Office of National Drug Control Policy

Washington, D.C. 20503

NCJ 207693
The National High Intensity Drug 

Trafficking Area Program

Annual Report  2004

Table of Contents 

Overview 1 

High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Map 3 

Appalachia HIDTA 5 

Atlanta HIDTA 10 

Central Florida HIDTA 15 

Central Valley California HIDTA 20 

Chicago HIDTA 25 

Gulf Coast HIDTA 29 

Hawaii HIDTA 34 

Houston HIDTA 39 

Lake County HIDTA 44 

Los Angeles HIDTA 49 

Michigan HIDTA 54 

Midwest HIDTA 58 

Milwaukee HIDTA 63 

Nevada HIDTA 68 

New England HIDTA 72 

North Florida HIDTA 78 

North Texas HIDTA 83 

Northern California HIDTA 87 

Northwest HIDTA 92 

New York/New Jersey HIDTA 97 

Ohio HIDTA 102 

Oregon HIDTA 106 

Philadelphia/Camden HIDTA 111 

Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands HIDTA 116 

Rocky Mountain HIDTA 122 

South Florida HIDTA 127 

Southwest Border HIDTA 132 

 Arizona Regional Partnership 132 

 California Regional Partnership 137 

 New Mexico Regional Partnership 142 

 South Texas Regional Partnership 147 

 West Texas Regional Partnership 152 

Washington/Baltimore HIDTA 157 

2004 National HIDTA Program Awards 165 
Overview 

Office of National Drug Control Policy 

High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program: 

The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 and the ONDCP Reauthorization Act of 1998 authorized the

Director of The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to designate areas within the 

United States which exhibit serious drug trafficking problems and harmfully impact other areas

of the country as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA). The HIDTA Program

provides additional federal resources to those areas to help eliminate or reduce drug trafficking

and its harmful consequences. Law enforcement organizations within HIDTAs assess drug

trafficking problems and design specific initiatives to reduce or eliminate the production, 

manufacture, transportation, distribution and chronic use of illegal drugs and money laundering. 

When designating a new HIDTA, the Director of ONDCP consults with the Attorney General, 

Secretary of the Treasury, heads of national drug control agencies and the appropriate governors 

and considers the following statutory criteria: 

• The extent to which the area is a center of illegal drug production, manufacturing, 

importation, or distribution; 

• The extent to which state and local law enforcement agencies have committed resources to 

respond to the drug trafficking problem in the area, thereby indicating a determination to 

respond aggressively to the problem; 

• The extent to which drug-related activities in the area are having a harmful impact in other 

areas of the country; and 

• The extent to which a significant increase in the allocation of federal resources is 

 necessary to respond adequately to drug-related activities in the area. 

The HIDTA Program helps improve the effectiveness and efficiency of drug control efforts by

facilitating cooperation between drug control organizations through resource and information 

sharing, collocating and implementing joint initiatives. HIDTA funds help federal, state and 

local law enforcement organizations invest in infrastructure and joint initiatives to confront drugtrafficking organizations. Funds are also used for demand reduction and drug treatment 

initiatives. The key priorities of the Program are: 

• Assess regional drug threats;

• Design strategies to focus efforts that combat drug trafficking threats; 

• Develop and fund initiatives to implement strategies; 

1
• Facilitate coordination between federal, state and local efforts; to 

• Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of drug control efforts to reduce or eliminate the 

harmful impact of drug trafficking. 

Each HIDTA is governed by its own Executive Board comprised of approximately 16 

members—eight federal members and eight state or local members. These Boards facilitate

interagency drug control efforts to eliminate or reduce drug threats. The Executive Boards

ensure threat specific strategies and initiatives are developed, employed, supported and 

evaluated. 

HIDTA-designated counties comprise approximately 13 percent of U.S. counties, they are 

present in 43 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. The 

following 28 areas are designated as HIDTAs: 

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

 Southwest Border (California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas); 

• 1994: Washington/Baltimore (Maryland, Virginia and District of Columbia) and 

 Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands; 

• 1995: Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia/Camden; 

• 1996: Rocky Mountain (Colorado, Montana, 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 State); 

• 1997: Southeastern Michigan (subsequently, portions of western Michigan) 

 and Northern California; 

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

 Milwaukee and North Texas (Texas and Oklahoma); and 

• 1999: Central Valley California, Hawaii, New England (Connecticut, New 

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

 Oregon.

