number of new untargeted zones in the city of Atlanta

and to specific locales in contiguous metro counties. During 2000, as the Atlanta HIDTA’s

Automated Analytical Intelligence Facility and other initiatives develop, HIDTA Managers,

under the strategic direction of the Atlanta HIDTA Executive Committee, will expand targeting

and will apply investigative resources appropriate to the emerging threat.

Strategy Abstract:

The Atlanta HIDTA Program is comprised of a coalition of federal, state and local law

enforcement, prosecutive and drug treatment agencies – each with individual jurisdiction,

mission and operational priorities. Each contributes resources and services to critical HIDTA

functions of law enforcement, intelligence investigation, prosecution and overall criminal justice

support to mandatory drug treatment. The existing Atlanta HIDTA Task Force (7 Groups) is

composed of 57 federal, state and local enforcement officers deployed at two HIDTA operational

locations and dedicated to the Atlanta HIDTA enforcement mission and its sub-initiatives. In

initiative #3 (Memorial Drive) eight DeKalb County Police officers and a HIDTA funded canine

carryout interdictory and investigative activity on a DeKalb County corridor infamous for drug

trafficking and violence. Offsite activities are coordinated with HIDTA Task Force subinitiatives and intelligence programs through two additional DeKalb officers assigned full-time

to the HIDTA Investigative Support Center (ISC). Coordination of HIDTA Airport activities

occurs through a U. S. Customs agent assigned to the ISC.

Investigative Support Center:

The Atlanta HIDTA Investigative Support Center (ISC) provides significantly enhanced

technical service support and housing for the HIDTA Task Force and its constituent law

enforcement agencies. In addition, the center houses the Analytical Intelligence Center (AIC) to

include the Metropolitan Atlanta Joint Intelligence Group (MAJIG) that serves as the hub for

sharing drug and criminal intelligence among federal, state and local agencies and promotes the

exchange of information. Also, a completely automated multi-station wiretap facility, technical

equipment warehouse and large booking and debriefing facility are located within the ISC along

with criminal information databases from federal, state and local LEAs. The Atlanta HIDTA

Investigative Support Center provides for full development of HIDTA strategies and initiatives

in Metropolitan Atlanta. It is fulfilling the vision and policy guidance of the HIDTA Executive

Committee.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Atlanta HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Atlanta HIDTA Task Force - collocated members from 16 federal, state, and local agencies

target core and secondary organizations involved in the distribution of illicit narcotics and

armed violence within HIDTA Zones. The Task Force performs overt, covert and technical

investigative operations to measurably eradicate drug distribution and violence in the Atlanta

HIDTA region.
16

2. Automated Analytical Intelligence Facility (AAIF) - provides HIDTA Task Force with

operational analytical support for ongoing “initiative driven” case activity through access to

criminal and commercial databases. The AAIF also provides “deconfliction” services;

strategic intelligence for refined targeting and officer resource allocation. Drug threat

assessments and in-service analytical intelligence training are additional support functions

provided by the AAIF.

3. Memorial Drive Corridor - enhances drug law enforcement operations in a target area of

DeKalb County under a coordinated design for high impact on narcotics distribution and

violence. Law enforcement efforts will be directed at reducing mid to upper-level drug

distribution organizations and street level drug sales through enhanced interdiction and

investigation of targeted violator groups operating on or near Memorial Drive.

4. Investigative Support Center (ISC) – at this center, collocated members from Federal,

State and Local law enforcement agencies provide support to the HIDTA Task Force.

Technical equipment, enhanced automated investigative services, refined intelligence

analysis, in-service training, drug treatment and other HIDTA administrative support

functions are housed at this HIDTA Center, 763 Juniper Street, Atlanta, GA 30308.

5. Administrative Support Initiative - strengthens financial management and resource

availability and accountability for Atlanta HIDTA management, consistent with state, local

and federal audit and accountability requirements.

6. Atlanta HIDTA Crime Laboratory - provides technical support through laboratory services

to drug related investigations and through enhanced firearm forensics at the GBI laboratory

serving all HIDTA law enforcement agencies.

7. Drug Treatment Program (DeKalb/Fulton Counties) - since late 1997, HIDTA grant

funding has supported a mandatory pre-trial drug treatment program for more than 60

addicted recidivist felons in Fulton and DeKalb Counties. FY 2000 Atlanta HIDTA

Treatment Funding will no longer be focused on actual treatment of addicts but rather on

evaluation of services and administrative development of treatment support systems for

treatment of prison populations. The Georgia State Department of Corrections will serve as

grant award recipient agency for FY 2000 HIDTA Drug Treatment Programming.

8. Automated Systems Support To Evaluation Functions - provides developing automated

information systems support to HIDTA initiatives for evaluating initiative “inputs, outputs

and outcomes,” tracks investigations, statistics, and maintains budget and inventory controls

for all Atlanta HIDTA administrative support functions.

9. Prosecution Support Initiative - provides on-site prosecutive and legal services to the

HIDTA Task Force and management; enhances interjurisdictional prosecution coordination;

prosecutor liaison, and serves as legal training officer and HIDTA staff attorney in Fulton

and DeKalb Counties for HIDTA zones located in the federal Northern District of Georgia.
17

10. Management and Administration - Provides operational and administrative management

direction to the activities of sworn law enforcement personnel assigned to the Atlanta

HIDTA Task Force and Investigative Support Center. Provides oversight to mission driven

initiatives, budget development and expenditures for all HIDTA related activities. Provides

administrative management direction to administrative staff, and HIDTA members assigned

to the HIDTA Task Force and HIDTA Investigative Support Center in Atlanta.

Outcomes:

The Atlanta HIDTA Task Force and the DeKalb HIDTA Enforcement Initiatives, along with

accompanying support initiatives have provided sustained focused law enforcement actions and

investigations on specifically targeted organizations and individuals in 10 high violence and drug

crime areas in metropolitan Atlanta. Intelligence support initiatives are enhancing evaluative

capabilities and targeting for HIDTA agencies along with a commensurate deconfliction and

coordination mechanism. Title III and technical capabilities have been developed for both

enforcement initiatives and for all 13 LEAs participating in the program. All HIDTA agencies

are receiving value added support in terms of forensics (crime lab) and technical intelligence

support from the HIDTA Investigative Support Center.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal

Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service,

United States Customs Service, United States Marshals Service, United States Housing and

Urban Development

State: Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia National Guard, and Georgia State Patrol

Local: Atlanta Police Department and DeKalb County Department of Public Safety

Other: DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, Fulton County District Attorney’s Office,

Georgia Department of Human Resources, Georgia State Attorney General’s Office, Georgia

State Department of Corrections, Metropolitan Atlanta Rail and Transit Authority (MARTA) and

United States Attorney’s Office (NDGA)

Information is provided by the Atlanta HIDTA.
18

Central Florida HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the Central Florida HIDTA is to measurable reduce the

drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent crime in Central Florida thereby reducing the

impact of those drugs and violence on other parts of the United States.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1998

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Florida: Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Hillsborough, and Pinellas

counties.

Contact Information: (407) 585-2644 or cfhidta@aol.com

Threat Abstract:

The Central Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area covers seven counties from the Gulf of

Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. It is comprised of (from West to East) Pinellas, Hillsborough,

Polk, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, and Volusia Counties. Located within this 8,000 square mile

area, inclusive of Brevard County, are three major cities (Orlando, Tampa, and Daytona Beach),

four international airports, two major seaports, and 75 miles of coastline on the Gulf and 47

miles of coastline on the Atlantic. Due to the movement of drugs between Tampa, Orlando, and

Daytona Beach and the easy accessibility of all counties to US Interstate 4, this area has become

known as the I-4 corridor.

The Central Florida HIDTA continues to face a unique drug trafficking situation. It is a

smuggling importation target due to its geographic location, its tremendous tourism industry, and

its large and efficient air, land, and sea transportation system. The area also supports a large

“user” population as is evidenced by the overwhelming amount of heroin deaths. Its agricultural

industry supports a migrant worker population responsible for the importation of marijuana and

methamphetamine from Texas and Mexico. The major drug problems tend to stay regional.

Methamphetamine labs are predominately in Polk County as they were in 1995. However, in

1999 methamphetamine labs began to appear in the surrounding counties as well. Heroin is still

the number one problem facing the Central Florida area. Reported heroin overdose deaths for

the Central Florida HIDTA reached a total of 80, with the most reported in Orange County

followed by Hillsborough County. A recent Orlando Sentinel newspaper article stated; “The toll

rose so high that greater Orlando is certain to repeat this year (2000) as the most likely place in

Florida for someone to die from heroin.” Other counties are also reporting an increase in the

heroin problem. These heroin deaths however overshadow the ever-present cocaine problem. In

1999, cocaine overdose deaths surpassed heroin overall with a reported 82 deaths within the

Central Florida HIDTA, showing cocaine use in all forms prevalent across Central Florida. The

area as a whole has experienced increases in methamphetamine use, with concentrated areas

found around the Mexican migrant farming communities. Marijuana is still the drug of choice

across Central Florida. This is facilitated by increased indoor grows, over-night parcel
19

deliveries, and concealed in passenger luggage carried through the international airports. The

drug Ecstasy, also known as methylenediox methamphetamine (MDMA) is flooding the Central

Florida area, primarily Orlando and Tampa. The “Rave scene” in these cities also promotes the

use of other “club drugs” such as Ketamine, Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate (GHB), Nitrous Oxide,

and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD).

Strategy Abstract:

The Central Florida HIDTA focuses on a regional concept, concentrating on the most prevalent

drug in those regions. It strives to disrupt and dismantle those organizations responsible for the

importation, manufacture, and distribution of those drugs. The Central Florida HIDTA

coordinates thirteen (13) initiatives for 2001. These initiatives are contained within three (3)

sub-systems: Intelligence, Investigative, and Support.

The intelligence sub-system was initiated to provide regional intelligence support to all HIDTA

initiatives and law enforcement in the area. The intelligence sub-system is actionable through

the Central Florida Investigative Support Center (CFISC).

CFISC represents an innovative concept to combine various information resources into a

consolidated source product and to pool resources for increased investigative effectiveness and

safety, while reducing investigative costs. The Center will help identify and eliminate

overlapping investigations and duplicitous efforts and will act as a catalyst to unite agencies into

more effective enforcement groups. Information and inquiries will be provided from participating

agencies to the Center. CFISC will query all available databases and collect all relevant

information to be assembled by an analytical team.

Multiple information inputs will allow the CFISC to develop a broad and accurate assessment of

the criminal activities that affect Central Florida. This information will be disseminated via

inquiring agencies in a useful and timely manner. The Center will offer a variety of services to

participating members. These services will include, but are not necessarily limited to: NDPIX;

NINJAS; Public record checks; Automated criminal intelligence database checks; Intelligence

analysis; Transactions & transcriptions analysis; Coordination for Equipment loans;

Information/intelligence publications; Graphic capabilities (overheads, charts and graphs); Space

for joint conference activities by participating agencies in multi-agency investigations; Training

opportunities; Overall Trends, Patterns and Predictions of Organizations and Crimes; and Access

to a high tech computer system.

The overall goal of the CFISC is to enhance the ability of agencies to identify, target, arrest and

prosecute key members of criminal organizations, by facilitating a rapid and free exchange of

information through enhanced coordination and communications. CFISC has been designed to

provide a more effective link between intelligence and enforcement and to enhance the abilities of

both.

The investigative sub-system is made up of eleven (11) investigative task forces/initiatives

located throughout the Central Florida HIDTA area. These task forces drive the strategy through

the disruption/dismantling of drug trafficking organizations.
20

This strategy was formulated due to diverse and regionally unique drug problems throughout the

Central Florida HIDTA area. These task forces (including a Money Laundering Task Force and

a Fugitive Apprehension Task Force) are regionally specific with the exception of the

Methamphetamine Task Force and the Heroin Task Force, which are drug specific. This subsystem operates at several levels with the primary objective and goal of disrupting and

dismantling upper level drug trafficking organizations.

The support sub-system consists of the Central Florida HIDTA Management and Coordination

initiative, which is responsible for managing and coordinating the Central Florida HIDTA for the

Executive Committee. HIDTA funded personnel in this initiative include: the Director

(contract), Executive Assistant (HIDTA funded through Seminole County), Financial Analyst

(HIDTA funded through Seminole County), and an Receptionist/Administrative Aide (HIDTA

funded through the Winter Park Police Department). This sub-system coordinates all activities

of the Executive Committee, conducts daily HIDTA business throughout the Central Florida

HIDTA and National HIDTA/ONDCP. This sub-system has been responsible for all HIDTA

training and maintains inventory control, program evaluation, and tracks all HIDTA funding with

the HIDTA Assistance Center in Miami.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Central Florida HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Pinellas County Task Force - The mission of this locally led task force is to reduce the sale

and distribution of powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin within and transiting through

the Tampa Bay area, specifically Pinellas County and surrounding counties. This task force

targets violators and organizations responsible for distributing cocaine and/or heroin in

Pinellas and neighboring counties. Their objective is to identify, investigate, obtain evidence

and arrest persons affiliated with all drug trafficking organizations. Investigations will be

presented to state and/or federal prosecutors for priority prosecution.

2. Tampa Colombian/South American Drug Trafficking Task Force - The mission of this

task force is to reduce the sale and distribution of powder cocaine, crack, and heroin within

the Tampa Bay area and neighboring counties. The task force specifically targets members

of trafficking organizations responsible for distributing cocaine and/or heroin in these areas.

Their objective is to identify, investigate, obtain evidence and arrest persons affiliated with

South American drug trafficking organizations and dismantle them. Resulting investigations

will be presented to state and/or federal prosecutors for priority prosecution.

3. Polk County Poly-Drug Task Force - This locally led task force operates within Polk

County, as well as neighboring counties. The task force targets street level dealers and

attempts to infiltrate those organizations with confidential informants and undercover

officers. Their mission is to identify and dismantle organizations involved in the sale of

cocaine and methamphetamine throughout the Central Florida area. They coordinate all

methamphetamine investigations with the federally led methamphetamine task force to

ensure that each investigation is taken to its full potential. The task force also concentrates

on the interstate and intrastate shipments of cocaine and methamphetamine and target drug

organizations utilizing hotels/motels for the sale of drugs.
21

4. Osceola County Poly Drug Task Force - The mission of this task force is to pursue, disrupt,

and dismantle organizations involved in the sales and trafficking of narcotics and related

violent crimes. This is accomplished by identifying, arresting, and prosecuting narcotic

dealers, traffickers, couriers, and the organizations engaged in the illegal transportation of

narcotics and narcotic related proceeds. Emphasis is placed on heroin organizations

currently established in Osceola County and the greater Orlando area. Multi-agency

investigations are coordinated with this fully co-located law enforcement task force

consisting of the three local law enforcement agencies within Osceola County. Targets begin

with street level narcotic sales and continue to include investigations of illegal importation,

sale and diversion of large shipments of narcotics.

5. City County Investigation Bureau (CCIB) /Seminole County Sheriff’s Office - This

locally led, fully collocated federal, state, and local law enforcement task force was

developed to pursue, attack, disrupt, dismantle, and destroy mid- to upper-level drug

trafficking organizations operating in and throughout Seminole County and the Middle

District of Florida. The mission of the City County Investigative Bureau is to identify, arrest

and vigorously prosecute drug traffickers, their couriers, and members of their organizations

engaged in the illegal transportation and distribution of drugs. In addition, enforcement

efforts are undertaken to disrupt and destroy money-laundering organizations utilized by

drug traffickers, as well as to seize assets and proceeds from the drug trafficking

organizations and identify transportation methods used by traffickers. All intelligence

collected and processed is disseminated/shared with all other HIDTA participants.

6. Orange County Poly-Drug Task Force / Metropolitan Bureau of Investigations (MBI) -

The mission of this task force is to pursue, disrupt and dismantle poly-drug trafficking and

related violent crime organizations. This is accomplished by identifying, arresting and

prosecuting narcotics traffickers, couriers, and their associates engaged in the illegal

transportation of narcotics and narcotic-related proceeds. The task force places an emphasis

on targeting the heroin organizations currently established in the greater Orlando area and on

coordinating those investigations with the Central Florida Heroin Task Force. The Orange

County Task Force is a fully co-located federal, state, and locally led law enforcement task

force consisting of 13 agencies. They conduct multi-jurisdictional investigations ranging

from mid-level narcotics sales to the illegal importation, sale, and diversion of large

shipments of narcotics and the laundering of illegal drug proceeds. The task force

additionally conducts domestic smuggling interdiction operations at Orlando International

Airport and at area bus and train stations. Activities are primarily directed toward the

interdiction of drug and drug money couriers entering the continental United States from

Puerto Rico and those couriers transiting through Orlando on domestic flights.

7. Volusia County Sheriff’s Office - Volusia County has no HIDTA initiative operating at this

time. While it was in operation, Volusia County maintained a HIDTA-funded Tex-Mex

Marijuana Group. The mission of this group was to conduct long-term complex

investigations targeting regional, national, and international marijuana drug trafficking

organizations. These drug trafficking organizations were responsible for smuggling large

amounts of marijuana from Mexico to Volusia County. This task force, which was led by the

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, was operational from July 1998 through the end of 1999.
22

Even though this group is no longer in operation, the Tex-Mex narcotic problem continues to

persist.

8. Fugitive Apprehension Strike Force (FAST)/East Region - The FAST Unit’s mission is to

synchronize federal, state, and local law enforcement in an aggressive approach to the

apprehension and arrest of fugitives wanted for narcotic violations and violent crimes.

Fugitives with prior narcotics convictions, violent criminals, and those who use violence as

part of their narcotics business are the main focus of these cooperative investigations.

9. Fugitive Apprehension Strike Force (FAST)/West Region – FAST West addresses the

violence associated with drug trafficking, the violation of probation of the crimes will be

pursued within the various geographic locations around Tampa Bay, with special emphasis

given to cases within the “Weed and Seed” areas of Tampa and Hillsborough County.

10. The Money Laundering Task Force – The task forces’ mission is to target organizations

moving money and assets having been derived from illicit drug activities.

11. The Heroin Task Force – this task force addresses heroin trafficking organizations as an

end objective but has manpower specifically dedicated to heroin overdose death

investigations

12. Central Florida Methamphetamine Task Force/Drug Enforcement Agency – Task

Force Two/Tampa - The primary mission for this federally led, state and local law

enforcement task force is to target major methamphetamine trafficking organizations based

in the Central Florida area. This unit is also tasked with responding to requests for assistance

from local municipalities that lack the resources to combat an existing methamphetamine

threat or laboratory. Additionally, this task force is responsible for developing intelligence

information concerning the clandestine manufacture of methamphetamine within Central

Florida.

Outcomes:

Organizations

Disrupted 45

Dismantled 24

Arrests 2,408 (* Two individuals were licensed physicians.)

Currency Seized $3,081,216.00

Heroin Seized 36.2 pounds

Cocaine Seized 407.28 pounds

Methamphetamine Seized 136.72 pounds

Marijuana Seized 19,434 pounds

Weapons Seized 202

Vehicles Seized 96
23

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal

Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service,

United States Attorney’s Office, United States Customs Service, United States Marshals Service

State: Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Florida State Attorney’s Office

Local: Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County

Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County

Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department, St. Petersburg Police Department, Tarpon Springs

Police Department, Clearwater Police Department, Largo Police Department, Oviedo Police

Department, Winter Springs Police Department, Lake Mary Police Department, Altamonte

Springs Police Department, Maitland Police Department

Information is provided by the Central Florida HIDTA.
24

Central Valley HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: To reduce the manufacturing, trafficking, and distribution of

methamphetamine, precursor chemicals, and other dangerous drugs by attacking and dismantling

the large-scale and often violent organizations responsible through the implementation of

cooperative and innovative strategies.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1999

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

California: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin,

Stanislaus, and Tulare counties.

Contact: (559) 445-6205 and jmwhidta@aol.com

Threat Abstract:

The Central Valley of California is a major agricultural center for the nation. The population is

approximately four million, but swells seasonally with migrant labor. The region contains two

international airports, hundreds of private airstrips, and several major interstate highways,

including Interstate 5 and Highway 99 (favored transportation routes for narcotics transit from

Mexico and the Central Valley to the northwest) and Interstate 80 (a major eastbound pipeline).

The Central Valley also has rail, bus, cargo, and shipping port facilities. The region is a primary

manufacturing, transshipment, distribution, and consumption area for most illegal narcotics, and

for methamphetamine at an alarming rate. Violence associated with the methamphetamine trade

impacts the region’s families, neighborhoods and schools. The Central Valley HIDTA utilizes an

ambitious cooperative effort to identify, target and impact the region’s Drug Trafficking

Organizations. The area has recently experienced a dramatic increase in the number and scale of

clandestine methamphetamine manufacturing laboratory operations, mostly operated by polydrug trafficking organizations based in Mexico. These labs and so-called “super-labs” are

situated in the Central Valley because of its proximity to principle precursor chemical supply

companies and major interstate highways. These labs are large-scale, relatively sophisticated,

and are carefully planned and guarded, and can produce 20-200 pounds of high purity

methamphetamine per cooking cycles.

Strategy Abstract:

An Executive Committee is comprised of 14 members/officers (7 federal and 7 state/local) which

integrates and synchronizes efforts at drug manufacturing and trafficking reduction points,

eliminates unnecessary duplication of equipment and effort, improves the systematic creation

and sharing of intelligence products and pro-active targeting information, and provides a unified

approach between law enforcement and prosecution. Twenty-nine local, state and federal

agencies participate in the HIDTA. The strategy is implemented through four collocated multiagency task forces, an administrative/ management initiative, and the Investigative Support

Center. Task forces focus on tying interdiction to the larger strategy of drug trafficking
25

organizations, by targeting the most significant methamphetamine and precursor chemical

traffickers and organizations. These traffickers and organizations are identified with the

assistance of the Investigative Support Center (ISC) by utilizing effective techniques for the

identification of drug trafficking organizations, the arrest of drug trafficking organization

members, the seizure and forfeiture of their assets, and successful prosecutions. These techniques

include controlled deliveries, undercover negotiations and purchases, pen registers, toll analysis,

and Title III wire intercepts. Task forces actively pursue OCDETF cases. Investigative task

forces focus on their areas of influence, which ultimately contributes to the entire HIDTA

strategy. Successful prosecutions are the ultimate goal of HIDTA investigations. Prosecutors

participate at every level of a HIDTA investigation, from targeting to strategizing.

Investigative Support Center:

The ISC makes it possible for task forces to develop coordinated proactive strategies for drug

and money laundering enforcement and interdiction. The ISC collects and disseminates

intelligence to enhance the task forces’ ability to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking

organization operations. The ISC provides event and case deconfliction for officer safety and

enhanced intelligence through the Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Intelligence Center

(LA Clear) and strategic intelligence for refined targeting and officer resource allocation. The

ISC provides HIDTA task forces with operational analytical support for ongoing “initiative

driven” case activity through access to criminal and commercial databases. The ISC provides

quarterly reporting for trend analysis and strategic planning.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Central Valley HIDTA strategy include:

1. CV HIDTA Management/ Administration Initiative – an initiative which provides guidance

and direction to facilitate the coordination and administration of all HIDTA initiatives and

related budgets in order to ensure that the HIDTA’s strategy and subsequent

initiatives/budgets are affecting the regional threat, and that HIDTA funds are targeting the

intended mission.

2. CV HIDTA Investigative Center – an initiative which supports CV HIDTA efforts to

disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and related money laundering

and violent crime by information collection, analysis and dissemination on drug

trafficking organizations; reducing duplication of efforts; and enhancing the

identification, targeting, arrest and prosecution of key drug trafficking organization

members by facilitating information exchange.

3. Fresno Methamphetamine Task Force – a collocated multi-agency initiative dedicated to

the reduction of the large-scale manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine and

precursor chemicals distribution in Fresno and Madera Counties by identifying, arresting and

prosecuting major methamphetamine drug trafficking organizations; dismantling clandestine

laboratories; identifying and targeting precursor chemical distributors for arrest and

prosecution; identifying and targeting money-laundering operations; and pursuing asset

seizures.
26

4. Sacramento Area Intelligence/ Narcotics Task Force – a collocated multi-agency initiative

dedicated to the disruption and dismantling of drug trafficking organizations in Sacramento

County by integrating and supplementing the efforts of existing law enforcement; identifying

drug trafficking organizations; identifying precursor chemical traffickers; developing related

intelligence; and assigning leads to investigative groups for enforcement action.

5. Southern Tri-County Drug Task Force – a collocated multi-agency task force dedicated to

identifying, targeting, and dismantling drug trafficking organizations involved in the

wholesale manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine and other drugs in Kern, Kings

and Tulare Counties by: identifying, arresting, and prosecuting major methamphetamine drug

trafficking organizations and precursor chemical distributors for arrest and prosecution;

identifying and targeting money-laundering operations; pursuing asset seizures; linking

clandestine labs and chemical dump sites; and coordinating intelligence through the ISC.

6. Stanislaus- San Joaquin- Merced Drug Task Force – a collocated multi-agency taskforce

dedicated to pursuing, disrupting, and dismantling methamphetamine drug trafficking

organizations in San Joaquin, Merced, and Stanislaus Counties by: identifying, arresting, and

prosecuting drug trafficking organization members; targeting and arresting individuals and

rogue precursor chemical and lab equipment suppliers; pursue asset seizures; link clandestine

labs and chemical dump sites; and coordinating intelligence through the ISC.

Outcomes:

The Central Valley, California HIDTA has established a reputation as a value-added program to

existing law enforcement agencies. In particular, the HIDTA has benefited small municipalities

and counties with limited financial and personnel resources available for addressing the

overwhelming methamphetamine situation in their immediate vicinities. Small towns such as

Porterville and Delano (Southern Tri-County Drug Task Force counties), and small counties such

as Madera, in essence are loaned a narcotics division made up of local professionals with vested

interest in the quality of life in the area of operation.

In its brief existence, the CV HIDTA has dramatically impacted the methamphetamine problem

in the Central Valley of California. Instead of the expected disruption of 22 methamphetamine

drug trafficking organizations by arresting and prosecuting 25 organization members in CY

2000, the HIDTA has dismantled 18 drug trafficking organizations and made 159 cases by

August 2000. Rather than the anticipated total of 80 arrests for CY 2000, the task forces have

arrested 221 suspects by August 2000. The estimated 10 dismantled clandestine laboratories

were surpassed by the seizure of 56 labs by August (27 of which were "super labs", capable of

manufacturing 20 pounds or more of methamphetamine in a single cooking cycle). Projected

methamphetamine seizure totals were 450 pounds of finished product or methamphetamine

solution. Over 290 pounds of finished product and 922 liters of methamphetamine solution

(capable of producing another 244 pounds of methamphetamine) had been seized by August

2000.
27

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration,

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue

Service, United States Attorney’s Office, United States Marshal Service

State: Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement/ California Department of Justice, California

Department of Corrections, California Highway Patrol, and California National Guard,

California Department of Corrections, California Highway Patrol, California National Guard

Local: Bakersfield Police Department, Delano Police Department, Fresno County District

Attorney’s Office, Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, Fresno Police Department, Kern County

Sheriff’s Department, Kings County Sheriff’s Department, Madera County Sheriff’s Department,

Merced County Sheriff’s Department, Merced Police Department, Porterville Police Department,

Sacramento Police Department, Sacramento County Probation Department, Sacramento County

Sheriff’s Department, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s

Department, Stockton Police Department, and Tulare County Sheriff’s Department

Information is provided by the Central Valley HIDTA.
28

Chicago HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the Chicago HIDTA is to measurably reduce the illicit

drug threat by building partnerships, combining resources and leveraging shared information to

enhance public safety.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1995

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Illinois: Cook, Kendall, Grundy, and Will counties

Contact: (312) 603-8000 and www.chicago-hidta.org

Threat Abstract:

The Chicago HIDTA was established in 1995 to assist local, state and federal law enforcement

agencies in dismantling the Gangster Disciples street gang, thereby reducing the flow of illicit

drugs and decreasing drug-related crime in the Chicago area. In 1997, the Chicago HIDTA

became a full HIDTA and broadened its attack on illicit drug trafficking and related criminal

activity.

Chicago is a city of 3,000,000 people with a metropolitan area population of over 8,000,000.

Chicago encompasses 1,900 square miles, is a national transportation, financial and industrial

leader. It has achieved international notoriety as a world financial center and cultural Mecca. Its

diversified economy is based on manufacturing, finance, printing and publishing, insurance and

food processing. A substantial industrial base and a well-developed transportation network of

highways, airways and waterways contribute to the city’s position as a national transportation

and distribution center. Because of its size, its ethnic diversity and the easy access to and from

the city, Chicago has become a major distribution hub of narcotics and other controlled

substances for the entire heartland of the United States.

Chicago is a major hub for illicit drug trafficking by Mexican, Colombian and Nigerian criminal

cartels distributing cocaine, heroin and marijuana in Chicago and throughout the entire Midwest.

Street gangs dominate the local distribution and sale of illicit drugs. As a result, the number of

drug related crimes, principally violent crimes, is particularly high. The popularity of “Club

Drugs”, such as MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB and Ketamine, in the suburbs indicates a growing trend

among the suburban youth in their late teens and early twenties.

Strategy Abstract:

The executive committee, which oversees and approves the various initiatives undertaken by the

Chicago HIDTA is comprised of 8 federal and 7 state and local law enforcement command

officials in the Chicago metropolitan area. The executive committee assures the coordinated

efforts of the various agencies and the elimination of duplicated efforts. They also support

programs aimed at demand reduction. The office of the Executive Director oversees the
29

cooperative efforts of each initiative and assures the appropriate resources are allocated when

required.

Chicago HIDTA initiatives include 10 multi-agency task force groups consisting of local, state

and federal enforcement personnel and three support groups – administrative, investigative and

technical.

Investigative Support Center:

The Chicago HIDTA Investigative Support Center consists of two groups, the Trends and

Assessments Group (TAG) and the Investigative Support Group (ISC). The TAG provides

HIDTA management with trends, forecasts and threat assessments to assist decision makers in

planning enforcement operations, and in allocating manpower and fiscal resources. The ISC

directly supports the investigation. Analysts work closely with the investigators and/or the

prosecuting attorneys, providing subject and group profiles, link analyses and other relevant and

material information gleaned from various databases and from arrest reports, surveillance

reports, and so forth. The ISC maintains an Inquiry Desk, which provides rapid response and

support to investigators in the field who might have need for specific information regarding

locations, individuals, businesses, properties, ownership of properties, criminal histories, subject

photographs and so forth.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Chicago HIDTA Strategy:

1. Inner City Street Gang Sources of Supply is a multi-agency collocated Task Force, which

has the responsibility to identify and to target mid and upper level drug traffickers, including

those national and international cartels, which supply organized street gangs in the greater

metropolitan area of the City of Chicago.

2. South Suburban Initiative is a multi-agency collocated Task Force, which has the

responsibility to identify, to target, and to dismantle those local distribution networks

controlling the supply and distribution of illicit drugs to street dealers in the south suburban

areas of Cook County.

3. North Suburban Initiative is a multi-agency collocated Task Force, which has the

responsibility to immobilize and dismantle drug trafficking organizations in the northern

suburbs of Cook County with direct ties to source countries. The Task Force is responsible

for targeting street level and mid-level dealers in the northern suburbs of Cook County and

for developing intelligence on the production and dissemination of the drugs.

4. Violent Crime Drug Task Force is a multi-agency collocated Task Force responsible for

identifying, targeting and prosecuting those individuals responsible for murders or violent

crimes committed in furtherance of maintaining, expanding, consolidating or defending illicit

drug trafficking activities.

5. Tri-County Initiative is a multi-agency group of Task Forces responsible for identifying and

targeting drug distribution groups based in Chicago and Cook County who ship and/or sell

drugs in Will, Kendall or Grundy Counties. Four existing Task Forces in the three collar-
30

counties cooperate with the Task Forces in Cook County to target those individuals and

organizations, which traffic across county lines.

6. Narcotics and Currency Interdiction is a multi-agency Task Force, which utilizes

surveillance and intelligence analyses to identify, to target, and to interdict illicit drug and

currency shipments generated by drug trafficking organizations.

7. Suspicious Activity Report Review Team (formerly Financial Investigations Group) is a

multi-agency Task Force responsible for identifying, disrupting and dismantling those

organizations which are involved in laundering the proceeds generated by the illegal sale of

controlled substances.

8. International Source of Supply Initiative is a multi-agency collocated Task Force whose

mission is to locate, to identify, to target, to disrupt, and to dismantle those established drug

trafficking and money laundering organizations based in Cook County, especially those

organizations, which use Chicago as a storage and transshipment center for distribution

throughout the Midwest and the United States.

9. Package Interdiction Team is a multi-agency Task Force, which target the shipments of

illicit drugs transported by governmental and/or private delivery or courier services. This

Task Force profiles packages at U.S. Postal facilities and at private carrier facilities to

identify the point of origin and to target offenders and associated dealers for arrest and

prosecution.

10. Rail Interdiction is a multi-agency Task Force whose task is to target, to interdict and to

investigate large quantity international shipments of illegal drugs transshipped to the Chicago

area via rail. As the major rail transportation hub of the United States, Chicago is the

principal site where rail traffic entering the United State from the southern border is

consolidated for shipments destined for Chicago and beyond.

11. Technical Support Group provides technical assistance and equipment to support Title III

activities, Pen Registers, and other specialized and technical surveillance operations. The

Tech Group provides video and audio enhancements. It provides for the sharing of technical

equipment owned and operated by the sponsoring agencies and it coordinates the

procurement of specialized equipment needed but not available from any other source.

12. Investigative Support Center collects, compiles and analyzes data regarding illicit drug and

associated criminal activities. It disseminates and exchanges counter-drug intelligence

information. It operates a national Pointer and a regional Deconfliction system. It provides

and coordinates counter-drug and related law enforcement training. It provides case and trial

support to federal and to state prosecutions. It serves as a resource for technical assistance to

law enforcement efforts throughout the Chicago HIDTA area of concern.

13. Chicago HIDTA Director’s Office is responsible for the development and implementation

of the HIDTA’s strategy, initiatives and budgets based on the threat assessment. The HIDTA
31

Director is the point of contact for all information disseminated from ONDCP, and is a

conduit for the reports and information to ONDCP.

Outcomes:

The value that HIDTA has added to law enforcement in the Chicago area includes, but is not

limited by, the following: greater coordination and information sharing among law enforcement

agencies than has ever been evident in the past; providing federal money laundering expertise to

state and local agencies on a continuing basis for the first time; implementing a rail interdiction

program for the first time; and instituting a Pointer and a Deconfliction Program for the first

time.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal

Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service,

United States Attorney’s Office, United States Customs Service, United States Marshals Service,

United States Postal Inspection Service, Housing and Urban Development-Office of the

Inspector General

State: Illinois State Police, Office of the Illinois Attorney General, Illinois National Guard

Local: Cook County Forest Preserve Police, Cook County Sheriff’s Department, Cook County

State’s Attorney, Grundy County Sheriff’s Department, Kendall County Sheriff’s Department,

Will County Sheriff’s Department, Bartlett Police Department, Blue Island Police Department,

Bolingbrook Police Department, Braidwood Police Department, Calumet City Police

Department, Chicago Police Department, Chicago Heights Police Department, Elk Grove

Village Police Department, Joliet Police Department, Lockport Police Department, Matteson

Police Department, McCook Police Department, Oak Forest Police Department, Oswego Police

Department, Palatine Police Department, Plano Police Department, Railroad Police, Riverdale

Police Department, University of Illinois at Chicago Police Department, Waukegan Police

Department, Yorkville Police Department

Information is provided by the Chicago HIDTA.
32

Gulf Coast HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the Gulf Coast HIDTA is to measurably reduce the

impact of Gulf Coast drug trafficking on other parts of the United States and to measurably

reduce violent drug trafficking in its three-state area.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1996

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Alabama: Baldwin, Jefferson, Mobile, and Montgomery counties

Louisiana: Caddo, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, and Orleans Parishes

Mississippi: Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, and Jefferson counties

Contact: (504) 840-1400 and www.gchidta.org

Threat Abstract:

The Gulf Coast HIDTA is comprised of 12 counties/parishes in the states of Alabama, Louisiana

and Mississippi. The three states are largely rural, agricultural and relatively impoverished. The

Gulf Coast HIDTA’s geographic location between the southwest border and the eastern seaboard

serves as a strategic corridor for drug traffickers transshipping drugs and money to and from

eastern and northern parts of the country. Its combination of waterways, deep water ports,

railway and highway systems, and airports are used extensively by drug trafficking and

smuggling organizations. The growing casino gaming industry in Louisiana and Mississippi is

also particularly attractive to drug trafficking organizations as an alternative for money

laundering activities.

There are approximately 340 identified international, national and regional drug trafficking

organizations operating within the Gulf Coast HIDTA. The drug of choice for consumers

remains marijuana, although powder and crack cocaine cause the greatest impact on violent

crime, the economy and society. Methamphetamine lab activity has dramatically increased in

the last few years particularly in the northern portions of the three states. Heroin use has shown

marked increases in some of the metropolitan areas within the HIDTA. Many areas within the

three-state HIDTA rank among the top in the nation for occurrences of violent crimes. This

trend is attributed directly to drug trafficking and use.

Strategy Abstract:

The Gulf Coast HIDTA strategy addresses the drug problem holistically. This is accomplished

through a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies aimed at a

balanced targeting effort on local, regional, national and international drug trafficking/money

laundering organizations operating within our area of responsibility. This strategy brings

unprecedented synergism and synchronization among law enforcement agencies within the Gulf

Coast HIDTA.
33

Training is another important component of our holistic approach. The ever-changing drug

trafficking environment requires continual training opportunities to provide area drug

enforcement officers with the latest and most successful investigative techniques available.

HIDTA training is free to all participating agencies and is coordinated with other training

organizations in the three-state area to provide a balanced instruction location to officers.

The Gulf Coast HIDTA strives to maintain and improve a systematic approach to facilitate

cooperative, collaborative law enforcement efforts, balancing direct support to enforcement

operations with robust systems that will continue to enhance law enforcement efforts well into

the future. The Gulf Coast HIDTA strategy is continually fine-tuned to ensure it addresses the

region’s ever-changing drug threat. Most recently, this has resulted in a proposal to expand Gulf

Coast HIDTA operations into northern Mississippi and northern and western Louisiana to meet

the growing threat posed by methamphetamine and violent gang activity. To accurately measure

present drug activity and predict future trends, the Gulf Coast HIDTA coordinates among

federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies the production and publication of a yearly

threat assessment. The yearly threat assessment is used to develop our strategy. The strategy is

then implemented through the funding of specific initiatives that target aspects of the threat in a

multi-agency collocated environment.

Investigative Support Center:

The Gulf Coast HIDTA Intelligence Coordination Network (ICN) serves as the intelligence

coordination mechanism for all funded initiatives. Due to the geographic expanse of our

initiatives which are dispersed across a three-state area, an innovative method of collecting,

analyzing and disseminating actionable intelligence had to be devised; hence the ICN. The core

of the network is the Network Coordination Group (NCG) located in Metairie, Louisiana,

collocated with the Louisiana Operations Center, another HIDTA funded enforcement initiative.

The supervisor of the NCG is a DEA supervisor who oversees analysts who are responsible for

the collection and distribution of strategic intelligence among initiatives. The group also

coordinates the production of our annual threat assessment. Collocated with the NCG is the Gulf

Coast HIDTA intelligence director. The intelligence director serves as the coordinator for all

intelligence assets (analysts and intelligence initiatives) dispersed throughout the Gulf Coast

HIDTA. He is also responsible for implementation of the General Counterdrug Intelligence Plan

in accordance with ONDCP and participating agency guidelines.

Other Gulf Coast HIDTA funded intelligence groups include the FBI led Joint Drug Intelligence

Group (JDIG), a part of the Mobile/Baldwin Counties Task Force. It supports ongoing

investigations in its area of responsibility and collects and transmits intelligence to the NCG.

The BLOC/HIDTA Watch Center is a United States Customs initiative, located in Gulfport,

Mississippi. It is a 24-hour/7 day intelligence support center. Analysts provide real-time law

enforcement intelligence to all HIDTA initiative and to over 1,700 Customs cross-designated

state and local law enforcement officers across a five-state area. They also house a post seizure

analysis team that conducts analysis of seizures reported to the center. The center also

distributes a daily intelligence summary to law enforcement agencies throughout the country

summarizing previous day’s seizures.
34

The exchange of intelligence is accomplished through the Gulf Coast HIDTA wide-area-network

(WAN). Using virtual private network technology, the WAN allows for instantaneous, secure

transmission of sensitive intelligence data among initiatives along with secure e-mail and other

cost saving advantages. The WAN also serves as the communications backbone for the Gulf

Coast HIDTA T2S2 digital wire intercept facility located in Metairie, Louisiana. The wire

intercept facility provides both HIDTA and non-HIDTA entities the ability to monitor court

ordered wiretaps utilizing state-of-the-art digital technology.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Gulf Coast HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Alabama Operations Center – This initiative is comprised of a Major Investigations Team

(MIT) that targets major drug trafficking organizations operating in the Montgomery, AL

area and a Mobile Deployment Team (MDT) capable of addressing drug trafficking

distribution organizations that impact specific neighborhoods. The center houses the offices

of the Alabama Director of Operations and a program analyst who oversee the administration

of all Gulf Coast HIDTA elements within the State of Alabama.

2. Louisiana Operations Center – Located in Metairie, LA, this initiative includes a MIT, a

MDT, a Financial Investigations Team (FIT), a Surveillance Team (ST), a Technical

Operations Group (TOG) and a state-of-the-art digital wire intercept facility. The

Management and Coordination Initiative is also collocated in this center. The MIT targets

major drug trafficking organizations operating in the Greater New Orleans area. The MDT

targets local drug trafficking/distribution organizations operating in area neighborhoods and

communities. They also coordinate highway interdiction operations throughout the state.

The FIT targets drug smuggling/money laundering activities. The ST provides manned,

covert surveillance to initiatives. The TOG coordinates the acquisition of technical

surveillance equipment, maintains the GC HIDTA equipment inventory, and accomplishes

covert electronic installations. The wire intercept facility, which supports all GC HIDTA

elements, is capable of monitoring up to 16 wire intercepts simultaneously.

3. Mississippi Operations Center – Located in Jackson, MS, this initiative houses a MIT and a

MDT. Like the other centers, the MIT targets major drug trafficking/money laundering

organizations operating in the Jackson area. The MDT targets local drug trafficking

organizations and coordinates highway interdiction efforts. The center also houses the

offices of the Mississippi Director of Operations and a program analyst.

4. Project STAR Task Force – This task force targets the 17 most violent neighborhoods in

Jefferson Parish, LA. The task force selects and surveys target neighborhoods to identify

residents’ perception of the crime problem and solicit aid in the identification of known and

suspected drug traffickers. They then target these traffickers for immobilization. The task

force coordinates efforts with the Louisiana Operations Center MDT.

5. New Orleans Gang Task Force – This task force targets violent criminal groups involved in

drug trafficking in New Orleans, some with national connections. The task force decimates

whole gang organizations through sophisticated investigative techniques and the application

of RICO-styled prosecutions in federal and state court.
35

6. Greater New Orleans Organized Crime Task Force – This task force targets Asian gangs involved in drug

distribution and related violent crime primarily in the New Orleans area. Investigations are

aimed at decimating entire Asian criminal organizations. Intelligence information gathered

by the task force is shared with other GC HIDTA elements.

7. Middle Louisiana Drug Task Force – This task force targets major drug trafficking

organizations operating in the East Baton Rouge Parish area. Collocated in DEA space, the

task force consists of a major investigations team and a transportation interdiction Unit led by

a local law enforcement agency.

8. Caddo/Bossier Drug HIDTA Task Force - This task force targets major drug trafficking

organizations operating in the Shreveport area. Additionally, the task force engages in

special interdiction operations at commercial terminals. It shares information closely with

the Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force.

9. Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force – Law enforcement sources trace the

beginnings of Louisiana gangs to Shreveport, LA, located in Caddo Parish. The task force

focuses on Caddo Parish chapters of national gangs with the goal of developing far-reaching

conspiracy prosecutions. Sources-of-supply for gangs are referred to the Caddo/Bossier Task

Force. OCDETF prosecutions are a priority.

10. Tri-County Major Investigations Team – This initiative targets major drug

trafficking/money laundering organizations operating in the three county area of Hancock,

Harrison and Jackson. It conducts post seizure analysis of highway interdiction stops.