• 2001: North Florida and Nevada. 

2

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

Rockcastle, Taylor, Warren, Wayne, and Whitley counties; 

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The mission of the Appalachia HIDTA is to 

reduce measurably, and particularly as it 

relates to marijuana, the production and 

trafficking of illegal drugs in its immediate 

area, to reduce drug-related violent crime in 

the region, and to reduce the impact that 

HIDTA drug production and trafficking have 

on other areas of the United States. Although 

marijuana is its primary focus, the Appalachia

HIDTA responds to the threat posed by the 

illicit traffic of other drugs as required. 

Central to this mission is the expansion of 

cooperative, multi-jurisdictional law 

enforcement efforts involving HIDTA funded 

and non-HIDTA funded resources. 

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Marijuana is the number one cash crop in the 

three states that comprise the Appalachia 

HIDTA. The states of Kentucky, Tennessee, 

and West Virginia, with less than four percent 

of the total U.S. population, produced 34.5 

percent of the domestic marijuana supply in 

2003 (measured in total eradicated plants). 

Regional marijuana usage rates are generally 

below the national average, indicating that the 

vast majority of marijuana cultivated in the 

HIDTA is destined for markets in other 

regions of the country, and that the 

5
Appalachia HIDTA continues to represent a 

major drug threat to the United States. 

Much of the marijuana produced in the 

Appalachia HIDTA is grown on public land. 

Marijuana growers in the Appalachia HIDTA 

intrude upon the Daniel Boone and Cherokee 

National Forests and the Great Smoky 

Mountain and Big South Fork National Parks, 

as well as lands owned by the Tennessee 

Valley Authority. The Daniel Boone has led 

all National Forests in marijuana cultivation 

for ten of the last 11 years. Public use of 

these treasures has diminished because of the 

threat of violence from marijuana producers. 

The three states constituting the Appalachia 

HIDTA are experiencing a dramatic 

escalation in the methamphetamine threat. 

The number of methamphetamine labs 

dismantled in the HIDTA increased from 45 

in 1999 to 474 in 2003. 

Cocaine, in both powder and crack forms, 

remains a significant drug of abuse in 

metropolitan and rural areas. 

Prescription drug seizures by Appalachia 

HIDTA officers and agents expanded 

dramatically from 4,706 dosage units in 1999 

to 105,757 dosage units in 2003. The 

trafficking and illicit usage of prescription 

drugs, especially OxyContin, may well be the 

most significant drug problem aside from

marijuana within the HIDTA. 

 

SSSTTTRRRAAATTTEEEGGGYYYAAABBBSSSTTTRRRAAACCCTTT:::

The Appalachia HIDTA Executive Board is 

comprised of sixteen local, state, and federal 

law enforcement leaders in the Kentucky, 

Tennessee, and West Virginia HIDTA areas 

of responsibility. The Administration 

component, or Headquarters, for the 

Appalachia HIDTA can be found in London, 

KY with offices in Tennessee and West 

Virginia. Since the 1998 designation of the 

Appalachia HIDTA, participating agencies 

have worked together to coordinate drug 

suppression activities throughout the sixtyeight designated counties, six United States 

Attorneys Offices, seven federal, seventeen 

state, 43 local agencies, two National Forests, 

and two National Parks. By balancing efforts 

to attack drug trafficking at every layer, and 

coordinating non-enforcement efforts in 

targeted communities, the Appalachia HIDTA

facilitates the needed cooperation between 

federal, state and local agencies into 

collaborative initiatives that target drug 

cultivation, distribution, and demand. 

More specifically, the Appalachia HIDTA 

consists of fourteen law enforcement 

initiatives, including a prosecution component 

to enhance operational efforts. These 

initiatives target individuals and organizations

involved in the supply, trafficking, production 

and distribution of all drugs, with an emphasis 

on marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine and 

prescription drugs. Further complementing the 

HIDTA’s operational efforts is the Appalachia 

HIDTA Investigative Support Center (ISC). 

The four remaining support initiatives for the 

Appalachia HIDTA include Marijuana 

Eradication, Demand Reduction Teams, 

primarily targeting youths and educating the 

public, an Appalachia HIDTA Training 

Initiative, and the Appalachia HIDTA 

Administration and Operations Support 

Initiative. 

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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 

6
analytical intelligence training. The ISC 

provides drug intelligence analysis; prepares 

threat assessments, strategic reports, and 

organizational studies; participates in 

informant/defendant debriefings and 

cultivates new sources of information; 

performs post-seizure and search warrant 

analysis; supports arrest operations; prepares 

and conducts briefings for visitors to the 

HIDTA; and assists in trial preparations. 

Additionally, the ISC initiates intelligence 

projects to generate leads for HIDTA 

investigative agencies and other law 

enforcement intelligence consumers 

nationwide. 

In 2003, the ISC purchased and implemented 

a computerized mechanism that provides 

investigative and eradication personnel with 

24/7 event deconfliction service. This 

software will be capable of case and subject 

deconfliction in the future, reducing 

duplication of effort in addition to enhancing 

officer safety. 

In 2003, the ISC produced and disseminated 

three strategic HIDTA special reports, all of 

which were disseminated at the national level. 

Additionally, in 2003 the ISC provided leads 

that led directly to the seizure of dozens of

indoor marijuana growing operations within 

the three HIDTA states and nationwide. 

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FEDERAL: ATF, DEA, FBI, IRS-CI, USFS, 

USMS and USAOs (Eastern and Western 

Districts of Kentucky, Eastern and Middle 

Districts of Tennessee, and Northern and 

Southern Districts of West Virginia). 

STATE: Kentucky Governor's Marijuana 

Strike Force, Kentucky State Police, 

Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement, Tennessee 

Alcohol Beverage Commission, Tennessee 

Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee District 

Attorneys’ General Conference, West Virginia 

Prosecuting Attorney’s Institute, and the West 

Virginia State Police. 

OTHER: Kentucky River Community Care 

Regional Prevention Center, Chiefs of Police 

Association and Sheriff’s Association in 

Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, 

Kentucky National Guard, Laurel County 

Fiscal Court, Tennessee National Guard, West 

Virginia National Guard, West Virginia 

Prevention Resource Center, and numerous 

local law enforcement agencies from all three 

states. 

INITIATIVES:

The following initiatives are included as part 

of the FY2005 Appalachia HIDTA Strategy: 

Demand Reduction Initiatives in Kentucky, 

Tennessee, and West Virginia – members

conduct year-round demand reduction 

operations in order to reduce the use of 

marijuana and other drugs, and to alter the 

public perception that marijuana is a benign 

drug. 

Eradication Initiatives in Kentucky, 

Tennessee, and West Virginia – members

conduct multi-agency aerial and ground 

surveillance to identify and subsequently 

eliminate both outdoor and indoor, cultivated 

marijuana. 

Appalachia HIDTA Intelligence Initiative -

This Initiative drives the Appalachia HIDTA 

Investigative Support Center – members in the 

three states make up this non-collocated team

who provide strategic, operational and tactical 

intelligence to law enforcement officers and 

agencies in the region. Through the 

Investigative Support Center, the team

supports drug investigations for all assigned 

task forces. 

Appalachia HIDTA Regional Training

Initiative implements training that is in

accordance with the goals and strategy of the 

Appalachia HIDTA and insures coordination 

7
with the National HIDTA Assistance Center 

(NHAC) and the National HIDTA Program

Office (NHPO). 

Prosecution Initiatives in Kentucky, 

Tennessee and West Virginia – Federal and 

state prosecutors in Kentucky, Tennessee, and 

West Virginia complement all drug-related 

investigations, working with the HIDTA to 

prosecute marijuana cultivators, drug 

traffickers, drug money launderers, and 

violent felons, and target their equipment, 

property, and currency assets for seizure and 

forfeiture. 