11. Jefferson County Drug Task Force – This task force targets major drug trafficking

organizations operating in and around Birmingham, AL. The task force focuses on

methamphetamine distribution in the area, which is increasing dramatically. They also assist

area law enforcement in targeted neighborhoods with street-level enforcement. They respond

to significant interdiction stops on the highways and at commercial transportation terminals.

12. Mobile/Baldwin Counties Task Force – This task force targets major drug trafficking/money

laundering organizations operating in the Mobile area. They augment drug interdiction

efforts at airports, seaports, bus and rail terminals, major highways, and inland waterways

directly impacting Mobile and Baldwin counties. Its intelligence team provides support to

area law enforcement.

13. BLOC/HIDTA Watch Center – Located in Gulfport, MS, the Watch Center partners with the

collocated United States Customs Service Blue Lightning Operations Center providing all

GC HIDTA elements with 24-hour phone communications. The center has access to the El

Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) and provides real-time information from USCS databases.

The Watch Center assists in coordinating controlled deliveries and provides post seizure

analysis to requesting agencies.

14. Intelligence Coordination Network – The GC HIDTA Intelligence Coordination Network

(ICN) is designed to enhance existing intelligence collection components by coordinating
36

collection and dissemination processes. The mission of the initiative is to facilitate effective

and efficient distribution of intelligence among GC HIDTA initiatives. The initiative

expedites the flow of pertinent information gathered from the Wiretap Center, Surveillance

Team, BLOC/HIDTA Watch Center, Post Seizure Analysis Team, Targeting Team,

individual initiatives, and the Mobile/Baldwin Counties Task Force Intelligence Team.

15. Management and Coordination Initiative – Collocated with the Louisiana Operations

Center in Metairie, LA, this initiative provides administrative and programmatic oversight of

the GC HIDTA. The initiative is responsible for coordinating the timely submission to

ONDCP of required documents, such as the Threat Assessment, Strategy, Initiatives and

budgets, and Annual Report. With direction provided by the GC HIDTA Executive

Committee, the GC HIDTA Director insures ONDCP and GC HIDTA policies and

guidelines are followed.

Outcomes:

The Gulf Coast HIDTA has created an atmosphere of cooperation and collaboration among

federal, state, and local law enforcement within the three-state area previously thought

unattainable. Through the Executive Committee, heads of major agencies meet periodically to

institute regional strategic drug enforcement strategies that are implemented with HIDTA

funding. Drug trends have been identified and addressed more rapidly. Resources are readily

shared among initiatives resulting in effective and efficient use of manpower and equipment.

The synergy created by HIDTA interaction has had an overflow effect on relationships outside

the HIDTA umbrella. The Gulf Coast HIDTA has built “systems” such as a wide-area-network

and digital wiretap facility that will serve area law enforcement for years to come. A quality

training program has provided much needed specialized educational opportunities to law

enforcement agencies (LEA). These opportunities have augmented LEA’s ability to counter the

significant drug threat posed to the area.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration,

Federal Bureau of Investigations, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue

Service, Department of Defense Joint Task Force Six, National Park Service, United States

Attorney’s Office, United States Coast Guard, United States Customs Service, United States

Marshal’s Service, United States Postal Service

State: Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Alabama Bureau of Investigations, Alabama

Highway Patrol, Alabama National Guard, Louisiana National Guard, Louisiana State Police,

Louisiana Dept. of Economic Development, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Mississippi Dept.

of Marine Resources, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Mississippi National Guard

Local: Ascension Parish District Attorney’s Office, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baldwin

County Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge Police Department, Bay St. Louis Police Department,

Baton Rouge Police Dept., Bessemer Police Dept., Biloxi Police Department, Birmingham

Police Department, Bossier City Police Department, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo

Parish Sheriff’s Office, Daphne Police Department, East Baton Rouge Police Department,

Fairfield Police Department, Fairhope Police Department, Foley Police Department, Gonzales
37

Police Dept., Gulf Shores Police Department, Gulfport Police Department, Hancock County

Sheriff’s Office, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson

Municipal Airport Authority, Jackson Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office,

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Mobile County Sheriff’s

Office, Mobile Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery Police

Department, New Orleans Police Department, Pascagoula Police Department, Pritchard Police

Department, Orange Beach Police Department, Orleans Parish Levee Board Police Dept., Rankin

County Sheriff’s Office, Saraland Police Dept., Shreveport Police Department

Information is provided by the Gulf Coast HIDTA.
38

Hawaii HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the Hawaii HIDTA is to measurably reduce drug

trafficking, thereby reducing the impact of illicit drugs and increasing citizen safety in Hawaii

and other areas of the country. The Hawaii HIDTA develops and implements comprehensive and

coordinated intelligence, interdiction, investigative, and prosecutive initiatives to deter, disrupt,

dismantle and ultimately destroy Drug Trafficking Organizations in the state.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1999

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Hawaii: Hawaii, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui counties

Contact: (808) 541-2850 ext. 251

Threat Abstract:

The Hawaii HIDTA’s strategic location, its popularity as a resort destination, and its high

volume of international and domestic air and sea travel/shipping, provide crime organizations

ample opportunities to traffic a wide variety of drugs into and through the area. The primary

modes of transportation used to smuggle drugs into, out of, and through Hawaii include: (1)

commercial and private air transportation (passengers, baggage, freight); (2) federal and private

postal and courier services; (3) military air transportation; and (4) commercial and private

marine transportation (passengers, freight, containers).

Historically, the preferred method has been by way of commercial airlines via couriers,

accompanying baggage and/or air mail/freight. Many of the drug organizations use commercial

airline flights originating in California, mainly Los Angeles, and terminating in Honolulu or one

of the neighbor islands. In 1998, more than 6.3 million people visited Hawaii. It is estimated that

a significant majority of the methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine confiscated in Hawaii arrives

on couriers or in parcels that travel through the airports.

Maritime smuggling is an increasing concern for the Hawaii HIDTA. There are nine commercial

harbors located in the state. In FY 1999, more than 15.5 million tons of cargo entered port at

Hawaii.

Money laundering within the Hawaii HIDTA consists of several different methods of operation.

In addition to traditional practices such as converting drug proceeds from cash to real/personal

property, using nominee or straw owners and structuring bank deposits, drug trafficking

organizations send substantial amounts of their illegal proceeds back to source cities in the

continental United States, Mexico and Asia.
39

Strategy Abstract:

By focusing drug intelligence, interdiction and enforcement resources at the principal

commercial and military airports, the Hawaii law enforcement community will be able to

significantly disrupt the flow of drugs into the state and to other areas of the country and the

Pacific Basin.

The Hawaii HIDTA Executive Committee monitors the implementation of this strategy to ensure

that the joint efforts of this HIDTA produce the desired impact. The Executive Committee

provides a coordination umbrella for all HIDTA task forces, the Joint Investigative Support and

Intelligence Center (JISIC), any task forces not funded by the Hawaii HIDTA, and single-agency

task forces and/or narcotics units operating within the Hawaii HIDTA. The Executive

Committee is comprised of 16 members/officers (8 federal and 8 state/local) with the chair and

vice-chair positions rotating between federal and state/local agency representatives on an annual

basis.

To accomplish its mission, the Hawaii HIDTA coordinates intelligence-driven, multi-agency

initiatives during Fiscal Year 2000, which are organized into the following:

Interdiction: Due to Hawaii’s strategic location and unique island configuration, drug

trafficking into and through Hawaii can be significantly disrupted by improving and

supplementing existing intelligence, interdiction and enforcement resources at the four

major airports in the state.

Investigation: Interdiction alone will not stop the flow of illicit drugs into and through

Hawaii. Post-seizure and cross-case analyses, as well as the investigation and

prosecution of drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, are vital to the

success of the Hawaii HIDTA.

Investigative Support Center:

To make the most efficient use of the Hawaii law enforcement community's limited resources,

timely and accurate intelligence is critical. Without a joint intelligence center, it is virtually

impossible for Hawaii's federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to develop coordinated

proactive strategies for drug and money laundering interdiction and enforcement. In the absence

of adequate intelligence capabilities, Hawaii’s law enforcement community is unable to interact

with and exploit regional and international intelligence sources. The Hawaii drug enforcement

community strongly supports the joint intelligence center and has agreed to commit resources to

staff and operate it.

Although still in its formative stage, the Joint Investigative Support and Intelligence Center

(JISIC) will gather, analyze and disseminate intelligence relating to drug trafficking and money

laundering activities and will provide a meaningful intelligence product to federal, state and local

agencies within the Hawaii HIDTA. The JISIC is designed to directly support the Hawaii

HIDTA’s interdiction and investigation initiatives.
40

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Hawaii HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Hawaii Airport Task Force - a collocated joint task force that focuses on airport interdiction,

the resulting post-seizure investigations and prosecutions, and the development of a proactive

strategy to identify, target, disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking and money laundering

organizations that impact Hawaii and other areas throughout the United States and Pacific

Basin area. It provides initial and periodic training on specialized airport interdiction

techniques and the latest technological resources to screen and detect illegal drugs.

2. Methamphetamine Task Force (non-funded) - this multi-agency task force will develop and

implement a coordinated, proactive strategy to identify, investigate, prosecute and dismantle

the drug organizations involved in the smuggling, manufacture and distribution of

methamphetamine. The task force will be collocated in the Hawaii HIDTA site, with the

JISIC, and will contribute to and benefit from the strategic intelligence gathered, collated and

analyzed by the JISIC.

3. Black Tar Heroin Task Force (non-funded) - this multi-agency task force will develop and

implement a coordinated, proactive strategy to combat the growing threat posed by drug

organizations involved in the smuggling, distribution and sale of black tar heroin. It will

utilize all available intelligence, including information developed through confidential

sources and intelligence products developed by the JISIC, to identify the drug organizations

involved in black tar heroin, and the transportation and distribution methods used by these

organizations.

4. Money Laundering/Asset Forfeiture Task Force (non-funded) - this multi-agency

investigative initiative will gather, develop and analyze intelligence to identify, investigate

and prosecute money laundering drug organizations and disrupt their illegal activities. It will

develop sources within the financial and business community, and target and penetrate

suspicious money transmitting organizations. It will provide financial analysis and forfeiture

support to all Hawaii HIDTA investigative and prosecution initiatives, and to all participating

Hawaii HIDTA agencies.

Outcomes:

Although Hawaii’s law enforcement community had worked together in the past, the

establishment of the Hawaii’s HIDTA has enhanced that cooperation. There is an unprecedented

spirit of cooperation and information now being shared on a regular basis. For the first time

Hawaii will have a K-9 interdiction program which will provide exclusive coverage for Hawaii’s

airports. The interaction of all the agencies in regard to the architecture Joint Investigative

Support and Intelligence Center (JISIC) has been encouraging.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration,

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue

Service, United States Coast Guard, United States Postal Inspectors, United States Navy, United

States Attorney's Offices, United State Customs Service, United States Marshals Service
41

State: Department of Public Safety, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney (of the four

counties of Hawaii)

Local: Honolulu Police Department, County of Hawaii Police Department, County of Kauai

Police Department, County of Maui Police Department

Other: Hawaii National Guard, Western States Information Network

Information provided by the Hawaii HIDTA.
42

Houston HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: Measurably reduce drug trafficking, thereby reducing the impact of

illicit drugs in this and other areas of the country. The specific goals of Houston HIDTA are to

“create, broker and nurture multi-agency task force approaches for the measurable disruption and

dismantling of narcotic, money laundering and drug gang organizations."

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1990

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Texas: Aransas, Brooks, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Jefferson, Jim Wells,

Kenedy, Kleberg, Liberty, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio and

Victoria counties.

Contact: (281) 987-3882/1415

Threat Abstract:

The Houston HIDTA was designated in 1990 as one of the five original HIDTAs. Houston is the

nation’s fourth largest city and one of the nation’s major narcotics gateways. Its proximity to

Mexico, transportation infrastructure, racial and ethnic diversity, corporate economy, and

international trade continue to make the Houston HIDTA one of the nation’s primary distribution

hubs, as well as a conduit for the movement of illegal drug proceeds to source countries. The

Drug Trafficking Organizations are primarily Mexican and Colombian, but traffickers are from

all over the world operate in Houston. Drug trafficking patterns indicate that overland routes

continue to be the preferred method of transporting illegal drug to and through the Houston

HIDTA. A maritime threat continues to be posed from the large volume of container cargo

shipped through the region’s ports, as well as from commercial and noncommercial vessels

operating in the Texas Gulf Coast region. Air smuggling, via private aircraft and “passenger

carry” on commercial airlines, is a threat due to the high volume of air traffic through the area

and the number of landing facilities in the region. Sixty-six percent of the 164 identified drug

trafficking organizations identified in 2000 used ground transportation, 12% air, 5% maritime,

and 2% rail. Forty-eight percent of the drug trafficking organizations traffic cocaine, 34%

marijuana, 9% heroin, 7% methamphetamine, and 7% hallucinogens. Thirty-nine percent

distribute two or more drug types. Money laundering organizations ship bulk currency in

commercial and personal vehicles shipped via sea or driven into Mexico. Additionally, legal and

illicit wire transmitters in the region send money worldwide. Local gangs, trying to avoid

affiliation by not displaying gang-related clothing and tattoos, traffic and disseminate drugs

while attempting to appear legitimate in owning record shop businesses, auto detail shops,

entertainment enterprises and other cash intensive activities.

Strategy Abstract:

The heads of eight federal and four state and local law enforcement managers in Southeast Texas

comprise the Executive Committee (EXCOM). The EXCOM meets quarterly and as necessary to
43

address ad-hoc issues and to monitor the progress of the efforts of the each of the Initiatives.

Their direction and policies, as well as those of the Office of National Drug Control Policy

(ONDCP) are administered on a daily basis by the Director, in concert with the Executive SubCommittee and Working Group. The EXCOM has divided its resources into four categories to

combat this threat: Trafficker Initiatives (Major and Regional), Money Laundering Initiative,

Gang Initiatives, and Intelligence. Over 420 personnel from 24 federal, state and local agencies

are full-time participants in HIDTA Initiatives.

The majority of Initiatives are made up of collocated federal, state and local agencies, sharing

their intelligence with a unified intelligence Initiative. Although the targeting focus of each

Initiative is unique, their commonality is their intelligence pooling and their acceptance and

targeting of a specific threat. Further, those Initiatives that target major drug trafficking and

money laundering organizations are mandated to seek OCDETF classification of their cases as

often as possible. The OCDETF coordinator from the U.S. Attorneys Office also sits on the

Executive Committee as their representative, thereby cementing the relationship between the two

programs.

Investigative Support Center:

All Houston HIDTA Initiatives are linked together through their participation and use of the

Joint Drug Intelligence Group (JDIG), the Texas Narcotic Information System (TNIS), and the

Post Seizure Analysis Team (PSAT). These three entities, whose missions are distinct and

different, offer the Houston law enforcement community an operational unification heretofore

unavailable prior to HIDTA. The Beaumont Regional Intelligence Center, serving the counties

in southeast Texas, will perform functions similar to the JDIG, directly supporting the law

enforcement efforts on trafficking routes and coastal region east of Houston. These units all

constantly seek new methods, foster agreements and provide mechanisms for pointer indexing,

case support and target development. The Narcotic Operation Control Center (NOCC) provides

deconfliction of operational activity for officer safety and avoidance of duplicative efforts.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Houston HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Major Drug Squads (MDS): A collocated, agency-integrated, multi-jurisdictional task

force, with the specific mission of conducting complex, long term investigations aimed at

major drug trafficking organizations of national and international scope. Concurrently, all

intelligence developed in pursuit of these targets is shared with the major federal databases,

EPIC, TNIS and the JDIG.

2. Currency/Narcotic Transshipment Interdiction Initiative (CNTI): Formed in FY/97, this

collocated, multi-agency Initiative attempts to interdict narcotics and currency and the

traffickers thereof, through investigative enforcement at hubs of distribution, i.e. airports,

seaports, rail stations, bus stations, and express mail couriers. The intelligence collected in

these efforts are monitored and analyzed by the JDIG and PSAT for development into major

cases for the MDS, HMLI and participating agencies.

3. Targeted Offender Group Initiative (TOG): This concept was initiated to incorporate

collocated, multi-agency squads that target specific regional trafficking organizations
44

operating within the Houston and adjacent Gulf Coast area. One squad’s mission is

specifically designed to counteract those crack distributors who have a lethal hold in selected

areas of Houston. This squad employs a multi-jurisdictional approach to recapture

neighborhoods that includes state and federal prosecution, building code violations, and the

varied enforcement authorities of federal, state and local agencies. Intelligence gathered

within this group is entered into the databases of participating local and federal agencies as

well as the JDIG.

4. The Texas Coastal Corridor Initiative (TCCI): Nine Texas counties in and around the

City of Corpus Christi were authorized by the Director of ONDCP in April 1997, to become

part of the Houston HIDTA. Law enforcement leaders in the area were able to demonstrate

that this particular corridor between the Republic of Mexico and the Houston metropolitan

community plays a vital role in the threat as posed in the referenced Threat Assessment. This

collocated, multi-agency task force effort focuses on three fronts: 1) Identification and

targeting of Mexican/Colombian drug trafficking organizations operating in the area; 2)

Collection and dissemination of intelligence data acquired from arrestees at the Border Patrol

checkpoints located in their area; 3) Collection, dissemination and coordination of

investigation information emanating from money seizures in the area.

5. Houston Money Laundering Initiative (HMLI): A collocated, multi-jurisdictional task

force established to intercept narcotic trafficking profits through the identification, arrest and

prosecution of money launderers and their organizations. This unit has a dual function of

analyzing intelligence data to reveal new trends and methods of money laundering to

constantly and effectively readjust its investigative efforts. The HMLI shares its data with all

of the major Federal databases, and with NDIC, FINCEN, EPIC, TNIS and the JDIG.

6. The Drug Gang Network (DGNET): Identify, monitor, disrupt and dismantle the activities

and membership of criminal drug gangs operating in the greater Houston area. Additionally,

address the violent crime associated with drug trafficking in the Houston HIDTA. The

linked utilization of a specifically designed software program, the Suspect Image Database

(SID) is the foundation of their operation. The database is incorporated as another asset of the

JDIG.

7. Violent Crime Initiative (VCI): Structured to reduce the violence associated with drug

trafficking through the identification, arrest and prosecution of those violent criminals using

firearms to further their drug-related activities.

8. Joint Drug Intelligence Group (JDIG): Organized to deliver accurate and timely strategic,

organizational, and tactical intelligence on drug related criminal activity within the Houston

HIDTA that is consistent with the goals and objectives of the National Drug Control

Strategy, responds to the Houston HIDTA Threat Assessment and provides for the effective

and efficient use of counter-drug resources. The focal point of all intelligence developed by

the other Houston HIDTA Initiatives.

9. Narcotics Operation Control Center (NOCC): A deconfliction unit established to

coordinate narcotic operations for all agencies involved in drug law enforcement in the
45

Houston area, to promote officer safety and prevent agency overlap or conflict in

investigations.

10. Texas Narcotic Information System (TNIS): Maintains and provides a variety of statewide

databases of criminal and non-criminal information for all federal, state and local agencies,

as well as all HIDTA Initiatives, vital to their investigations. Further, it offers detailed

analytical support of those cases. TNIS is an integral part of the Southwest Border States

Anti-Drug Information System project that will ultimately link all the data bases from

Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.

11. Post Seizure Analysis Team (PSAT): A collocated, multi-agency team that concentrates on

the collection of information and evidence left behind in terminated investigations/seizures of

all agencies. It continuously compares all collected data to identify relationships,

commonality, and linkages in an attempt to identify organizations responsible for the

transportation of drugs/currency. PSAT develops case packages that are subsequently

offered to HIDTA Initiatives/agencies and /or other law enforcement agencies throughout the

nation for further development.

12. Beaumont Regional Intelligence Center (BRIC): Jefferson County was added to the

Houston HIDTA region in late 1999. Law enforcement leaders in the area demonstrated that

this county and the surrounding counties, which straddle the southern-most interstate coastto-coast highway in the United States, is a key region in overseeing both the land

transportation route and the eastern-most ocean coastline in Texas. This collocated, multiagency task force effort will concentrate on: 1) Delivering accurate and timely tactical and

organizational intelligence on drug related criminal activity within the eastern sector of the

Houston HIDTA that is consistent with the goals and objectives of the National Drug Control

Strategy; 2) Collection and dissemination of intelligence data acquired from arrestees in their

area; 3) Collection, dissemination and coordination of investigation information emanating

from money seizures in the area; 4) Offering detailed analytical support of those cases; 5)

Establishing and maintaining a deconfliction unit to coordinate narcotic operations for

regional agencies involved in drug law enforcement in the Jefferson County area, to promote

officer safety and prevent agency overlap and conflict in investigations

13. City of Baytown/Administration Initiative: Supports the office of the Director in the

management of grant funds destined to maintain the administrative office of the Houston

HIDTA.

Outcomes:

The effectiveness of the investigation groups, through the cooperative spirit of the HIDTA

program, has caused criminal organizations to change the ways they are operating. The result is

that Houston HIDTA is continually looking at new methods to meet the public safety needs

created by the drug threat. Participation in the Southwest Border Initiative’s “Operation Cobija”

has enhanced cooperation among the HIDTAs, and has led to improving intelligence sharing

with non-HIDTA agencies. The special “Club Drug/Rave Party” investigative effort and study

brought the existence of the “rave” culture to the attention of the entire Houston HIDTA law

enforcement community, highlighting the concept that criminal activity occurs even without a
46

complainant. Continuing compliance audits by the HMLI serves to ensure new wire transmitter

companies conform to state and federal laws. Participation in other agencies’ training events,

including those brokered by the HIDTA Assistance Center, helps provide a more comprehensive

understanding of policies and technical procedures and trends, for efficiency and safety in

tactical and administrative functions. Violent gang activities are decreasing, attributed in part to

the expanded use of the Houston HIDTA initiated and funded Subject Image Database, now in

use in more than 40 cities nationwide. New state legislation has been introduced over the years,

as a result of HIDTA cases, including laws governing money wire businesses and the sale of

paint thinners and other potential inhalants to minors. Officer safety bulletins are distributed

nationally.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Department of Defense, Drug Enforcement

Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service,

Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorneys Office, United States Customs Service,

United States Coast Guard, United States Marshals Service

State: Texas Department of Banking, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas National

Guard, Texas Office of the Attorney General

Local: Beaumont Police Department, Chambers County Sheriffs Office, Corpus Christi Police

Department, Hardin County Sheriffs Office, Harris County Sheriffs Department, Houston Police

Department, Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, Nueces County Sheriffs Office, Orange County

Sheriffs Office, Pasadena Police Department

Other: City of Baytown

Information is provided by Houston HIDTA.
47

Lake County HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The Lake County HIDTA’s mission is to enhance and coordinate drug

control efforts among federal, state and local agencies in the HIDTA area, in order to reduce

drug trafficking by aggressively dismantling and disrupting drug trafficking and money

laundering organizations, thereby reducing drug related crime and violence, in accordance with

National Drug Control Strategy.

General Information:

Year of Designation 1996

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Indiana: Lake County

Contact: (219) 650-2470

Threat Abstract:

Lake County is Indiana’s second largest county consisting of approximately 500 square miles

with a population of about 490,000 representing 80 different ethnic cultures. The county

contains 19 incorporated cities and towns and 16 public school corporations. Crack cocaine is

the drug of choice in this county. Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago street gangs orchestrate

the street level distribution of this drug. Lake County street gangs have loose alliances with

Chicago based gangs, but many of these organizations do not follow any standard hierarchical

formation. These Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs) in many cases are based on ad hoc

relationships and their ability to purchase and distribute drugs profitably. Violence is used to

control or expand their territory and to maintain internal controls, resulting in the extremely high

rate of drug related homicides.

Lake County is a major distribution point for shipments of bulk marijuana and cocaine destined

for the Midwest. As evidenced, 900 kilograms of marijuana and 400 kilograms of cocaine have

recently been seized. Local and federal sources confirm that several Lake County DTOs have

familial and business ties to Texas/Mexico DTOs. We have also documented organizations with

connections to Southeast United States DTOs. Additionally, a growing methamphetamine

production and an increased number of imports into the State of Indiana present an increasing

threat to our area.

Strategy Abstract:

The Lake County HIDTA Executive Committee has designed its strategy to avoid duplication of

effort and to produce the maximum impact on drug related crime and drug trafficking. Each

HIDTA initiative attacks a different element of our threat. All enforcement initiatives consist of

collocated federal and state and/or local officers. An Intranet Computer System links the

Investigative Support Center, HIDTA initiatives, local police departments, the state police and

federal agencies. This System provides a mechanism for sharing of information, access to the

local criminal justice system, and the HIDTA Gang Database. Our strategy allows HIDTA
48

initiatives and local law enforcement to work together to identify and target the most violent

DTOs and those organizations that will have the greatest impact on quality of life for the citizens

of Northwest Indiana. The Lake County HIDTA has formed partnerships with community

organizations and the Indiana National Guard in an effort to expand our impact. These

partnerships have led to the formation of innovative initiatives. One example is “Operation

Tattoo Zap”, an initiative providing laser tattoo removal at no cost to former gang members. The

HIDTA provides the administrative services and the Lake County Medical Society donates the

cost of renting the laser. During 1999, the all-volunteer professional staff removed over 300

tattoos. The newest demand reduction initiative is “About Face” which provides after school

computer and life skills training course for at risk students. The National Guard administers this

initiative and the guardsman heading the program is a certified teacher.

Investigative Support Center:

The Northwest Indiana Investigative Support Center/HIDTA (NIISC) is a multi-agency

collocated initiative sponsored by the DEA and Lake County Sheriff Department providing

investigative and analytical support to HIDTA initiatives, along with state, federal and local law

enforcement agencies operating in the HIDTA area. The ISC provides agencies and initiatives

with collocated access to the major criminal and commercial databases, deconfliction, and case

support, information sharing, training, video enhancement, audio enhancement, and crime

mapping. The ISC also produces our annual Threat Assessments and tracks trend analysis.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Lake County HIDTA Strategy include:

1. The DEA State & Local Task Force – is a DEA led collocated, multi-agency initiative

designed to disrupt and dismantle large scale drug trafficking and money laundering

organizations operating in and throughout the Lake County, Indiana area. This unit targets

organizations with U.S./Mexican Southwest Border connections who use Northwest Indiana

as a storage and distribution point for cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine

destined for the Midwest.

2. The Gary Response Investigative Team (GRIT) – is a FBI led multi-jurisdictional,

collocated taskforce with a mission to disrupt and dismantle street level DTOs responsible

for the homicides and drug related crimes in Gary. The GRIT uses detention without bond

and federal prosecution as weapons against these violent DTOs. This initiative has

significantly impacted Gary’s crack house epidemic and the violent crimes and the plague of

homicides it spawned.

3. The Firearms Interdiction Regional Enforcement (FIRE) – is an ATF led collocated,

multi-jurisdictional taskforce. This taskforce identifies, investigates, and prosecutes in

Federal and State Courts persons who illegally purchase, use, distribute, and supply firearms.

The taskforce analyzes firearm transactions and identifies those who obtain firearms through

“straw” purchases, the use of fictitious or illegally acquired Indiana handgun permits, and

licensed and unlicensed dealers.

4. The Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) – is a collocated support initiative that

conducts special ballistics testing and identification of bullets/casings utilizing IBIS
49

instrumentation. This unit provides for comparison of samples with the IBIS database and the

databases in Indianapolis, Chicago, and the Indiana State Police Posts. The IBIS unit has the

potential to link bullets and casings with other crimes, thereby providing HIDTA initiatives

and local law enforcement with valuable investigative leads.

5. The Lake County Combined Taskforce (LCCTF) – is a collocated multi-agency taskforce

led by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and the DEA. Its mission is to target, disrupt

and dismantle locally established drug trafficking organizations, money-laundering

organizations, and violent criminal street gangs operating in Lake County.

6. Northwest Indiana Gang Task Force – is a FBI led multi-agency initiative, collocated with

the GRIT team, that identifies and investigates Northwest Indiana based violent street gangs.

This initiative successfully uses Federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization

(RICO) statutes to disrupt and dismantle organizations involved in drug trafficking,

homicides, serious assaults, extortion, weapon violations, and money laundering.

7. The Lake County Prosecution Initiative – provides a full time staff of collocated prosecutors

supporting HIDTA enforcement initiatives. The staff provides case support including

preparation, legal strategies, education, trial preparation, and prosecution. These Lake

County Prosecutors are cross-designated as Special Assistant United States Attorneys to

facilitate the filing and prosecution of cases in the proper venue. They have successfully

presented cases in both state and federal court.

8. The Drug Demand Reduction Program – is a collocated counter drug operation. Indiana

National Guard personnel work with Boys and Girls Clubs, public housing authorities, Weed

& Seed Grants, and school corporations providing alternative activities and mentoring

programs. The programs includes “Hooked on Fishing”, “Checkmate on Drugs”, Career

Days, the “Just Say No” puppet show, Drug Education For Youth (DEFY) program and

camps, Explorer Scouts, and “About Face”.

9. Operation Tattoo Zap – is a community outreach program providing free tattoo removal for

former gang members. This volunteer program allows former gang members to shed a once

permanent identifier and reenter main stream society. The Lake County Medical Society

donates the cost of the laser rental and the HIDTA administers the program. A boardcertified plastic surgeon, a certified family nurse practitioner, and a registered nurse donate

their time to the program.

Outcomes:

1. The HIDTA area, through the efforts of local police and HIDTA initiatives, had a continued

reduction in homicides from a high of 166 in 1995 down to 106 in 1999. These statistics

reflect an approximate 40% reduction in homicides since 1995.

2. The violent crime rate in Gary fell approximately 12% from 1998 to 1999, the largest

decrease the city has seen in five years. The Gary Police Department credited the addition of

20 police officers to the department and the impact of HIDTA initiatives for the decrease.

With the improved crime rate and economic forecast, the city is now negotiating to bring
50

minor league baseball and CBA basketball to the city. Gary will host the 2001 Miss U.S.A.

Pageant.

3. HIDTA initiatives dismantled or disrupted 64 DTOs including the two largest distribution

organizations in Northwest Indiana. These investigations resulted in the seizure of $2.7

million in cash and assets, along with 3,000 pounds of marijuana and 1,000 pounds of

cocaine.

4. The HIDTA, working with the City of Gary and the Partnership for a Drug Free Lake

County, increased drug education and drug awareness by promoting a symposium attended

by over 1000 residents of Northwest Indiana. Representatives of federal, state and local law

enforcement agencies along with treatment, prevention and medical professionals from Lake,

Porter, and LaPorte Counties participated in the symposium.

5. We expanded our National Guard Demand Reduction program from 350 contacts in 1998 to

over 4,000 during 1999. We also expanded “Checkmate on Drugs”, a mentoring program

that teaches chess to 90 students from 5 different schools.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal

Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorney’s Office, United

States Customs Service, United States Marshals Service, United States Secret Service, United

States Postal Inspection Service

Locals: Dyer Police Department, East Chicago Police Department, Gary Police Department,

Griffith Police Department, Hammond Police Department, Highland Police Department, Hobart

Police Department, Indiana State Police, Lake County Prosecutors Office, Lake County Sheriff

Department, Lake Station Police Department, Lowell Police Department, Merrillville Police

Department, Portage Police Department, Porter County Sheriff Department, Schererville Police

Department, and the Valparaiso Police Department

Other: Indiana National Guard, Indiana State Probation and Parole, Partnership for a Drug Free

Lake County, Lake County Juvenile Court, Lake County Probation, Lake County Community

Corrections, Lake County Medical Society, Lake County Commissioners, Lake County Council,

Lake County Treasurer, Lake County Auditor, and the Lake County Recorder

Information is provided by the Lake County HIDTA
51

Los Angeles HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: It is the mission of the LA-HIDTA to measurably reduce drug

trafficking; thereby reducing the impact of illicit drugs in this and other areas of the country.

This mission is accomplished through the use of multi-jurisdictional (federal, state, and local),

collocated, and commingled law enforcement initiatives designed to attack, disrupt, and

dismantle major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations that are operating in and

through the LA-HIDTA region.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1990

Geographic area of Responsibility:

California: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Contact: (213) 989-6457

Threat Abstract:

The Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) designated geographic area

covers the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino, and is comprised of

some 32,341 square miles, including 213 miles of coastline, with a general population of

approximately 15 million. The economically and culturally diverse population of the region

exceeds that of 41 states. The territorial expanse of the LA-HIDTA extends from Santa Catalina

Island, located in the Pacific Ocean approximately 25 miles offshore, in the West to the Arizona

and Nevada borders in the East. The Southern region of the LA-HIDTA is some 90 miles from

the United States/Mexico border. All types of narcotics are manufactured, imported and

distributed within the LA-HIDTA and beyond.

Sea Threat – The Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach is the 3rd busiest seaport in the world –

Busiest in the United States – 5 million containers annually – 213 miles of shoreline.

Air Threat – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognizes 3 international, 94

municipal, and 3 seaplane airports within the LA-HIDTA region. The Los Angeles International

Airport (LAX) is the 5th busiest passenger airport in the world – 60 million passengers annually –

2

nd busiest in the United States for cargo – 2.11 million tons annually.

Land Threat – The land threat from the South is perhaps the most obvious where large quantities

of illegal drugs are bought North on the major highways of the region. Again, the Southern

region of the LA-HIDTA is some 90 miles off of the U.S./Mexico Border.

Indigenous – The indigenous harvesting of marijuana in the nearby mountains and the continuing

numbers of PCP manufacturing and distribution systems pose a significant threat to our region.

Inside the metropolitan and rural areas, numerous clandestine (large and small-scale)

methamphetamine labs continue to proliferate.
52

Strategy Abstract:

The Executive Committee presently has eighteen voting members representing a working

partnership of the major Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies that operate in the

LA-HIDTA region. The LA-HIDTA Executive Committee and its three subcommittees continue

to take a very active and positive role in determining the strategy, priorities and overall direction

of the LA-HIDTA. As a result of their input and guidance, the on-going effort on the part of all

initiatives continues to be enhanced through mutual cooperation and teamwork.

The goals of the LA-HIDTA specifically focus on the dismantling and /or disrupting of major

drug trafficking and money laundering organizations that operate in and through the region with

a primary focus on cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and heroin. The LA-HIDTA was

originally designated as one of the Nations “major narcotic gateways”, a distinction which is

most evident and holds true to this day.

In FY 2000, this HIDTA consists of six major task forces, comprised of collocated federal, state

and local law enforcement agencies, three intelligence projects, which comprise the Intelligence

Support System (ISS) and five critical support initiatives each dedicated to the task of positively

impacting the major drug trafficking problems that continue to face our geographic region and

country.

LA-HIDTA Strategy – Design / Planning – The Strategy for the Los Angeles High Intensity

Drug Trafficking Area is developed in close concert with all of our enforcement and intelligence

initiatives. At all levels of this rather dynamic process, we take into account both law

enforcement missions / resources and the overall narcotics trafficking and money laundering

threat in our region. 

To assist in the process of ensuring that the Strategy adequately addresses the threat, a rather

unique system of "backward planning" is utilized. This plan brings together our various LAHIDTA law enforcement and intelligence disciplines for the duel purpose of validating the

various Strategy elements and establishing individual priorities and achievement goals. By

combining the individual projected goals, the objectives of the Strategy are identified, and agreed

upon, to include both expected outputs and desired outcomes.

Investigative Support Center:

LA-HIDTA Intelligence Support System (ISS):

Intelligence Architecture Plan – This plan redefines the intelligence responsibilities and

priorities within the LA-HIDTA, effectively “bringing together” our intelligence projects (Los

Angeles joint Drug Intelligence Group; Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information

Clearinghouse; and Inland Narcotics Clearing House) into what today is called the Intelligence

Support System (ISS). It brings a much-needed working memorandum of understanding

between intelligence initiatives, enhanced lines of communication, and clear definitive lines of

responsibility.

Additionally, the process brings an enhanced level of intelligence service to the LA-HIDTA law

enforcement community. The intelligence initiatives of the LA-HIDTA work to provide the

most recent institutional drug intelligence and on developing new viable sources. Additionally
53

they provide deconfliction, pointer index, case support, target profiles, intelligence fusion, and

predictive analysis to the entire law enforcement community in our region.

War Room / Intelligence Watch Center – The War Room provides "real time" operational and

tactical intelligence support by tracking, around-the-clock, all Federal, State and local law

enforcement undercover operations within the four county region known as the LA-HIDTA. Onsite Intelligence Analysts are available to immediately research the various law enforcement

intelligence databases thus enabling officers to conduct enhanced narcotic investigations conduct

enhanced narcotic investigations. 

The War Room and Intelligence Watch Center, during CY 1999 handled some 209,122 database

inquiries, a 5.0% increase over last years activity.

Critical Event Tracking – In CY 1999, the War Room tracked 15,751 Critical Events, an

increase of 12% over last year. This number included 3,888 deconflictions (24.7% - one out of

every four critical events) wherein various law enforcement undercover operations are notified

when they are about to conflict with each other for a number of reasons.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 LA-HIDTA Strategy include:

Task Forces / Enforcement Initiatives:

1. Southern California Drug Task Force (SCDTF) – Recognized as the "cornerstone" of the

LA-HIDTA, the Southern California Drug Task Force is a collocated, multi-agency,

integrated task force with a table of organization comprised of personnel from some 21

federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Drug Enforcement Administration

(DEA) is the lead agency of this nationally recognized counter narcotic enforcement effort.

The United States Customs Service Initiative plays a critical law enforcement role in direct

support of the LA-HIDTA by collocating agents at the Southern California Drug Task Force

for the purpose of pursuing large scale drug smuggling and money laundering organizations

that operate on a national and international level.

The Internal Revenue Service Initiative assigns Special Agents to the SCDTF with a

responsibility for developing and working with money laundering and financial cases.

The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service has assigned Special Agents to the

SCDTF with the responsibility of supporting HIDTA Initiatives by addressing all INS issues

and violations related to narcotics trafficking by documented and undocumented foreign

nationals.

Mission: Within the LA-HIDTA region, they have the primary objective of conducting

long term, complex investigations targeting major narcotics trafficking organizations that

operate on a regional, national and international level.
54

2. Inland Regional Narcotic Enforcement Team (IRNET) – The Inland Regional Narcotic

Enforcement Team is a collocated, multi-agency task force comprised of personnel from 9

federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Mission: They have a primary mission of targeting major narcotic dealers and money

launders that operate in and through the LA-HIDTA inland empire region of San

Bernardino.

3. Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LAIMPACT) - The Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task

Force is a multi-agency, collocated task force and is comprised of officers and agents

representing some 38 various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the region.

Mission: LA-IMPACT targets, investigates and prosecutes individuals who organize,

direct, finance, or otherwise engage in medium-to-high level drug trafficking enterprises.

They place a high priority on those subjects engaged in the importation of drugs into the

LA-HIDTA area of Los Angeles County, and to interdict such illicit supply lines and

seize their drugs.

4. Regional Narcotics Suppression Program (RNSP) – Established in 1986, the Regional

Narcotics Suppression Program is collocated and multi-agency task force being comprised of

personnel from some 14 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Mission: This cooperative effort is aimed specifically at major narcotic traffickers and

money launders operating in and through the Southern California area which makes up

the Orange /Los Angeles HIDTA region.

5. Inland Crackdown Allied Task Force (INCA) – The Inland Crackdown Allied Task Force is

a multi-agency, collocated task force comprised of personnel from 13 federal, state and local

law enforcement agencies.

Mission: Operating with a focus in the Riverside County area of the LA-HIDTA, their

primary mission is to target major Colombian and Mexican cartels. They have a

secondary mission of heroin and marijuana interdiction.

6. Regional Methamphetamine Task Force (RMTF) – The Regional Methamphetamine Task

Force is a multi-agency, collocated, coordinated effort with the two primary centers

comprised of personnel from some 23 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. It is

designed to serve the extremely diverse methamphetamine enforcement / intelligence needs

of the entire four county Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.

Divided into two regional coordinated efforts, one serving Los Angeles and Orange Counties

and the other serving Riverside and San Bernardino, the single purpose of the

Methamphetamine Strike Force is to systematically attack the methamphetamine

manufacturers and trafficking organizations that operate in our region, on a local and national

level. This creative and innovative effort is designed to positively impact the problem at
55

three distinct levels: (1) Rogue precursor chemical companies; (2) Major Mexican

manufacturing / distribution organizations; and (3) "stove top" operations.

Mission: Operating with a focus throughout the entire LA-HIDTA region, the primary

mission of the Methamphetamine Regional Strike Force is to target major

methamphetamine production and distribution organizations, investigate and seize

methamphetamine laboratories, and target chemical companies that illegally sell

precursor chemicals. Additionally, it is their mission to improve the quality of life for all

citizens, regionally and nationally.

7. United States Marshals Service – The United States Marshal’s Service operates an LAHIDTA Initiative with a very specific focus of targeting and arresting Federal fugitives who

are members of significant narcotic trafficking organizations that have committed crimes of

violence in our region and beyond. They work in close concert with all of the LA-HIDTA

Task Forces on matters of mutual concern and are collocated with the State of California,

Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement, Fugitive Detail; Drug Enforcement Administration;

California State Parole; and the Los Angeles Police Department.

Intelligence Support System (ISS):

8. Los Angeles Joint Drug Intelligence Group (LAJDIG) – The LAJDIG has a primary

responsibility of providing long term operational and strategic intelligence to all participating

law enforcement agencies operating within the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking

Area. Specifically, to provide intelligence work products that will initiate, enhance, and

support the identification and dismantling of the most significant drug trafficking

organizations operating in the greater Los Angeles Metropolitan area. The major

components are: Case Support; Post Seizure Analysis; Threat Assessment Lead; and Toll &

Cross Case Analysis; Federal Intelligence Data Systems; Asian Crime; Organizational

Studies; and Mexican/Colombian/ Southwest Border Projects.

Support Teams – In order to best meet the intelligence needs of the various federal, state and

local law enforcement agencies throughout the LA-HIDTA region, the LAJDIG assigns the

various service requests to "Support Teams" each of which, by design, has specific areas of

focus and expertise.

9. Los Angeles County Criminal Information Clearinghouse (LACRCIC) – The mission of

the Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse (LACRCIC) is to

produce and provide intelligence products, enhanced information sharing, and advanced

systems technology to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in order to ensure

officer safety and enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

The LACRCIC represents a unified effort to develop an innovative and progressive

information management system in support of law enforcement narcotic enforcement

operations in the LA-HIDTA region. The system uses advanced technology and skilled

professionals to maximize the ability of counterdrug law enforcement to manage and share

critical information. The critical elements of this initiative are: The 24-hour War Room and
56

Intelligence Watch Center, the Research and Analysis Unit, the Special Operations Center

and the Statewide Integrated Narcotics System (SINS).

War Room / Information Unit Activity – The War Room provides "real time" operational

and tactical intelligence support by tracking, around-the-clock, all federal, state and local law

enforcement undercover operations within the four county region known as the LA-HIDTA.

On-site Intelligence Analysts are available to immediately research various law enforcement

intelligence databases thus enabling officers to conduct enhanced narcotic investigations.

Analytical and Research Unit – In the LA-HIDTA region, this unit supports drug

enforcement operations, tracks potential threats to officer safety, manages and analyzes case

information and drug trafficking activities and prepares cases for prosecution. They provide

support through Telephone Toll Analysis, Analytical Case Support, Operational Intelligence

Programs, Officer Safety Bulletins, Post Seizure Analysis and Asian Crime Analysis.

Special Operations Center – The LACRCIC has established a Special Operations Center that

is designed to support major law enforcement operations – in particular, electronic

surveillance (wiretap). The center employs state-of-the-art automated information

management systems (SINS) and electronic surveillance equipment and is configured to

house and support an on-site staff of investigators and analysts for the duration of any special

investigation/operation.