Appalachia HIDTA Administration and 

Operations Support – the HIDTA Director 

and his staff, located in Operations Centers in 

the three states, carry out the policies of the 

Executive Board; ensure that initiatives are 

established and executed in an efficient 

manner; provide program oversight; assist in 

the development of new initiatives, and report 

to ONDCP through the Executive Board. 

Investigative Task Force InitiativesKentucky 

Bowling Green - Warren County Drug Task 

Force 

Columbia Area Drug Task Force 

DEA London Task Force 

Hazard Investigative Task Force 

Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force 

National Forest Marijuana Investigative Task 

Force 

Investigative Task Force InitiativesTennessee 

DEA Upper East Tennessee Task Force 

Middle Tennessee Task Force 

Rocky Top Tennessee Task Force 

DEA South Tennessee Task Force 

Investigative Task Force Initiatives- West 

Virginia 

Huntington Violent Crimes/Drug Task Force 

Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network 

Team 

Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime 

Task Force 

U.S. Highway 119 Drug and Violent Crime 

Task Force

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In September 2002, the Appalachia HIDTA 

Rocky Top Task Force and DEA Knoxville 

entered into a joint OCDETF investigation 

“Operation Underground” with BATGF&E 

Knoxville, IRS Knoxville, and Knoxville PD. 

This investigation targeted a major cocaine

trafficking organization in the Knoxville, and 

east Tennessee area. In July 2003, 

investigators focused on the communications 

structure of the organization, ultimately using

17 pen registers and 7 federal Title III wire 

intercepts. All of the Title III wire intercepts 

and all but one of the pen registers were 

funded by the Appalachia HIDTA. 

Exploitation of the communications revealed 

that the organization’s source of supply was 

based in Atlanta, Georgia. This organization 

was reportedly importing 100 kilograms of 

cocaine per month to the Knoxville and 

Atlanta areas. Investigative leads developed 

and passed by the Rocky Top Task force to 

DEA Atlanta Task Force Group IV assisted in 

identifying a primary source of supply in 

South Texas responsible for importing 

cocaine into the United States and distributing 

8
it to Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. 

In March 2004, Knoxville and DEA Atlanta 

investigators executed search warrants and 

arrested ten individuals indicted on drug 

trafficking and money laundering charges. 

Additional indictments and arrests are 

expected. Seizures in the Knoxville 

investigation totaled 15 kilograms of cocaine 

and $156,660 in assets. Information and leads 

passed by Knoxville investigators to DEA 

Atlanta Task Force officers assisted in the 

indictment and arrest of 21 subjects on drug 

trafficking and money laundering charges, and 

the seizure of 49 kilograms of cocaine, 1 

kilogram of “ice” methamphetamine, and 

$452,000 in U.S. Currency. By working 

together with agencies and investigators from

other jurisdictions, a Mexican drug trafficking 

organization responsible for distributing 

hundreds of kilograms of cocaine in the 

Southeast United States was dismantled. 

In April 2003, the Appalachia HIDTA DEA 

London Task Force initiated an OCDETF 

investigation of a Laurel County marijuana 

distribution organization. This investigation 

was launched as the result of an Operation 

Pipeline interdiction traffic stop by the Kansas

Highway Patrol that led to the seizure of 300 

pounds of marijuana. The marijuana was en 

route from Phoenix, Arizona, to London, 

Kentucky. A subsequent controlled delivery 

led to the arrest of three subjects in Laurel 

County. 

Further investigation revealed that the three 

subjects controlled a tight-knit, family-based, 

Southeastern Kentucky trafficking 

organization that had distributed 

approximately 13,000 pounds of marijuana 

since 1998. Using a system of real estate 

purchases, semi-legitimate businesses, and 

complex financial transactions, the 

organization had laundered between five and 

ten million dollars during the same time 

period. This ongoing investigation, conducted 

with the assistance of the DEA Phoenix 

Division Office, DEA Kansas City District 

Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, and the 

United States Attorney’s Offices for the 

District of Arizona and the Eastern District of 

Kentucky, continues to identify additional 

financial holdings, criminal activities, and 

organization associates. 