Statewide Integrated Narcotics System (SINS) – The LACRCIC, as a major component of

the Statewide Integrated Narcotics System operating in support of the federal, state and local

law enforcement agencies in the LA-HIDTA region. The Clearinghouse, in conjunction with

the Western States Information Network (WISN), San Diego/Imperial County Narcotics

Information Network (NIN) and the California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, form a

statewide, state-of-the-art intelligence narcotic information network with connectivity

through the Southwest Border States Anti-drug Information System to intelligence data bases

in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

10. Inland Narcotics Clearing House (INCH) – Located at the Riverside County Sheriff's

Department Special Investigations Bureau, the INCH has a two fold support mission within

the LA-HIDTA: (1) Provide narcotic related analytical support to all law enforcement

agencies and multi-agency task forces within the Inland Empire which is comprised of

Riverside and San Bernardino Counties; (2) Provide the necessary hardware and

communications connectivity to the Statewide Integrated Narcotics System (SINS) and act as

a local processing site for the transfer of SINS based information between Sacramento, the

LA Clearinghouse and the several agencies within the Inland Empire with SINS

workstations.

The role of INCH is geared toward providing case specific analytical support by taking drug

intelligence information from submitting investigators and manipulating that data into a

usable format. This format is usually some graphical representation of the information which

when processed is turned back to the initial investigator for appropriate dissemination. INCH

is a support unit and does not actively seek out new intelligence or develop intelligence
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sources. These capabilities within the LA-HIDTA remain with both the LAJDIG and

LACRCIC . Their support systems serve the Counties of Riverside and San Bernardino as

follows: Operates as a Support Unit; Case Support; and Toll and Cross Case Analysis.

Critical Support Initiative:

11. Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office – The Los Angeles County District Attorney

collocates a full-time Deputy District Attorney to serve both the Southern California Drug

Task Force (SCDTF) and Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime

Task Force (LA-IMPACT) for the purpose of providing tactical, legal strategies, and counsel

pertaining to major drug related investigations. Additionally, this person is immediately

available to prepare and obtain search warrants, State wiretap orders, court orders, and to

facilitate telephonic or facsimile search warrants around-the-clock, seven days a week.

Outcomes:

A Leading Concept – “Team of Task Forces” – The collocated, multi-jurisdictional, networked,

ONDCP funded "team" of task forces (SCDTF, LA-IMPACT, IRNET, RNSP, INCA, and

RMTF) are further enhanced through a working Memorandum of Understanding, signed by all

task force directors, which remains very successful in its design of facilitating a closer

cooperative effort and more unified approach leading to successful case resolutions. This

remarkable cooperative effort is unparalleled throughout the Country.

Intelligence Support System – The Intelligence Support System (ISS), which is comprised of the

LACRCIC, LAJDIG, and INCH, is aligned through a cooperative partnership identified though

an approved matrix of responsibilities and associated Memorandum of Agreement. Unique in

the entire country, a memorandum of understanding amongst these intelligence initiatives

identifies definitive lines of responsibility, enhances lines of communication and affords an

enhanced level of service to the LA-HIDTA law enforcement community. Components within

the LA-HIDTA ISS provide responsive 24/7 day deconfliction, pointer index, case support, post

seizure analysis, target profiles, organizational identification, intelligence fusion, special support

services (electronic surveillance), and training.

Annual Threat Assessment – A Unique Process –The LA-HIDTA continues to be successful in

moving the Annual Threat Assessment process forward by establishing a periodic review

beginning with the baseline, continuing with a mid-year evaluation, and ending with the year-end

review and impact assessment. This periodic review resulted in changes being made to the threat

assessment as new data is received.

A LA-HIDTA Threat Assessment "window" (January 1, through December 31) has been

established and it is within this "time frame" that the Threat Assessment, Strategy, and Annual

Report process will focus and against which the impact of law enforcement in our region will be

measured each year.

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Handling Deconfliction Services for Both

the Central Valley and Northern California HIDTA’s – In CY 1999, the Los Angeles County

Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse (LACRCIC) was selected by the Executive

Committee’s of both the Central Valley HIDTA and Northern California HIDTA to handle all of

their deconfliction events. This concept means that the LA-HIDTA is handling the deconfliction
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services for some 24 counties (41.4% – 24 out of 58) within the State of California. The

combining of regional law enforcement resources such as this, in order to successfully address

major drug trafficking issues, truly speaks to the very essence of the ONDCP National HIDTA

Program.

In the entire State of California, the LACRCIC “War Room” is quite unique in that it can provide

complete deconfliction and intelligence services on a 24 hours a day, 7 days-a-week schedule.

This most remarkable “consolidation of effort” speaks extremely well to the overall capabilities

and ultimate design of the LA-HIDTA deconfliction process and the implementation of this “cost

saving” process with the other two HIDTA’s became fully operational during the first part of CY

2000.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and

Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorney’s Office, United States

Customs Service, the United States Marshals Service, Department of Defense, Joint Task Force

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State: California National Guard; State of California, Alcoholic Beverage Control, State of

California, Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement, State of California,

Highway Patrol; and the California State Parole

Local: Alhambra Police Department, Anaheim Police Department, Arcadia Police Department,

Azusa Police Department, Baldwin Park Police Department, Beaumont Police Department, Bell

Gardens Police Department, Brea Police Department, Buena Park Police Department, Burbank

Police Department, Chino Police Department, Claremount Police Department, Colton Police

Department, Corona Police Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, Covina Police

Department, Culver City Police Department, Downey Police Department, El Monte Police

Department, El Segundo Police Department, Fontana Police Department, Fullerton Police

Department, Gardena Police Department, Garden Grove Police Department, Glendale Police

Department, Glendora Police Department, Hawthorne Police Department, Hemet Police

Department, Hermosa Beach Police Department, Huntington Beach Police Department,

Inglewood Police Department, Laguna Beach Police Department, La Habra Police Department,

LaVerne Police Department, Long Beach Police Department, Los Angeles County Probation

Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Police Department,

Manhattan Beach Police Department, Monrovia Police Department, Montebello Police

Department, Monterey Park Police Department, Newport Beach Police Department, Orange

County Probation Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Ontario Police Department,

Palm Springs Police Department, Pasadena Police Department, Redlands Police Department,

Redondo Beach Police Department, Rialto Police Department, Riverside County Sheriff’s

Department, Riverside Police Department, Santa Ana Police Department, San Bernardino

County Probation Department, San Bernardino Police Department, San Bernardino County

Sheriff’s Department, San Gabriel Police Department, South Gate Police Department, Torrance

Police Department, Tustin Police Department, UCLA Police Department, Vernon Police

Department, West Covina Police Department, Westminister Police Department, Victorville

Police Department, Whittier Police Department
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Other: Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and the State of California, Department

of Justice, Western States Information Network

Information is provided by the Los Angeles HIDTA.
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Midwest HIDTA

FY2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the Midwest HIDTA is to measurably reduce and disrupt

the importation, distribution, and clandestine manufacturing of methamphetamine in the six state

region and other parts of the United States, thereby reducing the impact of illicit drugs and

related violent criminal activity. The initiatives of the Midwest HIDTA support the National

Drug Control Strategy and, in particular, Goal 2, which addresses the need to increase the safety

of America’s citizens by substantially reducing drug-related crime and violence.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1996

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Iowa: Muscatine, Polk, Pottawamie, Scott, Marshall, Black Hawk,

Appanoose, and Woodbury counties

Kansas: Cherokee, Crawford, Johnson, Labatte, Leavenworth, Saline,

Seward, Barton, Sedgwick, Finney, Shawnee, Miami, Franklin,

and Wyandotte counties

Missouri: Cape Girardeau, Christian, Clay, Jackson, Lafayette, Lawrence,

Ray, Scott, St. Charles, Greene, Benton, Buchanan, Jasper,

Texas, Platte and Marion counties, and the City of St. Louis

Nebraska: Dakota, Dawson, Douglas, Hall, Lancaster, Sarpy, Madison,

Dodge, Gage, Jefferson, Platte, and Scott’s Bluff counties

North Dakota: Burleigh, Cass, Grand Forks, Morton, Ramsey, Richland, Walsh,

and Ward counties

SouthDakota: Clay, Coddington, Custer, Fall River, Lawrence, Lincoln, Meade,

Minnehaha, Pennington, Union, Brown, Brookings, Beadle, and

Yankton counties

Contact: (816) 746-4911, and www.lifeormeth.org

Threat Abstract:

The Midwest HIDTA, designated in 1996, addresses the explosive problems of

methamphetamine in a six state region consisting of counties in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri,

Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. The region’s position in the “Heart of America”

provides a fertile environment for the production and distribution of methamphetamine that is

either produced locally or imported primarily by Mexican organizations. The region is

predominantly rural with an economy firmly rooted in an agricultural related industry that

employs thousands of Mexican-Americans and Mexican Nationals who are often exploited by

trafficking organizations in their effort to import and set up methamphetamine distribution

networks. Additionally, an abundance of jobs available in food and cleaning services, the roofing

industry, and meatpacking plants has resulted in an increase in illegal aliens who often facilitate
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methamphetamine importation. Clandestine manufacturing operations occur in rural,

metropolitan and suburban areas.

Strategy Abstract:

The importation and distribution of methamphetamine is common in all states, however, the

clandestine manufacturing phenomenon is currently concentrated in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and

more recently, Nebraska. Local methamphetamine production is considered an important public

safety and health hazard to citizens in the region. The HIDTA Strategy is implemented through

several components. Each state, through designated Advisory Boards has identified threat,

determined mission, and developed strategies and initiatives. The Midwest HIDTA Executive

Committee and the Midwest HIDTA Director, in cooperation with the Boards, coordinate the

integration and synchronization of all participating agencies’ initiatives to ensure a regional

unified effort.

The Midwest HIDTA Executive Committee is made up of executives from twelve federal and

twelve state/local criminal justice agencies. The committee, selected by their peers consistent

with guidance from ONDCP, provides oversight, policy guidance, review and approval of all 38

initiatives and budgets submitted to ONDCP.

Investigative Support Center:

An integral component in the Midwest HIDTA Strategy is the need to enhance and increase the

free exchange of narcotics intelligence and information among all HIDTA participants and other

agencies throughout the region. An acknowledged weakness of the Midwest enforcement effort

is the insufficient dissemination of timely, actionable intelligence/information regarding the

activities of drug traffickers and clandestine laboratory operators. The Midwest HIDTA will

attempt to dramatically improve the collection, analysis, and dissemination of methamphetamine

intelligence and information by instituting a “systems network” of sharing throughout the area.

The Midwest HIDTA will coordinate this effort with national intelligence centers such as the El

Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) and the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC). Partnerships

will also be developed with other HIDTA’s such as the Southwest Border HIDTA and the Rocky

Mountain HIDTA, source areas for much of the methamphetamine brought into the Midwest by

trafficking organizations from the southwest border area. The Midwest HIDTA Investigative

Support Center (MHISC) will be the mechanism to implement these improvements.

The Midwest Investigative Support Center’s mission is to facilitate and assist HIDTA task forces

and other federal, state, and local enforcement agencies within the region in identifying, targeting

and dismantling organizations distributing and/or manufacturing methamphetamine. This will be

accomplished by actively collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information and intelligence

in a timely manner.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Midwest HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Midwest HIDTA Investigative Support Center – assists HIDTA task forces and other

federal, state, and local enforcement agencies within the region in exchanging

information/intelligence, linking each of the five states electronically, continually evaluating
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the threat in the region, and providing case support, post-seizure analysis, investigative

support and trend analysis.

2. Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement Investigative Support – three co-located task

forces seek to measurably reduce methamphetamine importation, manufacturing, trafficking,

consumption and the level of related violent crime within the state of Iowa.

3. DEA Des Moines Task Force – a co-located, multi-agency task force who targets major

methamphetamine manufacturing, importation, and distribution organizations and related

violent crime in the Des Moines area.

4. Muscatine Task Force – a co-located, multi-agency task force that targets methamphetamine

distribution organizations in Iowa.

5. Tri-State, Sioux City Task Force – a co-located, multi-agency task force with members from

Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska law enforcement agencies who collaborate to target the

importation, manufacturing, and distribution of methamphetamine in the region.

6. Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force (Marshall County) – a four-county, multi-agency task force, colocated in central Iowa, will reduce the methamphetamine use, manufacturing, importation,

distribution, and associated violent crime in the mid-Iowa counties, and the surrounding

areas.

7. Kansas Bureau of Investigation Enforcement Support – two multi-agency task forces who

provide operational support for the narcotics units of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and

investigate methamphetamine producers and traffickers in the state of Kansas.

8. Garden City DEA Task Force – co-located, multi-agency task force members investigate

and dismantle methamphetamine laboratories, importation organizations, and interdiction

events in southwest Kansas.

9. Southeast Kansas Drug Enforcement Task Force – will enhance the Kansas Enforcement

Initiative by adding resources and efforts dedicated to identifying and targeting

methamphetamine trafficking organizations in the southeastern counties of Kansas.

10. Overland Park DEA Task Force – a co-located, multi-agency task force who investigate and

dismantle methamphetamine laboratories, importation organizations, and interdiction events

in northwest Missouri.

11. Kansas City Metropolitan Enforcement Task Force – a co-located, multi-agency task force

who targets and investigates clandestine labs, repeat offenders, and precursor chemical

sources, and methamphetamine suppliers in order to measurably reduce methamphetamine

manufacturing, importation, distribution, and associated violent crime in a six county area.
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12. FBI, Kansas City, Kansas JDIG – a multi-agency, co-located task force that will reduce the

importation and distribution of methamphetamine in the Kansas City, Kansas metropolitan

area through the use of long-term investigations.

13. Springfield DEA Task Force – provides investigative support to high drug trafficking areas

in southwest Missouri in order to reduce methamphetamine use, manufacturing, importation,

distribution, and associated violent crime.

14. Missouri Metropolitan and Rural Enforcement Initiative – assists in the implementation of

a coordinated and cooperative enforcement strategy among the multi-jurisdictional task

forces and law enforcement clandestine laboratories to improve their ability to identify and

combat the distribution and clandestine manufacturing of methamphetamine.

15. St. Louis DEA Intel Group – provides investigative intelligence regarding

methamphetamine to HIDTA task forces by working in conjunction with the DEA.

16. St. Charles Task Force – a co-located, multi-agency task force who target major

methamphetamine manufacturing, importation, and distribution organizations and related

violent crime in Missouri.

17. Southeast Missouri Task Force – a co-located, multi-agency task force who target

methamphetamine manufacturing, importation, and distribution organizations and related

violent crime in southeast Missouri.

18. North Central Drug Task Force – a co-located, multi-agency task force who target major

methamphetamine manufacturing, importation, and distribution organizations and related

violent crime in north central Missouri.

19. FBI Enforcement and Intelligence Task Force- St. Louis – a collocated, multi- agency task

force who will gather intelligence; interdict methamphetamine and other drugs shipments;

and conduct long-term investigations of methamphetamine importers and manufacturers.

20. Metro Task Force, Omaha Nebraska – enhances and provides direct support to the antimethamphetamine effort in Omaha Nebraska by improving enforcement capabilities of a

multi-agency task force.

21. Tri-City Task Force, Grand Island – enhances and provides direct support to the antimethamphetamine effort in the Grand Island Nebraska area.

22. Lincoln-Lancaster Task Force – enhances and provides support to the antimethamphetamine effort in the Lincoln Nebraska area.

23. WING Drug and Violent Crime Task Force – enhances and provides support to the antimethamphetamine effort in the Nebraska Panhandle area.
64

24. III Corp Drug and Violent Crime Task Force – enhances and provides support to the antimethamphetamine effort in the Dodge county Nebraska area.

25. South Dakota DCI Investigative Support – coordinates methamphetamine efforts in South

Dakota through increased investigations, providing officer training and an intelligence

analyst to increase the number of investigations and prosecutions related to

methamphetamine.

26. Sioux Falls Meth Task Force – a co-located state and local task force, with non-collocated

participation from several other local, state, and federal agencies, target methamphetamine

manufacturing, importation, and distribution organizations operating in Sioux Falls and other

parts of South Dakota.

27. Pennington County Meth Task Force – a co-located state and local task force, with noncollocated participation from several other local, state, and federal agencies, target

methamphetamine manufacturing, importation, and distribution organizations operating in

Pennington County and other parts of South Dakota.

28. North Dakota BCI Enforcement – coordinates methamphetamine efforts in North Dakota

through increased investigations, providing officer training and an intelligence analyst to

increase the number of investigations and prosecutions related to methamphetamine.

29. HIDTA Task Force Bismarck – a co-located state local, and federal task force, targeting

methamphetamine manufacturing, importation, and distribution organizations operating in

Bismarck and other parts of North Dakota.

30. Grand Forks County Task Force – a multi-jurisdictional state and local task force operating

in the Grand Forks area, targeting methamphetamine trafficking and violent crime.

31. DEA Task Force Fargo – a collocated federal, state, and local task force serving as a focal

point of enforcement efforts in southeast North Dakota. The task force consists of officers

from 9 local, state, and federal agencies.

32. DEA Regional Enforcement/Investigations Support – enhances coordination, support and

enhancement of all Midwest HIDTA efforts by contributing DEA’s national and international

expertise to investigate, arrest, and prosecute, key members of methamphetamine

importation, distribution and manufacturing organizations.

33. Forensic Laboratory Enhancement – several law enforcement chemists, under the direction

of DEA, are assigned to various labs in the Midwest HIDTA states to reduce delay in

processing of analysis of methamphetamine exhibits and increases law enforcement

analytical abilities, through expedited on-site lab analysis of evidence.

34. Special Assistant United States Attorney– enhances the resources of United States

Attorney’s Offices in the six Midwest HIDTA states to aggressively prosecute

methamphetamine cases and to cross-designate state prosecutors when appropriate.
65

35. Regional/State Demand Reduction Initiative – law enforcement agencies in collaboration

with anti-drug agencies collaborate to expand public awareness regarding the consequences

of illicit drug use, methamphetamine in particular, and provides education and training

targeting youths and their families in the six state area.

Outcomes:

Enhanced and increased the regional collection and dissemination of illegal narcotics and

methamphetamine related intelligence/information. Improved the ability of federal, state, and

local enforcement agencies to identify, target, arrest, and prosecute key individuals involved in

drug distribution and/or clandestine manufacturing of methamphetamine. Improved the

utilization of Midwest HIDTA resources through continual updates of the regional

methamphetamine threat assessment. Significantly reduced the number of individuals within the

region actively involved in narcotic distribution and/or clandestine manufacturing of

methamphetamine and related criminal activities. Reduced the time required by federal/state

laboratories to process illegal narcotic and methamphetamine exhibits and improves their

analytical capabilities. Increase on-site laboratory seizure support resulting in enhanced officer

safety and improved identification and collection of evidence. Enhanced federal and state

prosecution of methamphetamine cases and encourage greater cooperation between federal, state,

local prosecutors throughout the region. Increased in the number of narcotic trafficking

organizations and/or clandestine methamphetamine laboratory operators immobilized, resulting

in a reduction in the supply of methamphetamine and illegal narcotics throughout the region.

Assisted HIDTA Task forces and Law Enforcement Agencies in fulfilling their community

awareness mission. Increased family and community awareness regarding the dangers of

methamphetamine abuse thus reducing the use of methamphetamine throughout the region.

Improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the Midwest HIDTA resulting in a measurable

reduction in the distribution of illegal narcotics and clandestine manufacturing of

methamphetamine and related criminal activity throughout the region.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal

Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service,

Department of Defense Joint Task Force Six, United States Attorney’s Office (Northern and

Southern District of Iowa, District of Kansas, Western and Eastern Districts of Missouri, District

of Nebraska, District of North Dakota, and District of South Dakota), United States Marshal

Service, United States Postal Service, United States Food and Drug Administration, United

States Housing and Urban Development

State: Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office, Iowa State

Patrol, Iowa National Guard, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas National Guard, Missouri

Department of Public Safety, Missouri National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol,

Nebraska State Patrol, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway

Patrol, South Dakota National Guard, South Dakota State Attorney’s Office, South Dakota

Attorney General’s Office

Local: Adams County Sheriff’s Office (NE), Altoona Police Department (IA), Ankeny Police

Department (IA), Bonner Springs Police Department (KS), Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office
66

(MO), Cape Girardeau Police Department (MO), Carroll County Sheriff’s Department (MO),

Christian County Sheriff’s Office (MO), Crawford County Sheriff’s Office (KS), Davenport

Police Department (IA), Des Moines Police Department (IA), Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

(NE), Dunklin Police Department (MO), Dysart Police Department (MO), Eldora Police

Department (IA), Finney County Sheriff’s Office (KS), Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

(MO), Garden City Police Department (KS), Grand Island Police Department (NE), Grandview

Police Department (MO), Green County Sheriff’s Office (MO), Grundy County Sheriff’s

Department (IA), Hardin County Sheriff’s Department (IA), Independence Police Department

(MO), Iowa Falls Police Department (IA), Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department (MO),

Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (KS), Kansas City Police Department (KS), Kansas City Police

Department (MO), Lake St. Louis Police Department (MO), Lawrence County Sheriff’s

Department (SD), Leavenworth Police Department (KS), Lincoln Police Department (NE),

Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office (IA), Marshall County Sheriff’s Department (IA),

Marshalltown Police Department (IA), Meade County Sheriff’s Department (SD), Minnehaha

County Sheriff’s Department (SD), Minnehaha County State Attorney’s Office (SD), Muscatine

Police Department (IA), Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office (IA), Nebraska Police Department

(NE), O’Fallon Police Department (MO), Olathe Police Department (KS), Overland Park Police

Department (KS), Pennington County Sheriff’s Office (SD), Pennington County Attorney’s

Office (SD), Pittsburg Police Department (KS), Platte County Sheriff’s Department (MO),

Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department (IA), Polk County Sheriff’s Office (IA), Richmond

Police Department (MO), Sikeston Department of Public Safety (MO), Sioux City Police

Department (IA), Sioux Falls Police Department (SD), South Sioux City Police Department (IA),

Springfield Police Department (MO), St. Charles Police Department (MO), St. Charles County

Sheriff’s Department (MO), St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office (MO), St. Louis County Police

Department (MO), St. Louis Police Department (MO), Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department

(MO), Tama Police Department (IA), Tama County Sheriff’s Department (IA), Trenton Police

Department (MO), Wentzville Police Department (MO), Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office

(IA), Scottsbluff Sheriffs Office (NE), Gering Police Department (NE), Scottsbluff Police

Department (NE), Fremont Police Department (NE), Dodge County Sheriff Department (NE),

Hooper/Scribner Police Department (NE), Blair Police Department (NE), Burt County Sheriff

Department (NE), North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (ND), Minot Police

Department (ND), Ward County Sheriff (ND), Grand Forks Police Department (ND), Grand

Forks County Sheriff (ND), Walsh County Sheriff (ND), Fargo Police Department (ND), Cass

County Sheriff (ND). Lincoln/Lancaster Task Force (NE), Tri-City Task Force (NE), Tri-State

Task Force (NE), Metro Task Force (NE), North Central Task Force (MO), Southeast Missouri

Task Force (MO), St. Charles Drug Task Force (MO), Jackson Co. Drug Task Force (MO)

Other: Lincoln Co. Drug Task Force (SD), Partnership for a Drug Free America, Partnership

for a Drug Free Iowa, Omaha Community, Partnership Toward a Drug Free Nebraska,

Partnership for a Drug Free Missouri, South Dakota Plus, Drug Abuse Resistance Education in

Nebraska, Drug Abuse Resistance Education in South Dakota, Drug Abuse Resistance Education

in Missouri, Drug Abuse Resistance Education in Iowa, Drug Abuse Resistance Education in

Kansas, Drug Abuse Resistance Education of America

Information is provided by the Midwest HIDTA.
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Milwaukee HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The Milwaukee HIDTA’s mission is to apply enhanced intelligence

processes and greater operational coordination and prosecution to reduce organized drug

distribution, drug related violent crime and money laundering, and the demand for illegal drugs

within the Milwaukee HIDTA. The Milwaukee HIDTA also strives to halt the distribution of

illegal drugs through the Milwaukee HIDTA to urban areas throughout Wisconsin and beyond.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1998

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Wisconsin: Milwaukee County

Contact: (414) 220-4740

Threat Abstract:

Within the Milwaukee HIDTA region, powder and crack cocaine, and marijuana represent the

predominant drug threats. Heroin and methamphetamine have also been identified as emerging

trends. Highway and airline trafficking are the primary means of drug importation. Using these

transportation methods, street gangs and other criminal organizations have developed effective

distribution systems within Milwaukee County. On the south side of Milwaukee the Hispanic

gangs are highly territorial. Large national street gangs control trafficking on Milwaukee’s north

side. These groups maintain close ties with similar gangs in Chicago.

Among the drugs distributed within the HIDTA region, cocaine remains the drug of choice. Most

distribution groups have Mexican-based sources of supply, both inside and outside the HIDTA

region. Street gangs process crack cocaine within the neighborhoods to avoid the heavy

penalties for crack importation.

Another significant threat includes the increase in domestically grown marijuana. While the

most common source of marijuana in the region is Mexico, local indoor grow operations have

risen in popularity. Heroin trafficking and abuse is also increasing. Although Chicago remains

the most frequently cited source of heroin, recent seizures indicate direct shipments, notably

South American heroin, from source countries.

Law enforcement agencies in the HIDTA region have observed presence of three other drugs in

the community. Vicodin, a prescription medication; psilocybin (known on the street as

shrooms), and LSD. These three drugs are particularly prevalent among teenagers.

Additionally, prescription medicine abuse increased 200% between 1997 and 1999.

Methamphetamine trafficking and abuse has not reached Milwaukee County as a priority

concern for law enforcement.
68

Drug trafficking organizations in the Milwaukee HIDTA utilize a variety of legitimate and front

businesses to launder their proceeds. The Milwaukee area is used as a transshipment point for

the majority of drug profits garnered in Wisconsin. The proceeds are forwarded to source cities

via private and commercial vehicles, ticketed commercial transportation, or mail delivery

services. An increase in straw purchases of guns and illegal gun trafficking has become an

integral part of gang drug activity, and the availability of weapons is the primary reason for

increased gang violence.

Strategy Abstract:

The Milwaukee HIDTA is located within the judicial districts of the Eastern District of

Wisconsin and the County of Milwaukee. Located therein, each federal agency has one regional

leader to insure that the agency is pursuing its mission and is coordinating its efforts with other

law enforcement agencies. Likewise, state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies

exercise the authority of their respective jurisdictions to carry out their missions in overlapping

venues. The Executive Committee is comprised of a representative from each participating

agency with at least one full-time HIDTA member. The initiatives are comprised of

representatives from a total of eleven agencies. There are five federal agencies, two state

agencies, and four local agencies participating in the Milwaukee HIDTA.

The Milwaukee HIDTA’s initiatives focus on disrupting and dismantling local, regional, and

national-level drug and money laundering organizations. The Milwaukee HIDTA coordinated

six initiatives in Fiscal Year 2000. There are four drug trafficking initiatives, three of which

target specific locations throughout the community and one that investigates the trafficking of

heroin. There is one anti-drug/anti-crime initiative, and an intelligence center.

Investigative Support Center:

The Milwaukee HIDTA Intelligence and Technical Support Center (HITS Center) is a collocated

effort of federal, state, and local agencies. The HITS Center has a primary function of gathering,

analyzing and disseminating intelligence regarding drug traffickers and gang organizations. The

HITS Center also identifies drug trafficking organizations, assists in the development of the

threat assessment and priority setting; and assists in the coordination of cases and investigations.

The HITS Center moved into its permanent space in April 1999. Currently the analysts have

access to the following databases and research software tools: NADDIS, Transaction Information

for Management (TIME), Case management (contains all HIDTA cases), Pen-Link (phone

record information), Property information Retrieval system (PIRS), locating property from the

City of Milwaukee Assessor’s office, Bressers, telephone directory for five county area

surrounding Milwaukee, World Wide Information, drivers licenses and motor vehicle

registration checks, Choice Point, Public source database, I-2 Analyst Notebook- charting, RISSNet/MOCIC national database for suspect pointer index, Wisconsin Utilities-information

associated with property owners, Internet-used for general and public searches, FinCen, financial

banking inquirers ,and access to; however, not installed yet at the Milwaukee HIDTA, FBI-net,

and TECHS.
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Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Milwaukee HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Common Thread Task Force – a FBI supervised, multi-agency initiative that focuses on

long-term investigative efforts on the North side of the city of Milwaukee. This initiative

identifies individuals and/or organizations involved in the import and distribution of cocaine.

The goal of the task force is to conduct investigations to disrupt and dismantle these drug

organizations. Another goal of the Common Thread Task Force is to identify the source of

the cocaine coming into the city and pursue federal prosecution of the out-of-state drug

sources.

2. Heroin Task Force – a multi-agency initiative supervised by the Wisconsin Department of

Justice, Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The Heroin Task Force focuses on the

identification, infiltration, disruption and dismantling of heroin trafficking organizations

operating within and through Milwaukee County. The Heroin Task Force is currently

targeting identified organizations and is continuously developing intelligence sources to

examine emerging or declining trends to heroin trafficking. The Heroin Task Force is

working in conjunction with demand reduction efforts to identify and remove major sources

of heroin, as well as other drugs and their related violence in the community.

3. South Side Gangs Task Force – a locally led, collocated multi-agency task force focused on

drug trafficking organizations/gangs operating in the near South side Milwaukee

neighborhoods. South Side Gangs aims to conduct long-term investigations on significant

narcotics dealers/organizations/gangs with the goal of criminally prosecuting responsible

persons and dismantling the operation(s). South Side Gangs will also work in conjunction

with demand reduction efforts to remove sources of drugs and violence from the

neighborhoods. Lastly, South Side Gangs will develop and maintain intelligence regarding

drug trafficking gangs/organizations on the South side of Milwaukee.

4. Interdiction – Added in June of 1999, the Interdiction Initiative became the fifth drug task

force of the Milwaukee HIDTA. The Interdiction Task Force is a county led multi-agency

initiative, focusing on the interdiction of drugs coming in to Milwaukee County and money

going out in order to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations by a coordinated

and intelligence based joint law enforcement effort.

5. HIDTA Street Drug Task Force – a locally led, collocated multi-agency task force focused

on drug traffickers operating at the street level within the Milwaukee HIDTA region. The

Street Drug Task Force conducts short-term investigations of dealers and gangs that disperse

illegal drugs by making them easily available to the consumer in small quantities. The Street

Drug Task Force will continue to work in conjunction with demand education efforts to

remove the source of drugs and related violence from the neighborhoods. The Street Drug

Task Force will continue to focus on individuals or groups that disperse street level quantities

of illegal drugs on or near schools or playgrounds and in areas of high drug activity and

partake in drug-related crimes.

6. Safe & Sound – an anti-drug/anti-crime initiative that attacks the interrelated problems of

drugs, gangs, and guns. It is driven by a three-pronged strategy that includes tough law
70

enforcement, positive, demand reduction alternatives for youth and neighborhood anticrime/anti-drug organizing. Safe & Sound’s overriding goal is to work in collaboration with

the Milwaukee HIDTA to reduce violent crime.

Outcomes:

Coordination of intelligence information through the HITS Center provides greater sharing of

information among Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies. State of the art

equipment and other resources are shared with Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies

on occasion which enhances their capabilities and assists in their investigations. The Milwaukee

HIDTA also provides ongoing training to area law enforcement officers on various pertinent

topics. For the first time, Deconfliction services are available to all surrounding communities

and federal money laundering expertise is available to state and local agencies.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal

Bureau of Investigation, United States Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Wisconsin, United

States Customs Service

State: Wisconsin Division of Narcotic Enforcement, Wisconsin National Guard

Local: Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office,

Milwaukee Police Department, West Allis Police Department

Information is provided by the Milwaukee HIDTA.
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New England HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The New England HIDTA, (NEHIDTA) through multi-agency

collocated and commingled initiatives, strives to identify, disrupt and dismantle the Colombian

and Dominican drug trafficking and money laundering organizations that are operating in New

England. The NEHIDTA increases citizen safety by reducing the availability of illicit drugs and

preventing drug related violence in New England and other parts of the United States.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1999

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

 Massachusetts: Suffolk, Essex, Worcester, Plymouth, and Hampden counties

 Connecticut: Fairfield, Hartford and New Haven counties

 Rhode Island: Providence County

 Vermont: Chittenden County

 Maine: Cumberland County

 New Hampshire: Hillsborough County

Contact: (617) 748-3124

Threat Abstract:

The New England HIDTA (NEHIDTA) was designated in 1999 due in part to the high purity

heroin found throughout New England and the criminal groups trafficking heroin and crack

cocaine from New York to New England. The most significant threat confronting the

NEHIDTA is the transportation of drugs from sources of supply in New York to New England.

Consequently, it is the major concentration of efforts for the NEHIDTA. In addition, the

thousands of miles of coastline and the vast, desolate, U.S./Canadian border provides extensive

opportunities for drug smuggling into the New England Region.

Every state in New England, and in particular the twelve designated NEHIDTA counties, are

experiencing an unprecedented rise in heroin related deaths and hospital emergency department

admissions for overdoses. The Drug Abuse Warning Network statistics for heroin/morphine

related episodes in Boston, MA have more than doubled since 1991. Powder and crack cocaine

are readily available throughout New England. In some cases, they are distributed by the same

criminal groups distributing heroin. The transportation and distribution of heroin, cocaine and

crack cocaine is accomplished by Colombian and Dominican criminal groups primarily from

New York. There is also intelligence information of a possible link between New England and

the Mexican Border criminal groups for direct shipments of cocaine.

The NEHIDTA will also target and investigate those criminal groups responsible for the

laundering of illegal profits derived from the distribution of heroin and cocaine.
72

Strategy Abstract:

The New England HIDTA recently completed its first year of operations. The NEHIDTA is a six

state HIDTA and the coordination and integration of the task forces and synchronization of law

enforcement operations is very complex and critical to the HIDTA’s success. The Executive

Committee provides outstanding guidance and support for the NEHIDTA initiatives and, with

the Director and Staff, are the command and control of the NEHIDTA. The NEHIDTA is

supported by representatives from over eighty federal, state and local agencies.

The strategy for the NEHIDTA is to target the flow of drugs from New York into New England,

with an initial focus of high-purity heroin and cocaine. The transportation of drugs from New

York is a problem shared by all of the New England states. Successfully attacking this

transportation system will thereby help reduce the impact of illicit drugs and related violent

criminal activity in the entire region. The initiatives of the NEHIDTA support ONCDP’s

National Drug Control Strategy and, in particular, Goal 2, which addresses the need to increase

the safety of American’s citizens by substantially reducing drug-related crime violence.

The New England HIDTA developed a cohesive and comprehensive program combining

regional and state specific initiatives. The NEHIDTA’s initiatives focus on reducing and

disrupting the flow of drugs along the pipeline. To accomplish this, the NEHIDTA will

coordinate thirteen (13) initiatives in FY 2001. These initiatives are organized into and support

four (4) counter-drug subsystems, with each subsystem integral to the success of the NEHIDTA.

Investigative Support Center:

An integral component in the New England HIDTA Strategy is the need to enhance and increase

the free exchange of intelligence/information among all HIDTA participants, other agencies

throughout the area and nationally. The Investigative Support Center (ISC) will provide event

and case deconfliction for officer safety and enhanced intelligence; strategic intelligence for

targeting and resource allocation; and in-service analytical intelligence and other training. The

Watch center will provide law enforcement, throughout the New England region, with immediate

access to “one stop shopping” of law enforcement and other databases.

The New England HIDTA will attempt to dramatically improve the collection, analysis, and

dissemination of intelligence/information by instituting a “systems network” of sharing

throughout the area. The NEHIDTA will coordinate this effort with national intelligence centers

such as the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) and the National Drug Intelligence Center

(NDIC) as well as NESPIN on a regional level. Partnerships will also be developed with other

northeast HIDTA’s such as the New York/New Jersey HIDTA, a source area for much of the

drugs brought into New England. The ISC will be operational in early 2001.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 New England HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Southern New England HIDTA Task Force (CT) – this is a collocated task force that is

concentrating on mid level to major traffickers in the Fairfield county area of Connecticut

and will be comprised of federal, state and local investigators in Bridgeport, CT.
73

2. Southern New England Street Sweep Initiative(CT) – this is a multi-agency task force that

targets violent narcotic traffickers in the Fairfield and New Haven counties of Connecticut.

This task force will target those criminal groups whose activities negatively impact quality of

life issues in the neighborhoods and communities in these counties.

3. Bradley Airport Transportation Group (CT) – this task force is led by the Connecticut State

Police, and is staffed by special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S.

Customs Service. This interdiction task force will concentrate on cargo shipments containing

drugs and general airport enforcement programs.

4. Northeast New England HIDTA Task Force (ME) – this task force is located in Portland,

ME and is a multi-agency, collocated task force. This task force is targeting core and

secondary heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine criminal distribution organizations.

5. New England HIDTA Financial Task Force (MA) – this task force is led by the U.S.

Customs Service and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. It is

staffed with Customs and IRS special agents, Massachusetts State Police and Boston Police

Department detectives. This task force is identifying, investigating and prosecuting large

scale money laundering organizations in New England and internationally.

6. Greater Boston Task Force (MA) – led by the FBI, this multi-agency, collocated task force

will target mid to upper level criminal organizations in the Greater Boston area. This

initiative also manages a smaller task force in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

7. Central Massachusetts Task Force (MA) – this task force is led by the DEA and consists of

federal, state and local investigators targeting widespread criminal organizations in Central

Massachusetts.

8. Northern New England HIDTA Task Force (NH) – established in Manchester, New

Hampshire this DEA led, collocated state, federal and local task force investigates core and

secondary drug distributors in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.

9. Rhode Island HIDTA Task Force (RI) – the Rhode Island HIDTA Task Force is an FBI led,

multi-agency task force that is co-managed by the FBI and Rhode Island State Police. This

task force will primarily target violators in the greater Providence, Rhode Island area.

10. Providence County HIDTA Transportation Task Force (RI) – this task force is DEA led

and is working in the major rail, bus and airport terminals, as well as cargo terminals and

express package delivery services. This interdiction task force was established to intercept

and seize illicit drugs and currency derived from criminal activities.

11. Northern Vermont HIDTA Task Force (VT) – this DEA led, multi-agency task force will

concentrate its efforts in the greater Burlington, VT area and will target mid to upper level

criminal organizations.
74

Outcomes:

The establishment of the New England HIDTA, by the Office of National Drug Control Policy in

June 1999, has enabled the law enforcement agencies in New England to create an Investigative

Support Center (ISC), a drug control strategy and initiatives that will truly serve law

enforcement’s needs in the 21st century. The ISC, by providing event and case deconfliction will

ensure officer safety and eliminate duplication of effort. Case support will be available to law

enforcement agencies throughout New England and “one stop shopping” to a wide range of law

enforcement and commercial databases will become a reality. Seizure analysis, threat

assessments and “real time” intelligence information will enable law enforcement to successfully

attack, disrupt and dismantle the violent criminal organizations.

New task forces have been created where none previously existed and many others have been

significantly enhanced with NEHIDTA resources. The law enforcement executives on the

Executive Committee and the Director and Staff are the command and control for drug law

enforcement and prosecution in New England. This unified approach in the New England region

enables law enforcement executives from federal, state and local agencies to develop a regional

threat assessment and determine a strategy to attack the drug trafficking organizations. Two

NEHIDTA initiatives are co-managed with supervisors from federal and state agencies and all

task forces are collocated, multi-agency cooperative ventures. Training will be provided on a

regional basis, which will create new partnerships, strengthen existing partnerships and provide a

neutral ground for the exchange of intelligence information and investigative leads. The

NEHIDTA’s Executive Committee, Investigative Support Center and Initiatives are providing

the leadership and support for a unified and focused attack on violent, drug trafficking and

money laundering organizations in New England and other regions.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal

Bureau of Investigation, Housing and Urban Development, Inspector General’s Office,

Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation

Division, Department of Defense Joint Task Force Six, United States Attorney’s for New

Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, United States Coast

Guard, United States Customs Service, United States Marshals for Massachusetts, Vermont,

Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, United States Postal Service, and United

States Secret Service

State: Connecticut State Police, Connecticut National Guard, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency,

Maine State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Department of Corrections,

Massachusetts National Guard, New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire National Guard,

New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, Rhode Island State Police, Rhode

National Guard, Vermont State Police, Vermont National Guard

Local: Auburn, MA Police Department, Boston, MA Police Department, Bridgeport, CT Police

Department, Brighton, ME Police Department, Bristol, CT Police Department, Brockton, MA

Police Department, Chelsea, MA Police Department, Cranston, RI Police Department, Easton,

CT Police Department, East Haven, CT Police Department, Enfield, CT Police Department,

Essex County, MA Sheriff’s Department, Fitchburg, MA Police Department, Framingham, MA
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Police Department, Franklin, MA Police Department, Greenwich, CT Police Department,

Hamden, MA Police Department, Hartford, CT, Police Department, Hopkinton, RI Police

Department, Lawrence, MA Police Department, Leominster, MA Police Department, Lowell,

MA Police Department, Lynn, MA Police Department, Madison, CT Police Department,

Manchester, NH Police Department, Methuen, MA Police Department, Milford, CT Police

Department, Milford, MA Police Department, Nashua, NH Police Department, New Britain, CT

Police Department, Newburyport, MA Police Department, New Haven, CT Police Department,

North Andover, MA Police Department, Norwalk, CT Police Department, Orange, CT Police

Department, Pawtucket, RI Police Department, Portland, ME Police Department, Providence, RI

Police Department, Southbridge, MA Police Department, Southington, CT Police Department,

South Burlington, VT Police Department, South Portland, ME Police Department, Stamford, CT

Police Department, Stratford, CT Police Department, Warwick, RI Police Department, Webster,

MA Police Department Westbrook, ME Police Department, Westerly, RI Police Department,

West Haven, CT Police Department, Woodbridge, CT Police Department, Woonsocket, RI

Police Department, Worcester, MA Police Department

Other: State Medical Examiners, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont,

Maine, and Rhode Island

Information is provided by the New England HIDTA
76

New York/New Jersey HIDTA

FY2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The New York/New Jersey HIDTA’s mission is to measurably reduce

illegal drug use and the harm it causes. Recognizing that no single effective solution exists, the

New York/New Jersey HIDTA seeks to accomplish its mission through collaborative,

measurable initiatives ranging from enforcement and prosecution to prevention.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1990

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

New York: New York City; and Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties

New Jersey: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union counties

 Contact: Chauncey G. Parker (212) 637-6510

Threat Abstract:

The New York/New Jersey HIDTA was one of the five original High Intensity Drug Trafficking

Areas designated in 1990. The region is the Northeast United States’ center for narcotics

trafficking – both a gateway and market place. The environment presents an ideal location for

the importation of drugs through its two major international airports and several domestic

airports; two major railroad complexes and hundreds of miles of subway tracks; extensive

waterfront with various points-of-entry, including the Port of New York, the third largest port in

the country and ranked in the top 15 in the world; and a complex network of highways, bridges

and tunnels which bring over one billion people into New York City each year. As the financial

capital of the world, New York City offers the money launderer numerous opportunities and

avenues to convert and/or conceal illicit funds into a form unidentifiable by the banking system

and more readily acceptable in world trade. In addition, its multi-cultural population allows

ethnic-based drug organizations to operate within widely recognized ethnic enclaves without

arousing suspicion.

Cocaine dominates the current drug market with Colombian drug trafficking organizations

controlling the source and Dominican organizations controlling distribution. New York City

also continues to be the most significant heroin destination and distribution center in the country.

In addition to Dominican and Colombian drug trafficking organizations, Mexican drug

trafficking organizations and street gangs, Asian criminal enterprises, and Jamaican drug

trafficking organizations, who control crack and marijuana distribution in certain areas, operate

in the region. The major threat from the gangs in New York is violence, often random. Despite

the fact that crime in New York City has decreased dramatically, much of the remaining crime is

directly attributable to the drug trade. Drug distribution, street level sales, transport and the

attendant violence remain high. Marijuana is the most abused illegal drug. Designer drugs are

also prevalent and have a specific consumer base, primarily within the club scene.

Methamphetamines originating from the West Coast are available, but have not reached a critical

state in the region.
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Strategy Abstract:

An Executive Committee comprised of 18 federal, state, and local law enforcement leaders in the

New York metropolitan area allows the seamless integration and synchronization of efforts to

reduce drug trafficking, eliminate unnecessary duplication of effort, systematically improve the

sharing of drug intelligence, and support programs that effectively reduce the demand for illegal

drugs. Hundreds of representatives from 82 federal, state, and local agencies are full-time

participants in HIDTA initiatives.

Investigative Support Center:

Led by the New York City Police Department, the Investigative Support Center (ISC) consists of

over 70 representatives from over 18 federal, state, and local agencies, including the NYPD, FBI,

DEA, Customs, United States Secret Service, New York State Police, New York City

Department of Correction, and New York State Parole. The ISC, which is located at the NY/NJ

HIDTA, is a critical conduit for information sharing among numerous federal, state, and local

law enforcement agencies in the region. The ISC is organized into two sections:

The Watch provides law enforcement with immediate access – “one stop shopping”—to a

wide rang of law enforcement and commercial databases, 24 hours a day, seven days a

week. In 1999, the Watch averaged over 2,100 requests per month.

The Analytical and Investigative Group (AIG), provides narcotics intelligence analysis,

prepares threat assessments, strategic reports, organizational studies, and assists trial

preparations.

In addition to the Watch and the AIG, the ISC has helped establish satellite intelligence centers

in the New York metropolitan area:

Money Laundering Intelligence Center

The Financial and Analysis Coordination Team (FACT) located at the El Dorado Money

Laundering Task Force consists primarily of representatives from Customs and IRS and

facilitates the sharing of money laundering intelligence in the area.

Westchester Intelligence Center (WIC)

The WIC, located at the Westchester County District Attorney's Office, establishes a

central point of contact for information sharing in the county, with over 16 municipalities

participating.

Regional Crime Gun Center (Gun Center)

The Gun Center, led by ATF, together with the NYPD and the New York National Guard,

is a central location for all criminal firearms databases. The Gun Center gathers and

consolidates all aspects of intelligence on illegal firearms and trafficking and provides this

information to law enforcement 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
78

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 NY/NJ HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Citywide Narcotics Initiative (CNI) - In September 1996 regional law enforcement agencies,

led by the New York Police Department, launched a relentless multi-agency effort to reduce

illegal drug trafficking in the Washington Heights section of Northern Manhattan. Formerly

known as the Northern Manhattan Initiative, the success of this program, which targets street

to international level narcotics trafficking organizations, compelled the expansion of the

program across New York City. Through the expanded use of technology and intelligence

sharing with its federal and state counterparts, the CNI increases the safety of citizens in their

neighborhoods by substantially reducing drug-related crime and violence.

2. El Dorado Task Force - A multi-agency task force led by US Customs and IRS, the El

Dorado Task Force consists of over 200 representatives from federal, state, and local law

enforcement targeting the primary avenues drug traffickers use to launder drug profits:

money services, physical transportation, merchandising and banking and brokerages. The El

Dorado Task Force received national recognition for its Geographical Targeting Order

(“GTO”) initiative, which drastically changed wire transfer reporting procedures. By

requiring transmitters to report cash transactions in excess of $750 (the previous cap was

$10,000), the GTO effectively blocked drug traffickers from laundering their drug proceeds

through these remitters. Drug traffickers were forced to use alternative, less secure methods,

such as money couriers, to get their drug money out of the country. As a result, cash seizures

by law enforcement increased dramatically.

3. Drug Trafficking Organization Task Force - The Drug Trafficking Organization Task

Force, which consists of representatives from NYPD, DEA, and FBI, conducts investigations

to eliminate drug trafficking organizations in the New York metropolitan area. The task

force directs its efforts cooperatively with other law enforcement initiatives to combat and

eliminate drug activity, to reduce fear and improve the quality of life for residents and those

who work in the surrounding areas. The task force conducts a broad range of investigations,

targeting narcotic organizations from street level pushers to international traffickers.

Identified narcotics organizations are dismantled with an emphasis on solving violent crimes

and seizing both currency and property assets.

4. Fugitive Task Force - The Fugitive Task Force, led by the US Marshals Service, is

comprised of 20 law enforcement representatives from the Marshals, INS, NYPD, and the

Department of Defense’s Joint Task Force. Targeting the most difficult and dangerous drug

fugitives as well as criminal aliens with final orders of deportation in the metropolitan area,

the Fugitive Task Force has arrested over 400 high level fugitives, including 30 murderers,

since October 1996.

5. Northern New Jersey Heroin Trafficking Task Force - The Northern New Jersey Heroin

Trafficking Task Force combines 43 federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel as

well as the New Jersey National Guard and US Army intelligence analysts in a concentrated

effort to dismantle core and secondary trafficking organizations in the five northern counties

of New Jersey – Essex, Hudson, Union, Bergen, and Passaic. The Task Force identifies and
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seizes assets connected to the laundering of illicit proceeds from heroin trafficking and

focuses on quality of life operations to assist communities in reclaiming their streets in

northern New Jersey neighborhoods.

6. Regional Training Center (“RTC”) - The RTC trains federal, state and local law

enforcement officials in narcotics investigations and drug trafficking operations within the

HIDTA region. The Center also serves as a base station, networking with 226 law

enforcement agencies throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

7. Photo Imaging Network (“PIMS”) - HIDTA, together with the NYPD, has developed the

largest computerized photo-imaging network in the country which contains the arrest

photographs and biographical information (e.g., height, weight, age, race, charge, etc.) for

every person arrested on state and federal charges in New York City and Westchester and

Nassau Counties.

8. Computerized Intelligence Reports - HIDTA, together with the NYPD, is developing a

computerized version of the NYPD's principal intelligence report, the DD5. With the click

of a button, investigators will be able to search thousands of reports and in an instant

discover links, such as common names, phone numbers, and addresses. The automated DD5

is currently being used by all narcotics detectives in northern Manhattan, and by the end of

2000, as a result of a six million dollar federal COPSMORE grant, all detectives throughout

New York City will be using the automated DD5.

9. Unified Drug Enforcement Coordination System (“UDECS”) - UDECS (an enhanced

version of DECS, the original pointer index system for New York City drug enforcement),

creates a centralized, integrated deconfliction database for all drug enforcement

investigations in the New York metropolitan area.

10. Citywide Armory Project - HIDTA is working in partnership with the New York and New

Jersey National Guards, law enforcement agencies, and community and non-profit

organizations to convert under-used armories in disadvantaged neighborhoods of the New

York metropolitan area into community centers for young people. These community centers

will provide a safe, structured environment for children through a wide array of recreational

and educational opportunities, including computer training, track, volleyball, and martial arts.

Tutoring, mentoring and SAT preparation courses will also be offered in the Washington

Heights section of Northern Manhattan.

Outcomes:

The NY/NJ HIDTA has initiated many projects that have created alliances across agency lines

and have enhanced coordination and information sharing among law enforcement agencies.

Among others, the Investigative Support Center, the computerization of law enforcement

intelligence reports and arrest photographs (“PIMs”), the Urban Training Center, and the

Citywide Armory Project have been particularly innovative initiatives which have benefited law

enforcement agencies in the region.
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Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Department of Defense Joint Task Force

Six, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Reserve Bank,

Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorney's

Offices, United States Coast Guard, United States Customs Service, United States Marshal

Service, United States Park Police, United States Housing and Urban Development, United

States Postal Service, United States Probation, and United States Secret Service

State: New Jersey National Guard, New Jersey Attorney General's Office, New Jersey

Department of Human Services, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, New Jersey State

Police, New York National Guard, New York State Banking Department, New York State

Police, New York State Division of Parole, New York Division of Criminal Justice Services,

New York Office of State Parks, Recreation, and Historical Preservation, New York State Office

of Children and Family Services

Local: Ardsley NY Police Department, Bergen County NJ Prosecutor's Office, Bronx County

NY District Attorney's Office, Bronx Village NY Police Department, Buchanan Village NY

Police Department, Dobbs Ferry NY Police Department, Elmsford NY Police Department, Essex

County NJ Prosecutor's Office, Essex County NJ Sheriff's Office, Hastings-on-Hudson NY

Police Department, Hudson County NJ Prosecutor's Office, Jersey City Police Department,

Kings County District Attorney's Office, Larchmont NY Police Department, Mamaroneck NY

Police Department, Mount Kisco NY Police Department, Mount Pleasant NY Police

Department, Mount Vernon NY Police Department, Nassau County District Attorney's Office,

Nassau County Police Department, New Castle NY Police Department, New Rochelle NY Police

Department, New York District Attorney's Office, New York Criminal Justice Coordinator, New

York City Department of Correction, New York City Housing Authority, New York City Parks

and Recreation New York City Police Department, Newark Police Department, Office of the

Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Ossing NY Police Department, Passaic County Prosecutor's

Office, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police, Port Chester NY Police Department,

Queens County District Attorney's Office, Richmond County District Attorney's Office, Rye

Brook NY Police Department, Rye NY Police Department, Suffolk County Police Department,

Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, Union County NJ Prosecutor's Office, Westchester County

District Attorney's Office, Westchester County Department of Corrections Westchester County

Department of Public Safety, Westchester County Police Department, White Plains Police

Department

Other: Armory High School Sports Foundation, Citizens' Committee of New York, Common

Cents, Law Enforcement Explorers, Police Athletic League, Teach for America

Information is provided by the New York/New Jersey HIDTA.
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North Texas HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the North Texas HIDTA is to reduce the availability of

illicit drugs and drug related violence by attacking, disrupting, dismantling, and destroying drug

trafficking organizations throughout the North Texas HIDTA, and by arresting and convicting

principals, seizing their contraband and assets, and reducing the demand for drugs in the region.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1998

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Texas: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Kaufman, Navarro, Ellis, Johnson,

Hood, Parker and Smith counties.

Contact: (972) 915-9500

Threat Abstract:

The North Texas HIDTA was designated in 1998. The HIDTA encompasses an area that has

become a strategic location for smuggling, transportation, and nationwide distribution of illegal

drugs. The Dallas/Fort Worth Metropolitan region is the ninth largest and the third fastest

growing metropolitan area in the country, and the North Texas HIDTA encompasses most of this

area. The proximity of the area to the Mexican border, as well as its centralized location in the

United States, make this an attractive area for Mexican poly-drug trafficking organizations to

establish their base of operations.

The attractiveness of this region to drug trafficking organizations is further enhanced by the

largest transportation network in the Southwest, with Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport, the third busiest

airport in the United States; highly developed highway corridors such as I-20, I-30, I-35 and I-45

that provide direct access from the Southwest border to major cities in the Midwest and East

Coast of the United States; and as home to many major shipping, transportation and

multinational corporations. The Dallas/Fort Worth area is a primary banking and financial center

of the Southwest, which is attractive to drug traffickers seeking to launder their illegal drug

proceeds. The major drug threats, of this region, have been identified through the 2000 regional

drug threat assessment as follows: Drug Trafficking Organizations, primarily of Mexican origin

but including Colombian, Caribbean, local street gangs, and other organized groups, who are

engaged in smuggling, transporting, and distributing, locally as well as nationally, large

quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, and other illegal drugs; Money

Laundering Organizations which utilize the financial infrastructure in the North Texas HIDTA to

launder the illegal proceeds resulting from their drug trafficking activities; and a high level of

violent crime, utilizing firearms, which has direct ties to the area drug trafficking activities.

Strategy Abstract:

The strategy of the North Texas HIDTA is to accomplish its mission of reducing the availability

of illegal drugs and drug related violence, through the following elements: a) broad participation
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by Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in all North Texas HIDTA initiatives -

during FY-2000 40 law enforcement agencies have contributed over150 personnel to the North

Texas HIDTA for assignments on investigative and intelligence initiatives; b) the operation of a

well-managed and efficient North Texas HIDTA program, led by an Executive Committee,

representing the largest Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in the area, and

implemented by the HIDTA Director, to provide support for each initiative to accomplish their

identified goals, which will thereby accomplish the mission of the North Texas HIDTA and

Office of National Drug Control Policy; c) the collocation and commingling at one central North

Texas HIDTA operations facility, of most investigative initiatives, the Regional Intelligence

Support Center, and the administrative offices; d) the establishment and operation of seven

investigative initiatives for 2000 that target the most significant drug trafficking organizations,

money laundering organizations and drug related violent crime in this area; and e) operation of a

Regional Intelligence Support Center to provide threat assessment, deconfliction coordination,

and direct investigative support to the North Texas HIDTA initiatives, as well as all law

enforcement in the North Texas area, which will achieve an exchange of drug intelligence

information, a coordination of drug operations and intelligence based targeting for all North

Texas HIDTA investigations.

Investigative Support Center:

The Regional Intelligence Support Center (RISC), jointly led by the Federal Bureau of

Investigation and the Dallas Police Department and staffed with intelligence analysts and officers

from a variety of Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, provides intelligence support

and sharing of information to all North Texas HIDTA member agencies. This initiative operates

a Watch Center for officer safety by providing deconfliction of subjects and drug operations to

all law enforcement agencies within the region. It also directly supports the North Texas HIDTA

investigative initiatives by identifying major drug trafficking organizations and providing

analysis of the patterns and trends of these organizations; profiling significant and / or new drugs

of abuse and the methods used in the distribution of these drugs; identifying crimes related to

drug trafficking and their relationship to the targeted drug trafficking organizations; providing

research for North Texas HIDTA initiatives, of all major law enforcement intelligence systems

and public information data bases; providing specific case support to the North Texas HIDTA

investigative initiatives; and promoting the participation by area law enforcement agencies in the

RISC.

The East Texas Intelligence Unit, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and located in

Smith County at Tyler, Texas, functions as an intelligence node of the RISC. It provides

intelligence services and other investigative assistance in East Texas to existing Federal, state

and local drug enforcement agencies and task forces. This unit is a multi agency initiative

staffed with personnel from Federal and state law enforcement agencies.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 North Texas HIDTA strategy:

1. Management and Coordination Initiative – responsible for providing the administrative and

fiscal management for operation of the North Texas HIDTA program, consists of the

Director and his staff. This initiative implements the policies and procedures of the Office of

National Drug Control Policy and the North Texas HIDTA Executive Committee to provide
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administrative and fiscal management and oversight. This initiative coordinates the

participation of Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in all North Texas HIDTA

initiatives and manages the central operations facility which houses most of the North Texas

HIDTA initiatives.

2. North Texas Money Laundering /Financial Initiative – led by the Internal Revenue

initiative, is focused on identifying money transmitters who have been identified as

laundering illegal drug proceeds in and out of North Texas; identifying Casa de Cambios and

businesses used to launder drug proceeds; identifying Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR)

from financial institutions for possible currency transaction reporting a structure in

violations, and pursuing high level money laundering organizations identified by assets

purchased with illegal drug proceeds.

3. North Texas HIDTA Violent Crime Initiative – led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and

Firearms, seeks to identify and prosecute subjects involved in illegal drug trafficking,

utilizing firearms and explosives. This initiative also identifies and apprehends Federal, state

and local fugitives who are wanted on drug related charges.

4. Fort Worth Regional Major Narcotics Case Initiative – led by the Fort Worth Police

Department, and staffed by Federal, state and local law enforcement officers, investigates

major narcotics and drug trafficking and distribution organizations who operate in the

Western region of the North Texas HIDTA, including Tarrant County, Parker County, Hood

County and Johnson County. This initiative is engaged in pro-active enforcement efforts to

identify the persons in leadership positions within these organizations, and to successfully

infiltrate the trafficking and distribution organizations.

5. North Texas Major Drug Organizations Initiative – led by the Drug Enforcement

Administration, is a multi-agency Federal, state and local initiative that utilizes established

investigative techniques and strategies to identify, define and target the command and control

structure of the drug trafficking organizations, along with their front companies and

trafficking methodologies. The initiative conducts sensitive investigations targeting specific

trafficking organizations in the region, identifies the position of the individuals within each

organization, the methods of drug proceeds conveyance, and their connection to other

trafficking organizations in other areas of the United States.

6. The Hybrid Drug Traffickers Initiative – led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and

consisting of multi-agency Federal, state and local officers, attacks the targeted high echelon

drug trafficking organizations, using an organized crime approach to completely dismantle

the organization. This initiative primarily targets Mexican and Colombian drug trafficking

cells operating in the North Texas HIDTA, which have been selected as National Priority

Drug Trafficking Organizations by the Department of Justice.

7. Significant Smuggling Organization Initiative - led by the United States Customs Service

and staffed by Federal and local law enforcement officers, targets organizations engaged in

actual drug smuggling across the Mexican/Texas border, those involved in stashing drugs at

the border in preparation for shipment to the North Texas HIDTA, those involved in
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transportation of drugs to this area, and those that are involved in the distribution of the drugs

for further transportation to other locations throughout the United States.

8. Collin-Denton Counties Drug Task Force Initiative – led by the Federal Bureau of

Investigation, and staffed by Federal, state and local law enforcement personnel, is in a

collocated facility in Plano, Texas. This initiative seeks to identify major drug trafficking

organizations operating in the Northern region of the North Texas HIDTA, consisting of

Collin County and Denton County, who are involved in the transportation and distribution of

methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine.

Outcomes:

North Texas HIDTA has enhanced the coordination and cooperation between area law

enforcement agencies through development of a centralized operations facility, which houses

most of the investigative, administrative and intelligence initiatives. The co-mingling of

experienced officers and agents from many agencies, within this facility, has resulted in the

sharing of valuable operational information between the task forces as well as development of

long term, cooperative relationships that will benefit law enforcement for years to come. The

Regional Intelligence Support Center, which has been described as a model for other HIDTA

Investigative Support Centers, developed the first regional drug intelligence center in North

Texas, with a branch in East Texas, to assure officer safety by providing deconfliction services

for all area law enforcement operations. This center has established the first electronic

connectivity in this area, between all major Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. In

2000 it conducted a regional drug threat assessment, and conducted a number of intelligence

assessments of drug organizations and their methods of operation, to assist law enforcement in

the accurate targeting of their drug investigations. The North Texas HIDTA developed the first

multi agency, regional drug strategy to attack the identified threats by targeting the most

significant drug, violent crime and money laundering organizations in the area. This strategy has

produced significant results with the prosecution and dismantling of major cocaine, heroin and

methamphetamine trafficking organizations, as well as the arrest of numerous individuals

engaged in drug related firearm trafficking and other violent crimes.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal

Bureau of Investigation, Housing and Urban Development, Immigration and Naturalization

Service, Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorney’s Office, United States Customs

Service, United States Marshal Service, United States Postal Service, United States Army

State: Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas National Guard

Local: Collin County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas County District Attorney, Dallas County Sheriff’s

Office, Denton County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Navarro County

Sheriff’s Office, Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, Tarrant County Narcotics and Intelligence

Coordinating Unit, Allen Police Department, Arlington Police Department, Coppell Police

Department, Dallas Police Department, Denton Police Department, DFW International Airport

Department of Public Safety, Duncanville Police Department, Euless Police Department, Fort

Worth Police Department, Garland Police Department, Grapevine Police Department, Hurst
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Police Department, Irving Police Department, Lancaster Police Department, McKinney Police

Department, Plano Police Department, Richardson Police Department, Weatherford Police

Department

Information is provided by the North Texas HIDTA.
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Northern California HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the Northern California HIDTA is to measurably reduce

drug trafficking, thereby reducing the impact of illicit drugs in the ten county HIDTA region as

well as other areas of the country. The specific goals of the Northern California HIDTA are to:

increase the quantity, quality and dissemination of counter-drug intelligence; reduce

methamphetamine manufacturing; reduce heroin and methamphetamine distribution; reduce

money laundering activities; and reduce drug related crime and violence.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1997

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

California: Alameda, Contra Costa, Lake, Marin, Monterey, San Francisco, San

Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma counties.

Contact: (415) 436-8199

Threat Abstract:

The Northern California HIDTA, formerly referred to as the San Francisco Bay Area HIDTA,

was designated in 1997. The HIDTA includes ten northern California counties that are situated

on the San Francisco Bay, which is a central point for the movement of illegal drugs and

precursor chemicals for the manufacture of dangerous drugs. The region is both a major

production site and a nationwide distribution center. Three international airports, 200 miles of

shoreline with numerous boat harbors, three deep water ports, and major land transportation

services and international trade facilities allow wide access to the area and are exploited by drug

organizations operating in Northern California.

Northern California remains a major source of clandestinely manufactured methamphetamine

with both local and national distribution networks. Mexican heroin continues to be smuggled

into the area and is distributed locally as well as transshipped to the Pacific Northwest. San

Francisco has the highest methamphetamine and the third highest heroin emergency room

episode rates in the United States. To a lesser degree, cocaine and its derivatives continue to be

readily available and account for a disproportionate share of drug-related crime and violence.

Approximately 75% of all arrests in the region are drug related. The number of Suspicious

Activity Reports (SAR) (financial) filed in the region in 1997 increased ten times from 1995, a

strong indication that drug proceeds are being laundered through the region.

Strategy Abstract:

The Northern California HIDTA Executive Committee is comprised of 16 local, state and federal

law enforcement leaders from the San Francisco area. A unified approach between law

enforcement, prosecution, and demand reduction agencies facilitates the regional efforts to

reduce the poly-drug organizations operating in the area. HIDTA coordinated activities extend

through the ten designated counties which include three international airports and two major port
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facilities. A total of forty-eight federal, state, and local agencies participate in eleven HIDTA

initiatives, which are spread across the ten county HIDTA region. The focus of law enforcement

efforts and resources are directed toward the major drug threat in the region which has been

identified as drug trafficking organizations responsible for the importation, manufacture and

distribution of heroin and methamphetamine as well as the crime and violence associated with

illicit drugs. The administrative component and the HIDTA Investigative Support Center

(HIDTA BAYNIN) facilities are located in the Federal Building in San Francisco. Nine of the

eleven initiatives focus on drug trafficking organizations as well as money laundering and related

criminal activity. One interdiction initiative focuses on smuggling of narcotics and precursor

chemicals in and out of the region. The support initiative manages the intelligence sharing

within the HIDTA components.

Initiatives that were approved to be implemented as part of the 2000 Northern California

HIDTA Strategy:

1. HIDTA Bay Area Narcotic Information Network (HIDTA BAYNIN) – a multi-agency, colocated team makes up this regional Intelligence Support Center. The center provides target

information, enhances officer safety through deconfliction, supports case development,

integrates information, and utilizes predictive analysis. All interdiction operations and

investigations are coordinated with the Intelligence Support Center. The most recent

component of the center is a financial investigation and analysis unit that will target drug

money laundering.

2. South Bay Methamphetamine Task Force – a multi-agency effort by several law

enforcement agencies, both co-located and non-collocated, who pursue, disrupt, and

dismantle major and mid level methamphetamine manufacturing and distribution

organizations by investigating criminal organizations involved in clandestine laboratories,

targeting rogue chemical suppliers and sellers of lab equipment.

3. South Bay Heroin Task Force – co-located members from several federal, state, and local

agencies share heroin intelligence and conduct single and multi-agency investigations

concerning mid and upper level heroin trafficking organizations. Emphasis is placed on the

disruption of the foreign manufacture, importation and/or distribution of Mexican black tar

heroin.

4. East Bay Heroin and Methamphetamine Task Force – a co-located, multi-agency task force

who target organizations that influence violent street gang and prison gang related crimes and

major and mid-level heroin and methamphetamine organizations operating though the East

Bay and Northern California.

5. Northern California Clandestine Laboratory Task Force – a co-located, multi-agency task

force created to dismantle clandestine laboratory organizations and disrupt the distribution of

methamphetamine.

6. Alameda County Violent Crime, Narcotic-Gang Violence Suppression Task Force –

members from two existing task forces work together to disrupt and dismantle narcotics
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organizations associated with violent crime and criminal street gangs who use intimidation

and violence to promote their criminal activities in Oakland and southern Alameda counties.

7. San Francisco Campaign Against Drug Abuse – collocated, multi-agency enforcement

effort which targets the rapidly growing population of hard core substance abusers in San

Francisco in order to reduce the incident of drug related crime and violence associated with

drug abuse and trafficking.

8. Bay Area Electronic Surveillance Group – collocated members from various federal, state,

and local agencies targeting poly-drug organizations operating along the Southwest border.

They conduct sophisticated electronic surveillance to dismantle domestic and international

drug organizations impacting the San Francisco Bay Area.

9. Bay Area HIDTA Transportation (BAHT) Group – multi-agency effort targeting those

organizations responsible for the transportation of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals.

10. Lake County HIDTA Task Force – a multi-agency task force which conducts long-term

investigations identifying mid-level and major heroin and methamphetamine manufacturing

and distribution drug organizations and criminal street gangs operating in Lake County.

11. Marin County Drug and Criminal Information Task Force (MCTF) – a multi-agency task

force which targets organizations involved in the manufacturing, sales, transportation and

distribution of cocaine, methampetamine and heroin within Marin County and the HIDTA

region.

12. Sonoma County Narcotics Task Force (SCNTF) -a multi-agency task force which conducts

long term investigations of regional gangs and mid-level to major drug trafficking

organizations which manufacture, transport and distribute heroin, methampetamine,

precursor chemicals and cocaine within Sonoma County.

Outcomes:

The Northern California HIIDTA supports the law enforcement efforts of over 120 local, state,

and federal agencies. In August 1998, the HIDTA BAYNIN watch center began 24 hour per

day/7 day per week critical event deconfliction services. This was the first successful approach

at coordinating the operations of all local, state, and federal agencies to ensure officer safety and

the sharing of intelligence information. HIDTA funding has allowed the expansion and

collocation of heroin and methamphetamine task forces operating with the HIDTA counties. A

newly formed money laundering unit of the HIDTA BAYNIN will coordinate investigations and

disseminate suspicious activity reports to HIDTA and local task forces. The regional equipment

pool has made over 400 loans of high technology surveillance equipment to over 30 agencies and

task forces. The equipment pool service is available 24 hours per day/seven days per week.

Northern California HIDTA offers regional training through the HIDTA assistance center and

also coordinates training by local instructors. The HIDTA BAYNIN intelligence center provides

analytical case support to all local, state, and federal agencies within the HIDTA counties.

Penlink analysis and training is conducted on a continuous basis. A web site and quarterly

newsletter are available for publishing trends, contact information, and intelligence information.
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None of the above services were offered on a regional basis prior to the implementation of

HIDTA.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal

Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service,

United States Customs Service, United States Marshals Service, United States Postal Service,

United States Housing and Urban Development, United States Forestry Service, Department of

Defense Joint Task Force Six

State: California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, California Department of Corrections,

California Highway Patrol, California State Parole

Local: All local police departments contained within the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa,

Lake, Marin, Monterey, Sonoma, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz

Other: Alameda County District Attorney's Office, United States Attorneys Office, Contra

Costa County District Attorney's Office, San Francisco Mayor's Criminal Justice Council, San

Francisco Department of Public Housing, San Francisco Public Defenders Office, California

National Guard, California Attorney General's Office, Western States Information Network.

Information is provided by the Northern California HIDTA.
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Northwest HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the Northwest HIDTA is to measurably reduce drug

trafficking, money laundering and drug related violent crimes and reduce demand by supporting

treatment and effective demand reduction programs.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1997

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Washington: Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Pierce, Thurston, Yakima

counties

Contact: Director Dave Rodriguez, telephone 206-352-3600

Email: drodriguez@nw.hidta.org

Threat Abstract:

The Northwest HIDTA drug threats include heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and cocaine.

“Nazi” type methamphetamine labs are proliferating throughout the region. Law enforcement,

environmental and health resources are straining to meet the demands posed by the emerging

methamphetamine crisis. Heroin distribution and consumption remains a significant problem.

The importation of Mexican black tar heroin supplies by organized drug trafficking organizations

remains at high levels, and the prices remain low.

Smuggling at the US/Canadian border is on the increase. Potent Canadian-grown marijuana is in

demand throughout the United States creating increasing cross-border smuggling events.

Shipments of Asian heroin may transit through Puget Sound’s commercial port facilities with

ultimate distribution in U.S cities on the eastern seaboard. More than 300 small islands provide

Washington with 3026 miles of internal shoreline increasing the maritime smuggling potential.

Maritime drug seizures in these waters are on the increase.

Heroin use continues to have the largest impact of all illicit drugs used in the Seattle area, in

terms of drug-related deaths, emergency department episodes and criminal justice involvement.

Methamphetamine use is on an upward trend in other areas of the state. Statewide

methamphetamine treatment program admissions increased more than 1000% during the period

1992 to the first half of 1998. Marijuana remains readily available, and recent school surveys

indicate a sharp increase in use among school children in this state when compared to several

years ago and to national averages.

Strategy Abstract:

The Northwest HIDTA’s initiatives blend a variety of law enforcement and demand reduction

initiatives into a unitized approach to countering the drug threat in Pacific Northwest. The focus

is upon five mutually supportive disciplines, which are Intelligence, Investigations, Interdiction,

Education and Prevention.
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In the seven county service area, there are eight Byrne Grant-funded, multi-jurisdictional

narcotics task forces. There are also four DEA task forces, and one city/county task force. Each

agency has an individual strategy, requirements, and mission addressing drug trafficking. The

FY 2000 Threat Assessment identified 60 drug trafficking organizations posing a criminal threat

in the seven HIDTA counties. The enforcement initiatives focus upon disrupting and

dismantling drug and money laundering organizations.

Our initiatives stress the enhancement, partnership and co-location of multi-jurisdictional task

forces in critical locations within the HIDTA service area. These groups will concentrate

enforcement activities against major poly-drug trafficking organizations with particular emphasis

on the key substances of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana.

The Northwest HIDTA coordinates and synchronizes efforts already underway by providing

investigative support and intelligence information services to those task forces. The delivery of

intelligence support data to the additional Byrne Grant task forces in Washington, as well as, all

drug law enforcement agencies is a secondary goal. Additionally, our goal is to achieve a

reduction in the crime categories closely associated with drug abusers and to maintain safe

communities.

The Northwest HIDTA support initiatives include those efforts promoting drug education, drug

courts and building community coalitions with HIDTA funds.

Investigative Support Center:

The mission of the Investigative Support Center is to assist the partnership of federal, state, and

local law enforcement agencies in meeting the goals and objectives of the National Drug Control

Strategy by providing critical intelligence information and investigative support services.

The services offered by the ISU illustrate both strategic and tactical intelligence responsiveness.

The ISU prepares a regional strategic overview and presents the data in a threat analysis

document. Task force initiatives are crafted to meet the threat. All initiatives have procedures to

utilize the Northwest HIDTA’s intelligence system.

The Investigative Support Center (ISC) is composed of four main units: The Administrative

Unit, the Technical Equipment Unit; the Analytical Unit and the Information Services Unit.

Within the Information Services Unit is the Watch Center function which handles critical event

deconfliction and information research.

Specific drug trafficking organizations are identified through the threat assessment data

collection process and intelligence profiles are developed on each. In this manner, the

intelligence process identifies problems and helps focus efforts of HIDTA enforcement programs

against Drug Trafficking Organizations. Threat Assessment preparation is a primary

responsibility of the staff of the Information Services Unit. Analytical case support is presented

in a variety of methodologies and varies depending on the needs and complexity of a criminal

investigation. Each analyst is able to conduct in-depth research with the databases available in

the ISC. Sophisticated charts and graphs are completed to assist the understanding of each

investigation and graphical displays are made for court presentation if required.
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Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Northwest HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Washington State Patrol (WSP) Pro-Active Methamphetamine Team – this clandestine

laboratory team responded to 47% of the illicit drug labs found in the State of Washington

during 1999. Two of Western Washington’s counties (Pierce and King) have law

enforcement agencies with clandestine lab teams and they are constrained to operate within

their county areas. The Washington State Patrol’s SIRT Team assumes a more regional

responsibility and responds to the remaining 37 counties whenever there is a clandestine

laboratory involved.

2. Thurston County Narcotics Task Force – addresses the local poly-drug problems in

Thurston County surrounding the State’s Capital. The most significant drugs are

methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Enforcement outcomes in this County

(and adjoining Pierce County) may be quantified by what appears to be the southerly

displacement of clandestine laboratory operators into adjoining Lewis County. Lewis

County is out of the HIDTA’s area of responsibility.

3. HIDTA Tacoma Region Task Force – coordinates the collocated efforts of the DEA,

Tacoma Police Department and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office against traffickers of

heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana. Pierce County is believed to lead the

State in the number of operating methamphetamine labs and has two clandestine lab teams

that responded to 41% of the drug labs registered in Washington State last year. Their efforts

are directed against trafficking organizations operating in the region.

4. HIDTA Integrated Task Force – a multi-agency collocated integrated task force formed in

1999 and intended to be the centerpiece group of the HIDTA enforcement program. This is a

DEA sponsored initiative with several components. It has a multi-agency money laundering

squad working out of the Intelligence Center. A transportation squad is located near the

airport and a multi agency general enforcement group works out of the main DEA building.

Enforcement operations take place throughout the entire HIDTA region.

5. Snohomish County Regional Narcotics Task Force – this multi-agency initiative rapidly

advanced on the heroin, cocaine and marijuana drug trafficking organizations operating in

Snohomish County. Plans were developed during 1999 for the collocated task force to

double in size during January 2000 by a merger with the Everett Police Department’s

Narcotics Unit. This task force exemplifies the HIDTA concept of being fully integrated and

co-located and operating at peak efficiency.

6. Northwest HIDTA Border Task Force – a multi-agency collocated task force responding to

increases in drug smuggling on the US/Canadian border. A tactical intelligence group was

formed under this initiative. Multi-agency border enforcement teams were developed and

deployed in partnership with Canadian authorities. Both sides of the border are worked by

this model of international law enforcement cooperation called “IBET” – Integrated Border

Enforcement Team. The initiative funds a State Prosecutor to handle border arrests requiring

State prosecution.
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7. Northwest HIDTA Yakima County Task Force – three separate collocated multi-agency

enforcement groups operate under this task force effort. The multi-agency task forces

operate in Yakima County, which is a semi-rural area. The initiative included the

development of a encrypted microwave communications system that linked the three

taskforces operating in a jurisdiction that is nearly 40 miles long. Long standing drug

trafficking groups bring heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana into the region for

consumption and redistribution.

8. Investigative Support Center – a collocated intelligence initiative brings members from

several agencies together in office space provided by DEA. The program’s components

include full intelligence analyst support on investigations, information research, strategic

research on general threat topics or specialized situations, post seizure analysis and document

exploitation, critical event deconfliction and the loan of specialized electronic evidence

gathering equipment. Several drug-related training programs are offered yearly to all law

enforcement officers.

9. Community Coalition Support Initiative - this initiative provides resources to substance

abuse prevention coalitions in each Northwest HIDTA county in order to develop a regionwide demand reduction strategy in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and others.

It promotes collaborative outreach and engagement of communities at a neighborhood level,

and is based on the identification and understanding of the risk and protective factors

associated with the availability, use and on-going abuse of drugs by children and adults.

10. Drug Court Development - this initiative provides resources to Drug Court programs in each

Northwest HIDTA county. It coordinates and leverages resources in order to enhance the

capacity of such programs to provide individualized treatment and services to chronic, career

drug offenders who are to be adjudicated for drug-related crimes.

11. Public Education/Awareness Initiative - this initiative provides resources for the

presentation and dissemination of substantiated, factual information to the media, parents,

teachers, clergy, health professionals, business and community leaders and the general public

about the drugs comprising the Northwest HIDTA Threat Assessment, with particular

emphasis on marijuana and methamphetamine.

12. MIS/Evaluation - this initiative provides resources for a regional management information

system to facilitate standardized, regional evaluation strategies for the Drug Court programs.

It provides a means for evaluating the HIDTA-supported substance abuse prevention

projects. Currently networked Drug Court jurisdictions will benefit from an interface with

the enhanced TARGET system and the Judicial Information System operated by the State of

Washington.

Outcomes:

Law enforcement agencies have benefited from the services and operational funding provided

through the Northwest HIDTA program. The HIDTA program has either fostered the formation

of drug task forces in jurisdictions where they formerly did not exist before or allowed the

enlargement of existing ones. These force-multipliers resulted in greater interdiction successes
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against drug trafficking organizations. The collaboration of law enforcement and

prevention/treatment or educational resources allowed the formation of mutually beneficial

community outreach programs. The first money laundering task force was established in the

region and federal, state and local agencies are now able to move more effectively against illicit

criminal proceeds.

Under a new initiative component, Northern border arrests may be referred to a HIDTA-funded

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Whatcom County State court system.

Drug court development was expanded into the remaining HIDTA counties. The newly

developed drug courts should augment enforcement and interdiction subsystems. HIDTAsupported Drug Court Services were provided to nearly 600 program participants during the year

and may have a beneficial affect on the rate of recidivism, reduced crimes against people and

property and increased public safety.

The Community Coalition Support demand reduction programs involved nearly 200 community

events. These were attended by over 10,000 people and enabled the direct delivery of anti-drug

abuse messages and direct support to individuals and families.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Yakima Tribal

Police, Drug Enforcement Administration Offices, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United

States Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Defense

Joint Task Force Six, United States Border Patrol, United States Coast Guard, 13th District,

Seattle, United States Customs Service, United States Marshal’s Service

State: Washington State Patrol, Statewide Incident Response Team (SIRT)

Local: Bellingham Police Department, Blaine Police Department, Bonny Lake Police

Department, Buckley Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, Everett Police

Department, Federal Way Department of Public Safety, Grandview Police Department, Granger

Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Office, Lacey Police Department, Mill Creek Police

Department, Marysville Police Department, Olympia Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s

Office, Port of Seattle Police Department, Puyallup Police Department, Seattle Police

Department, Sumner Police Department, Tacoma Police Department, Thurston County Sheriff’s

Office, Tumwater Police Department, Union Gap Police Department, Whatcom County Sheriff’s

Office, Yakima Police Department, Yakima Sheriff’s Office

Other: Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Washington State Department of Social and

Health Services, Thurston Prosecuting Attorney, King County Department of Public Health,

King County Department of Judicial Administration, Pierce County Alliance, Pierce County

Human Services, Pierce County Superior Court, Skagit County Human Services, Skagit County

Superior Court, Skagit Recovery Services, Snohomish County Community Mobilization,

Snohomish County Superior Court, Thurston County Superior Court, TOGETHER!, University

of Washington, Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney, Whatcom County Superior Court,

Washington State Lieutenant Governor’s Office, Washington National Guard Counterdrug
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Program, Yakima County Superior Court, Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney, Yakima

County Community Network, Washington Drug Free Business, Washington State Alcohol/Drug

Helpline and Clearinghouse, Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic

Development, Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Information is provided by the Northwest HIDTA.
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Ohio HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the Ohio HIDTA is to reduce drug distribution and

money laundering organizations, reduce the impact of illicit drugs and the associated violent

crimes in the Ohio HIDTA region, and undermine the development of violent gangs that traffic

in controlled substances. This will be accomplished through the coordination and sharing of

intelligence and unified law enforcement efforts.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1999

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Ohio: Cuyahoga, Lucas, Mahoning, Stark and Summit counties.

Contact: (216) 622-3817

Threat Abstract:

The Ohio HIDTA was designated on June 15, 1999, and is located in a five-county region in

Northern Ohio where access to illicit narcotics has become a lucrative business and complex task

for law enforcement. Northern Ohio consists of approximately 40 counties, encompassing

approximately 18,000 square miles of landmass and approximately 6.5 million residents. The

Ohio HIDTA region consists of five metropolitan cities, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron, Canton and

Youngstown. Each of these cities has lost much of their industrial base since the 1970's. Of

these metropolitan areas, Toledo and Cleveland are major international seaports processing in

excess of 28,000,000 tons of bulk and dry cargo each year. The Port of Cleveland receives

between 120-165 foreign vessels annually.

The primary drug threat to the Ohio HIDTA region has been, and continues to be, cocaine in

both powder and crack form. Many drug trafficking organizations exist and operate in Northern

Ohio with no one group as the “major player.” The most significant drug trafficking

organizations in this region consist of Jamaican and Hispanic (Dominicans, Puerto Ricans and

Mexicans) traffickers. Outlaw motorcycle clubs, other ethnic-based groups and street gangs are

also involved in drug trafficking activity in this region. Typical methods of distribution include

the use of well-developed interstate highways (I-80, I-90, I-75, I-77, and I-71) and the transport

of drugs by travelers on commercial airline flights.

Besides the trafficking in cocaine, Northern Ohio contends with the growing threat of heroin and

the beginning stages of a methamphetamine problem. Heroin trafficking and availability is

rapidly reaching the current level of cocaine abuse. This is evident in Northeast Ohio with

heroin seizures up 200% along with heroin-related deaths that are up 109%, according to a recent

DAWN (Drug Abuse Warning Network) report. Marijuana is ubiquitous in Ohio and constitutes

the most commonly available and abused drug in this region. The so-called “designer-drugs” or

“club drugs” (i.e., GHB, Ecstasy) have become popular among young adults and juveniles in the
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area and pose a threat to users who often view the use of these drugs as relatively harmless and

benign.

Strategy Abstract:

The overall investigative strategy of the Ohio HIDTA consists of eight multi-agency

metropolitan task forces representing the geographic territory of the five-county region. Each

task force will develop its own strategies, based upon a regional Threat Assessment, and

structure the task force for achieving the primary goal of the Ohio HIDTA. This will be

accomplished through the development of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force

(OCDETF) quality investigations. Each task force will submit annual proposals for multi-agency

initiatives designed to focus Ohio HIDTA resources against major narcotics and money

laundering organizations. An Initiatives/Budget Subcommittee, in conjunction with the lead

OCDETF attorney for the district, will review all task force investigations to ensure the

appropriate use of Ohio HIDTA resources, and that cases are submitted for Ohio HIDTA and

OCDETF designation. The Ohio HIDTA Executive Committee, which is made up of 8 federal

and 8 local/state law enforcement executives, through subcommittees, will coordinate the

integration and synchronization of efforts to dismantle organizations, eliminate unnecessary

duplication, and improve the systematic sharing of intelligence. The Ohio HIDTA Executive

Committee will monitor the implementation of this strategy to ensure the efforts of the Ohio

HIDTA will produce the desired impact and further determine whether the distribution of

resources is consistent with the overall Ohio HIDTA strategy.

Investigative Support Center:

The Ohio HIDTA Investigative Support Center (ISC) is expected to be partially operational in

spring 2001, and when completed, through the use of numerous commercial and criminal/law

enforcement databases, the ISC will provide event deconfliction, case/subject deconfliction,

post-seizure analysis, telephone toll, link analysis, intelligence profiles, Title II support,

charts/graphs, trend and pattern analysis, as well as financial/analytical case support, and

training. All interdiction operations and investigations will be coordinated with the ISC. The

Ohio HIDTA ISC will also coordinate with local and federal intelligence networks, as well as

other HIDTAs to ensure connectivity. The ISC will broker information to the metropolitan and

interdiction task forces and, where appropriate, to non-participating law enforcement agencies, in

accordance with federal regulations.

Another function of the ISC will be to conduct surveys, determine training needs, plan and

implement training, seminars and courses. All training will be coordinated through the National

HIDTA Assistance Center (NHAC) to maximize and coordinate training opportunities to all

Ohio HIDTA task force personnel.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Ohio HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Management and Coordination - An initiative that provides direction and guidance to

ensure that the policies and directives of the Office of National Drug Control Policy

(ONDCP) and the Ohio HIDTA Executive Committee are implemented. This initiative

provides the necessary administrative support for all other initiatives and related budgets to
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ensure that the Ohio HIDTA strategy and initiatives are effectively addressing the regional

threat.

2. Investigative Support Center - This initiative is a dual federal-state/local led collocated

center to facilitate the attacking of, and the dismantling of major drug trafficking

organizations, related money laundering and violent crime organizations associated with drug

trafficking in the Ohio HIDTA area. The center will collect, analyze and broker information

in support of the Ohio HIDTA investigative initiatives.

3. Caribbean/Gang Drug Task Force - A multi-agency cooperative effort designed to

undermine the impact of organized drug trafficking activity through the identification,

investigation and prosecution of the leaders of such organizations with a special emphasis on

dismantling those groups exhibiting violence and conspiratorial relationships as a means of

furthering their illegal activities.

4. DEA Youngstown Task Force - The mission of this task force is to disrupt the flow of illicit

drugs in and around Mahoning Valley and the Ohio HIDTA region. This program targets

mid- and upper-level traffickers through the use of controlled purchases, confidential

informants and interdiction efforts.

5. Greater Akron Drug Task Force - The mission of this cooperative effort is to substantially

reduce the impact of organized drug trafficking activity in the greater Akron area by

combining the resources of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. A special

investigative emphasis will be placed on targeting drug organizations whose multi-layered,

complex, conspirator relationships have resisted traditional investigative and prosecutive

efforts against their membership in the past.

6. Mahoning Valley Drug Task Force - The mission of the Mahoning Valley Drug Task Force

is to reduce violent crime associated with all levels of drug trafficking by disrupting and

dismantling high and mid-level drug trafficking organizations operating in the greater

Mahoning Valley. A myriad of covert and overt investigative techniques will be used to

accomplish these goals. The principal goals are to arrest and convict key players in drug

trafficking organizations and to seize their illicit assets.