In addition to ten arrests, total value of assets 

seized since April 2003 is approximately 

$3.25 million, including $1.4 million in U.S. 

Currency and a $1 million Judgement 

Forfeiture. This investigation has led to the 

indictment and filing of a provisional arrest 

warrant with the Government of Mexico for 

the Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico-based 

source of supply. Through investigative and 

prosecutorial efforts, a major international, 

multi-state marijuana drug trafficking 

organization was successfully dismantled. 

9
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The mission of the Atlanta HIDTA Program 

is to measurably enhance public safety in

strategically designated high crime areas of 

metropolitan Atlanta (City of Atlanta,

Fulton/DeKalb Counties). This mission is to

be accomplished principally, by two 

intelligence driven investigative Drug Task 

Forces, which are focused on reducing and 

dismantling a number of categorical 

international, national, and regional Drug 

Trafficking Organizations (DTOs) and 

Violent Career Criminals operating within

or otherwise affecting Atlanta HIDTA areas 

of responsibility and other HIDTA zones 

throughout the US. Financial and technical 

investigative functions, as well as 

administrative and intelligence support 

which enhance targeting coordination of 

drug trafficking control efforts and 

interagency cooperation and coordination

are essential aspects of this domestic law 

enforcement mission which is designed to 

alleviate the harmful consequences of drug 

trafficking, drug abuse and armed violence. 

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The long standing roles of metropolitan 

Atlanta as a significant wholesale, retail, and 

transportation hub for drug trafficking, as 

well as a major financial center, are factors

in the movement of controlled substances 

into and through the region. Atlanta also 

serves as a key distribution center for drugs 

transported into the U.S. from source areas. 

Significant increases in the region’s

Hispanic population, driven primarily by 

employment opportunities in the 

construction and service industries, have 

afforded anonymity to Mexican and 

Southwestern U.S. based criminal 

organizations involved in drug 

transportation and distribution. These 

criminal organizations are the principle 

transporters of cocaine, marijuana, and

methamphetamine into the Atlanta region. 

10
Atlanta HIDTA Crystal Methamphetamine or “Ice” seizures increased almost 1,300% between CY 2002 and CY 2003.

The distribution and abuse of cocaine are the 

most significant drug threats to the 

metropolitan Atlanta area. Atlanta is a

major cocaine transportation and distribution 

hub for the southeastern United States. 

Mexico-based DTOs are primarily

responsible for transporting cocaine to the 

area. The primary sources for cocaine are 

California, Texas, and Mexico. A 

significant portion of the powdered cocaine 

transported into the Atlanta metropolitan 

area is converted to crack cocaine. Violence 

and social decay associated with the 

distribution and abuse of crack cocaine

plague some sections of the Atlanta 

metropolitan area. Low-level criminal 

groups that operate in specific 

neighborhoods are primarily responsible for 

cocaine, crack, and other drug-related 

violence affecting the metropolitan Atlanta

region. 

Law enforcement reporting reflects that 

methamphetamine has emerged as the 

primary threat in suburban communities

neighboring Fulton and DeKalb counties 

and quantities, in both powdered and crystal 

or “ice” forms, is readily available. The 

National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) 

National Drug Threat Survey 2004 (NDTS 

2004) shows that 68.3% of participating law 

enforcement agencies identified 

methamphetamine as posing the greatest 

threat to their area of responsibility.

Methamphetamine is an increasing threat in

the suburban areas due to the drug’s price 

and ready availability and is replacing some

traditional drugs as a less expensive, more 

potent alternative. Although 

methamphetamine is transported primarily

into the Atlanta area from Mexico and 

California, there also is significant 

methamphetamine production throughout 

Georgia in small clandestine laboratories. 

Distribution and abuse of methamphetamine 

are expanding to all areas of the state. No 

longer considered ‘the poor man’s cocaine,’ 

methamphetamine abuse crosses most 

socioeconomic lines in urban, suburban, and 

rural areas in Georgia. Many of the counties 

immediately surrounding Atlanta report that 

methamphetamine, including its production 

in clandestine laboratories, is a significant 

law enforcement and community threat.