7. Northeast Ohio Interdiction Task Force - This multi-agency task force supports the overall

mission of the Ohio HIDTA by reducing drug trafficking, related violent crimes and money

laundering in the five-county area. This will be accomplished through the devotion of

coordinated resources against the means and individuals utilized to transport controlled

substances into the Ohio HIDTA region, and to seize the profits gained by these illicit

activities. The task force will continue to target those drug organizations that have the

greatest impact in the Northeast Ohio community.

8. Northwest Ohio HIDTA Task Force - A collocated, cooperative effort within the greater

Toledo, Ohio area which seeks to target the major cocaine, heroin and marijuana

organizations operating in the region. In conjunction with support from the ISC, this task

force will investigate the drug nexus of northwest Ohio and the southeastern and midwest
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sections of the country. Special emphasis will be placed on the money laundering operations

connected with illicit drug enterprises.

9. Stark County Violent Crimes Task Force - This initiative is a federally led, collocated multiagency task force brought together with a combined mission of utilizing highly sophisticated

techniques, in long-term narcotics investigations to disrupt and dismantle highly entrenched,

tight-knit, violent drug trafficking organizations in Stark County, Ohio. This initiative targets

the most violent and/or sophisticated drug organizations trafficking in cocaine (powder and

crack), marijuana, heroin and crystal methamphetamine.

10. Toledo Metro Drug Task Force - This multi-agency task force is largely a local and county

law enforcement effort with federal support and resources. It focuses on the avenues of

importation, distribution and means of exporting proceeds using a wide variety of

investigative techniques. All personnel are collocated and are assigned as full-time members

of the unit working cooperatively with one another as well as with other sections of the

Special Enforcement Division of the Toledo Police Department.

Outcomes:

The value of this HIDTA can already be seen during the first year. The law enforcement

agencies that are participating have all embraced an unprecedented spirit of cooperation during

this developmental period. Multi-agency collocated task forces have developed their strategies

based upon a regional Threat Assessment. For the first time, joint training has occurred and an

Investigative Subsystem developed in which an Initiatives/Budget Subcommittee makes

recommendations on disbursement of funds, methodically evaluates, reviews, and determines

effectiveness of each investigative initiative. The participating agencies are dedicated to the

commitment of the HIDTA philosophy.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal

Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service,

United States Attorney’s Office, United States Customs Service, United States Marshals Service

State: Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation,

Ohio National Guard

Local: Akron PD, Alliance PD, Austintown PD, Beaver Township PD, Boardman PD, Canfield

PD, Canton PD, Cleveland PD, Cleveland Heights PD, Cleveland Metropolitan Housing

Authority PD, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, East Cleveland PD, Euclid PD, Jackson

Township PD, Liberty PD, Louisville PD, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, Mahoning County

Sheriff’s Office, Massillon PD, Monroe County (MI) Sheriff’s Office, Northwood PD, Parma

PD, Perry Township PD, Perrysburg Township PD, Poland Township PD, Poland Village PD,

Regional Transit Authority PD, Shaker Heights PD, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Struther’s

PD, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Sylvania PD, Toledo PD, Trumbull County Sheriff’s

Office, Warrensville Heights PD, Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Youngstown PD, Youngstown

State PD

 Information is provided by the Ohio HIDTA
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Oregon HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the Oregon HIDTA Program is to improve the livability

of Oregon and other states by substantially and measurably reducing drug-related crime,

violence, and drug trafficking.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1999

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Oregon: Deschutes, Jackson, and Marion counties

Contact: (503) 378-5123 and charles.karl@doj.state.or.us

Threat Abstract:

The Oregon HIDTA was designated in 1999. Oregon is ranked tenth in the nation for total land

area with 97,060 square miles. The geography ranges from coastal to high desert separated by

mountain ranges. The state includes 27.5 million acres of forested land, 889 square miles of

inland water areas, and 296 miles of coastline.

Interstate 5, Interstate 84, and US highways 97 and 20 are major ground transportation routes

into and through Oregon. The three Oregon counties (Deschutes, Jackson, and Marion) that

comprise the HIDTA are geographically situated in the State to counter drug trafficking and

smuggling. Identified drug trafficking organizations with links to Mexico and Central America

are responsible for the majority of illegal methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana

imported into Oregon and have dominated the illegal drug market. Recently, there has been an

increase in the smuggling of high-grade marijuana from British Columbia (known as B.C. Bud)

into, and through Oregon.

The primary illegal drugs of abuse in order of usage are marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin,

and cocaine. Oregon drug traffickers produce marijuana, methamphetamine, and psilocybin

mushrooms for exportation to other areas of the country. The Oregon geography provides

concealment for clandestine methamphetamine labs, smuggling activities, and marijuana

growing operations.

The growing importation, exportation, and manufacture of illegal drugs in Oregon pose a

significant threat to the health and safety of Oregon communities, our neighboring states and the

rest of the Nation. The 2000 drug abuse trends in Oregon suggest that at least one in nine people

are in need of treatment for drug or alcohol problems. This is up from one in 16 people since

1995. While alcohol abuse has declined by 26%, use of marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine,

heroin and hallucinogens such as LSD increased by 232% between 1995 and 2000.
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Strategy Abstract:

The Oregon HIDTA Executive Committee, composed of federal, state, and local law

enforcement and prevention leaders, has approved a counterdrug strategy that is intended to

enhance the impact and effectiveness of federal, state, and local law enforcement task forces in

the HIDTA counties and implement the National Drug Control Strategy.

Multi-agency counter-drug strategies, and memorandums of understanding, have been developed

by each HIDTA County and initiatives proposed to implement the strategies. These enforcement

efforts target identified drug trafficking organizations and specific high level offenders in order

to seriously disrupt or curtail their smuggling, manufacturing, and distribution activities. Priority

is given to the manufacturing, smuggling, and distribution, of methamphetamine, marijuana, and

designer drugs, and the smuggling and distribution of heroin and cocaine.

Specific elements of the strategy, which will lead to increased enforcement capacity are: The

availability and accessibility of full time dedicated crime analysts to support task force

investigations, increased investigator access to criminal intelligence on a statewide and national

basis through a secure computer network, case and event deconfliction services to task forces

and other law enforcement agencies on a statewide and national basis through a secure computer

network and Watch Center, the availability and accessibility of full time dedicated federal/state

prosecutors to prosecute, consult with, and support task force investigators on racketeering,

money laundering, or other drug trafficking conspiracy cases.

Other value-added HIDTA resources that enhance task force investigative and interdiction

capacities and effectiveness include specialized operational training to task force investigators,

specialized equipment, and additional investigative funds.

Investigative Support Center:

The Oregon HIDTA Investigative Support Center is the central, priority, initiative for the Oregon

HIDTA Program and serves as an information exchange and coordination umbrella for federal,

state, and local law enforcement in the HIDTA counties. When completed within the next year,

it will provide secure electronic connectivity between all HIDTAs and law enforcement

agencies, statewide and nationwide through RISS.NET.

The key role of the HIDTA Investigative Support Center is to promote and facilitate the sharing

and coordination of criminal intelligence between law enforcement agencies and to support

HIDTA enforcement initiatives. This is done by either personal staff and analyst involvement

and contact, by phone contact, or via a secure computer networking system (RISS.NET) amongst

all of the participating law enforcement agencies, the HIDTA task forces, and the HIDTA ISC.

This web-enabled, secure, network and associated computer enhancements include access to the

Oregon Statewide Criminal Intelligence Database, a Case Management System, Geo-Event and

Case Deconfliction, a Watch Center, full time dedicated analytical case support personnel, and

access to multiple federal, state, and local databases nationwide for investigative research.

The Oregon HIDTA Investigative Support Center provides target research, flow-charting, threat

assessments and area studies, training, deconfliction and Watch Center services, direct case
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support (including audio/visual surveillance and enhancement), phone toll and link analysis,

technical and operational surveillance support, computerized mapping and presentations.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Oregon HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Task Force – a collocated multi-agency task force

dedicated to the dismantling and disruption of identified drug trafficking organizations

manufacturing, smuggling, or distributing illegal drugs in Central Oregon.

2. Jackson County Narcotics Enforcement Team - a collocated multi-agency task force

dedicated to the dismantling and disruption of identified drug trafficking organizations

manufacturing, smuggling, or distributing illegal drugs in Southern Oregon and on Interstate

5 which runs from Mexico to Canada.

3. Salem Area Interagency Narcotics Team - a collocated multi-agency task force dedicated to

the dismantling and disruption of identified drug trafficking organizations manufacturing,

smuggling, or distributing illegal drugs in Marion County and on Interstate 5.

4. Oregon HIDTA Investigative Support Center – a collocated multi-agency facility whose

mission is to promote, facilitate, and coordinate the exchange of criminal intelligence

information, provide analytical support, and to enhance officer safety through deconfliction

for the designated HIDTA counties.

5. Oregon HIDTA Management and Administration – this is the Oregon HIDTA Program

management unit composed of the Oregon HIDTA Director, Administrative Assistant, and

Computer Systems Manager. The duties include fiscal and programmatic oversight on behalf

of the Oregon HIDTA Executive Committee as well as training coordination for all of the

Oregon HIDTA Program.

Outcomes:

The HIDTA Program has enabled the drug enforcement task forces to become more efficient and

effective by expanding their case capacity and multi-agency partnerships. They will be able to

investigate and prosecute more complex cases due to the addition of full time, collocated crossdesignated federal/state prosecutors, specialized equipment acquistions, the establishment of a

secure computer network with connectivity to the Investigative Support Center, the ability to

move, expand, and improving their operational facilities, the addition of a drug dog for

interdiction and search warrant applications, and by the infusion of additional investigative

operational funds not currently available.

The HIDTA Program has enabled the deployment of a secure, web-enabled, computer network

and full-time crime analysts to the HIDTA county law enforcement task forces and agencies.

This computer network, when fully deployed, will provide secure electronic connectivity county

wide, statewide, and nationwide. It will dramatically increase the immediate availability of

criminal intelligence regarding drug traffickers to field officers. None of these investigative

enhancements would have been possible without HIDTA funding.
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The net effect of the added HIDTA resources and the new multi-agency partnerships will result

in more intense pressure on drug traffickers, more arrests, more seizures, more prosecutions, less

demand for drugs, and less drug related crimes and violence.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration,

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue

Service, United States Attorney’s Office, United States Coast Guard, United States Customs

Service, United State Forest Service

State: Oregon State Department of Justice, Oregon State District Attorney’s Association,

Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, Oregon State Police

Local: Ashland Police Department, Aumsville Police Department, Aurora Police Department,

Bend Police Department, Central Point Police Department, Deschutes County District Attorney’s

Office, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Hubbard Police Department, Jackson County

Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office,

Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Keizer Police Department, Madras Police Department,

Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Medford Police

Department, Mt. Angel Police Department, Prineville Police Department, Redmond Police

Department, Salem Police Department, Silverton Police Department, Stayton Police Department,

Turner Police Department, Warm Springs Tribal Police Department, Woodburn Police

Department

Other: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs Association of Oregon, Oregon State Office of

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs

Information is provided by the Oregon HIDTA.
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Philadelphia/Camden HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The Philadelphia/Camden HIDTA will use a multi-faceted program to

reduce the cultivation, production, trafficking, distribution, and use of illegal drugs. The

Philadelphia/Camden HIDTA will increase the safety and quality of life of the citizens in the

Philadelphia/Camden region by measurably reducing drug-related crime and violence.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1995

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia County

New Jersey: City of Camden New Jersey within Camden County

Contact: (215) 560-1661

Threat Abstract:

The Philadelphia/Camden HIDTA was designated in 1995. Philadelphia remains a center of

activity for the importation, wholesale distribution, and street level sales of illegal drugs on the

East Coast. Camden, New Jersey, separated from Philadelphia by the Delaware River, is a focal

point for drug trafficking from Philadelphia and the New York area. The location of

Philadelphia and Camden on the eastern seaboard, particularly their proximity to New York,

places the city on one of the busiest illegal drug transit routes. Major interstate rail and highway

systems; a major international airport, one of the fastest growing in the world; and key shipping

terminals on the 100 miles of waterfront along the Delaware River facilitate drug trafficking into

and through the region. The Port of Philadelphia/Camden is a major international seaport and

the second largest seaport in the nation. Multi-kilogram shipments of cocaine are trafficked

through this port. Major New York drug trafficking organizations use Philadelphia as a

transshipment point for their drugs, drug-proceeds, and illegal guns. New York gangs have

expanded their territory to the outskirts of the area.

Cocaine is the drug most used in the region; heroin is considered the fastest growing drug and

greatest health threat in the region, and locally produced methamphetamine remains readily

available. The HIDTA is located in a significant consumer region for imported marijuana.

Money transmittal businesses have become an emerging industry, contributing to the already

existent money-laundering problem. Violent crime is heavily concentrated in a patchwork of

neighborhoods where crime rates are among the nation's highest. Open-air cocaine, crack, and

heroin transactions on street corners are an overpowering threat in both cities. Both cities have

measurably reduced the open air drug trafficking and the associated violent crime through

“Quality of Life” investigations by two HIDTA Initiatives.

Strategy Abstract:

The Philadelphia/Camden HIDTA Executive Committee is comprised of fifteen local, state, and

Federal law enforcement leaders in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Specifically, this
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HIDTA’s area of responsibility includes the cities of Philadelphia and Camden respectively. A

unified effort among law enforcement and prosecution agencies ensures a coordinated effort to

reduce the impact of cocaine and heroin distribution within the region. Coordinated activities

extend throughout the State of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. A total of twenty-three

agencies participate in eleven HIDTA Initiatives. The administrative component, Regional

Investigative Support Center, along with three enforcement Initiatives are located in the US

Customs House in Center City Philadelphia. Three interdiction units along with the IRS NarcoDollar Task Force are co-located at the Philadelphia International Airport. All locations are

connected through a secured wide area network to communicate interactively with the Regional

Investigative Support Center (RISC). The RISC includes a Watch Center that provides real-time

deconfliction on enforcement events, along with intelligence, analytical support to all Initiatives.

Investigative Support Center:

Central to the Philadelphia/Camden HIDTA success is the establishment of the Regional

Investigative Support Center (RISC), which coordinates the collection, analyses, and

dissemination of all drug related intelligence for the Philadelphia/Camden area. The HIDTA

RISC receives collects, organizes, and interprets intelligence information concerning drug

trafficking in the area. Coordination of enforcement activity (deconfliction) to prevent

duplication of investigative efforts and encourage officer safety is a primary function of the

RISC’s Watch Center. As important are the intelligence fusion, case support, and strategic

intelligence components of the RISC’s Intelligence Center. The RISC continues to develop

within the HIDTA headquarters serving as the hub for the collection and analysis of information

from Philadelphia and Camden. Communication between the two locations and the HIDTA

headquarters is by way of a secure wide area network, providing a secure Intranet as well as

external access to the Internet. The source information is incident-report based; stripping

pertinent data relating to drug trafficking and the violent crime which supports it and entering

such in a complex set of hardware and software for use by the investigating detectives/special

agents. The network includes a matrix of agency indices and software and accompanying

hardware to fulfill the mission.

Initiatives the following initiatives were implemented as part of the 2000 Philadelphia/Camden

HIDTA Strategy:

1. Criminal Conspiracy Squad – pursues, disrupts and dismantles firearms trafficking and

violent crime organizations through this federally led co-located multi-agency task force.

2. Hotel Interdiction Project – interdict drugs and money entering and leaving the Philadelphia

area through various hotels in and around Philadelphia.

3. Joint Camden HIDTA Task Force – a co-located, multi-agency task force which

investigates and interdicts drug trafficking activity, firearms and violence in the city of

Camden. The team will curtail activity in open-air drug markets and the importation of drugs

through the Port of Camden.
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4. Narco-Dollar Task Force - a co-located, multi-agency task force that investigates large-scale

money laundering organizations within the region. The task force also targets money

remitters, car dealerships and realtors involved in laundering drug proceeds.

5. Operation Sunrise – a large co-located, multi-agency task force which targets open air drug

sales markets in the most dangerous and downtrodden areas of the city and major drug

trafficking organizations for dismantlement.

6. Parcel Squad Initiative – a co-located, multi-agency task force that investigates the use of all

parcel delivery systems to smuggle drugs and drug proceeds for interdiction.

7. Philadelphia District Attorney and Police Department HIDTA Centerpiece Task Force –

supports all Philadelphia HIDTA Initiatives with surveillance, warrant executions,

undercover work, wire taps, and intelligence in order to dismantle and disrupt drug

trafficking, money laundering, and violent drug trafficking organizations.

8. Philadelphia Mass Transportation Interdiction Unit – a co-located, multi-agency task force

that targets domestic drug transportation organizations utilizing the Philadelphia area

transportation routes and systems to smuggle drugs into and transport drug proceeds out of

the region.

9. Philadelphia/Camden Seaport Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force that

targets inbound cargo shipments and vessels from narcotics source and transshipment

countries.

10. Violent Crimes/Fugitive Task Force – pursues OCDETF and other violent drug-related

fugitives through the efforts of a Federally led co-located multi- agency task force. For

further information http://www.adnetu.org/fugitives.

11. Regional Investigative Support Center (RISC) – provides real time criminal intelligence,

investigative and prosecutorial support to all law enforcement entities participating in the

HIDTA program through the collection of data, organizational information, and intelligence.

RISC also operates an event safety based deconfliction program and global positioning

assistance for surveillance. Federal, state and local intelligence databases are online in the

RISC.

Outcomes:

The Regional Investigative Support Center was made operational with the assignment of

full-time Philadelphia Police Department officers and supervisors manning the Watch Center,

8:00 AM- 10:00 PM, Monday-Friday. The Watch Center monitors the Deconfliction Event

Program to ensure agency cooperation and officer safety. There were 7,105 events deconflicted

with 2,385 events that were found to be in conflict during 1999. The Center has provided

information on 7,534 data entries and inquiry requests from agencies and has provided 220

intelligence case reports.
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The co-location of three interdiction Initiatives at an off-site office near the Philadelphia

International Airport for better coordination and cooperation were created.

A money laundering Initiative hosted by the Internal Revenue Service who provides financial

analysis support to HIDTA Initiatives and is co-located at the airport off-site was established.

The Hidden Traffickers Program wherein arrest information of persons residing outside the

Philadelphia/Camden HIDTA is shared with county prosecutors and the New York/New Jersey

and Washington/Baltimore HIDTAs was implemented.

Also, field drug identification training is currently offered to the newly assigned Philadelphia

Police Officers in the District Drug Teams.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration,

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue

Service, United States Customs Service, United States Marshal Service, United States Postal

Inspection Service

State: New Jersey State Police, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State

Police

Local: Camden County Prosecutor's Office, Camden County Sheriff's Office, Camden Police

Department, Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, Philadelphia Housing Authority,

Philadelphia Police Department

Other: New Jersey National Guard, Pennsylvania National Guard, United States Attorney's

Offices (Eastern District of Pennsylvania, District of New Jersey), United States Health and

Human Services

Information is provided by the Philadelphia/Camden HIDTA.
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Puerto Rico/U. S. Virgin Islands HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: In support of the National Drug Control Strategy the PR/USVI HIDTA

investigates high value/sophisticated drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and their associated

criminal operations within the area of responsibility (AOR). Its purpose is to reduce drug

availability in local markets, dismantle/disrupt drug organized crime, and reduce use of the

islands as entry to the Continental United States (CONUS) drug market.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1994

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Puerto Rico: The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Islands of Vieques and

Culebra

U. S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John

Contact: (787) 277-8741 and adg@caribe.net

Threat Abstract:

The PR/USVI HIDTA was designated in 1994. Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs) account

for trafficking of over 82 - 120 metric tons of cocaine from Colombia using multiple

transportation methods. Over 70% of it is destined for the US, Canada and Europe. Colombian

narcotic traffickers continue to be the dominant supplier, but are working with other groups,

particularly those from the Dominican Republic. Preferred methodology is by sea going vessels,

ranging from “go-fast” boats to small island-hopping freighters. The two principal narcotics

smuggled from Colombia are cocaine and heroin. Marijuana is primarily imported from

California and other Caribbean islands.

Puerto Rico’s (PR) drug consumption is estimated at about 30% of the drugs transshipped. The

predominant drug of choice in PR and the US Virgin Islands (USVI) is cocaine.

The PR/USVI HIDTA is very attractive to DTOs because PR is a major container port, it is

located in close proximity to two of the poorest countries in the Caribbean, and retains strong ties

to a Spanish-speaking culture. Additionally, PR and USVI have the strongest economies in the

area. The USVI hosts over 2,000,000 cruise ship passengers annually and the PR airport

processes over 9,000,000 visitors. This high level of tourism/transient visitors is a contributory

factor that complicates surveillance and interdiction.

The geophysical composition of the islands, more than 50 small islets and cays in the USVI

alone, also facilitates clandestine activities and correspondingly makes it difficult to patrol. The

more than 700 miles of Puerto Rico coastline and the 233 in the USVI make it ideal for

smuggling. Being only 450 miles from the South American coast and, in the case of PR, having

a high volume of commercial containerized shipments also serves to facilitate transshipment.
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Strategy Abstract:

An Executive Committee (EC) comprised of 8 federal and 8 state/local agency heads from PR

(12) and the USVI (4), oversees all planning, funding and operations to ensure a joint systematic

approach to information sharing, drug interdiction, criminal investigations and prioritizing of

resources/funds. Most important, the EC annually reviews each Initiative’s goals and

outcomes/outputs to enhance performance. A Director and a Deputy Director, hired by the EC,

oversee daily management, administrative and support activities for the Initiatives, both in PR

and in USVI accordingly. Two Case Management Committees, one each for PR and the USVI,

coordinates all investigative efforts and ensures coordination among participating agencies. The

committees are comprised of the Initiatives’ supervisors and federal and state prosecutors. Over

1,000 state, local and federal law enforcement and support personnel are co-located, co-mingled

and strategically positioned across the threat spectrum to enhance coverage within the AOR.

There are 17 Initiatives: three Smuggling Interdiction, 11 Investigative, one Regional

Intelligence, and two Regional Support Initiatives that address the Threat Assessment.

The saturation of the AOR with law enforcement coverage, constant interdiction activities,

methodologies to uncover communication links, following the money trail and detecting new

criminal trends, all converge to ensure a systematic joint approach designed to reduce the

opportunity to conduct drug related operations. This joint approach focuses on reducing the

AOR’s attractiveness as a preferred Caribbean transshipment route to and from CONUS for

illegal drugs, weapons, illegal aliens and money laundering.

Investigative Support Center:

Comprised of 60 members from most of the HIDTA’s participatory agencies, receives

information and delivers accurate and timely intelligence on drug related criminal activity to

Initiatives. Specific activities include communication linkages among the Initiatives to allow

timely sharing of information among all operators of the law enforcement community. An

unbiased working environment fosters information sharing among all law enforcement agencies

within HIDTA for all of the law enforcement components. The ISC provides one co-located site

for all agencies’ data services/systems and intelligence personnel and also serves others working

HIDTA cases at their home Initiative.

The ISC serves as a central mechanism to collect, organize and disseminate information as final

intelligence product using the Racketeering Enterprise Investigation (REI). Analysts, provided

by USARSO and National Guard, uncovers DTO’s sub-groups and linked organizations,

enhances ISC productivity by providing instant, accurate, organized and clean intelligence

products to meet agent’s information requirements, which then translates into investigative or

law enforcement operations. Using advanced technology consisting of modern hardware,

software and communication devices like Title III (TII/S2 system), STU-III and DEA Forensic

Laboratory support, accelerates/enhances investigative capabilities. Serves as an information

gathering and dissemination system that provides the necessary evidence for successful

prosecution and conviction of criminals. Provide criminal targets of opportunity and assure

organizations are dismantled whenever possible by providing the most timely and highest quality

intelligence products. Additionally, it serves as the HIDTA’s deconfliction center.
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Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 PR/USVI HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Air & Marine Interdiction Program (FURA) - provides command, control,

communications, coordination & intelligence to PR Police Department led forces to allow for

ground, air and marine interdiction up to three miles deep within the coastline of Puerto Rico.

This task force includes liaisons from PR National Guard RAID and the air/marine assets

from the USCS and USCG.

2. Blue Lightning Strike Force - led by the VI Police Department, implements long-term

interdiction program up to the three-mile limit surrounding the shores of the USVI. Further

efforts will be taken to increase surveillance in ports to reduce contraband entry. The FBI,

DEA, USCS, USCG, and VI National Guard support this Initiative.

3. DEA Forensic Laboratory – this stand alone Initiative provides additional forensic support,

ensures efficient and effective evidence analysis/processing, and prompt availability of

expert witnesses to support successful prosecutions.

4. Drug Related Mass Murders & Homicides/Public Housing Investigations - led by the PR

Department of Justice, Special Investigations Bureau, it conducts investigations into drug

related multiple homicides. This Initiative’s name and composition was revised to expand

their investigative efforts to include public housing communities. It addresses the high and

rising incidence of drug related murders within PR.

5. Drug Smuggling/Money Laundering Interdiction Initiative - USCS led task force, conducts

complex investigations and interdiction of sophisticated drug smuggling/money laundering

organizations and schemes related to DTOs. Its purpose is to detect/dismantle/interdict

DTOs smuggling drugs and laundering illegally obtained cash proceeds from their

operations. Other co-located agencies are: PR Police Department, USCS, IRS, PR Treasury

Department, PR Department of Justice, Special Investigation Bureau and USPIS.

6. Fajardo Major Organization Investigations - INS/DEA led, conducts long-term complex

investigations geared to dismantle sophisticated DTOs operating in the east coast of PR and

includes the offshore municipalities of the islands of Vieques and Culebra. Other co-located

agencies are: IRS, USCS, PR Department of Justice, Special Investigation Bureau, PR

Treasury Department, PR Police Department, FBI, NCIS and USARSO.

7. Fire Arms Trafficking/Violent Crimes-PR - led by ATF, dismantles violent crime

organizations commonly associated with DTOs and other violent crime groups. Through

stemming of the flow of illegal firearms, this task force increases citizen safety. Other colocated agencies are: PR Police Department, PR Department of Justice, Special Investigation

Bureau, PR Corrections Department and USARSO.

8. Firearms Trafficking/Violent Crime-VI - led by ATF, investigates violent crimes associated

with narcotics trafficking and other violent crimes within the USVI. Its mission is to reduce

the illegal flow of firearms available to the drug related criminal element. Other co-located
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agencies are: VI Police Department, VI Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney

General, FBI, USCS and DEA.

9. High Seas and Coastal Interdiction Enhancement Initiative - led by USCG, addresses

regional illegal narcotic/migrant trafficking through 24 hour marine interdiction on and by

air. Also disrupts transit and arrival zones over 12 nautical miles specifically associated with

PR/USVI, and assists other agencies in the regional marine intelligence trafficking and

interdicting illegal drugs smuggling organizations. This Initiative will increase its

surveillance efforts along the West and South coast of the Islands to curtail the influx of

smuggling activities originating in Haiti or the Dominican Republic. Other co-located

agencies are: PR Police Department (FURA), USCS, INS and USBP.

10. Intelligence Support Center (ISC) - FBI led, provides operating information and

coordination support to promote intelligence sharing among all LEAs within this HIDTA.

By acquiring, processing and disseminating intelligence, it supports all of the HIDTA

subsystems and task forces. Other co-located agencies are: FBI, DEA, USCS, USCG, ATF,

PR Department of Justice, Special Investigation Bureau, USPS, USMS, JIATF-E, USARSO

Intelligence Analysts and PR National Guard Intelligence Analysts & Case Support.

11. Management and Coordination Support Initiative (MCSI) – provides administrative and

logistical support structure. It provides guidance, direction, administration, training and

operational support to all Initiatives in PR and USVI. MCSI serves as a facilitator/resource

in the decision making process and provides guidance to ensure cost-effectiveness,

accountability and control over all property and funds. Moreover, it offers opportunities for

professional development, law enforcement cultural modifications and serves as the

organizational process/force. Develops and implements local policies and procedures and

ensures compliance with ONDCP directives, rules and regulations.

12. Ponce Major Organization Investigations - led by the DEA conducts long-range complex

investigations geared to dismantle sophisticated DTOs operating in the Southwest region of

PR. Other co-located agencies are: PR Police Department, FBI, USCGIS, IRS, PR Treasury

Department and USARSO.

13. Puerto Rico Fugitive Task Force - Led by USMS, disrupts narcotics smuggling,

distribution, money laundering and street gang drug related activities throughout PR, by

identifying, locating and apprehending fugitives within the island and CONUS. It also uses

US extradition treaties to apprehend fugitives in signed countries. Other co-located agencies

are: PR Police Department, PR Department of Justice, Special Investigation Bureau, FBI,

USCS and DOC.

14. St. Croix Major Organization Investigations - DEA led Initiative, conducts long-range

complex investigations geared to dismantle sophisticated DTOs operating in St. Croix, USVI.

Other co-located agencies are: FBI, USPIS, INS, VIPD, USAO, VI Department of Justice

and VI National Guard.
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15. San Juan Major Organization Investigations - DEA led Initiative, conducts long-range

complex investigations geared to dismantle sophisticated DTOs operating in the North West

region of PR. Other co-located agencies are: PR Police Department, FBI, USPIS, INS, PR

Department of Justice and USARSO.

16. St. Thomas Major Organization Investigations - DEA led, conducts long-term complex

investigations geared to dismantle sophisticated DTOs operating in St. Thomas, USVI.

Other co-located agencies are: USCS, USCG, USAO, VI Police Department, VI Department

of Justice, VI Housing Authority Police, INS and USARSO.

Outcomes:

PR/USVI HIDTA has achieved success in its intelligence, operational and organizational

developments since its inception. Commencing in FY 1995, with 12 minimally staffed and

equipped Initiatives, significant results emerged by FY 1997 when 12 organizations were

dismantled/disrupted, including two weapons trafficking organizations. The first joint Threat

Assessment was developed at the Intelligence Initiative, then named Information Coordination

Center, which served as a viable, joint perspective on where all LEAs needed to direct their

resources/efforts. In FY 1998, the 15 Initiatives dismantled 16 DTOs. In CY 1999, exceeding

projected outcomes, 34 organizations were dismantled: 32 DTOs, one money laundering, and

one weapons trafficking. Ten were state/local organizations and seven were national

cocaine/heroin/weapons trafficking organizations.

Since its inception, utilizing our intelligence process made possible only through the HIDTA

commitment to intelligence sharing, over 62 organizations were dismantled. Ten of these had a

nexus in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Florida, Connecticut, New Mexico, Texas and

California. In the international arena, we have exceeded our projected outcomes by

dismantling/disrupting 17-drug trafficking and associated criminal organizations with

connections to CONUS and other countries.

This HIDTA has achieved 83% of the Performance Measures of Effectiveness and over 90% of

the GPRAs. As a result of these efforts, and HIDTA funding, our initiatives are now larger,

focused, organized systems and our intelligence structure, now named Investigative Support

Center, has increased to over 75 co-located people from multiple agencies. Though utilizing

HIDTA concepts, our investigative capabilities have now become a major obstruction to

business as usual by DTOs and their related criminal operations.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms,

Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and

Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorney’s Office - District of

Puerto Rico, United States Attorney’s Office - District of the Virgin Islands, United States

Border Patrol, United States Coast Guard, United States Customs Service, United States Marshal

Service, United States Postal Service, United States Secret Service, Naval Criminal Investigative

Service, and United States Army South
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State: Puerto Rico Department of Justice, Virgin Islands Department of Justice, Puerto Rico

National Guard, Virgin Islands National Guard, Puerto Rico Police Department, Special

Investigations Bureau, Virgin Islands Housing Authority Police and the Virgin Islands Law

Enforcement Planning Commission

Other: Puerto Rico Administration of Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services, Puerto Rico

Department of Correction & Rehabilitation, Puerto Rico Department of Treasury and the Virgin

Islands Department of Health, Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Information is provided by the Puerto Rico /U.S. Virgin Islands HIDTA.
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Rocky Mountain HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the Rocky Mountain HIDTA is to facilitate cooperation

and coordination among federal, state and local drug enforcement efforts to enhance combating

the drug trafficking problem locally, regionally and nationally. This mission is accomplished

through joint multi-agency collocated drug task forces sharing information and working

cooperatively with other drug enforcement initiatives including interdiction.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1996

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Colorado: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, Eagle, El Paso,

Garfield, Grand, Jefferson, LaPlata, Larimer, Pueblo, Mesa,

Moffat, Routt and Weld counties

Utah: Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Utah, Washington and Weber counties

Wyoming: Albany, Campbell, Laramie, Natrona, Unita, and Sweetwater

counties

Contact: (303) 671-2180, ext 221

Threat Abstract:

The states comprising the Rocky Mountain HIDTA cover 286,823 square miles and are

dominated by the Rocky Mountains. The region contains deserts, plains, canyons and numerous

mountain ranges with over half of the total area being publicly owned federal or state land. A

well established infrastructure and the region’s central location within the United States makes

this area conducive to illegal drug transportation and distribution. The region contains seven

interstate highway systems along with other federal, state and county roads totaling 21,667 miles.

Illegal drugs flow into the area from Mexico, through the southwest border States of Texas, New

Mexico, Arizona and California. Interstates running east and west form a link between the west

and points east.

Methamphetamine is identified as the areas number one threat. Mexican-based traffickers who

import drugs into the region continue to be the focus. Cocaine trafficking is the predominant

choice of Mexican national drug trafficking organizations supplying a well-established user base.

These Mexico and Southwest Border based organizations utilize Colorado as both a distribution

and transshipment center. Crack cocaine distribution by Black and Hispanic street gangs and the

associated violent crime, remain a law enforcement concern. Marijuana seizures are greater than

all other drugs combined, due in part to the fact that it’s the most abused drug and drug

organizations tend to ship it in very large loads. Hallucinogen usage is active. Designer drugs

are reported as being a rising threat. Reflecting a general trend throughout the southwestern

United States, laundering of money in this region poses a threat as well. The threat posed by

heroin is ranked behind all other illicit drugs, and seizures remain low.
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Strategy Abstract:

The twenty-two member Executive Board includes ten federal, and twelve state and local law

enforcement leaders. The Board conducts its day-to-day business through an administrative staff,

maintaining overall responsibility for implementation, direction, results and policy of Rocky

Mountain HIDTA.

Of thirty-two initiatives coordinated by Rocky Mountain HIDTA, twenty-five are investigative,

four interdiction, and one intelligence, one training and one administrative. 129 agencies

comprise the initiatives, which includes eighteen federal, seventeen state and ninety-four local.

The investigative initiatives’ objective is the reduction of illegal drugs. For this purpose,

emphasis is placed on organizations associated with and/or controlled by drug cartels. These

initiatives endeavor to reduce the production of methamphetamine by seizing labs, arresting

manufacturers and dismantling major methamphetamine trafficking organizations.

Investigations target street gangs who transport and distribute drugs, thereby reducing the

amount of drugs available and stemming the tide of street violence associated with gangs.

The interdiction initiatives’ objective is to disrupt the flow of illicit drugs being transported into,

through and out of the region, and is realized by coordinating enforcement efforts along the

major arterial networks that connect the Rocky Mountain region with the rest of the country.

Additionally, enforcement activity targets the U.S. Mail as well as other package delivery

services.

The training initiative’s focus is on the overall goals and objectives of Rocky Mountain HIDTA

and structured to ensure that law enforcement personnel within the three-state region receives

instruction that enhances their ability to meet the ever-changing and always challenging job of

drug enforcement.

Investigative Support Center:

The intelligence initiative of Rocky Mountain HIDTA is dedicated to offering in-depth case

support and analysis for investigations that involve illicit drugs and/or violence which take place

in the Rocky Mountain region. Case support and analysis is made possible through the

formation of the Rocky Mountain HIDTA Investigative Support Center (ISC). The overall goal

of the ISC is to enhance and support all pertinent drug investigations conducted by Rocky

Mountain HIDTA enforcement agencies throughout the Rocky Mountain region. ISC personnel

are comprised of professional personnel from various federal, state and local agencies. They

provide in-depth investigative support through the utilization of established analytical

methodologies, utilizing various private and government databases. The ISC will facilitate and

assist prosecutors with courtroom presentations by providing charts, displays and other visual

case aids. In addition, the ISC offers a regional tactical deconfliction center and promotes tristate connectivity between Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming.

The Watch Center began operation on July 5, 2000, providing event deconfliction to all federal,

state and local Rocky Mountain HIDTA agencies in the Denver metropolitan counties of Adams,

Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson. The Watch Center is staffed from 1000 to

2300 hours, Monday through Friday. Through the use of mapping software, the Watch Center
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monitors undercover narcotics activities in order to prevent tactical operations by different

agencies from interfering with one another to ensure officer safety, as well as to prevent

investigative conflicts. From 7/5/00 to 9/21/00, over 600 operations have been monitored and 14

conflicts have been prevented.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the FY 2000 Rocky Mountain HIDTA Strategy:

Interdiction:

1. Colorado State Patrol – through HIDTA, the state patrol initiated an aggressive drug

interdiction program by establishing six K-9 teams to enhance their efforts. Interdiction of

drug loads utilizing Colorado interstates and highways is the focus. The state patrol is

committed to reducing criminal activity by “apprehending fugitives, recovering stolen

vehicles, confiscating illegal drugs and weapons, cooperating with drug enforcement, and

sharing intelligence with partner law enforcement agencies at the national, state and local

levels.

2. Utah Highway Patrol – the highway patrol consists of three HIDTA K-9 units that

participate in potential drug seizure for interdiction stops throughout Utah. The program

targets mid to upper-level drug shipment couriers using the major interstates and highways.

The highway patrol coordinates all follow-up investigation activity involving interdiction

seizures with the appropriate task force and participates in Operation Pipeline.

3. Wyoming Highway Patrol – this program is in partnership with the Wyoming Regional

Enforcement Teams. Highway patrol officers engage in drug interdiction efforts as a part of

their routine duties on the Wyoming highways and interstates. Four officers are designated

HIDTA K-9 units with interdiction responsibilities. The highway patrol through its

interdiction efforts targets drug smugglers and transporters responsible for significant loads

destined to or through the State of Wyoming.

4. U. S. Postal Interdiction Program – the program mission is to identify and arrest drug

traffickers using U.S. mail to distribute drugs and receive drug payments. The program

consists of HIDTA K-9s and their primary jurisdiction is the Metro Denver area. Primary

targets are drug distributors who use the U.S. mail to transport drug and money shipments.

Investigative:

5. Boulder County Drug Task Force, Colorado – a newly formed collocated multi-agency task

force whose mission is to focus law enforcement efforts on drug and drug-related crime that

threatens public safety, public order and quality of life. The primary targets are mid-level drug

dealers, targets of opportunity operating in Boulder, Colorado and working cases up to source.

6. Colorado Springs Metro Task Force. Colorado – a collocated multi-agency task force

whose mission is to investigate, control and prevent the illegal sales, possession or

manufacturing of illicit drugs. The task force works a variety of drug cases that target mid to

major level traffickers and organizations as well as gang members dealing drugs.

7. Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force, Utah – the mission is to identify and arrest those

individuals and organizations that are involved in the distribution and use of controlled
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substances in Davis County, Utah. The collocated multi-agency strike force works all level of

drug violations and targets of opportunity, targeting street to mid-level traffickers with the

ultimate goal of identifying and pursuing the source of these lower-level traffickers.

8. Rocky Mountain HIDTA Financial Task Force, Colorado – the HIDTA established

collocated multi-agency task force is based in Denver with the U.S. Customs Service as the host

agency. The mission is to identify, target and apprehend high-level drug traffickers with an

emphasis on dismantling money-laundering organizations operating in Colorado, Utah and

Wyoming.

9. Front Range Task Force, Colorado – a HIDTA established collocated multi-agency task

force with their primary jurisdiction being the Metro Denver area, pursuing investigations

nationwide when necessary. Primary targets are major drug traffickers and organizations with

emphasis on methamphetamine and Southwest Border ties. This Task Force is the “go to” group

for other Metro task forces that develop major multi-jurisdictional cases. [61]

10. Fugitive Location and Apprehension Group, Colorado – a collocated multi-agency task

force with a mission of locating and apprehending fugitives involved in drug trafficking, gangs,

and violent crimes. The task force has primary jurisdiction in Colorado with an emphasis on the

Metro Denver area.

11. Grand, Routt and Moffat Narcotic Enforcement Team, Colorado – primarily associated

with Western Slope HIDTA agencies, the collocated multi-agency task force targets and

apprehends street to mid to high-level drug traffickers with a particular emphasis on

methamphetamine trafficking covering the Colorado Counties of Grand, Routt and Moffat.

12. Grand Valley Joint Drug Task Force, Colorado – the collocated multi-agency task force

mission is to identify, disrupt and dismantle middle to upper-level illegal narcotic distribution

and manufacturing networks operating in Mesa County, Colorado. The task force works targets

of opportunity, cases of all levels and targets methamphetamine manufacturers.

13. Larimer County Drug Task Force, Colorado – the collocated multi-agency task force works

all drug violations, particularly targets of opportunity in its primary jurisdiction of Larimer

County, targeting mid-level dealers with attempts to pursue each case to the drug source.

14. Metro Gang Task Force, Colorado – the collocated multi-agency task force’s primary

jurisdiction is the Metro Denver area and their focus is to address illegal gangs, criminal and

gang organizations that engage in violence and/or narcotic trafficking. A secondary mission is to

pursue investigations to locate and target drug sources outside the Metro Denver area.

15. North Metro Task Force, Colorado – the collocated, multi-agency task force targets,

investigates and arrests street level narcotic violators operating in Adams County as its primary

mission and continues the investigation as major drug-distribution organizations are identified.

16. Salt Lake City Metro Narcotics Task Force, Utah – the collocated multi-agency task force

works a variety of drug violations. Their primary mission is to identify, target, and investigate
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major drug traffickers and organizations operating within the Metro Salt Lake City area. This

task force is the primary agency in Utah for clandestine lab investigations.

17. South Metro Task Force, Colorado – the mission is to reduce the demand and availability of

illegal drugs within Arapahoe and Douglas counties. The collocated, multi-agency task force

primarily works street to mid-level dealers including all types of drugs and violations making the

endeavor to join with other task forces to pursue investigations on a regional approach.

18. Southern Colorado Drug Task Force, Colorado – the collocated, multi-agency task force’s

primary mission is to bring together the federal, state and local drug enforcement resources of

Southern Colorado into a unified, cooperative and effective partnership. The mission includes:

1) interdiction of drugs and illegal proceeds, 2) developing seizures as a result of interdiction

efforts into investigation through ultimate destination and source, 3) targeting, investigating and

dismantling large-scale drug trafficking organizations.

19. Southwestern Colorado Narcotics Enforcement Team, Colorado – a HIDTA established

collocated, multi-agency drug task force whose mission is to combine resources, attack drug

trafficking in the Four Corners region, target large scale drug organizations, identify foreign drug

sources and dismantle clandestine lab organizations.

20. Two Rivers Drug Enforcement Team, Colorado –a collocated, multi-agency task force

targeting street-level drug dealers, Mexican drug traffickers and organizations with ties to the

Southwest Border in the Garfield County region. TRIDENT works all levels of drug violations

and primarily targets of opportunity. Although fairly isolated, they follow-up on investigations

leading to larger traffickers outside their region.

21. Utah Department of Public Safety Clan Lab Program, Utah - the mission is to target,

investigate, apprehend, interdict, prosecute and convict mid to high-level methamphetamine drug

traffickers using all available intelligence sources provided by the latest technology available.

This program responds to the vast majority of clan labs seized throughout the State of Utah and

has initiated a proactive, precursor interdiction program.

22. Wasatch Range Task Force, Utah – by way of an enterprise theory of investigation,

implemented through a multi-agency collocated cooperative effort, the task force will identify,

disrupt and dismantle existing and emerging drug-trafficking and money-laundering

organizations whose criminal activities are regional, national and international in scope, operate

through Utah, but cover primarily the greater Salt Lake City region.

23. Washington County Drug Task Force, Utah –the collocated multi-agency targets those

individuals and organizations that distribute illegal drugs primarily methamphetamine and

marijuana in the Southwest region of Utah. They target mid-level traffickers with the intent on

working the investigation to the point that a source is pursued whether inside or outside Utah.

24. Weld County Task Force, Colorado – the task force exists as a collocated, multijurisdictional unit operating primarily in Northern Colorado. The task force investigates and
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prosecutes illegal narcotics manufacturing, distribution, usage and sale of illegal drugs. The task

force endeavors to pursue mid-level investigations to the source of supply.

25. West Metro Drug Task Force, Colorado – the collocated multi-agency task force’s mission

is to investigate street level to high-level drug traffickers with an emphasis on methamphetamine

by working a combination of targets of opportunity and targets mid to high-level drug traffickers

and has recently concentrated a greater effort into “the major peddler”. They operate primarily in

Jefferson County, Colorado.

26. Wyoming Regional Enforcement Teams – (1) Wyoming Central Enforcement Team, (2)

Wyoming Northeast Enforcement Team, (3) Wyoming Southeast Enforcement Team, (4)

Wyoming Southwest Enforcement Team. The collocated, multi-agency Teams’ have primary

responsibility for specific geographic regions in Wyoming. The teams’ mission is targeting and

apprehending mid to high-level drug traffickers with an emphasis on methamphetamine, cocaine,

marijuana and other drugs. The ultimate goal is identifying and pursuing supply sources whether

in or outside the region.

Outcomes:

The Rocky Mountain HIDTA makes a significant impact in the Colorado, Utah and Wyoming

region. The Rocky Mountain HIDTA is responsible for establishing six new drug task forces

and creating the Financial Task Force, emphasizing the financial aspect of drug enforcement.

Rocky Mountain HIDTA is responsible for establishing successful K-9 interdiction programs in

the Colorado State Patrol, Utah Highway Patrol and Wyoming Highway Patrol. Rocky

Mountain HIDTA helps facilitate the development and use of the subject deconfliction system

within each state and tactical deconfliction in Metro Denver. Rocky Mountain HIDTA

implemented a much-needed training program. The Training Program schedules forty-seven

various drug-related courses a year and trains approximately 1,300 students annually. The

Rocky Mountain HIDTA Training Program established its own two-week basic drug

investigation course, drug unit commanders’ course and clandestine lab safety course. Greater

coordination, cooperation and a more regional/national emphasis has led to an increase in drug

trafficking organizations that have been disrupted and/or dismantled. In Utah, for example, a

multi-faceted statewide clandestine lab strategy including prosecution, forensic, analysis and

investigation has been created. In Wyoming, all drug enforcement in the state is now coordinated

under the Regional Enforcement Team.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Department of Agriculture, Drug

Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization

Service, Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorney’s Office, United States Customs

Service, United States Marshals Service, United States Postal Inspection Service

State: Colorado Bureau of Investigations, Colorado National Guard, Colorado State Patrol,

University of Colorado Police, Colorado State University Police, Colorado Department of

Corrections, Utah Adult Parole, Utah Department of Public Safety, Utah Highway Patrol, Utah

National Guard, Utah Criminal Investigations Bureau, Utah Attorney General’s Office,

Wyoming Attorney General Division of Criminal Investigations, Wyoming Highway Patrol
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Local: Colorado: 1st, 8th, 9th, 11th, 17th, 19th, and 20th, Judicial District D.A. Office, Adams

County SO, Aurora PD, Brighton PD, Commerce City PD, Federal Heights PD, Northglenn PD,

Thornton PD, Westminster PD, Arapahoe County SO, Aurora PD, Englewood PD, Glendale PD,

Greenwood Village PD, Littleton PD, Sheridan PD, Boulder County SO, Boulder PD,

Broomfield PD, Erie PD, Lafayette PD, Louisville PD, Denver PD, Douglas County SO, Eagle

County SO, El Paso County SO, Colorado Springs PD, Fountain PD, Canon City PD, Garfield

County SO, Basalt PD, Carbondale PD, Glenwood Springs PD, Rifle PD, Grand County SO,

Jefferson County SO, Arvada PD, Golden PD, Lakewood PD, Westminster PD, Wheat Ridge

PD, LaPlata County SO, Durango PD, Ignacio PD, Larimer County SO, Ft. Collins PD,

Loveland PD, Colorado State University Police, Mesa County SO, Grand Junction PD, Moffat

County SO, Craig PD, Pueblo County SO, Pueblo PD, Rio Blanco PD, Routt County SO,

Steamboat Springs PD, Teller County SO, Woodland Park PD, Weld County SO, Evans PD, and

Greeley PD. Utah: Davis County SO, Bountiful PD, Clearfield PD, Kaysville PD, Layton PD,

Woods Cross PD, Salt Lake County D.A., Midvale PD, Murray PD, Salt Lake City PD, Salt

Lake County SO, Sandy PD, South Salt Lake PD, West Jordan PD, West Valley PD, Washington

County SO, St. George PD. Wyoming: Campbell County SO, Gillette PD, Carbon County SO,

Laramie County D.A. Office, Laramie County SO, Cheyenne PD, Laramie PD, Torrington PD,

Wheatland PD, 7th Judicial District DA, Natrona County SO, Casper PD, Douglas PD, Sheridan

County SO, Sheridan PD, Sweet Water D.A. Office, Sweetwater County SO, Green River PD,

Evanston PD, Unita County SO

Information is provided by the Rocky Mountain HIDTA.
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South Florida HIDTA

FY2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the South Florida HIDTA is to measurably reduce drug

trafficking, related money laundering, violent crime and drug abuse in South Florida, thereby

reducing the impact of illicit drugs in other areas of the country.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1990

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Florida: Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties

Contact: (305) 597-1947

Threat Abstract:

The South Florida HIDTA was one of the five original HIDTAs designated in 1990. South

Florida is a major international transportation nexus, accounting for 40% of the nation’s trade

with Central America, 35% with the Caribbean and 17% with South America. The extensive

shoreline of the Florida peninsula and the Florida Keys, combined with 2 major seaports and a

close proximity to the Caribbean basin, make South Florida a prime target for maritime

smuggling operations, particularly from Haiti. There has also been a dramatic increase in drug

seizures on cruise ships using the ports in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. Miami International Airport

(MIA) is the busiest airport in the United States for international cargo and the second busiest for

international passenger traffic. MIA is used extensively as an entry point for narcotics in bulk

shipments.

Though use of cocaine and its more potent derivative, crack, remain the primary illicit narcotic

of choice. The use of heroin and the so-called “designer drugs” such as MDMA (Ecstasy) is

rising dramatically. Columbia is the primary source of heroin, with Miami as the primary point

of entry into the United States. Suppliers will front kilos of heroin and are using their extensive

cocaine distribution network for heroin distribution. Because of oversupply, the price of heroin

has dropped precipitously and average street-level purity in South Florida has reached 80%.

Miami is now considered a “high-demand” destination for designer drugs and is a transshipment

point between the suppliers in Europe and organizations in South America. Marijuana remains

readily available in South Florida. The increasing role of small grow operations and indoor

hydroponics operations is adding to the drug’s supply.

Primary money laundering methods include the black market peso exchange, wire transfers to

U.S. bank accounts, and bulk smuggling of cash. Structuring of cash (smurfing) via automated

teller machines and mortgage flipping are increasingly used. Miami is ranked third, behind New

York and Los Angeles, in the number of Suspicious Activity Reports filed by financial

institutions. The pervasive illicit narcotics atmosphere has manifested itself in an increase in

drug-related violent crimes, while the rates for crime in general have fallen. Drug related
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violence among Haitian traffickers including armed home invasions, car jackings, gang warfare

and homicides, has increased.

These factors combine to make South Florida a transportation and financial center vulnerable for

exploitation by criminal organizations. South Florida remains as a significant command and

control center for international narcotics trafficking organizations; is an international hub for

drug traffickers and money launderers from Central America, South America, and the Caribbean;

and has been identified as having the country's second largest concentration of Russian and

Eurasian immigrants and proportionate career criminals and organized crime.

Strategy Abstract:

An Executive Committee comprised of 18 federal, state, and local law enforcement agency heads

oversees the South Florida HIDTA. The same Executive Committee evaluates each initiative on

a quarterly basis to ensure that fiscal and operational goals and objectives are being met and that

the initiative is complying with ONDCP regulations. The South Florida HIDTA Director,

Timothy D. Wagner, reports to the Executive Committee but has autonomy over most

administrative issues and in ensuring the coordination between the various entities that comprise

HIDTA. The Director has instituted a review process which continually analyzes all aspects of

budgeting, interagency coordination, and intelligence sharing to respond to changing conditions

and needs in a timely manner.

Hundreds of representatives from 62 federal, state, and local agencies are full-time participants

in 23 HIDTA initiatives. These initiatives include: eight collocated multi-agency task forces, six

containing an array of enforcement programs; one cooperative federal and city drug enforcement

task group; one cooperative state and local street enforcement and intelligence initiative targeting

known street drug sales areas; two initiatives focusing on criminally active street gangs; one

separate county and municipal agencies task force focusing on the apprehension of violent

fugitives; one regional intelligence center; a new interagency intelligence-focused maritime

working group; a multi-agency, multi-site community empowerment program; an automated

drug treatment and judicial access information management system for judges to instantaneously

retrieve offender information from multiple information sources.

Investigative Support Center:

The South Florida HIDTA Intelligence Center (formerly the South Florida Investigative Support

Center) – a state and local-led collocated center of federal, state and local agencies to facilitate

the attack and the dismantling of high-value drug trafficking and related money laundering and

violent crime organizations working in and through the South Florida HIDTA region. It actively

collects, analyzes and disseminates information to support enforcement initiatives. The

composition, scope and dynamics of criminal organizations are made available to law

enforcement in support of regional goals and objectives. The SFISC provides records checks

from law enforcement and proprietary databases. It also provides asset tracking of criminal

organizations and activities on an as-needed basis. It provides case support and ongoing training

to all law enforcement agencies. The SFISC maintains a deconfliction clearinghouse and

automated NINJAS (Narcotics Information Network Joint Agency System) for reporting field

enforcement actions regarding drugs, weapons, money and warrants for investigator safety. It

houses the FBI Regional Intelligence Squad (RIC) and Joint Drug Intelligence Group (JDIG), as
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well as the Blue Lightning Operation Center (BLOC) and Joint Task Force Six and Florida

National Guard analysts. The SFISC coordinates with the Florida Intelligence Center (FIC), the

El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) and the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC).

Initiatives that were approved as part of the 2000 South Florida HIDTA Strategy:

1. North Broward Drug Enforcement Unit - A locally-led, collocated multi-agency task force

dedicated to the dismantling or disruption of the most significant illegal narcotics trafficking

and money laundering organizations and armed groups involved in the drug trade. This task

force also participates in programs designed to reduce local drug dealing, the use of drugs

and the need to depend on illegal drug sales as a means of support.

2. Southeast Florida Regional Task Force - A federally led, multi-agency drug crimes task

force with twenty participating Federal, State and Local agencies. The task force is

responsible for conducting multi-agency drug investigations targeting high-level drug

trafficking organizations, utilizing the resources of the law enforcement agencies in

Southeast Florida by pooling intelligence information and then mounting coordinated,

focused investigations to identify and dismantle drug trafficking organizations. It also strives

to identify, investigate and destroy local drug trafficking groups, primarily crack cocaine

organizations, thereby decreasing drug-related violence in the local community.

3. South Broward Drug Enforcement Unit - A locally led, collocated multi-agency task force

that pursues, disrupts and dismantles narcotics trafficking and related money laundering and

violent crime organizations. The strategy is to identify, investigate, arrest and prosecute

narcotics traffickers and their organizations. It targets individuals, groups, cells, and pipelines

used to conduct money laundering activities orchestrated by the cocaine cartels of Medellin

and Cali, Colombia. It also houses a South Florida Organized Fraud Task Force, the

Russian/Eurasian Crime Task Force, and the new initiative Transportation Conspiracy Unit.

4. Russian/Eurasian Crime Task Force - This is collocated multi-agency task force. The two

enforcement groups of FY00, Odessa, which was made up of federal, county and city

investigators complemented by the National Guard, DOD and city analysts and ROC, the

FBI’s Russian Organized Crime squad, have merged and the single group is led by the FBI.

The task force continues to target those individuals and criminal organizations whose

operations directly or indirectly affect South Florida and other areas of the United States,

investigating a broad range of violations including drug trafficking and related crimes,

money laundering, counterfeiting, violent crime, weapons, fraud and other crimes related to

drug trafficking.

5. Miami HIDTA Task Force - This is South Florida's largest law enforcement task force. It

occupies three buildings and serves as an umbrella for six federally-coordinated enforcement

efforts.. Approximately 276 full-time people from 29 agencies are devoted exclusively to the

enforcement areas of narcotics smuggling, trafficking, and related money laundering

investigations which primarily target Colombian cartels and other major international

criminal organizations and systems. The recently created anti-narcotics smuggling task force

addresses the growing problem of cocaine and heroin smuggling through Miami’s ports and
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the corruption of transportation industry employees, particularly at Miami International

Airport.

There are 6 federal prosecutors and 3 legal secretaries assigned full time, as well as a 7-

person, full-service language support center. The task force is supported by a staff of 22

analysts, including 1 full-time person from FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement

Network), a multi-agency technical support unit coordinated by the US Customs Service, and

a systems administration support unit for computer system design, installation, maintenance

and custom software development. A full-time forensic specialist, a graphics specialist, and a

Florida National Guard supply/logistics unit provide support on site for all agencies.

6. Transportation Conspiracy Unit -A federally-led, collocated multi-agency task force with

Customs, DEA and five police departments targeting narcotics smuggling and money

laundering. The primary focus is internal conspiracies at Fort Lauderdale International

airport, but the initiative will target the use of all types of common carriers.

7. Monroe HIDTA Task Force –A locally-led, collocated federal, state and local task force

that initiates and shares in investigations aimed at narcotics traffickers (including

“mothership” operations) and money launderers. The strategy is to develop complex, long

term financial and smuggling investigations to dismantle smuggling systems and identify,

investigate, indict, convict and seize the assets of offenders who have profited from illicit

activities. Because of the significant mothership activity being seen in Southeast Florida and

the Caribbean, this task force has maintained a close working relationship with the US Coast

Guard’s Maritime Intelligence Center (MIC) for interdiction investigations .

8. South Florida Impact/Fincrest - A locally-led, collocated multi-agency task force that

combines federal, state and local investigations in support of the HIDTA mission. The

strategy is to attack and reduce the number of high value narco-trafficking and related money

laundering individuals, organizations and systems. The task force is targeting highly

significant money laundering systems employed by Colombian black-market money brokers.

It also attacks the illegal transportation of drug proceeds in and out of the US. The

component of this task force known as “FINCREST,” consists of federal and municipal law

enforcement agencies and constitutes a specialized financial investigations unit focusing on

the follow-up of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) generated by local banks and other

financial institutions. FINCREST serves as a clearinghouse to evaluate all SARs generated in

South Florida; to identify those that justify the initiation of a criminal investigation; and to

coordinate with other enforcement groups investigating SARs to deconflict cases and

minimize the unknowing overlap of investigations. The focus of this task force is long term

investigations to trace the money back to the source and justify federal prosecution and the

seizure of illicit drug proceeds.

9. Violent Crimes/Fugitive Task Force - A federally-led, collocated multi-agency task force

designed to significantly reduce the at-large population of high-impact, violent and drug

trafficking fugitives. Priority is given to cases involving fugitives associated with violent

drug cartels and organizations, to include Colombian and Jamaican-based trafficking

organizations.
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10. Cali Cartel Enforcement Group - A collocated, multi-agency group that emphasizes

intelligence, surveillance, and electronic intercepts against Cali Cartel and related drug

trafficking organizations in South Florida.

11. Gang Strike Force - A state prosecutor-coordinated, collocated multi-agency task force of

state, local and federal investigators. It uses long-term, racketeering-style gang investigations

to destroy South Florida’s most criminally active street gangs through prosecution and

imprisonment of gang leaders and members. This initiative is being greatly enhanced through

the incorporation of a new unit, the “Caribbean Basin Violent Crimes Enforcement Group,”

targeting violent gangs of Caribbean Basin heritage.

12. Street Gang and Criminal Organization Task Force - A collocated, multi-agency task

force that focuses on violent domestic street gangs through the use of racketeering style

prosecutions with a focus on Broward County.

13. La Cosa Nostra - A collocated, multi-agency task force that targets five New York City area

La Cosa Nostra families involved in drug trafficking (particularly heroin) in the South

Florida area.

14. Operation No Fear - A coalition of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that

conduct two enforcement campaigns each month to target locations known for visible drug

sales, crime and violence related to the drug trade.

15. Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (FAST) - A federally-led, collocated task force with

state/local participation, 20-member, 5-agency group known as FAST (Fugitive

Apprehension Strike Team) that locates and apprehends major narcotics trafficking, money

laundering and violent fugitives, especially those classified as career criminals.

16. Street Terror Offender Program (STOP) - This federally-led, collocated multi-agency

enforcement group is devoted to the identification of South Florida's most violent and prolific

drug-involved organizations and individuals. In addition to full-time participation by ATF,

MDPD, FDLE and USCG, 4 part-time county Homicide Unit investigators are involved. It

also incorporates a focused effort to identify and prosecute criminal aliens involved in drugs

and violence.

17. Operation Top Heavy - A locally-led, collocated multi-agency task force with multiple

federal agencies participating with the Broward Sheriff’s Office targeting smuggling

organizations within Port Everglades . The focus will be on large international conspiracies

utilizing corrupt longshoremen to further narcotics smuggling.

18. Public Corruption Task Force - A federally-led collocated task force focusing on

corruption of public officials primarily in furtherance of narcotics trafficking conspiracies.

19. Key West Task Force - A federally-led task force consisting of federal and local agency

personnel targeting mid- level drug trafficking organizations smuggling narcotics into Key

West via cruise ships.
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20. Rapid Deployment Operation - Located at the South Florida Investigative Support Center,

the Blue Lightening Operation Center (BLOC) acts as the command and control facility for

dissemination of intelligence, targeting information, and case analysis for the rapid

deployment operations conducted by the Blue Lightening Strike Force. The strike force of

over 40 federal, state, and local agencies draws from a resource of over 1,000 police officers,

who are cross designated with U.S. Customs border search authority, to support drug

interdiction missions off the Florida coast. The U.S. Coast Guard provides 24-hour watch

and tactical/analytical support to operations through their Maritime Intelligence Center.

21. South Florida HIDTA Joint Training Initiative - Housed at the South Florida Investigative

Support Center, this initiative identifies training needs that are not being met by existing

resources but essential to the success of the South Florida law enforcement counterdrug,

money laundering and violent crime operations. Emphasis is placed on investigative,

analytical and computer skills.

22. Community Empowerment Crime and Drug Demand Reduction Program - The Crime

and Drug Demand Reduction Program (CDDRP) targets high-risk communities having

expected levels of crime, victimization, substance abuse, unemployment and violence. The

fundamental strategy is to identify criminally-active individuals and groups who tear down

the fabric of the community and target them for arrest and prosecution. Resources are then

brought into the community to promote employment, education, youth leadership and

community involvement to harden the community against the return of drugs, crime and

violence. Because of the dramatic increase in violent crime among juveniles in this country,

this program has a prevention focus to target the 13 to 17 year-old age group and their

families. It reduced part one crimes by an average of 23%; reduced truancy, and reduced

community factors that perpetuate a "drug climate”. It prepared a successful grant with

Youth Co-op and obtained over 100 part or full-time jobs for youth in CDDRP sites. Part of

the summer job program requirement is for the involved youth to identify the most pressing

needs of their community that they can affect. They are then to develop and implement

corrective action strategies in cooperation with community members and law enforcement.

In FY01, the program will continue to focus on only five communities with efforts ranging

from focused enforcement to the development of leadership, coalitions, self-determination

and self-sufficiency.

23. Drug Treatment Program - Assists with the evaluation, placement, and treatment of

criminal justice system-involved substance abusers with providing connectivity between

treatment providers in the region with 'TARS' (Treatment Automated Referral System).

TARS tracks the intake, placement, treatment, case management and outcome of individuals

in need of substance abuse treatment. It also automates billing for services and reporting to

federal and state funding sources. This program led to the development of the 'JAMS'

(Judicial Access Management System)- an automated system for drug court judges to retrieve

treatment and criminal justice system information related to offenders. We are continuing the

transition from 100% HIDTA funding of the TARS and JAMS programs to alternate sources.

Our Executive Committee has established 50% of the FY99 funding level as a maximum

level of support for FY01. In FY00, funding was at 75% of the FY99 funding level.
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Outcomes:

Through constant budget analysis and cost savings measures, the South Florida HIDTA has been

able to add three new task forces while maintaining a static budget for three years. Two of the

new initiatives concentrate on stemming an endemic and pervasive narcotics trafficking problem

at seaports in South Florida, while the other task force focuses on public corruption with a

narcotics nexus. Major inroads have been made at Miami International Airport with a major task

force investigation disabling “internal smuggling conspiracies” through arrest of over seventy

persons employed by airlines or related service industries. Further cost savings measures will

enable the South Florida HIDTA to initiate a task force focused on a growing designer drug

problem in MiamiDade County and Miami Beach.

The South Florida Investigative Support Center, now called the South Florida HIDTA

Intelligence Center (SFLHIC), is undergoing a complete “reinvention” to enhance effectiveness

and bring South Florida HIDTA into better compliance with the guidelines set forth in the

General Counter-Drug Intelligence Plan (GCIP). Intensive strategic planning has set a clear

direction for the SFLHIC to better coordinate the intelligence gathering and dissemination within

the South Florida HIDTA and to other HIDTA’s with common interests to South Florida.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal

Aviation Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Financial Crimes Enforcement

Network, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service, National Parks

Service, United States Attorney's Office, United States Border Patrol, United States Coast Guard,

United States Customs Service, United States Department of State, United States Marshal

Service, United States Postal Service, United States Probation Office, United States Secret

Service, Department of Defense JIATF-E, and Department of Defense Joint Task Force Six

State: Florida Department of Banking and Finance, Florida Department of Law Enforcement,

Florida Department of Revenue, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Marine Patrol, Florida National

Guard

Local: Aventura Police Department, Bal Harbour Police Department, Broward County Sheriff's

Office, Coconut Creek Police Department, Cooper City Police Department, Coral Gables Police

Department, Coral Springs Police Department, Dade State Attorney's Office, Davie Police

Department, Delray Beach Police Department, Florida City Police Department, Fort Lauderdale

Police Department, Hallandale Police Department, Hialeah Police Department, Hollywood

Police Department, Homestead Police Department, Indian Creek Police Department, Key West

Police Department, Lauderhill Police Department, Lighthouse Police Department, Margate

Police Department, MiamiDade Police Department, Miami Police Department, Miami Beach

Police Department, Miami Springs Police Department, Miramar Police Department, Monroe

County Sheriff's Office, North Lauderdale Police Department, North Lauderhill Police

Department, North Miami Beach Police Department, Oakland Park Police Department, Palm

Beach Sheriff's Office, Pembroke Pines Police Department, Plantation Police Department,

Pompano Beach Police Department, Sunrise Police Department, Wilton Manors Police

Department

Information is provided by the South Florida HIDTA.
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Southeast Michigan HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the Southeast Michigan HIDTA is to reduce drug

trafficking, related violent crimes, and money laundering in the HIDTA region. This will be

accomplished through the coordination and sharing of intelligence, unified law enforcement

effort, and community cooperation which will improve the quality of life in Southeastern

Michigan.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1997

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Michigan: Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne counties

Contact: (313) 967-4500

Threat Abstract:

The Southeast Michigan HIDTA was designated in 1997. The region is centrally located

between Chicago, New York, Toronto and Montreal, all primary urban centers with key roles in

the North American drug trade. Michigan accesses an international border with numerous land

crossing points and many opportunities for water access. The state’s waterways and lakes

provide limitless landing options for drug shipping. An extensive interstate highway system

traverses the region, and drugs are frequently transported along these routes. The Detroit

Metropolitan Airport is a major smuggling route for drugs, and numerous other regional and

local airstrips also facilitate the transshipment of narcotics.

The region continues to be a major importation center of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Retail

distribution of these substances; conversion and distribution of cocaine into crack; and associated

crimes of violence threaten this HIDTA region. Historically the region has been a major

consumer and transshipment outlet for Colombian drug organizations based in south Florida and

New York, Mexican organizations centered in the Southwest, and Middle Eastern heroin

organizations. Recent indicators, however, demonstrate that the region is increasingly a hub for

the operations of Mexican drug trafficking organizations.

Strategy Abstract:

An Executive Committee comprised of 8 federal and 8 state and local law enforcement leaders in

the Southeast Michigan region, through sub-committees, coordinates the integration and

synchronization of efforts to reduce drug trafficking; eliminates unnecessary duplication;

systematically improves the sharing of drug intelligence and targeting information; and may

utilize specialized task forces to concentrate on particular areas of criminal activity associated

with drug trafficking.

Southeast Michigan HIDTA initiatives focus on multi-level drug trafficking. To accomplish this,

the Southeast Michigan HIDTA Executive Committee has adopted a three-tiered strategy to
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counter drug trafficking. Level One Initiatives focus on “street level” drug trafficking. Level

Two Initiatives focus on drug traffickers and the importation of drugs into Southeast Michigan.

Level Three Initiatives focus on the major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.

Current and future initiatives will provide multi-agency efforts that will support the goals of this

strategy. All Initiatives integrate with the Investigative Support and Deconfliction Center

through the use of the Deconfliction Center and through intelligence support from the

Investigative Support Center. Southeast Michigan HIDTA Initiatives that implement this strategy

include: seventeen enforcement/interdiction initiatives, one initiative that focuses on community

cooperation and involvement and deals primarily with “street level” traffickers; five initiatives

that contain elements of both level one and level two traffickers; three initiatives that respond to

drug related homicides; one initiative that focuses on level two drug-related violent crime

offenders; two initiatives that focus on drugs being shipped via parcel package delivery and

through the airlines; two initiatives that focus on drug couriers and the hotels they use; two

initiatives that respond to the major drug trafficking organizations operating in the HIDTA

region; and one initiative that provides money laundering/financial crime expertise to all

Southeast Michigan HIDTA initiatives.

There are two support initiatives in addition to the enforcement/interdiction initiatives: a

technical support section with the Michigan State Police that provides equipment and technical

expertise to the HIDTA region and a combined Michigan State Police and Detroit Police

Department forensic science initiative.

Investigative Support Center:

The Southeast Michigan HIDTA Investigative Support and Deconfliction Center (ISDC) is the

centerpiece of the HIDTA as it provides the collocation and commingling of vital federal, state

and local law enforcement personnel and databases that are available to assist all area law

enforcement agencies in Counterdrug investigations and interdiction. The ISDC provides

responsive deconfliction, pointer index, case support, intelligence fusion, and target information

to all participating agencies and task forces. The ISDC develops the strategic intelligence

necessary to dismantle the financial infrastructures of the targeted major drug trafficking

organizations operating in the region. The Southeast Michigan HIDTA ISDC is structured and

prepared to seamlessly implement and fully participate in the General Counterdrug Intelligence

Plan (GCIP).

Initiatives that were approved to implement the FY 2000 SEM HIDTA Strategy include:

1. Safe Streets Initiative – a collocated, multi-agency initiative to reduce violent street level

drug trafficking by federal fugitives and state drug law violators within geographically

defined neighborhoods and communities within the HIDTA region.

2. County of Macomb Enforcement Team – a collocated, multi-agency task force that detects,

interdicts, provides surveillance, and apprehends persons and assets involved in narcotics

trafficking and ancillary violent crimes in Macomb County.
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3. Downriver Area Narcotics Organization – a collocated, state and local task force that

identifies, targets, and disrupts individuals and organizations engaging in drug trafficking

activities in the downriver area of Wayne County.

4. Oakland County Narcotics Enforcement Team – a collocated, multi-agency task force who

identify and arrest criminal gang members for drug trafficking activities.

5. Western Wayne Narcotics – a collocated state and local task force that detects, interdicts,

and apprehends persons and assets involved in narcotics trafficking activities in western

Wayne County.

6. Livingston, Jackson, and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team – a collocated, multiagency team who target drug trafficking organizations and street gangs importing and

supplying cocaine, heroin and marijuana into Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and the surrounding

areas.

7. Hotel Interdiction Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force that targets

documented regional, national, and international couriers.

8. Detroit Metropolitan Airport Group – collocated, multi-agency team that investigates, and

arrests individuals trafficking drugs through the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

9. Parcel Interdiction Team – a collocated, multi-agency team that investigates, and arrests

individuals who traffic drugs through the various parcel delivery services.

10. Southeastern Michigan Money Laundering Task Force – a collocated federal and state

task force who dismantle the economic infrastructure of major drug organizations operating

in southeastern Michigan by intercepting narcotics trafficking profits and targeting money

laundering operations in support of requesting HIDTA Initiatives.

11. Drug Enforcement Administration Group Six – a collocated, multi-agency task force who

disrupt illicit drug trafficking in southeastern Michigan by immobilizing targeted violators

and drug trafficking organizations.

12. Conspiracy One Task Force – members from Detroit Police Department and the Federal

Bureau of Investigation conduct long-term investigations targeting regional, national, and

international cocaine trafficking organizations.

13. Detroit Police Department Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) – a collocated, multi-agency

task force who identify and target significant violent crime, drug and gang activity in

Michigan.

14. Southeast Michigan Forensic Enhancement Initiative – a cooperative effort between

Michigan State Police and Detroit Police Department Forensics Services Divisions that

facilitates the delivery of forensic services and thereby enhances the prosecution of drug-
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related violent offenders and increases the solvability of drug-related violent crimes through

the use of state-of-the-art technology.

15. Michigan State Police Technical Support Section – a collocated, Michigan State Police

initiative that provides equipment, expertise, and surveillance to Southeast Michigan HIDTA

drug task force initiatives and multi-agency violent crime teams within the HIDTA region.

16. REDRUM Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency team who identify, apprehend and

prosecute individuals and groups responsible for drug related homicides in the City of Detroit

and Wayne County.

17. OAKFORCE – a collocated, multi-agency team who identify, apprehend and prosecute

individuals and groups responsible for drug related homicides in the City of Pontiac and

Oakland County.

18. Investigative Support and Deconfliction Center – a collocated, multi-agency group that

provides responsive deconfliction, pointer index, case support, intelligence fusion, and target

information to the Southeast Michigan HIDTA region in order to enhance officer safety

through deconfliction, reduce duplication of efforts, enhance cross-case analysis, and ensure

the Southeast Michigan HIDTA Executive Committee is provided sufficient information to

prioritize initiative efforts.

Outcomes:

The Southeast Michigan HIDTA is one of the first, if not only, HIDTAs to successfully collocate

intelligence analysts from the DEA, FBI, US Customs Service, State Police Michigan and city

police department Detroit. This monumental accomplishment could not have been achieved

without the dedication and commitment to the HIDTA philosophy of the agencies within the

Southeast Michigan HIDTA Executive Committee and the HIDTA region. Another added value

of the Southeast Michigan HIDTA is the ability for economically constrained agencies

participating in Southeast Michigan HIDTA Initiatives to potentiate their resources through

access to the one-stop-shopping of the Investigative Support and Deconfliction Center and the

increased resources available to them through the HIDTA program.

Additionally, the HIDTA philosophy has fostered an air of cooperation among federal, state and

local departments that was previously non-existent. Agencies that would avoid each other prior

to designation of the HIDTA are now successfully participating in joint operations and task

forces. In FY 2000, deconfliction services were made available for the first time outside the

Southeast Michigan HIDTA core region to include areas such as St. Clair County in the thumb

region of Michigan and Kent County on the west-side of Michigan.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal

Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service,

United States Attorney's Office, United States Border Patrol, United States Customs Service,

United States Marshal Service
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State: Michigan State Police and Michigan National Guard

Local: Allen Park Police Department, Ann Arbor Police Department, Brownstone Township

Police Department, Canton Township Police Department, Chesterfield Township Police

Department, Dearborn Police Department, Detroit Police Department, Ecorse Police Department,

Ferndale Police Department, Garden City Police Department, Grosse Isle Police Department,

Hamtramck Police Department, Hazel Park Police Department, Highland Park Police

Department, Huron Township Police Department, Livonia Police Department, Macomb County

Sheriff's Department, Madison Heights Police Department, Melvindale Police Department,

Northfield Township Police Department, Northville Township Police Department, Novi Police

Department, Oakland County Sheriff's Office, Oxford Police Department, Pittsfield Police

Department, Pontiac Police Department, Redford Police Department, River Rouge Police

Department, Romulus Police Department, Shelby Township Police Department, Southfield

Police Department, Taylor Police Department, Trenton Police Department, Troy Police

Department, Van Buren Township Police Department, Warren Police Department, Washtenaw

County Sheriff's Office, Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office, Waterford Police Department,

Wayne County Airport Police, Wayne County Sheriff's Office, Wayne County Prosecutor's

Office, Wyandotte Police Department, Ypsilanti Police Department

Information is provided by the Southeast Michigan HIDTA.
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Southwest Border HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The overall mission of the Southwest Border HIDTA is to develop

joint, seamless regional systems resulting in coordinated interdiction, intelligence, investigation

and prosecution efforts that result in a measurable reduction in drug trafficking. This HIDTA

seeks to reduce drug smuggling along the southwest border.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1990

Geographic Area of Responsibility: The Southwest Border HIDTA is currently located in

San Diego, California, but will relocate to El Paso, Texas in 2001. The Southwest Border

HIDTA implements border-wide initiatives and coordinates the following five regional

partnerships:

Arizona Yuma, Maricopa, Pinal, Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise

and Mohave counties

California San Diego and Imperial counties

New Mexico Bernalillo, Hidalgo, Grant, Luna, Dona Ana, Eddy,

Lea, Otero, Chaves, Lincoln, San Juan, Rio Arriba,

and Santa Fe counties

South Texas Bexar, Val Verde, Kinney, Maverick, Zavala,

Dimmit, La Salle, Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Starr,

Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron counties and all the

municipalities therein

West Texas El Paso, Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Presidio,

Brewster, Pecos, Terrell, and Reeves counties

Contact: (619) 557-5324 ext. 15 and biersj@swb.hidta.org

Threat Abstract:

The Southwest Border (SWB) represents the arrival zone for South American produced cocaine

and heroin, Mexican produced methamphetamine and heroin, marijuana, other dangerous drugs

and precursor chemicals. This region includes approximately 2,000 miles of international border

– from San Diego, California to Brownsville, Texas.

The volume of border traffic makes ports of entry vulnerable to drug trafficking and money

laundering. Commercial infrastructures provide “masking opportunities” for drug trafficking

organizations, which have become sophisticated at concealing drugs and money in cross-border

vehicle and train traffic. Traffickers consistently attempt to blend in with legitimate border

crossing activities (pedestrian traffic, private or commercial vehicles).
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Remote and sparsely populated territory stretches between the ports of entry and provides prime

targets for drug smugglers. Drug trafficking organizations have become adept at smuggling

between the ports of entry utilizing pedestrians, horses, and vehicles in unregulated areas.

Maritime smuggling, along the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean, also contributes to the drug

threat. Fishing boats, oil tankers, speedboats and other vessels are believed to transport

significant quantities of drugs. These drugs are off-loaded to small, fast boats for further

transportation through California and South Texas. Non-commercial aircraft activities also play

a role in the transportation of drugs from South America to staging areas in Mexico near the

border. From these staging areas, the drugs are then smuggled into the United States.

The SWB is impacted by large population centers on both sides of the border (San

Diego/Tijuana, Imperial Valley/Mexicali and El Paso/Ciudad Juarez). Common cultural,

familial, and commercial interests to Mexico link these population centers. These ties contribute

significantly to enforcement problems in combating corruption and conducting law enforcement

operations at the ports of entry.

Another factor negatively impacting narcotics enforcement efforts is that intelligence operations

are hampered by international laws that create information vacuums in both interdiction and

investigation.

Strategy Abstract:

The SWB HIDTA is, in many ways, one of most diverse HIDTAs within the National Program.

It is divided into five regional partnerships (Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, West

Texas and South Texas) located in the four states that border Mexico. The SWB HIDTA is

comprised of forty-five counties and five Federal judicial districts. Representatives participating

in HIDTA initiatives are from 115 federal, state and local agencies. The SWB HIDTA

coordinates the HIDTA efforts along the entire border, including allocation of HIDTA resources

and coordination with other border law enforcement efforts.

The Southwest Border HIDTA was designated as a single HIDTA with the awareness that due to

the complexity and enormous challenges posed by the Southwest border, more so than in any

other part of the nation, a high level of coordination among law enforcement agencies is required

along the entire Southwest border. Because of its critical geographic location in relation to

illegal drug activity, a high level of coordination is also required with other related drug law

enforcement and intelligence entities in the region.

Currently under the management of an Executive Committee, consisting of 5 federal and 5 state

and local law enforcement leaders, the SWB HIDTA has developed a strategy that presents a

comprehensive methodology to solving the current major aspects of the drug problem along the

SWB. This strategy serves as a commitment to long term planning to pursue the adequate

resources necessary for key counter-drug programs. It offers a common agenda to federal, state

and local law enforcement agencies in a unified multi-agency counter-drug effort. The SWB

HIDTA has continued to use the expertise of the various participating agencies to attack all

facets of drug trafficking. Through integration of investigations, interdiction, and intelligence,

the multi-agency task forces focus on specific organizations that have been identified as posing
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the most serious drug trafficking threat. The SWB HIDTA initiatives employ the full spectrum

of investigative techniques. Prosecution efforts are focused on the most significant drug

traffickers and are coordinated between the federal and cross-designated state prosecutors to

ensure the most effective judicial venue is selected.

Investigative Support Center:

Each of the five partnerships, which currently comprise the SWB HIDTA, has an Investigative

Support Center (ISC) that serves as a centerpiece for their respective regions. The ISCs provide

for the collocation and commingling of vital federal, state and local law enforcement personnel

and databases that are available to assist all area law enforcement agencies in their counter-drug

interdiction and investigative efforts. These ISCs provide event and case deconfliction for officer

safety and enhanced intelligence, strategic intelligence for refined targeting and in-service

analytical intelligence training. The ISCs further provide HIDTA task forces with operational

analytical support for on-going initiative driven case activity through access to criminal and

commercial databases. These ISCs maintain Watch Centers, which provide law enforcement

immediate access to a wide range of law enforcement and commercial databases.

As a partner with the HIDTA Program, the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) maintains a 24-

hour; 7-day-a-week Watch Center, which provides federal, state and local law enforcement

participants, to include HIDTA funded initiatives, with timely drug intelligence. EPIC has

established a HIDTA Coordination Unit to facilitate the exchange of intelligence with ISCs and

HIDTA funded task forces.

Initiatives:

Due to the scope and complexity of this region, the SWB HIDTA implements border-wide

initiatives and coordinates five regional partnerships: California Border Alliance Group, Arizona

Partnership, New Mexico Partnership, South Texas Partnership, and West Texas Partnership.

Each of the Partnerships develops initiatives that are specific to their region.

The following are the border-wide initiatives of the Southwest Border HIDTA for FY 2000:

1. Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System, EPIC – an ONDCP sponsored, EPIC-managed

computer system designed for centralized storage and remote retrieval of information relating

to clandestine laboratory seizures for access by all HIDTA intelligence centers and law

enforcement agencies.

2. Southwest Border Unit, Research and Analysis Section, EPIC – prepares organizational

profiles of major drug trafficking organizations and trafficking along the Southwest Border

by conducting research, analyzing and fusing local, state and federal intelligence.

3. Southwest Border HIDTA Management and Coordination – coordinates the efforts of five

HIDTA partnerships, in the four states along the United States' border with Mexico by

identifying those efforts that are successful, devising border wide initiatives and

recommending the allocation of resources.
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Please refer to the Information Sheets of each partnership for initiatives in the respective

partnerships.

Outcomes:

The CLSS Database has accomplished key elements of the SWB HIDTA’s Strategy to facilitate

EPIC’s support of the HIDTA program and to improve intra- and inter- HIDTA information

sharing. When completed, the CLSS will be the first national information sharing system for the

collection, reporting, storage, analysis and retrieval of federal, state and local clandestine

laboratory seizure information. Law enforcement agencies will be able to input as well as

retrieve data electronically from EPIC. The development of the CLSS is being accomplished in

collaboration between EPIC, HIDTA Regional Intelligence Centers and RISS Projects.

Approximately 26,000 records have been entered into the database. Midwest HIDTA, West

Texas HIDTA and WSIN are electronically connected to the CLSS. Efforts are ongoing to

provide electronic access to the database via the RISSNET system.

The SWB Unit initiative has strengthened the efforts of the SWB HIDTA to counter drug

trafficking by enhancing the sharing of intelligence and investigative information between EPIC

and HIDTA initiatives, HIDTA Regional Intelligence Centers, and federal, state and local law

enforcement agencies working along the SWB. This has been accomplished through numerous

briefings to hundreds of officers and agents on drug smuggling trends; the Gatekeeper Program;

assistance to the SWB HIDTA and its five Partnerships in preparation of Threat Assessments;

analytical support for specific major drug investigations; dissemination of current drug

intelligence via EPIC Bulletins; and participation in SWB intelligence conferences.

The SWB HIDTA is an active participant with ONDCP in the development of a national HIDTA

financial database system.

Participating Agencies:

Listed below are the agencies that participate in the Southwest Border HIDTA border-wide

initiatives:

Federal: Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Customs Service

State: California Department of Justice, Texas Department of Public Safety

Local: San Diego Police Department

Please refer to the Information Sheets of each individual partnership for participating agencies in

the respective partnership.

Information is provided by the Southwest Border HIDTA.
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Southwest Border HIDTA

Arizona Partnership

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the Southwest Border HIDTA Arizona Partnership is to

facilitate federal, state and local multi-agency task forces and other partnerships to increase the

safety of Arizona’s citizens, by substantially reducing drug trafficking and money laundering,

thereby reducing drug-related crime and violence.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1990

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Arizona: Cochise, Maricopa, Mohave, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yuma counties

Contact: 520-547-8899

Threat Abstract:

The Southwest Border HIDTA Arizona Partnership, comprised of counties designated in 1990 as

part of the Southwest Border HIDTA, consists of seven Arizona counties: Cochise, Maricopa,

Mohave, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma. Arizona’s 370-mile border with Mexico consists

of sparsely populated areas, vast expanses of rugged mountainous terrain aligned in north-south

corridors, and broad valleys and desert. Such geography provides unlimited opportunities for

drug-related activities. The region has six U.S. Customs land ports of entry (three major ports),

six designated international airports, and an excellent transportation infrastructure exploited by

drug traffickers.

The two major metropolitan areas in the region, Tucson and Phoenix, are primary distribution

centers and drug transit areas with their close proximity and easy access to the Arizona-Sonora,

Mexico border. Multi-ton quantities of cocaine and marijuana and increasingly large quantities

of methamphetamine and heroin are smuggled into these cities for eventual transportation and

distribution throughout the country. Major drug trafficking and money laundering groups

operate in Arizona and Mexico. Drug-related violence, homicides, and property crimes are

increasingly perpetrated by drug gangs and abusers. Four major and 19 secondary Mexican drug

trafficking organizations impact Arizona. Marijuana continues to be the most abused and

trafficked drug in the state. Cocaine is the second most abused drug. Methamphetamine, due to

the nature of its manufacture, poses the most significant policing problem statewide. Drug

proceeds are smuggled from Arizona to Mexico in bulk form by vehicles, commerce shipments,

private and commercial aircraft, and pedestrians. Easy access to illicit drugs has generated local

community drug abuse problems throughout the state. Increased interdiction has frustrated alien

and narcotic smugglers. The result has been increased acts of violence toward law enforcement

agents.

Strategy Abstract:

The Arizona Executive Committee of 13 Arizona law enforcement executives monitors the
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Director’s implementation of the strategy and provides a coordination umbrella over the 21

networked initiatives operating in the seven designated Arizona counties. Each county has a

primary investigative or interdiction task force consisting of federal, state, and local agencies

working in collocated or collaborative environments targeting the most significant drug

trafficking organizations in their geographic area. In the three counties that border Mexico, the

“centerpiece” task forces are primarily focused on interdiction responsibilities. Specialized task

forces target violent drug gangs, specialized prosecutions, the movement of drug money and

money laundering, and include intelligence collection and sharing initiatives. All the Arizona

Partnership task forces provide their intelligence databases to the Arizona HIDTA Center in

Tucson, Arizona. The center ensures automated and human access to databases for task force

personnel and other law enforcement agencies. The Arizona Partnership has five separate, but

integrally related priorities: 1) Interdiction of drug smuggling from Mexico and South America;

2) The investigation, prosecution and dismantlement of major drug smuggling, trafficking, and

money laundering organizations in Arizona; 3) The immobilization of methamphetamine

laboratories and the control of drug lab precursor chemicals in Arizona; 4) The control and

reduction of violent crime associated with drug trafficking; and 5) The collection, analysis and

dissemination of drug related intelligence to law enforcement agencies. All Arizona Partnership

initiatives are committed to sharing intelligence with each other and the Arizona HIDTA Center.