Multi-pound seizures by law enforcement

are becoming common. The NDTS 2004 

(Atlanta HIDTA) reports 50% of 

methamphetamine cases to be closely 

associated with violent crimes in their 

respective areas. 

0 0.61

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CY 2001 CY 2002 CY 2003

Atlanta HIDTA Crystal

Methamphetamine Seizures

Marijuana is the most readily available and

widely abused illicit drug in the Atlanta

metropolitan area; however, the drug is

considered a lower threat than cocaine 

because it is less often associated with 

violent crime. According to the National 

Drug Threat Assessment, Atlanta is likely to 

emerge as a primary market for marijuana 

distribution. Most of the marijuana 

available in the state is produced in Mexico, 

although marijuana produced in Georgia and 

surrounding states is also available. 

Increasingly, traffickers smuggle multihundred pound quantities of marijuana 

typically using commercial tractor-trailers. 

11
Quantities of heroin are easily obtainable 

and are trafficked, principally, in inner city 

Atlanta neighborhoods. Specifically 

engulfed by a high volume of heroin 

distribution is the English Avenue 

Community. According to the Atlanta

Police Department, Atlanta is the secondary 

supply hub for heroin distribution outlets 

located in Columbus and Savannah as well 

as to other locations in the southeastern 

United States. Heroin is transported

primarily from Florida, New Jersey, New 

York, and Texas to the metro Atlanta area. 

Atlanta has traditionally supported a thriving 

club drug trade that is fueled by readily

available supplies of MDMA, GHB, LSD, 

and Rohypnol. Much of the popularity of

these drugs is related to the mistaken 

perception that they have few, if any, 

negative consequences. Typically, profit 

margins are very high and the penalties for 

MDMA and GHB distribution are much less 

severe than penalties for distribution of other 

dangerous drugs. The popularity of 

hallucinogens is particularly high in 

suburban areas, although many abusers 

travel into the city to purchase their drugs.

Pharmaceuticals are diverted and abused in

the Atlanta metropolitan area. PCP 

(phencyclidine) and psilocybin are also 

available and abused in the metro Atlanta 

area. 

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Previously defined drug and armed violence 

threats confronting HIDTA Task Forces in 

Atlanta, Fulton and DeKalb counties, are not 

simply redressed by increasing arrests, or 

effecting larger drug or cash seizures from 

disparate trafficking cells and “not-so

organized” violator groups and individuals. 

Neither is the availability or actual use of 

illicit substances appreciably diminished 

through large seizures or a growing volume

of non-strategic arrests. While drug and 

asset removals from these clandestine 

activities are important evidentiary elements 

in the arrest and prosecution process, 

singular focus on these criminal 

commodities as an evaluation impact 

measure, is indeed one dimensional and, in 

terms of measuring overall drug crime 

suppression, somewhat meaningless. 

Strategic targeting and sustained disruption 

and dismantlement of organized retail, 

wholesale, and criminal groups, related 

distribution organizations (wholesalers), 

transportation networks, clan lab operators,

co-conspirator smugglers, sources of supply, 

and supporting criminal financial services 

are the heart HIDTA’s drug enforcement

program. Suppressing the volume of 

organized drug trafficking organizations, 

locally, regionally, nationally, and globally, 

under a systematic, intelligence-driven 

strategy is the desirable “end game” for law 

enforcement and prosecutive agencies

(Federal, state, and local) participating in the 

Atlanta HIDTA Program. 

CORE INITIATIVES

The Atlanta HIDTA’s operational role in 

this strategic process is two fold – one, a

traditional, but strategic geographical 

investigative focus on a number of identified

categorical drug trafficking organizations; 

and second, a public safety role in

incarcerating an identified number of violent 

career criminals operating in HIDTA zones. 

OCDETF/CPOT: The Atlanta HIDTA’s two 

investigative task force components and 

intelligence center are operationally engaged 

with DOJ’s OCDETF Program and with 

CPOT targeting mechanisms dedicated to

disrupt and dismantle entire organizational 

infrastructure of major international,

national, and regional trafficking 

organizations. Those drug threats affecting 

both the Atlanta region and other HIDTA 

areas of the US are the focus of the HIDTA 

Program. Atlanta HIDTA intelligence and 

enforcement strategy share a collateral 

support commitment to participating HIDTA 

12
law enforcement agencies in their respective 

drug investigative activities. 

SUPPORT INITIATIVES

Equal in importance to HIDTA’s operational 

role is the institutional assistance and 

enhancements provided by the HIDTA 

Program to Federal, state, and local LEAs 

and prosecutor’s offices participating in the 

HIDTA Program. As HIDTA’s two Task 

Forces investigatively target DTOs and 

apply enforcement actions in specific high 

crime areas, and to the Metro Atlanta 

Region, HIDTA provides collective support 

to law enforcement agencies operating in 

Fulton and DeKalb Counties through the 

HIDTA Drug Intelligence Fusion 

Component, where criminal organizational 

“dots are connected” for follow-up

investigation, and where refined strategic 

targeting and information sharing is 

designed to occur. Leads affecting HIDTA 

initiated cases are developed, leads for

participating HIDTA law enforcement 

agencies, and other HIDTAs are produced, 

and disseminated. 

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The Investigative Support Center (ISC) is 

home to the Metro Atlanta HIDTA Task 

Force, a Technical Equipment Facility, an

Automated Wiretap Center, a Training 

Facility, and the Metropolitan Atlanta Joint 

Intelligence Group (MAJIG). The 

functionality and usage of all of these 

component services have greatly facilitated 

and enhanced our core initiatives and 

support functions in our reported strategy. 

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Federal: U.S. Attorneys Office – Northern 

District of GA, ATF, ICE, FBI, DEA, IRSCI. 

State/Local: Atlanta Police Department, 

DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, 

DeKalb County Police Department, Fulton 

County District Attorney’s Office, Fulton 

County Police Department, Georgia Bureau 

of Investigation, Georgia National Guard, 

State of Georgia Attorney General’s Office, 

Georgia State Patrol, MARTA Police 

Department. 

SSSiiigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennntttsss:::

Intelligence: In the Spring of 2003, Atlanta 

HIDTA’s Drug Intelligence Fusion

Component developed a new sub-initiative – 

the Statewide Analytical Interdiction

Narcotics Team (SAINT). This program, 

developed through HIDTA participating law

enforcement partnerships with the Georgia 

State Patrol, ICE, and other HIDTA 

agencies, was developed to address the 

shipment of controlled substances and 

contraband cases over interstate highways in 

Georgia. Specifically, this intelligence

support project, was intended to place a 

coordinated multi-agency intelligence

support mechanism for drug interdiction 

responders and investigative units in Metro 

Atlanta and other areas of Georgia. During 

the development of Atlanta HIDTA’s 

SAINT program, this project was “married” 

to and coordinated with the existing HIDTA 

interdiction program operation by the Gulf 

Coast HIDTA and to other HIDTA border 

interdiction components – all linked to the 

El Paso Intelligence Center. Since its

inception in March 2003, SAINT has 

collected information on 432 violators, 317 

incidents, produced 59 Intelligence 

Bulletins, 84 Letters of Dissemination, and 

made over 110 contacts throughout the State 

of Georgia and the United States. 

Task Force: In late 2001, agents initiated a 

case targeting a violent DTO operating in 

the Jonesboro South area of Atlanta, 

Georgia. Agents utilized several 

cooperating defendants and informants to 

infiltrate the group. The informants and 

13
undercover officers were able to make

several purchases (buys/walks) from several 

members of the organization, including 

direct purchase of crack cocaine from the 

head of the organization by an undercover 

police officer. In March 2003, agents 

conducted a search warrant on an apartment 

controlled by members of the gang. The

head of the organization and five of his 

associates were arrested inside the 

apartment. Agents seized approximately 

half a kilogram of crack cocaine,

approximately one kilogram of powder 

cocaine, six pounds of marijuana, one gun, 

approximately $17,000 in cash, and personal 

jewelry worth over $250,000.00. Total, 

agents arrested eleven members of the group

for narcotics violations. Eight of the

defendants were federally indicted for 

conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and all had

subsequently pled guilty. Three of them are 

serving long federal sentences. The head of 

the organization and four of his associates 

are currently awaiting sentencing in Federal 

Court. 

In March 2004, the seizure of 15 kilograms

of heroin and the arrests of five individuals 

were the result of an ongoing investigation 

into an international cocaine and heroin

smuggling DTO. This investigation is 

ongoing.

The Atlanta and DeKalb HIDTA Task 

Forces disrupted 27 and dismantled 17 

DTOs during CY 2003. 

CY 2003 Arrests & Seizures: 395 Arrests; 

7.56K Crack Cocaine; 186.69K Cocaine 

HCL; 44.12K Heroin; 1,741.17K Marijuana; 

210 Marijuana Plants; 11.32K 

Methamphetamine; 8.51K Crystal 

Methamphetamine; 3 Meth Labs; 90.69K 

Khat; 21.09K MDMA; 21.46K Opium;

$1,198,271 U.S. Currency; 46 Vehicles; 81 

Firearms; 1 home; 10 scales; $257,000 in 

Jewelry. 

14
CC

t

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:: Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, 

and Volusia counties. 

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:: (407) 585-2741

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The mission of the Central Florida High 

Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

(CFHIDTA) is to measurably reduce

drug trafficking, money laundering, and 

violent crime in Central Florida, thereby 

reducing the impact of these drugs and 

their associated violence in other parts of 

the United States.

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The CFHIDTA 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 several major population 

centers (Orlando, Tampa/St. Petersburg, 

and Daytona Beach), four international 

airports, two major seaports, and 75 

miles of coastline on the Gulf of Mexico,

47 miles of coastline on the Atlantic

Ocean, and a 2002 population estimate

of 4,488,503 (which equates to 1/3 of the 

total Florida state population). 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 center for the importation of drugs

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 

15 
responsible for the importation of 

marijuana and methamphetamine from 

California, Texas and Mexico. 

Clandestine Methamphetamine labs have 

been predominately located in Polk 

County. However, in 2003 

methamphetamine labs appeared in the 

surrounding counties and have increased 

in number. 

3 6 12 21

51

0

20

40

60

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

SEIZED METH LABS REPORTED TO

CFHIDTA

Heroin is still the number one problem 

facing the Central Florida area. Reported

heroin overdose deaths for the 

CFHIDTA reached a total of 136 in 

2003, with the most reported in Orange, 

Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties. 

198

73

208

79

271

96

250

133

230

136

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Deaths

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

FLORIDA HEROIN OVERDOSE DEATHS

State Total CFHIDTA Area

The CFHIDTA counties comprise 10% 

of the Florida counties and accounted for 

over 59% of the total Heroin overdose 

deaths in the state. These heroin deaths

overshadow the ever-present cocaine 

problem. 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 CFHIDTA region. This is 

facilitated by increased indoor grows, 

overnight parcel deliveries, as well as, 

over land transportation by privately 

owned vehicles with hidden 

compartments. The drug Ecstasy, also

known as 3-4 

methylenedioxymethamphetamine 

(MDMA) is inundating the CFHIDTA 

area, primarily Orlando and Tampa

metro areas. 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 Diethyl amide 

(LSD). 

Also of concern is the diversion of the 

highly addictive pharmaceutical 

Oxycotin.

SSSt

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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 coordinated thirteen

initiatives in 2004. These initiatives are 

contained within three subsystems: 

Intelligence, Investigative, and Support. 

The Central Florida Investigative 

Support Center (CFISC) houses the 

intelligence and support sub-system

which was initiated to provide regional 

intelligence, investigative leads, and 

investigative support to all CFHIDTA 

initiatives as well as local law 

enforcement. The CFISC consists of 9 

analysts, 1 DEA Supervisory Analyst 

and 1 computer program specialist. 

The investigative initiatives are made up 

of Eleven (11) investigative task 

16 
forces/initiatives located throughout the 

CFHIDTA. These task forces drive the 

strategy through the disruption and 

dismantling of drug trafficking 