Investigative Support Center:

The Arizona Investigative Support Center (ISC), the linchpin of the Arizona Partnership, is a

multi-agency mechanism based on cooperative relationships in intelligence collection planning,

intelligence and resource sharing, and mutually-beneficial joint working relationships among the

collocated local, state and federal agencies. The purpose of the Center is to facilitate the sharing

of limited resources, and to ensure all sources of drug intelligence are available to assist law

enforcement agencies in their counterdrug efforts. An interdictive Partnership, the ISC’s strategy

is to link investigative, prosecutorial and intelligence efforts with interdiction. The Border

Interdiction Unit manages event deconfliction (LECC), the border coordination initiative, target

information, special operations (COBIJA), the law enforcement coordination center and the allsource analytical cell (tactical/strategic support, pattern, trend and predictive intelligence). The

Conspiracy Analytical Unit manages case deconfliction, cross-case analysis, data base research,

threat assessment, electronic communication analysis, organizational profiles, targeting and case

analysis. This unit is divided into two sections with distinct functions: research and analysis. The

research section is the primary research unit for all the collocated federal, state and local

agencies assigned to the ISC. The unit facilitates research of information on suspects and the

dissemination of pertinent data to other law enforcement agencies and the Partnership task

forces. The analysis unit provides law enforcement agencies in Arizona with case management,

follow up on case data, analytical assistance to officers, and graphic presentations of case data

for the investigator and for court. The ISC also publishes the annual Threat Assessment.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Southwest Border HIDTA Arizona

Strategy include:

1. Arizona HIDTA – a collocated group consisting of four law enforcement agencies, a

translation cell with Arizona National Guard personnel, and staff; responsible for the

planning, coordinating, and implementation of HIDTA program policies and guidance;
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supports the development of strategies, reports, and initiatives, day-to-day functioning of the

Partnership, training, and fiscal and programmatic accountability.

2. Arizona HIDTA Center – collocation of federal, state, and local law enforcement resources

involved in counter-drug investigations. The Law Enforcement Coordination Center provides

event/case deconfliction for special interdiction operations. The intelligence division collects,

analyzes, coordinates, and disseminates drug trafficking information and investigative

intelligence to participating agencies. The post seizure analysis team identifies the connection

among seizures of narcotics contraband, narcotic related asset seizures, narcotic related

violent crimes, provides research assistance, and maintains a database.

3. Arizona HIDTA Training Center – an all-purpose, comprehensive drug enforcement

training facility consisting of firearms training ranges, classrooms, and other tactical training

areas to train law enforcement officers in dealing with the threat from drug trafficking.

4. Arizona’s for a Drug-Free Workplace – collaborates with HIDTA task forces to provide

Arizona businesses and employees with drug-free workplace education, technical assistance

and training for the detection of drug abuse in the workplace; promotes the safety and health

of Arizona citizens by reducing drug-related crime.

5. Border Anti-Narcotic Network – a cooperative federal, state, and tribal task force targeted on

reducing drug trafficking and related crimes; covers approximately 8,000 square miles and

150 miles of international border operating on the lands of the Tohono O’odham Nation

Reservation, the Organ Pipe National Park, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuges, and all adjacent

land between Santa Cruz and Yuma Counties.

6. Cochise County Border Alliance Group – a multi-agency task force with 85 miles of

international border and two major ports of entry; dismantles major smuggling organizations

through interdiction; locates transshipment holding points, narcotic production labs and

marijuana cultivation sites; and collects, analyzes, and disseminates narcotic intelligence.

7. HIDTA Enforcement Agencies Task Force – a multi-agency group collocated in Phoenix,

Tucson, and Yuma that apprehends fugitives in order to disrupt narcotics smuggling,

distribution, money laundering, and street gang activities.

8. HIDTA Investigative Narcotic Technical Support Center – a multi-agency group in Tucson

providing surveillance technology and operational support for all participating agencies

conducting counter-narcotic investigations against organizations responsible for importing,

transshipping, and distributing narcotics from the southwest border area into the United

States.

9. Joint Drug Intelligence Group – a collocated, multi-agency intelligence group under the

direction of the FBI in Phoenix, Arizona that collects, evaluates, analyzes, and disseminates

information concerning drug trafficking organizations; provides strategic intelligence support

against major criminal conspiracies; and supports historical conspiracy prosecutions on
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significant enterprises operating in Arizona and the southwest border.

10. Maricopa County HIDTA Methamphetamine Task Force – a collocated federal, state, and

local effort under the direction of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department, identifies and

dismantles clandestine methamphetamine labs; targets individuals/groups selling and

distributing methamphetamine and their precursor chemicals; responds to lab seizures

throughout the state with chemist and SWAT expertise to insure safety in handling and

disposing of hazardous and toxic chemicals used in methamphetamine production; and

gathers, compiles, and disseminates methamphetamine intelligence.

11. Metro Intelligence Support and Technical Investigative Center – a multi-agency group

located in Phoenix that forms drug squads to conduct long-term, complex investigations

targeting regional, national, and international drug trafficking organizations, supported by a

Service Center, with technical capabilities, an intelligence gathering system, and an asset

forfeiture unit.

12. Metropolitan Area Narcotics Trafficking Interdiction Squads – a multi-agency, collocated

task force in Tucson that investigates all levels of drug trafficking, with particular emphasis

on gang activity, drug-related violence and homicides in Pima County and southern Arizona.

13. Mohave Area Group Narcotics Enforcement Team - a multi-agency task force responsible

for all narcotic investigations in Mohave County, with an emphasis on methamphetamine

investigations.

14. Multi-Agency Surveillance Team – a multi-agency, collocated task force that augments

major case development and Title III investigations conducted by HIDTA task forces by

adding a specialized and dedicated surveillance team assigned to these cases as directed by

the Arizona Executive Committee.

15. Phoenix Financial Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force that conducts long

term financial investigations in order to dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and

money laundering and transportation organizations operating in the region.

16. Pima County HIDTA Investigative Task Force – a multi-agency, collocated group that

identifies, targets, and investigates drug trafficking and money laundering organizations

operating in Pima County.

17. Pinal County Drug Task Force – a multi-agency, collocated task force that conducts

complex investigations targeting major drug trafficking/producing organizations and

methamphetamine laboratories in Pinal County.

18. Santa Cruz County Drug Enforcement Unit – a multi-agency, collocated investigative and

interdiction task force in Nogales, Arizona; combats organized crime in Santa Cruz County,

targeting secondary core organizations and providers, local distributors, stash houses and

organization members; pays particular attention to methods of transportation.
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19. Southern Arizona Border Initiative – six multi-agency task forces in Tucson, Sierra Vista,

Nogales, and Yuma target key command and control elements of the major drug trafficking

organizations operating in southern Arizona, and integrate efforts of all participating agencies

and existing task forces in the area.

20. Southern Arizona Safe Trails Initiative – targets violent criminal organizations and

members on the Tohono O’odham Reservation in order to reduce the incidence of drug and

gang related violent crimes on the reservation.

21. Tucson Financial Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force it conducts long-term

complex investigations targeting drug money laundering organizations.

22. Yuma County HIDTA Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force (Southwest

Border Alliance), interdicts, investigates, disrupts, and dismantles major drug trafficking and

money laundering organizations utilizing Yuma as their base of operations.

Outcomes:

One of the significant contributions of the Arizona Partnership to creating effective and efficient

law enforcement partnerships, is the success of Operation COBIJA (‘blanket’). This operation

had its inception when the Analysis Unit of the Arizona Partnership developed a master

intelligence collection plan for a border-wide reciprocal intelligence sharing and interdiction

project. The LECC, the Research unit and the Analysis unit analyze and disseminate the

intelligence collected. COBIJA 6, planned for November 2000, is the product of Arizona

Partnership’s vision of a synchronized anti-smuggling effort along the entire southwest border.

This unique vehicle has increased the coordination and cooperation of an increasing number of

participants collecting and sharing intelligence along the entire southwest border. Under Arizona

Partnership’s leadership, local, state and federal investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial

agencies in both HIDTA and non-HIDTA task force initiatives, have greatly enhanced law

enforcement’s efforts to combat smuggling of aliens, currency and illegal narcotics in this

coordinated border-wide endeavor. Arizona Partnership, by establishing partnerships, collocating

agencies and their electronic resources, and formulating a border-wide collection plan, has

fostered an environment exchange intelligence. In addition, the Arizona Partnership has

established an automated deconfliction system to increase officer safety; has integrated a GIS

system to track aircraft fades and seizures, a first for Arizona; published an annual statewide

threat assessment, also a first for Arizona; and provides an environment for training.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and

Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorney’s Office, United States

Border Patrol, United States Customs Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, United

States Forest Service, United States Marshal Service, United States National Park Service,

Department of Defense Joint Task Force Six, Department of Interior Bureau of Land

Management, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

State: Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety, the Joint

Counter Narcotics Task Force, University of Arizona Police Department
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Local: Arizona Western College Police Department, Bullhead City Police Department, Casa

Grande Police Department, Cochise County Attorney’s Office, Cochise County Sheriff’s

Department, Benson Police Department, Bisbee Police Department, Douglas Police Department,

Glendale Police Department, Internal Revenue Service, Kearney Police Department, Kingman

Police Department, Lake Havasu City Police Department, Marana Police Department, Maricopa

County Sheriff’s Office, Mohave County Sheriff’s Department, Nogales Police Department, Oro

Valley Police Department, Patagonia Marshal’s Office, Phoenix Police Department, Pima

Community College Police Department, Pima County Attorney’s Office, Pima County

Attorney’s Office, Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, San Luis

Police Department, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department, Somerton Police Department,

South Tucson Police Department, Tucson Airport Authority Police Department, Tucson Police

Department, University of Arizona Police Department, Wellton Police Department, Willcox

Police Department, Yuma Police Department, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office

Other: The Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department

Information is provided by the Southwest Border HIDTA Arizona Partnership.
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Southwest Border HIDTA

California Partnership

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The Southwest Border HIDTA California Partnership, known as

California Border Alliance Group (CBAG), seeks to measurably reduce drug trafficking, thereby

reducing the impact of illicit drugs in this region and other areas of the country. The CBAG

assists with the coordination of joint initiatives to deter, disrupt, and dismantle the most

significant Drug Trafficking Organizations and their supporting transportation and money

laundering organizations. The CBAG also emphasizes efforts against methamphetamine

manufacturing, precursor supply, and abuse.

General Information:

Year of designation: 1990

Geographic area of responsibility:

California: San Diego and Imperial counties

Contact: (619) 557-5880

Threat Abstract:

The California Border Alliance Group (CBAG) was designated in 1990 as one of the five

partnerships of the Southwest Border HIDTA. The area of responsibility extends from the U.S.-

Mexico border to the Orange and Riverside County lines, and from the Pacific Ocean to the

Arizona border. The geography of the location is unique. It ranges from beaches to deserts, with

forested mountains in between. At the same time, it is home to the largest bi-national metropolis

in the world. Although the 140-mile border facing the CBAG is only 7% of the entire U.S.-

Mexican border, it is home to 60% of the entire Southwest Border population. The CBAG area

of responsibility not only has five of the busiest land Ports of Entry to contend with, but also

international airports and seaports, urban, rural and designated wilderness areas, oceans,

mountains and deserts. The threats include smuggling, production and consumption of cocaine,

methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, and precursor chemicals. Money laundering, street gangs

and a significant amount of drug abusers also pose threats. It remains one of the most active

transit areas for drugs and illegal aliens moving north, and for monies travelling south.

Importation of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine through San Diego and

Imperial counties, marijuana cultivation and methamphetamine manufacturing, and high drug

use rates (especially methamphetamine) are the primary regional drug threats. During 1999,

CBAG task forces and member agencies seized in excess of 180,239 Kg of Marijuana, 3,666 Kg

of Cocaine, 99 Kg of Heroin, 577Kg of Methamphetamine, 67 Clandestine Labs, and over $16

Million in cash. 52,000 marijuana plants (114,000 pounds) were seized from National Forest

lands alone in San Diego County. Drug- and Border-related violence continues: on February 27,

2000, the Tijuana Police Chief was assassinated, followed in April by the torture-murder of three

Mexican narcotics officers who had been working with U.S. agencies.
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Strategy Abstract:

To accomplish its mission, the CBAG coordinates 18 intelligence-driven, joint, multi-agency

coordinated initiatives, which are organized into five mutually-supporting subsystems:

Intelligence, Interdiction, Investigation, Prosecution, and Demand Reduction.

Each agency has its own strategies, requirements, and missions. The CBAG Executive

Committee, through subcommittees, coordinates the integration and synchronization of efforts to

reduce drug trafficking, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and improve the systematic sharing

of intelligence.

The Executive Committee monitors the implementation of the strategy to ensure the joint efforts

of the CBAG produce the desired impact. The Committee provides a coordination umbrella over

networked joint task forces, the intelligence center, task forces not funded by CBAG, and single

agency task forces and narcotics units within the CBAG. The Committee is formed of 15

Members/Officers, 7 federal and 8 state/local. An Intelligence Subcommittee provides guidance

to the Intelligence Center (the San Diego/Imperial County NIN) and develops intelligence

policies for the approval of the Executive Committee. A Fiscal Subcommittee recommends

budget and reprogramming requests for Executive Committee action and approval. The CBAG

Director provides day-to-day coordination and programmatic and fiscal accountability critical to

the CBAG. The Director is responsible for developing draft proposals of the Threat Assessment,

Strategy, Initiatives, and Annual Report for decisions by the CBAG Executive Committee.

Investigative Support Center:

The San Diego/Imperial Counties Regional Narcotic Information Network (NIN), the CBAG’s

intelligence center, provides responsive deconfliction, pointer index, case support, intelligence

fusion, and predictive analyses in cooperation and coordination with the Customs Intelligence

Group, Law Enforcement Coordination Center intelligence cells, and member agency

intelligence units. Interdiction operations and investigations are coordinated with the intelligence

center to the greatest extent practicable, with exceptions for applicable grand jury secrecy,

privacy of taxpayer information, Title III restrictions, and agency security requirements. The

intelligence center works to identify and assess core and secondary drug trafficking

organizations, and develop organizational profiles including key personalities, methodologies,

facilities, assets, and capabilities and vulnerabilities of those drug trafficking organizations.

Further, the intelligence center assesses and prioritizes geographical areas and smuggling

methodologies with the highest levels of trafficking activity. Based on these assessments, the

intelligence center develops a prioritized list of targets, identifying critical nodes and their

susceptibility to interdiction, investigation, prosecution, or further intelligence exploitation. This

necessitates, within prudent security limits, the free and mutual flow of information to the NIN,

with the full cooperation of all participating Law Enforcement Agencies.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Southwest Border HIDTA California

Border Alliance Group Strategy:

1. Customs Intelligence Group – a collocated, multi-agency group that provides intelligence

support to the Operation Alliance Joint Task Force (San Ysidro) through post seizure
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analysis of all ports of entry, Immigration and Naturalization Service, U.S. Customs Service,

and U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint drug arrests and seizures.

2. San Diego/Imperial County Regional Narcotic Information Network (NIN) – the CBAG’s

intelligence center provides responsive deconfliction, pointer index, case support,

intelligence fusion and predictive analysis in cooperation and coordination with the Customs

Intelligence Group, agency intelligence units, and the two LECCs in East San Diego County

and the Imperial Valley.

3. CBAG Methamphetamine Initiative – consists of infrastructure and operational support four

initiatives attack the methamphetamine crisis in all aspects from precursor chemical

suppliers, through manufacturing or importation and distribution, to the user.

4. National Methamphetamine Chemical Initiative – works with its members to improve

support of chemical precursor investigations coordinating law enforcement agencies'

policies, implementing programs and working with supporting intelligence centers.

Coordinates investigations, and assists its members in identifying precursor violators who

may merit criminal or civil enforcement action. Promotes information sharing and training to

law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, probation/parole, family services/social workers, etc.,

providing critical enforcement updates at both meetings and through the distribution of

current trends and methods of operation.

5. Commercial Interdiction Unit – a collocated, multi-agency group that investigates drug

trafficking through commercial means: parcel shipping businesses, airlines, buses, trains,

and commercial trucking industry. The unit investigates both inbound and outbound

packages using both state and federal laws for enforcement.

6. Major Mexican Traffickers Initiative – a major multi-agency initiative with five groups that

address the Major multi-drug trafficking organizations operating in the Southern California

and Northern Baja California, Mexico areas. Also targets official corruption, and is

supported by a classified intelligence project.

7. Operation Alliance Joint Task Force, San Ysidro – a major collocated, multi-agency task

force that investigates narcotics smuggling, transportation and distribution groups along the

California–Mexico border based on post seizure analysis. This task force is responsible for

the investigation of all drug seizures effected by the U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs at

and between the ports of entry.

8. San Diego Financial Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force that investigates

and targets money laundering cells of domestic and international drug trafficking

organizations for dismantlement, using long-term investigative strategies.

9. San Diego Violent Crime Task Force – three multi-agency groups proactively investigates,

apprehends and prosecutes gangs, major offenders, and fugitives – including illegal aliens –

involved in narcotics trafficking and associated violent crime.
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10. East San Diego County Initiative – a collocated, multi-agency narcotics interdiction team,

that detects, deters, and disrupts drug trafficking in the rural areas of East San Diego County

and the Tecate border point of entry. Includes close coordination between agencies

conducting both interdiction and investigation of trafficking groups and supporting

infrastructure inside the United States.

11. Imperial Valley Drug Coalition – a coalition of Federal, State, and local agencies that

coordinates operations to detect, disrupt, and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations

along the United States/ Mexican border and ports of entry within Imperial County.

Coordination efforts are enhanced by co-located intelligence and operations divisions at the

Imperial Valley Law Enforcement Coordination Center (LECC.)

12. Marine Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force that targets drug smuggling

organizations using the Pacific Ocean as a transportation route for cocaine, marijuana, and

methamphetamine destined for the United States via west coast beaches, waterways, and

maritime facilities. The first line of defense and the only joint maritime task force composed

of Federal, State, and local law enforcement on the West Coast.

13. Combined Border Prosecutions Initiative – collocated prosecutors use a cross-designated

U.S. Attorney–District Attorney approach which provides for felony drug prosecutions of

small volume federal border drug cases in state court, raising the deterrent effect for low

level smugglers, while allowing Federal prosecutors to concentrate on major violators and

OCDETF-level cases. Over 2,000 border drug-smuggling cases were prosecuted by the

District Attorneys’ Offices during FY99.

14. California Border Alliance Group Support – responsible for the planning, coordinating and

implementation of HIDTA Program policies and guidance; and supports the development of

strategies, reports, and initiatives, day-to-day functioning of the Partnership, training, and

fiscal and programmatic accountability.

15. CBAG Demand Reduction Initiative – this team coordinates government and communitybased demand reduction and prevention efforts, with special emphasis on young people, in

San Diego and Imperial Counties.

16. CBAG Strategic Technology Initiative – plans, develops, and implements technological

solutions for counterdrug operations and investigations.

17. HIDTA Investigative Narcotic Operations Support – provides technical and operational

support to CBAG task forces conducting major counter narcotic investigations against

organizations responsible for the importation, transshipment and distribution of drugs from

the Southwest border into the United States.

18. Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory – federal, state, and local agency members are

collocated in this initiative to investigate and target computer technology used by major drug

traffickers and money launderers in Southern California.
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Outcomes:

The CBAG measurably impacted drug trafficking in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Fortyfive of 139 Drug Trafficking Organizations and supporting gangs (32 percent) identified in the

Fiscal Year 1999 Threat Assessment were disrupted or dismantled from 10 to 100 percent by

CBAG initiatives, task forces, and member agencies this year. Significant progress in the

disruption of major drug trafficking organizations has been achieved through the efforts of multiagency joint task forces and initiatives which have utilized historical conspiracy cases,

sophisticated investigative methods, and coordinated interdiction efforts.

Participation in initiatives and task forces continues to increase. The number of personnel

participating full- and part-time in CBAG initiatives increased from 477 in 1998 to 699 in 1999.

Further, inter-initiative joint operations and investigations increased significantly. For example,

the Operation Alliance Joint Task Force formed a Border Response Team which works with the

East San Diego County Initiative, and established protocols for the coordinated investigation of

Border Patrol seizures in East County by DEA and State / local agents.

Task Force and agency participation in the San Diego/Imperial County NIN (the CBAG’s

Regional Intelligence Center) continues to increase. During calendar year 1999, the NIN Watch

Center staff processed 62,216 inquiries, which resulted in 23,912 hits in database files. There

were also 69,523 entries into the WSIN/RISSNET database. Additionally, the Watch Center

handled 7,307 critical events, which resulted in 412 conflicts, which were successfully resolved.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration,

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue

Service, United States Attorney’s Office, United States Border Patrol, United States Bureau of

Land Management, United States Coast Guard, United States Customs Service, United States

Forest Service, United States Marshals Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, United

States Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, Department of Defense Joint Task

Force Six

State: California Attorney General’s Office, California Department of Justice-Bureau of

Narcotic Enforcement, California Department of Corrections, California Highway Patrol,

California National Guard

Local: Calipatria Police Department, Brawley Police Department, Calexico Police Department,

Carlsbad Police Department, Chula Vista Police Department, Coronado Police Department, El

Centro Police Department, El Monte Police Department, Escondido Police Department, Holtville

Police Department, Imperial County District Attorney’s Office, Imperial County Sheriff’s

Office, Imperial County Fire Department, National City Police Department, Oceanside Police

Department, San Diego Police Department, San Diego District Attorney’s Office, San Diego

County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego County Probation Dept, San Diego Harbor Police

Department, Westmoreland Police Department

Information is provided by the Southwest Border HIDTA California Partnership.
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Southwest Border HIDTA

New Mexico Partnership

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The mission of the Southwest Border HIDTA New Mexico Partnership

is to develop a synchronized system involving coordinated intelligence, interdiction,

investigation and prosecution efforts to measurably reduce drug trafficking; thereby reducing the

impact of illicit drugs in New Mexico and other areas of the country.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1990

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

New Mexico: Bernalillo, Hidalgo, Grant, Luna, Dona Ana, Eddy, Lea, Otero,

Chaves, Lincoln, San Juan, Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties and

all the municipalities therein.

Contact: (505) 541-7500

Threat Abstract:

The counties that comprise the New Mexico Partnership were designated in 1990 as part of the

Southwest Border HIDTA. The region encompasses thirteen counties, four Ports-of Entry

(POEs), and approximately 180 miles of international border shared with Mexico. Most of the

New Mexico/Mexico border area is open desert, barren and generally uninhabited with

innumerable roads, trails, footpaths and private ranches which offer drug smugglers easy access

into the United States and to major interstate highways. The remoteness of the areas between the

POEs offer favorable conditions of smuggling alternatives. The proximity to the Ciudad Juarez,

Mexico/El Paso, Texas corridor threatens the region as this corridor is a major contributor to the

flow of narcotics into and through this region. Drug traffickers are increasingly exploiting the

NAFTA provisions, which brought about significant increases in commercial trade. Freight

trains and commercial motor vehicle carriers which cross the Texas/New Mexico and Mexican

borders, travel through New Mexico and are frequently utilized by major Mexican drug

trafficking organizations to transport drugs into and throughout the United States.

The importation, distribution, and consumption of powder and crack cocaine are the biggest

threats in the region. The availability of methamphetamine – from Mexico, California, and

produced locally – is increasing rapidly. Local methamphetamine lab seizures are increasing at

alarming rates. Seizures of methamphetamine produced in California have increased from one

pound quantities to over one kilogram quantities per incident. Mexican marijuana is the most

prevalent drug abused and the most commonly seized drug resulting from interdiction seizures.

The availability of Mexican black tar heroin continues to increase throughout New Mexico; and

both brown and white heroin have been encountered. Gangs facilitate much of the drug

distribution that occurs at street level and are responsible for much of the drug-related violence

in the region.
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Strategy Abstract:

An Executive Committee comprised of 6 federal and 7 state/local law enforcement leaders in the

New Mexico Partnership area allows for seamless integration and synchronization of efforts to

reduce drug trafficking, eliminate unnecessary duplication of effort, systematically improve the

sharing of drug intelligence, and support programs that effectively reduce the demand for illegal

drugs. The goals are to reduce the transshipment of drugs transported into New Mexico by

identifying the responsible organizations; reducing distribution of drugs within communities;

continuing interdiction of smuggled drugs; following up investigations; and reducing the

manufacturing of methamphetamine. The New Mexico Partnership coordinates 16 initiatives to

build four counterdrug systems. Hundreds of representatives from 59 federal, state, and local

law enforcement agencies are full-time participants in the New Mexico Partnership initiatives

that implement the strategy including: 10 collocated multi-agency task forces with 10 sub-units;

one prosecution initiative that includes two U. S. Attorney Offices and 7 District Attorney

Offices; one forensic criminal laboratory; one Investigative Support Center; one Regional

Coordination Center to support enforcement operations; and two administrative support

initiatives. An intelligence system works through a Regional Intelligence Center to gather

intelligence and analyze data. Interdiction efforts emphasize transportation systems. An

investigation system employs post seizure analysis and investigation in complex cases to include

money-laundering investigations. The prosecution system coordinates between the U. S.

Attorney’s offices and state prosecutors focusing on high profile cases in order to address the

high volume of cases originating from the border region.

Investigative Support Center:

The New Mexico Investigative Support Center (NMISC) is the centerpiece of the Partnership as

it provides the collocation and commingling of vital federal, state, and local law enforcement

personnel and databases that are available to assist all area law enforcement agencies in

counterdrug investigations and interdiction. The NMISC provides event and case deconfliction

for officer safety and enhanced intelligence; strategic intelligence for refined targeting and

officer resource allocation; and in-service analytical intelligence training. The NMISC provides

Partnership task forces with operational analytical support for ongoing initiative driven case

activity through access to criminal and commercial databases. The NMISC provides law

enforcement with immediate access with “one stop shopping” to a wide range of law

enforcement and commercial databases. The NMISC currently has the following databases:

Internal Database System, Treasury Enforcement Communication System (TECS) II, Private

Aircraft Enforcement System (PAES), Automated Commercial System (ACS), National

Criminal Information Center (NCIC), National Law Enforcement Teletype System (NLETS),

INS Central Index System (CIS), Commercial Drivers License Information System (CDLIS),

New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Departments Customer Information Control System (CICS),

Inspection Selection System (ISS), DEA Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Information System

(NADDIS), New Mexico Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), FBI Field Office

Information Management System (FOIMS), AutoTrack, PhoneDisk, Internet, Information

America, Texas Household Drivers Report (HDR), and Albuquerque PD Computer Offense

Program System (ACOPS).The Southwest Border HIDTA New Mexico Threat Assessment

requires quarterly reporting so that resources and direction can be reevaluated among the

initiatives.
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Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Southwest Border HIDTA New Mexico

Partnership Strategy include:

1. New Mexico Border Operations Task Force – three multi-agency task forces located in

separate cities to systematically target, investigate and prosecute drug traffickers and money

launderers, utilizing intelligence, investigation, and interdictions – targeting ports-of-entries,

Border Patrol check points, and land border areas.

2. New Mexico DEA HIDTA Task Force – two multi-agency task forces, in Albuquerque and

Las Cruces, who focus on interdiction and investigation of major, secondary, and local drug

trafficking organizations impacting New Mexico and other areas in the United States.

3. New Mexico Department of Public Safety Interdiction Initiative – members from New

Mexico’s Department of Public Safety, State Police, and Motor Transportation Divisions are

assigned to ten Partnership initiatives to effectively coordinate and plan interdiction activities

and share information and intelligence throughout the region.

4. New Mexico Enhanced Line Watch Operations – several federal, state, and local agencies

are brought together for temporary specific operations along the border, focusing on gangs

involved with the interdiction of narcotics, weapons, and drug-proceeds trafficked through

southern New Mexico.

5. New Mexico HIDTA Management & Coordination – The New Mexico Director’s Office

conducts the day-to-day business of HIDTA on behalf of the New Mexico Executive

Committee and the Initiatives and meets all requested actions, including those initiated by the

Southwest Border HIDTA and ONDCP.

6. New Mexico Intelligence Support Center – supports the interdiction, investigation and

prosecution initiatives of the Partnership by providing a clearinghouse for collection of

intelligence, conducting post-seizure analysis, providing operational and investigative

deconfliction, and analytical case support.

7. New Mexico Regional Coordination Center – provides a base of operations to coordinate

joint law enforcement drug interdiction and special operations along the New

Mexico/Mexico border.

8. Operation Up-The-Ladder – a collocated, multi-agency task force and full-time District

Attorneys working together focusing on disrupting cross-border drug smuggling through

interdiction, targeting management-level members of drug trafficking organizations, and

asset seizures.

9. Region I Multi-Agency Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force that focuses on

disrupting and dismantling all levels of drug smuggling, trafficking and money laundering

organizations through investigation, interdiction, and dismantlement of methamphetamine

labs.
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10. Region II HIDTA Narcotics Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force that focuses

on disrupting and dismantling all levels of drug smuggling, trafficking and money laundering

organizations through investigation, interdiction, and dismantlement of methamphetamine

labs.

11. Region III Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force

that focuses on disrupting and dismantling all levels of drug smuggling, trafficking and

money laundering organizations through investigation, interdiction, and dismantlement of

methamphetamine labs.

12. Region VI Multi-Agency Task Force – collocated, multi-agency task forces in five areas –

Otero, Lea, Lincoln, Eddy, and Chaves counties, who interdict bulk quantities of illicit drugs

smuggled into the country from Mexico; and identify and dismantle pipeline organizations

and major narcotics suppliers and distributors at the border. A Cooperative comprised of

heads of local agencies and a Coordinator work closely to unify effort.

13. Regional Interagency Drug Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force that

conducts interdictions and investigations targeting local and international drug trafficking

and money laundering organizations in Dona Ana County – the direct corridor used for the

movement of drugs from the Juarez/El Paso area through New Mexico; and

methamphetamine manufacturing and distributing organizations in the region.

14. Southern Crime Laboratory – provides timely forensic drug analysis on controlled

substances seized in the region.

15. Southern New Mexico HIDTA Law Enforcement Center – allows a number of New Mexico

HIDTA entities, including but not necessarily limited to the New Mexico Department of

Public Safety Southern Crime Laboratory, New Mexico Investigative Support Center,

Regional Interagency Drug Task Force and New Mexico Director’s Office, to collocate and

conduct activities in accordance to the National Drug Strategy. This Initiative provides

funding for expenses incurred at the Center in order to continue facility operations.

16. Southwestern New Mexico Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force that conducts

long term investigations targeting regional, national and international drug trafficking

organizations that operate in Luna, Hidalgo, and Grant counties; and follow-up on cases

resulting from U. S. Border Patrol and New Mexico State Police interdiction efforts.

Outcomes:

The value added by the HIDTA to law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in New Mexico includes,

but is not limited to, the following: allowed LEAs to enhance resources to effectively increase

drug enforcement activities; increased activities have resulted in reduced availability of drugs in

New Mexico; increased operational coordination, planning and intelligence and information

sharing among LEAs increased the amount of all drugs seized from transshipments into and

through New Mexico; established, for the first time in New Mexico, a Criminal Justice

Intelligence System to network and facilitate intelligence and information sharing; allowed the

NMISC to provide support to LEAs relating to both federal and state/local intelligence and
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information; established event and case deconfliction systems to increase officer safety and

intelligence, for the first time in New Mexico; provided law enforcement related computer and

language training at little or no cost to the LEAs; and significantly improved the quality of life

and public safety for the citizens of New Mexico.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Amtrak Police Department, Department of Defense Joint Task Force Six, Drug

Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization

Service, Internal Revenue Service, United States Attorney’s Office, United States Border Patrol,

and United States Customs Service

State: New Mexico Department of Corrections and Parole, New Mexico Department of Public

Safety and New Mexico National Guard

Local: Albuquerque Police Department, Alamogordo Department of Public Safety, Artesia

Police Department, Aztec Police Department, Belen Police Department, Bernalillo County

Sheriff’s Department, Bernalillo Police Department, Bloomfield Police Department, Carlsbad

Police Department, Corrales Police Department, Deming Police Department, District Attorney’s

Offices of the First, Second, Third, Fifth, Sixth, Eleventh and Twelfth Judicial Districts, Dona

Ana County Sheriff’s Department, Eddy County Sheriff’s Department, Espanola Police

Department, Eunice Police Department, Farmington Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s

Department, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department, Hobbs Police Department, Jal Police

Department, Las Cruces Police Department, Lea County Sheriff’s Department, Los Alamos

Police Department, Los Lunas Police Department, Lovington Police Department, Luna County

Sheriff’s Department, Otero County Sheriff’s Department, Questa Police Department, Rio Arriba

County Sheriff’s Department, Rio Rancho Police Department, Sandoval County Sheriff’s

Department, San Juan County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department,

Santa Fe Police Department, Silver City Police Department, Taos Police Department, Taos

Police Department, Tatum Police Department, Torrance County Sheriff’s Department,

University of New Mexico Police Department, and Valencia County Sheriff’s Department

Information is provided by the Southwest Border HIDTA New Mexico Partnership.
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Southwest Border HIDTA

South Texas Partnership

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: Measurably diminish drug trafficking thereby reducing the impact of

illicit drugs in this and other areas of the country. Specific goals include the reduction of

regional drug trafficking, money laundering activities, drug-related crime, drug availability,

drug-related public corruption, as well as the identification and prosecution of drug trafficking

organization leaders while increasing counterdrug intelligence exchange. 

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1990

Geographic area of Responsibility:

Texas: Bexar, Cameron, Dimmit, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Kinney, La Salle,

Maverick, Starr, Val Verde, Webb, Willacy, Zapata, and Zavala

counties

Contact: (210) 499-2950

Threat Abstract:

The South Texas Partnership is one of the five partnerships comprising the Southwest Border

(SWB) HIDTA. The region received its HIDTA designation due to the high level of illicit drugs

imported into and distributed from the region throughout the United States. More than 23,000

square miles covering 14 counties form the South Texas Partnership. A 647-mile portion of the

Rio Grande River marks the southern South Texas Partnership boundary and its border with

Mexico. Approximately 70 miles of Gulf of Mexico intercoastal waterways form the eastern

border of the designated region. Approximately 6 million people inhabit the region comprising

the South Texas Partnership and Mexican cities bordering the Rio Grande River.

The Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO) in the region support the illegal importation and

distribution of international and national DTO supplied illicit drugs. Drug origins are primarily

Mexico, Central and South America. Major drugs seized include methamphetamine, heroin,

ecstasy, cocaine, and marijuana. Drug volume seizures in 1999 grew more than 105 percent

from 1998. South Texas assets and US currency seized during 1999 totaled more than $20

million dollars, an increase of 77.3 percent from 1998.

Major Northern Mexico highways lead to major South Texas Ports of Entry (POE) and the US

interstate system in Texas for transport of imported illicit drugs throughout the United States.

The South Texas POE are among the busiest in the nation. The Laredo, Texas POE is the busiest

cargo land POE in the United States. High traffic levels resulting from the North American Free

Trade Agreement play a significant role in illicit drug trafficking. Smugglers attempt to use POE

traffic to mask illicit drug transportation. In 1999, 64 percent of the drug volume the Drug

Enforcement Administration reported in their Domestic Drug Removal Statistics represents the

amount seized within the South Texas HIDTA.
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Strategy Abstract:

Six federal, one state, and four local Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) members comprise the

South Texas Executive Committee (EXCOM). The EXCOM developed Strategy depends on

LEA members from 43 federal, state, and local agencies to reduce illicit drug availability within

the region, and thus the nation. The EXCOM meets quarterly, as directed by the mutually

approved charter, to discuss and evaluate South Texas Partnership achievements and direction.

Interdiction, intelligence, investigations, and prosecution efforts form the Strategy tenants. A

centralized Deconfliction Center supports operations across the region. The counterdrug strategy

uses a central intelligence center with remote initiative cells to provide tactical and or strategic

support.

The EXCOM consolidates task forces into single area initiatives when appropriate.

Consolidation allows key LEA leaders to better manage area resources for specific needs.

Initiatives in McAllen, Laredo, and San Antonio include task forces with interdiction,

investigative, intelligence, and or prosecution efforts. Brownsville, Eagle Pass, and Del Rio task

forces focus on investigative efforts. Brownsville, McAllen, and Laredo each have intelligence

task forces or cells supporting the overall intelligence exchange centralized in San Antonio. The

South Texas Partnership Deconfliction is managed by the San Antonio Intelligence Center. The

Texas Narcotics Intelligence System (TNIS) Analyst Section is headquartered in Austin. The

Southwest Border HIDTA’s South Texas and West Texas Partnerships plus the North Texas and

Houston HIDTAs each benefit from the assets of this jointly funded initiative. The EXCOM

strategy directs allegations of drug-related public corruption be investigated from a central

McAllen location with cells in Brownsville and Laredo.

Investigative Support Center:

The South Texas Partnership Information Support resources provide for the mutual development

and exchange of counterdrug related intelligence. The South Texas HIDTA Intelligence Center,

located in San Antonio, is the focal point for South Texas intelligence support. The South Texas

HIDTA Intelligence Center also develops the Southwest Border HIDTA South Texas

Partnership’s Annual Threat Assessment for the EXCOM and manages the Deconfliction Center

for event and case deconfliction to maximize officer safety. Limited organic analytical support

is available in each initiative or task force. Intelligence and deconfliction support is routinely

provided by the South Texas HIDTA Intelligence Center 14-hours a day, five days a week.

However, surge capability is available 24-hours a day on an as needed, case by case basis. Event

and or subject deconfliction use in 1999 increased 148 per cent over 1998. South Texas HIDTA

Intelligence Center overall reported outputs increased 11 per cent over 1998.

The South Texas Partnership provides the intelligence avenues for counterdrug information

collection, analysis, fusion, reporting, and processing within the region. Local, State and Federal

resources are located within San Antonio, Brownsville, McAllen, and Laredo. The Brownsville,

McAllen, and Laredo intelligence task forces or cells provide for near real-time tactical as well

as limited strategic counterdrug support. Long-term Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task

Force (OCDETF) case support is provided by each intelligence resource in the South Texas

Partnership. The OCDETF assists increased 400 per cent in 1999 over 1998 in the region.
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The Texas Department of Public Safety TNIS and Analysis Section provides for the connectivity

and or access to multiple databases within the South Texas Partnership, other HIDTA designated

counties in the State of Texas, and the nation.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Southwest Border HIDTA South Texas

Partnership Strategy include:

1. Brownsville HIDTA Investigative Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency, joint task force

designed to identify, disrupt and or dismantle internationally affiliated DTO with national

and or regional ties within the region. Targeted organizations maintain close ties with local

smugglers to introduce illegal drugs into or through this area of Texas. Reduction of illicit

drug importation, distribution, transportation, and asset forfeitures is an objective of the task

force. Investigations and intelligence exchange play key roles in the success of this task

force.

2. Eagle Pass Multi-Agency SWB HIDTA Investigative Task Force – a collocated, multiagency, joint task force designed for interdiction, investigation, prosecution, and seizure of

illegal drugs and related monetary gains in the counties of Maverick, Val Verde, and Kinney.

Participants bring to prosecution those DTO members involved in the growing,

manufacturing, importation, distribution, and transportation of illicit drugs to and through the

region. Drugs removed via this region reduce the available drugs destined for transport to

major metropolitan areas across the United States.

3. South Texas HIDTA Del Rio Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency, joint task force

directed to perform investigations, limited interdiction, and collect drug-related information.

The task force supports information collection for exchange with HIDTA initiatives. It

brings to prosecution those DTO, with illicit drugs destined for metropolitan markets across

the nation, operating within the Del Rio area of operations. The task force exchanges

intelligence leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of OCDETF and drug-related

money laundering organizations.

4. South Texas HIDTA Laredo Initiative – an initiative collocated in Laredo for the best

management of resources committed to support the area's commingled multi-agency joint

task forces. The initiative consists of four collocated, commingled, multi-agency, joint task

forces targeting major international DTO with regional ties. The focus is the reduction of

imported and transported illicit drugs and related money-laundering activities. A task force

also performs information collection to support the South Texas Intelligence Center

intelligence process.

5. South Texas HIDTA McAllen Initiative – an initiative collocated in McAllen to maximize

management and the close coordination of the area's commingled, multi-agency, joint task

forces. The initiative consists of four collocated multi-agency joint task forces working

against internationally backed DTO operating in and through the Hidalgo County area. The

initiative is to measurably impact the illicit DTO organization's illegal importation,

transportation, and associated monetary gains. The task forces consolidate resources to
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support interdiction, intelligence development and exchange, investigations, and

prosecutions.

6. South Texas HIDTA San Antonio Initiative – an initiative collocated in San Antonio to

manage the metropolitan area's four commingled, multi-agency, joint task forces. The task

forces measurably reduce the illicit drug importation, transportation, and related monetary

gains for internationally associated and nationally tied DTO in the area. Task forces use

interdiction, intelligence, and investigations to support OCDETF and other drug-related

prosecutions. A strong controlled delivery focus for out of state regions assists greatly in the

reduction of DTO across the nation.

7. Unity Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency, joint task force tasked to identify, dismantle

and or disrupt internationally tied DTO originating in or through this border region of Texas.

A significant number of interdiction and or investigative methods are used to disrupt and

reduce land and water born illicit drug operations in the area. The task force reduces the

nations illicit drugs due to the illegal drug importation, transportation, and related money

laundering operations through this region.

8. South Texas Multi-Agency Drug Related Public Corruption Task Force – operating from

McAllen but with cells in Laredo and McAllen, this commingling, multi-agency, joint task

force focuses on drug-related, public corruption investigations. Public officials include

Federal, State, and or local law enforcement, elected, appointed or related public office

holders. An objective is to insure public trust and faith is maintained or restored in their

governmental representatives or employees. Use intelligence obtained to support the

dismantling and or disruption of identified DTO within the region.

9. South Texas HIDTA Intelligence Center – a collocated and commingled multi-agency joint

initiative that collects, analyzes, reports, and processes drug-related information into usable

strategic or tactical intelligence. Normal hours of operation are five day a week, 12-hours a

day. Surge capabilities exist for seven day a week, 24-hour a day support on a case by case

basis. Provides for the overall communications connectivity to all South Texas Partnership

initiatives and or task forces. The initiative also manages the South Texas Partnership

Deconfliction effort. 

10. Unified Narcotics Intelligence Task Force (UNIT) – a collocated, multi-agency, joint

intelligence task force that provides near real-time, tactical intelligence support for multiple

initiatives and task forces within the southern sector of Texas. Drug-related information is

collected, analyzed, and processed for support of on-going investigations and prosecution

efforts. This task force supports requests for OCDETF, other drug-related cases and in-depth

local and regional intelligence targets. This task force provides on-site analytical support for

the South Texas McAllen Initiative.

11. Texas Narcotics Intelligence System/Analyst Section – a database access and

communications system designed to support counterdrug operations across Texas.

Commingled with collocated, multi-agency, joint task forces across the state, the section

provides strategic and near real-time analytical support for the Houston HIDTA, North Texas
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HIDTA, and the Southwest Border HIDTA South and West Texas Partnership functions.

Drug-related interdiction activities, investigations, prosecutions, and OCDETF cases are

supported by this section. The communication system permits access to other LEA databases

across the SWB and the nation.

12. South Texas HIDTA Director's Administrative Support Element – a collocated EXCOM

support element. The element develops, supports, and maintains automation plus

programmatic and fiscal administration requirement to respond to the needs of each initiative

and or task force budgetary, intelligence, operational, and logistical requirements within the

South Texas Partnership EXCOM area of oversight. Provide liaison as needed with all

necessary LEA.

Outcomes:

In 1999, South Texas Partnership seized 48 percent (136,182 kilograms) more drugs than it did

in 1998. The amount of drug related US currency seized increased by over 25 percent

($4,193,088) from 1998. These dramatic seizure increases caused illicit drug trafficking

organizations to begin altering their modes of operations across the region. Returns from asset

forfeitures reduce the local cost of removing drugs from the streets. The returns assist in

implementing community drug demand reduction efforts. Therefore, the South Texas Partnership

is indirectly addressing both the demand reduction efforts and illicit drug supply issues within its

region. Public opinion surveys, as reported by the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug

Abuse, indicate law enforcement agencies are removing more drugs from the streets and thus

providing for safer communities. Law enforcement controlled deliveries to destinations outside

of Texas are removing a growing number of DTO operatives within Texas and across the nation.

South Texas Partnership interdiction efforts have documented DTO changes in operations due to

these efforts. Intelligence, interdiction, and investigative efforts have reduced DTO within the

region by almost 10 percent. Subject and or event deconfliction system use across the region

increased by 148 percent, thus reducing the officer safety concerns. Federal and state agencies

have committed additional resources to the South Texas Partnership intelligence, interdiction,

and investigative support due to successes within the region. The South Texas Partnership

outcomes support the HIDTA’s Threat Assessment and EXCOM Strategy.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration,

Department of Justice, The Office of the Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation,

Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations,

Department of Defense Joint Task Force Six, United States Attorney’s Office Southern District

of Texas, United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Texas, United States Border Patrol,

United States Customs Service, United States Customs Service Internal Affairs, United States

Marshals Service

State: Texas Adjutant General's Office, Texas Department of Banking, Texas Department of

Public Safety, Texas National Guard, and Texas Rangers

Local: Bexar County Sheriff's Office, Brownsville Police Department, Cameron County

Sheriff's Office, Cameron County District Attorney's Office, Eagle Pass Police Department,
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Harlingen Police Department, Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, Hidalgo County District

Attorney's Office, Laredo Police Department, La Salle County Sheriff's Office, Leon Valley

Police Department, Kinney County Sheriff's Office, Maverick County District Attorney's Office,

Mission Police Department, Pharr Police Department, San Antonio Police Department, Starr

County District Attorney's Office, Val Verde County Sheriff's Office, Webb County District

Attorney's Office, Webb County Constable's Office, Weslaco Police Department, Zapata County

District Attorney's Office, Zapata County Sheriff's Office, 25th Judicial District Task Force, and

81st Judicial District Task Force

Information is provided by the Southwest Border HIDTA South Texas Partnership.
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Southwest Border HIDTA

West Texas Partnership

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: The Southwest Border HIDTA West Texas Partnership’s mission is to

dismantle the Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO) in our region and to stop the flow of illegal

narcotics into the United States. We strive to make our area “unattractive” to DTOs via the

development and coordination of intelligence, interdiction, investigative, forfeiture and

prosecution initiatives.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1990

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Texas: El Paso, Hudspeth, Culberson, Reeves, Pecos, Jeff Davis, Presidio,

Brewster, and Terrell counties.

Contact: (915) 532-9550

Threat Abstract:

The geographic area that comprises the West Texas Partnership adjoins 490 miles of

international border including five of the busiest Ports of Entry (POE) on any US border. The

primary routes for drug smuggling in the area are through the POEs via motor vehicles ranging

from passenger cars to semi-trailers. Remote stretches of unregulated territory between the

POEs are also vulnerable to drug trafficking. The El Paso International Airport, Interstate-10,

which accesses both coasts, and rail companies are exploited by narcotics entrepreneurs as well.

An extensively interconnected commercial and social infrastructure in El Paso and Ciudad

Juarez, and to a smaller scale Presidio, Texas and Ciudad Ojinaga, Mexico, provide drug

trafficking organizations with innumerable methods of "masking" their illicit trade. Commerce

between the two countries has been on the rise due to NAFTA and expected to continue.

Increasing trade and corresponding traffic through the region will amplify the complexity of the

region’s drug threat.

Drug traffickers in the area are major, high-level international organizations with command and

control components operating out of Mexico. Large-scale importation and trafficking of all

types of drugs - predominantly cocaine, marijuana, and heroin – destined for major cities

throughout the United State is the primary problem. El Paso is a hub for illicit drug distribution

and money laundering systems. Cocaine seizures on the United States side of the border have

doubled since 1997 and continue to rise. Marijuana seizures along the El Paso border continue

to be among the largest in the country. Heroin seizures also continue to grow. Drug trafficking

organizations are sophisticated and wealthy enough to avoid law enforcement efforts to curtail

money-laundering activities. Internal and external power struggles to control the Juarez Cartel

unleashed an unprecedented wave of violence in Ciudad Juarez and Ojinaga, Mexico.

Corruption on both sides of the border assists the drug trafficking organizations in advancing

their illicit trade.
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Strategy Abstract:

The West Texas Partnership encompasses nine west Texas counties that adjoin 490 miles of

international border with Mexico. The counties were designated in 1990 as part of the Southwest

Border HIDTA. The West Texas Partnership Executive Committee is comprised of 3 local, 1

state, and 6 federal law enforcement leaders in the West Texas Partnership area of responsibility.

A unified approach between law enforcement and prosecution agencies facilitates regional

efforts to stem the flow of drugs entering the United States for distribution. A total of 20 federal,

state, and local agencies cooperatively participate in 11 multi-agency initiatives. The

administrative component is located in El Paso. Three of the four nodes, comprising the

intelligence backbone of the Partnership, are also co-located in El Paso. The fourth node, the

Texas Narcotics Information System, is a statewide multi-Partnership initiative located in Austin,

TX. Six investigative initiatives target the major drug trafficking organizations, and their

components, operating in the region. This includes the transportation organizations, money

laundering organizations, the transient traffickers, and the fugitives related to drug trafficking.

Three interdiction initiatives target the Ports of Entry, the use of wide-open territory throughout

the region, and the prolific use of stash houses to accumulate and ship large quantities of drugs

throughout the country. The prosecution initiative enhances enforcement efforts by ensuring the

prosecution of narcotics traffickers.

Investigative Support Center:

The Investigative Support Center (ISC) is the intelligence hub of the West Texas Partnership.

Led by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Department, it provides one stop shopping for all

intelligence and analytical work required by Partnership participants. Event and case

deconfliction services are automated systems providing full-time access. All available database

systems are accessed through the ISC. Distributing a monthly bulletin, hosting information

sharing meetings, and Intranet connectivity, facilitates communication with all drug law

enforcement. The ISC is a coordination center that refers various service requests to the

appropriate intelligence node or agency. The Criminal Intelligence Squad (CIS), a FBI led

component, provides strategic, post-seizure and predictive analysis support. The CIS targets

various drug trafficking organizations and provides actionable investigative leads to the

appropriate initiatives. Source documentation is obtained from all law enforcement agencies in

the region and through covert and overt investigative methods. The Field Division Intelligence

Group (FDIG), a DEA led component, provides tactical analysis support. The FDIG also

develops historical case investigations for dissemination to the appropriate initiative, and

provides case analytical support for ongoing investigations to all agencies and initiatives in the

West Texas Partnership. The Texas Narcotics Information System (TNIS), a Texas Department

of Public Safety led initiative, provides connectivity between the West Texas Partnership and

nation-wide federal, regional and state databases. TNIS also provides some analytical and

predictive analysis support and is a database repository for the agencies in our region. The TNIS

program is a statewide initiative funded by three Partnership regions in the State of Texas.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Southwest Border HIDTA West Texas

Partnership Strategy include:

1. West Texas Partnership Intelligence Initiative – four multi-agency components make up the

intelligence support system for program operational units, offering full-range analytical
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services, including criminal and commercial data base queries, deconfliction and pointer

index services; development and dissemination of strategic and tactical information; and post

seizure and predictive analysis.

2. Alpine Multi-Agency Partnership Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force that

investigates high level drug smuggling involving major international drug traffickers

operating in the Alpine area, which encompasses seven counties and 350 miles of

international border.

3. El Paso Multi-Agency Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force that identifies and

targets the highest levels of major drug trafficking organizations using the El Paso/Ciudad

Juarez corridor as a staging point for the distribution of narcotics throughout the United

States.

4. Operation Hijack – a collocated, multi-agency task force that targets high level bulk drug

transportation organizations who exploit the international El Paso/Ciudad Juarez air and land

corridor of entry by transporting drugs from Mexico into designated hubs of distribution in

the United States; and repatriating drug proceeds to Mexico.

5. Southwest Fugitive/Violent Offender Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force

that identifies, locates, and apprehends fugitives who continue to be involved in drug

smuggling activities.

6. West Texas Financial Disruption Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force that

uses interdiction and investigations to target the criminal’s asset and attempts to use federal

and state seizure laws for confiscation.

7. West Texas Partnership Hotel/Motel Task Force – a collocated, multi-agency task force that

targets the transient narcotics traffickers that come into the West Texas area to conduct

narcotics transactions.

8. Operation Lone Star – participation from several federal, state, and local agencies combine

resources and enforcement operations to “target harden” the rural border and checkpoint

areas between Ports of Entry (POEs).

9. West Texas Partnership Smuggling Initiative – a multi-agency task force that uses

investigations and intelligence to target drug smuggling transportation cells and “target

harden” efforts at POEs.

10. West Texas Partnership Stash-house Task Force – a multi-agency task force that identifies

and targets stash-houses in the El Paso area, and seize large quantities of narcotics and arrest

drug traffickers in order to stem the flow of narcotics into the country and to disrupt the

activities of narcotics organizations.

11. West Texas Partnership Prosecution Initiative – District Attorneys coordinate with

participating agencies to better assess prosecutorial strategies, intensify use of state grand
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jury system, promote asset seizures, and enhance coordination of federal, state, and local

interactive protocol.

12. West Texas Partnership Administration – conducts day-to-day Partnership business for the

Executive Committee and the initiatives in the most professional and effective manner and

meets all ONDCP required actions.

Outcomes:

The West Texas Partnership makes a tremendous impact on disrupting drug trafficking along the

border. In 1999, West Texas Partnership funded initiatives accounted for 38% of all cocaine

seizures (6,892 kg), 69% of all marijuana seizures (197,214 kg), and 73% of all heroin seizures

(13.48 kg). More than $250 million in agency resources are leveraged toward the drug threat

through disbursement of only $7.5 million in Partnership funds. In 1998, West Texas

Partnership initiatives resulted in the initiation of 18 OCDETF investigations. Many of these

investigations were ongoing throughout 1999. West Texas Partnership initiatives also added 14

more OCDETF cases to their workloads in 1999. Without Partnership funds, the state and local

agencies could not participate in counter-narcotics enforcement except to address localized

street-level problems. West Texas Partnership brings an innovative element to drug law

enforcement. The ideas from two innovative initiatives of the West Texas Partnership have been

duplicated and applied in many other cities. The Hotel/Motel Task Force was the first to utilize

the eyes and ears of hotel staff for identifying transient drug traffickers staying in their hotels.

The Stash House Task Force took this idea one step further, and integrated the tenets of

community policing to identify and dismantle stash houses located throughout the community.

The West Texas Partnership provides case and event deconfliction services to law enforcement

agencies, a service never before achieved in this area. The level of information sharing and

cooperation is at an unprecedented high due to the Partnership program’s emphasis on multiagency participation and intelligence subsystems.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and

Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Defense Joint Task Force Six,

National Parks Service, United States Attorney's Office, United States Border Patrol, United

States Customs Service, United States Marshal Service

State: Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Office of the Attorney General, Texas

National Guard, Texas Department of Fish and Game, Texas State CORE Program

Local: Alpine Police Department, Brewster County Sheriff’s Office, Culberson County

Sheriff’s Office, El Paso County Sheriff’s Department, El Paso Police Department, Jeff Davis

County Sheriff’s Office, Presidio County Sheriff’s Office, Marfa Police Department, Socorro

Police Department, 34th Judicial District of Texas

Other: El Paso Intelligence Center, El Paso County Metro Narcotics Task Force

Information is provided by the Southwest Border Partnership West Texas Partnership.
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Washington/Baltimore HIDTA

FY 2000 Information Sheet

Mission Statement: To enhance and coordinate America’s drug-control efforts among

federal, state and local agencies in order to eliminate or reduce drug trafficking (including the

production, manufacture, transportation, distribution and chronic use of illegal drugs and money

laundering) and its harmful consequences in the Washington/Baltimore region. The

Washington/Baltimore HIDTA will employ enhanced intelligence processes, greater operational

coordination and prosecution to substantially reduce organized drug distribution, firearms

trafficking, drug-related violent crime, money laundering, and the supply of, and the demand for,

drugs in the region.

General Information:

Year of Designation: 1994

Geographic Area of Responsibility:

Maryland: Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s,

Charles counties and Baltimore City

Virginia: Loudoun, Prince William, Arlington, Fairfax counties and City of

Alexandria

Washington, District of Columbia

Contact: (301) 489-1700

Threat Abstract:

The Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) has observed many

encouraging signs regarding drug abuse and drug-related crime throughout much of the region.

Violent crime - murders, robberies, rapes and aggravated assaults - has decreased across the

board. There is, however, a need to maintain a continual vigilance as the nexus between drug

abuse, drug trafficking and violent crime is well rooted in the cities and neighborhoods of this

very diverse area. The 2001 HIDTA Drug Threat Assessment provides the consumer with a

comprehensive view of the challenges confronting the region’s residents and governments for the

foreseeable future.

High purity and inexpensive heroin is readily available in many areas of the region. The heroin is

generally imported from South America and arrives in the region via New York City. The

numbers of heroin exhibits surpassed crack cocaine in Baltimore in 1998. DAWN heroin

mentions in DC rose 21% from 1996 to 1997 (latest data). More arrestees tested positive for

heroin at the DC jail intake than cocaine users in 1998.

Powder and crack cocaine continues to be widely available throughout the region. Use and

overdose indicators, however, point to a decrease in its impact on the region. The presence of

methamphetamine, while not a substantial threat at this time to the region, is increasing and must

be closely monitored.
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Marijuana is readily available throughout the region. Marijuana use is detected in more arrestees

in Washington, DC than cocaine. Most marijuana is reportedly coming from the Southwest USA

and much can be linked to commercial parcel services. While marijuana use indicators among

juveniles has shown a decline, law enforcement officials remain concerned with juvenile

involvement with the drug, especially in light of its relationship to other crimes.

Crime, in general, throughout the region is on the decline. The reductions in the numbers of

violent crime are especially noteworthy: murder –2.1%, robberies –13%, rapes –3.3% and

aggravated assault –4.0%. Significant numeric reductions are seen in Washington, D.C. with

murders down 12.7%, robberies down 19.0% and aggravated assault 12.3%. However, drugrelated violent crime and homicides remain a major concern to the citizens of the high-crime

neighborhoods that are centers for drug abuse and distribution. Juvenile crime has leveled off

and is on a slight decline. However, street gang involvement among juveniles is increasing.

Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs) still have significant impact on the region. The 269

HIDTA-identified DTOs continue to foster considerable violence, especially around their “open

air drug markets” in inner city neighborhoods. New York City-based Dominican DTOs are

prominently mentioned as having an ever-increasing role in supplying heroin and cocaine to

DTOs in the HIDTA region. They are adept at sophisticated security and communications

techniques along with efficient money laundering/movement schemes. Jamaican DTOs continue

their marijuana distribution activities. They are well entrenched in the Baltimore area as well as

the suburbs of Washington, DC. They are less violent than in the past.

Street gangs, often referred to as “crews” within Washington, DC, plague the neighborhoods

within which they live and operate. They are also involved with criminal activities outside the

District. Hispanic gangs are more involved with violence and drug distribution than observed in

previous years.

Domestic drug movement into the region is widespread, using a range of modalities. The

interstate highways continue to be the easiest way for distributors to obtain their drugs,

especially from New York. The potential for maritime smuggling into the region remains a

concern to law enforcement. The vulnerability of the Port of Baltimore with its huge quantities

of cargo entering the United States bears watching.

Firearms’ trafficking remains a substantial threat to the region. While the ATF has not

encountered large numbers of organizations involved in the wholesale distribution of firearms,

data from various sources shows that guns were readily available for illegal sales. HIDTA

initiatives dismantled 33% more firearms trafficking organizations in 1998 than the previous

year.

Drug money movement and laundering remain nearly unabated. There is a limited number of

sophisticated money laundering enterprises operating in the region because the vast majority of

drug distribution enterprises is accomplished through small, less-structured neighborhood

groups. The identification and ultimate seizure of their assets are made more difficult due to the

lack of use of traditional laundering methods.
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Drug movement into the area by couriers and other methods involves all modes of transportation.

The area’s interstate highways, rail and bus systems, three major airports, international seaport,

and the availability of priority and commercial mail combine to create a substantial challenge to

interdiction initiatives.

The signs are positive as to drug distribution, drug abuse and violent crime. But, current and

enhanced programs will be needed to sustain the progress.

Strategy Abstract:

The 2000 National Drug Control Strategy articulates the Nation’s comprehensive ten year plan to

combat the scourge of drug abuse, trafficking and drug-related crime, especially violent crime.

The Washington / Baltimore HIDTA executes National Strategy Goal 2 Objective 2, “Improve

the ability of High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTAs) to counter drug trafficking”

through this strategy.

The Washington/Baltimore HIDTA initiatives support the HIDTA Objective’s Targets and

Measures by strengthening HIDTA participating agencies through enhanced support to multiagency task forces (initiatives) combating drug trafficking, drug-related violence, money

laundering and firearms distribution. In addition, the HIDTA promotes the disruption and

dismantling of drug trafficking organizations, the apprehension of the illegal drug syndicate

leaders, the dismantling of money laundering operations, and the seizure of criminal assets.

The HIDTA Treatment/Criminal Justice component seeks to break the cycle of drug abuse and

crime through well-organized, criminal justice based treatment programs that incorporate

graduated sanctions, drug testing and intensive supervision of offenders who are under

correctional control. The focus of these initiatives is to reduce crime in targeted communities by

exercising the control of the criminal justice system to change the drug habits of repeat

offenders. They are vigorously promoting effective, efficient and accessible drug treatment

systems throughout the region and beyond. Both the HIDTA enforcement and treatment/criminal

justice elements are supported by a comprehensive evaluation component that provides

management with timely assessments of the effectiveness of these efforts.

The Washington/Baltimore HIDTA Prevention Program targets “at risk” youth in danger of

becoming drug abusers or who are at the threshold of criminal activity. The HIDTA prevention

initiatives amalgamate the energies of teachers, community leaders, families, coalitions,

governments and others to assist children with the development of positive, healthy lifestyles,

while modeling behavior to be emulated. A comprehensive evaluation effort is an important

element of each of these initiatives.

Investigative Support Center:

The Washington/Baltimore HIDTA Investigative Support Center (ISC) has three components:

Information Center Initiative, Investigative Intelligence Initiative and Wire Transmitters

Initiative. The ISC implements the HIDTA law enforcement objective: “to facilitate the flow of

intelligence among participating law enforcement agencies and initiatives.” The ISC provides

state-of-the-art tactical, strategic and operational intelligence support to twenty-five investigative

and two prosecution initiatives along with forty three HIDTA participating federal, state and
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local law enforcement agencies in the region. The Information Center Initiative is collocated

with investigative initiatives at the Greenbelt, Maryland collocation site. The Investigative

Intelligence Initiative and Wire Transmitters Initiative are collocated at the Washington, DC

DEA collocated site with other HIDTA investigative initiatives.

Information Center Initiative - This initiative is the cornerstone of the HIDTA operational

coordination process. The Information Center is comprised of two key elements—Watch Center

and Strategic Analysis Unit. The Center’s primary function is to facilitate the flow of

intelligence among participating law enforcement agencies and HIDTA initiatives. The Center

enhances law enforcement operations by actively collecting, analyzing and disseminating

information on the patterns and practices of drug trafficking organizations as well as drug-related

violent crime and money laundering.

The Watch Center utilizes multiple databases, including those of the participating agencies (e.g.,

NADDISX, WINS, TECSII, etc.), HIDTA SPIN (Suspect Pointer Index Network), and event

deconfliction support systems. The Watch Center provides timely, tactical, pointer index case

and operational support through a secure, intelligence process to federal, state and local

investigators throughout the region. The Watch Center maintains an operational deconfliction

system, which seeks to avoid hazardous encounters between enforcement personnel by making

agencies aware of the actions being taken by their fellow agencies. The system continues to

provide a region-wide officer-safety and operational coordination function to all subscribing

agencies. The Watch Center had a 38% increase in the inquiries from 1998 to 1999 exceeding

projected outputs by 28%. For the same period, Deconfliction events rose 26.2% exceeding

projected outputs by 33%.

The Strategic Analysis Unit supports all HIDTA enforcement initiatives and participating

agencies through organizational targeting, post seizure analysis and preparing special strategic

reports on groups or emerging drug trends in the region as well as the annual Threat Assessment.

Examples of special reports are the HIDTA Money Laundering Situation Report and the

Northern Virginia Street Gang Situation report. Through the Maryland State Police-directed

Hidden Traffickers Project, the Unit provides strategic targeting information on previously

undetected drug trafficking subjects, groups and money launderers or those known traffickers not

currently under investigation. They initiate intelligence cases transmitting numerous

investigative leads to HIDTA initiatives, participating agencies and law enforcement throughout

the United States. For 1999, the Strategic Analysis Unit exceeded projections in 18 separate

outputs relating to the preparation of reports, assistance to outside agencies, special projects, and

institution building. Of particular note was the initiation of more than 200 Hidden Traffickers

Project intelligence investigations targeting unknown drug distributors and their organizations.

The identification of nearly 200 drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) while managing the DTO

Survey Process is also noteworthy.

Investigative Intelligence Unit Initiative - The HIDTA Investigative Intelligence Unit, provides

operational intelligence support to investigations conducted by HIDTA Enforcement Initiatives

or their agencies. It provides full case support, upon request, from initiation to prosecution. It

utilizes state of the art data base management hardware and software to analyze case

information. They use the data systems available through the Watch Center to enhance their case
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support. For 1999, the group exceeded its projected outputs by 300% in cases supported by

participating in 40 new cases and continuing support to 66 ongoing investigations making a total

of 106 ongoing investigations. All of the cases are complex conspiracy investigations, most of

which involve the use of sophisticated telephone intercept equipment and court-authorized Title

III intercepts. They have supported cases from all four HIDTA collocation sites. It is important

to note that this initiative has steadily increased its case support from 22 in the first year of

operation (1995) to the current figure of 106 with nearly the same analytical manpower.

Wire Transmitters Initiative – This initiative, supervised by the IRS, identifies individuals

and/or organizations that utilize the services of non-bank transmitters as means to launder illegal

narcotics proceeds. It also identifies non-bank wire transmitters that appear to be conspiring

with individuals and/or organizations in an effort to circumvent currency-reporting requirements.

This is a new initiative and can be expected to provide timely and actionable investigative leads

to HIDTA initiatives and participating agencies.

Initiatives that were approved to implement the 2000 Washington/Baltimore HIDTA include:

Law Enforcement Initiatives:

1. Weapons Enforcement Initiative – This initiative, supervised by ATF, investigates armed

violent drug trafficking organizations in the Baltimore Metropolitan area utilizing the ATF

Disarm Program as its targeting mechanism. The group interacts with all HIDTA initiatives

in the tracking of weapons and the conduct of firearms-related investigations and violations.

2. Violent Traffickers Initiative – This fully integrated initiative, supervised by DEA,

investigates violent drug traffickers and violent drug trafficking organizations that impact on

the Baltimore Metropolitan area. Members are actively involved with the Baltimore Police

Department's Crime Reduction Initiative and participate in regular DEA/New York City

intelligence exchange.

3. Major Drug Traffickers Initiative – This federal, state and local initiative, supervised by

DEA, is designed to reduce drug trafficking in the Baltimore Metropolitan area by focusing

on major heroin and cocaine trafficking organizations and distributors. They regularly

interact and conduct joint investigations with New York City agencies as well as with other

agencies throughout the country.

4. Prince George's County Cross Border Initiative – This inter-jurisdictional initiative, cosupervised by Prince George's County and District of Columbia Metropolitan Police

Departments, targets the most violent neighborhoods on the border between the two

jurisdictions. With DEA and US Marshals Service support, members target the most violent

drug traffickers and their groups for immobilizations and provide sustained uniform presence

to maintain control after arrests and seizures are made.

5. Violent Crime Safe Streets Initiative – This initiative, supervised by the FBI, investigates

major street gangs/drug trafficking organizations that pose a significant threat to the

Baltimore Metropolitan area and its residents. It is employing an innovative undercover

approach to identify major drug dealers through a focus on the distribution of drug

paraphernalia.
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6. Southern Maryland Crack and Gang Initiative – This multi-agency task force, supervised

by DEA, targets both violent and street-level / mid-level cocaine / crack organizations and

youth gangs, operating in the southern Maryland area. The initiative coordinates its

operations with those of other agencies in the region, principally from Prince George's and

Montgomery Counties. The group utilizes an intelligence- supported targeting approach.

7. Southern Maryland Drug Initiative – This multi-agency initiative, supervised by DEA,

targets mid and upper-level drug distributors and organizations operating in Prince George's

and Montgomery Counties with emphasis on cocaine HCL and crack cocaine. The initiative

coordinates its operations with those of other agencies in the region.

8. Charles County Joint Task Force – This initiative, led by Charles County Sheriff's

Department, is designed to counter and reduce the increasing drug trafficking by organized

groups in the Southern Maryland HIDTA region.

9. Prince George's and Montgomery County Initiative – This multi-agency initiative,

supervised by the Maryland State Police, conducts local and multi-jurisdictional

investigations in the State of Maryland that target drug distributors and organizations that

impact upon Prince George's and Montgomery Counties. The group attacks the drug

organizations with all available legal actions, including financial investigations to destroy

and/or impede the organization's operations.

10. Caribbean Initiative – This FBI-led initiative is an investigative task force targeting the

growing threat posed by New York City-based Dominican drug trafficking organizations and

their Caribbean associates. They are concentrating their operations in the District of

Columbia and the specific areas supplied by these groups. The Dominican groups are

transporting high quality heroin, cocaine and crack to a number of street distribution groups

in the region.

11. DEA Cross Border Initiative – This initiative, supervised by DEA, targets violent street

dealers of crack cocaine and heroin operating across the border between the District of

Columbia and Prince George’s County, Maryland. The group develops conspiracy

investigations on drug trafficking organizations with special emphasis on those involved in

violent crime. The group provides the basis for inter-jurisdictional operations with federal

deputization for arrest, seizure and investigative authority.

12. Street Terrorist Offender Initiative – DC – This initiative, supervised by ATF, conducts long

and short term, complex investigations targeting street individuals having displayed a

propensity for violence who distribute narcotics and firearms in public housing complexes in

Washington, DC. In addition, it targets the US Attorney's Office Major Violator Program

subjects, who continue to disrupt the quality of life for residents of neighborhoods where the

suspects operate.

13. Street Terrorist Initiative – VA – This initiative, supervised by ATF, conducts long term,

complex investigations targeting street gangs and other drug trafficking organizations with

particular emphasis on firearms violations and firearms-related violence. It targets outlaw

motorcycle gangs and notorious youth street gangs that continue to disrupt the quality of life

for residents of neighborhoods where they operate.
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14. Northern Virginia Drug Initiative – This initiative, supervised by DEA, targets mid and

upper-level drug distributors and organizations operating in the Northern Virginia area with

emphasis on cocaine HCL, heroin, crack cocaine and dangerous drugs. The initiative

coordinates its operations with those of other agencies in the region, principally from

Northern Virginia, focusing on sources of supply in the District of Columbia and Southern

Maryland.

15. Northern Virginia Regional Crack Initiative – This initiative, supervised by DEA, targets

street-level / mid-level crack cocaine distribution organizations operating in Northern

Virginia with an emphasis on gangs and violent crime. The initiative coordinates its

operations with those of other agencies in the region, principally from Washington, DC and

Prince George's County.

16. Washington Area Gang Initiative – This initiative, supervised by the FBI, identifies criminal

enterprises, based upon their common Italian, Russian or Asian ethnicity, who are engaged in

drug trafficking and other criminal activities to disrupt and dismantle the organizations. The

group uses sophisticated investigative techniques to immobilize these organizations. The

initiative coordinates its operations with those of other agencies in the region, principally

from Washington, DC and Prince George's County.

17. Prince George's County Project Clean – This Prince George's County Police Departmentled initiative is designed to reduce drug trafficking and violent crime by reducing the number

of open air drug markets in the city. This non-collocated effort is focused on two primary

target areas wrought with high incidents of drug distribution and violent crime. The two

targeted areas are identified by the Prince George's County Police Department's Violent

Crime Clearing House. It uses the review of violent crime reports to identify the impact

areas, where the three phase operational plan will be implemented. They use regular

meetings with community leaders and citizens to determine the effectiveness of their

operations.

18. Mass Transportation Initiative – This initiative, supervised by DEA, focuses its efforts on

disrupting illicit drug smuggling couriers and organizations that affect the Baltimore

Metropolitan area. Through operations at the bus station, rail stations and the Baltimore/

Washington International Airport, the group coordinates investigations and seizures with

local and state agencies. The group also provides timely intelligence to surrounding

jurisdictions on drug movement and current trends. The group supports the U.S. Customs

Service on the investigation of outbound drug money movement as well as international

smuggling cases.

19. Southern Maryland Interdiction Initiative – This recently reorganized initiative, formerly

the Southern Jamaican Initiative, is supervised by Prince George's County Police

Department. The multi-agency task force targets violent drug trafficking organizations, using

commercial and private transportation services to ship drugs into the area.

20. Regional Drug Interdiction Initiative – This initiative, supervised by the DC Metropolitan

Police Department, identifies and arrests individuals using bus and rail mass transportation

facilities and conveyances to transport illegal drugs and/or weapons into and through the

Washington, DC Metropolitan area.
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21. Delivery Systems Parcel Interdiction Initiative – This initiative, supervised by the Maryland

State Police, conducts investigations involving the use of parcel/package delivery systems to

smuggle drugs and drug proceeds.

22. Regional Airport Drug Interdiction Initiative – This initiative, supervised by DEA, focuses

its efforts toward disrupting illicit drug smuggling couriers and organizations that use Dulles

and Ronald Reagan National Airports to move drugs into and through the Greater

Washington, DC/Northern Virginia area.

23. Drug Money Laundering Initiative - This U.S. Customs-led initiative is designed to reduce

drug trafficking in the Maryland area by focusing drug organizations that participate in

money laundering. The initiative uses the money laundering laws to prosecute persons and

organizations that support the trafficking of drugs and seize their assets. This includes

organizations that use stolen and counterfeit monies, credit cards postal money orders, wire

transfers, money transmittal services and businesses to promote their illegal drug trade in

Maryland. The initiative provides extensive financial investigative expertise to the

collocated HIDTA investigative initiatives and participating agencies in the Baltimore area.

24. Money Laundering Initiative – This Secret Service-directed initiative targets, investigates

and dismantles core and secondary organizations engaged in the laundering of drug proceeds

and the trafficking of drugs in or through the Northern Virginia/DC Metropolitan area. This

initiative compliments and augments other HIDTA initiatives and participating agencies. It

also uses the Watch Center extensively to enhance its targeting and investigative processes.

25. HIDTA Prosecutor – Baltimore – A collocated, Baltimore City Assistant State's Attorney,

cross-designated by the District of Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, provides prosecutorial

support to HIDTA investigations for collocated initiatives in the Baltimore Metropolitan

area.

26. HIDTA Prosecutor – Virginia – A collocated, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney from

Arlington County, cross-designated by the Eastern District of Virginia U.S. Attorney's Office

provides prosecutorial support to HIDTA investigations for collocated initiatives in the

Northern Virginia area.

Treatment Initiatives:

27. Baltimore County Initiative – This initiative combines treatment strategies and criminal

sanctions in an effective, mutually supportive model. It aims to reduce criminal behavior,

reduce substance abuse and improve the health and social functioning of hard-core substance

abusing offenders.

28. Baltimore City Initiative – This program seeks to improve treatment services offered to drug

dependent, criminal justice offenders by having set practices related to a treatment delivery

system within the Detention Center. Criminal justice agencies and treatment vendors

provided treatment services to include: assessment; residential/halfway house; intermediate

care facility; methadone; modified therapeutic community; intensive outpatient; and,

outpatient.

29. Howard County Initiative – The initiative provides a greater opportunity for HIDTA

offenders to receive substance abuse treatment as part of their sentence and/or as a condition
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of probation. Specifically, offenders are court-ordered to treatment and receive a minimum of

two levels of a continuum of care, to include primary treatment in jail, work release, and

aftercare in the community.

30. Prince George's County Initiative – The treatment initiative targets substance-abusing

offenders for a milieu therapeutic approach coupled with graduated sanctions with a mission

to provide a seamless continuum of care leading to reduced recidivism.

31. Montgomery County Initiative – The initiative provides a continuum of community and jail

based treatment services matching offenders to the appropriate level of treatment and

criminal justice supervision. The project provides offenders' outpatient treatment, drug

testing for offenders, and long-term residential treatment.

32. Charles County Initiative – The initiative provides linkages between the jail and the Health

Department through the establishment of an intensive jail-based program. Inmates received

treatment services at the Charles County Detention Center while residing in specialized

housing in a designated area, thus enhancing the continuum of care.

33. Washington, DC Initiative – The initiative coordinates criminal justice and treatment efforts

to reduce recidivism and substance abuse while increasing the social productivity of

offenders. DC prioritizes the HIDTA eligible clients from the offender population through

initiative-developed treatment placement protocols. Offenders receive comprehensive

services, including assessment, drug treatment for HIDTA clients, drug testing for all hardcore offenders, and graduated sanctions for offenders under probation, parole, and pretrial

supervision.

34. Arlington County Initiative – The initiative provides treatment both in the Arlington County

Detention Center and upon release. Services include jail-based case management, linkage,

and/or placement for approximately 150 inmates. In addition, jail-based treatment (ACT

Unit) is provided to 100 inmates and residential treatment is provided to 10-15 HIDTA

clients.

35. Fairfax-Falls Church Initiative – The project provides drug treatment that fills gaps in the

existing continuum of services for criminally involved substance abusing offenders.

36. Loudon County Initiative – This initiative facilitates enhanced service delivery, increases

monitoring, and strengthens the cooperative relationship between treatment and criminal

justice components. The project developed and implemented an intensive outpatient

treatment program for HIDTA clients.

37. Prince William County Initiative – The project developed a review process by treatment and

criminal justice agencies to prioritize offenders for treatment services. Services in the form of

either jail-based or intensive outpatient treatment are provided to drug dependent offenders.

38. City of Alexandria Initiative --- The project seeks to expand the continuum of care in the

substance abuse services system to drug abusing offenders involved in the criminal justice

system. An intensive outpatient treatment program expressly for probationers had been

developed.
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Prevention/Drug Demand Initiatives:

39. Community Policing Prevention Program Initiative – The initiative, led by the Baltimore

City Police Department, is designed to reduce drug trafficking, gang activity, drug use,

criminal activity and violent crime in and around the open-air drug markets of the city.

Those open-air drug markets catering to youthful users and offenders will be targeted with

closed circuit camera systems, increased police patrols, managed through a sophisticated

crime analysis process coordinated with community organizations and the schools.

40. Montgomery County, Maryland Initiative – This initiative is largely a community

development protocol with a strong component of community organization and mobilization

founded upon the principles of community-oriented policing. This effort incorporates the

development of a service corps for youthful residents, a community policing satellite station

and other coalition-building components. The central focus of the HIDTA commitment is the

development of a tenants' association focused on the service corps, GED classes, computer

learning center counseling, mentoring, educational enhancement and a beautification

program. The initiative met or exceeded its projected outputs in the past year.

41. Prince William County, Virginia Initiative – This initiative provides family and parenting

skills activities to adolescents and their parents. Youths are tracked by the juvenile court

system and provided with integrated services through the criminal justice system, the

detention center, the police department and the schools.

Additional Initiatives:

42. National HIDTA Information Unit – This initiative improves information sharing among

the HIDTAs by facilitating the exchange of ideas and being a conduit of information; and

assists ONDCP and the HIDTAs in educating a wide spectrum of people about the nature and

scope of the HIDTA Program and answering a host of other inquires.

43. Administration Initiatives – Each component of the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA - law

enforcement, treatment, and prevention – has an administrative initiative to monitor and

coordinate information and interact among the respective initiatives; and to provide

management with information and results.

Outcomes:

Investigative Support Center

The HIDTA Information Center (typically referred to as the Investigative Support Center)

provides enhanced, state-of-the-art drug and criminal intelligence support to all HIDTA

initiatives and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors offices

throughout the region. Prior to HIDTA, strategic intelligence in the region was non-existent. A

priority of the Information Center Initiative is “institution building”— the assistance to HIDTA

agencies in developing their intelligence components. The recent establishment of a Maryland

prison system intelligence unit through the IC’s strategic planning, management, analytical and

data system’s assistance exemplifies this priority. Since HIDTA’s establishment, the centralized,

secure and expeditious response to the needs of the field drug investigator has been

immeasurably improved through the Watch Center and its numerous databases. The ability of

field investigators to obtain an accelerated response from FinCEN has substantially improved the
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financial aspects of their investigations. HIDTA priorities have been adjusted through the

recommendations in special reports to respond to threats posed by heroin abuse and distribution,

maritime smuggling, money laundering/currency movement, open-air drug markets, Jamaican

marijuana trafficking, etc. The Investigative Intelligence Initiative provides the most advanced

case support in the region and probably the nation. It serves as the model for new and

established HIDTA ISCs in terms of computerized analysis of huge volumes of telephone and

financial data. It uses the latest software to provide investigators, managers, prosecutors and

juries with graphic depiction of cases, timelines, associations, financial transactions, telephone

calling data, etc. They have become the catalyst for the improvement of federal, state and, in

particular, local law enforcement agencies efforts to improve their intelligence support elements.

The Wire Transmitters Initiative provides HIDTA initiative and participating agencies with

valuable targeting intelligence that enables them to focus limited resources on those money

launderers, businesses and functions that have the greatest adverse impact on the communities of

the region supporting drug trafficking organizations and illegal firearms enterprises. This

innovative analytical support fills a significant intelligence gap in the nation’s capital and

surrounding areas by regularly reviewing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and other financial

data.

Enforcement

The Washington/Baltimore HIDTA has been and will continue to be a regional catalyst for the

interagency attack on drug trafficking, drug-related violent crime and money laundering.

Through the HIDTA Executive Committee, federal, state and local enforcement priorities have

been adjusted and resources marshaled to attack: wholesale marijuana distribution using

commercial parcel services, maritime drug smuggling into the region, Dominican DTO drug

distribution, escalating heroin distribution and usage, cross-border/inter-jurisdictional violent

crime between the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County, Maryland, money

laundering/currency movement from and through the region and the interdiction of drugs and

money into, through and from the region. HIDTA has been a leader in securing more than 15

grant funding sources to support law enforcement and prosecution operations throughout the

region. HIDTA also provides administrative support to the aforementioned grants that total more

than $6 million. HIDTA regularly hosts and coordinates contemporary law enforcement training

in a wide variety of subjects from routine investigative procedures to more complex technical

and computer training. HIDTA maintains a computer training facility to enhance the ability of

all law enforcement operational and support personnel to meet the challenges of their agency

missions and drug threat to the region.

Treatment/Criminal Justice

The HIDTA Treatment/Criminal Justice Program has substantially enhanced the region’s ability

to respond to the needs of those hard-core drug abusers/addicts by providing leadership in

developing a comprehensive treatment regime that combines a continuum of care throughout

pretrial, custodial and probationary periods (seamless system), and graduated sanctions levied on

the user in a timely manner based upon violations of conditions of release. The program also has

included substantial computer support with the development of HIDTA automated treatment

system (HATS) software, networking HIDTA-provided computers throughout the region and

providing coordination and oversight of the program in the “three state” (Maryland, District of
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Columbia and Virginia) area. HIDTA maintains and updates the computers, network and

software in support of the program. The HIDTA program has reduced the recidivism rate among

the 8,233 HIDTA clients from a national average in excess of 60% to 10-15% using the seamless

continuum of care. It supports the drug screening of 100% of the annual number of 3,500

offenders in the program.

Prevention

The HIDTA Prevention Program has brought about substantial changes in the region’s efforts to

address youthful drug use and related criminal activity. The HIDTA initiatives, while modestly

funded, combine youth, parents, school administrators, police, public agencies, community

organizations and a comprehensive evaluation component. Thus far the initiatives have

substantially reduced absenteeism and criminal conduct, improved grade point averages and

increased parental involvement among the 300 program participants. The evaluation process has

used the program participants to compare with non-program 300 youth showing remarkable

results in all categories.

Participating Agencies:

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration,

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Protective Service, United States Department of

Housing & Urban Development – IG, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue

Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, United States Customs Service, United States

Coast Guard Criminal Investigative Service, United States Marshals Service, United States Park

Police, United States Postal Inspectors, United States Secret Service, United States Attorney's

Offices (District of Maryland, District of Columbia and Eastern District of Virginia), United

States Department of State, Department of Defense Joint Task Force Six, United States

Probation Office (Maryland), United States Court Pretrial Services and United States Reserve

Center (Baltimore)

State: Maryland Capital Park Police, Maryland National Guard, Maryland Natural Resources

Police, Maryland State Police, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, University of

Maryland, University of Maryland Police Department (College Park), Virginia National Guard,

Virginia State Police

Local: Alexandria Police Department, Annapolis Police Department, Anne Arundel County

Police Department, Arlington County Commonwealth's Attorney, Arlington County Department

of Human Services, Arlington County District 10 Probation and Parole Office, Arlington County

Police Department, Baltimore Circuit Court, Baltimore City Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Administration, Baltimore City Detention Center, Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore

City Housing Authority, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore City Probation and Parole

Agency, Baltimore City States Attorney's Office, Baltimore County Bureau of Corrections,

Baltimore County Circuit Court, Baltimore County Department of Health – Bureau of Substance

Abuse, Baltimore County District Court, Baltimore County Division of Parole and Probation,

Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore Fire Department, Baltimore Public Schools,

Charles County Department of Parole and Probation, Charles County Detention Center, Charles

County Health Department, Charles County Mental Health Authority, Charles County Sheriff's

Department, Corrections and Rehabilitation, District of Columbia Department of Corrections,
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District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia National Guard,

Fairfax County Alcohol and Drug Services, Fairfax County Circuit Court, Fairfax County

Department of Corrections, Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax County Probation and

Parole, Fairfax County Sheriff's Department, Falls Church Police Department, Fauquier County

Police Department, Fauquier County Sheriff's Department, Greenbelt Police Department,

Howard County Circuit Court, Howard County City Attorney's Office, Howard County

Department of Probation and Parole, Howard County Detention Center, Howard County District

Court, Howard County Health Department Addictions Services, Howard County Police

Department, Laurel Police Department, Loudoun County Circuit Court, Loudoun County

Community Services Board, Loudoun County District 25 Probation and Parole, Loudoun County

Sheriff's Department, Manassas City Schools – Metz Junior High School, Manassas Detention

Center, Manassas Police Department, Montgomery County Adult Mental Health and Substance

Abuse Service, Montgomery County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration – Department of

Health and Human Services, Montgomery County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation,

Montgomery County Department of Recreation, Montgomery County Division of Parole and

Probation, Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission, Montgomery County

Police Department, Montgomery County Public Libraries, Montgomery County Public Schools,

Montgomery County States Attorney's Office, Mt. Rainier Police Department, Prince George's

County Department of Corrections, Prince George's County Division of Parole and Probation,

Prince George's County Health Department, Prince George's County Police Department, Prince

George's County Public Defenders Office, Prince George's County States Attorney's Office,

Prince William County Circuit Court, Prince William County Community Services Board,

Prince William County District 35 Probation and Parole, Prince William County District Court,

Prince William County Juvenile Court Services, Prince William County Office of Criminal

Justice Services, Prince William County Police Department, Prince William County Social

Services, Prince William – Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center, Vienna Police

Department, Washington DC Addiction, Prevention and Recovery Administration and

Washington DC Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency

Other: Amtrak Police, Back to Basics Inc., Carroll Avenue Apartments, Carroll Avenue Quebec

Terrace Community Center, Jude House, Long Branch Neighborhood Initiative, Maryland

Treatment Centers, Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority Police, National Career

Academy Coalition, Outpatient Addictions Contract Network, Second Genesis, Silver Spring

Team for Children and Families, Silver Spring YMCA Youth Services, St. Camillus Church, The

Columbus Center, The Living Classroom, Voices vs.

Information is provided by the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA.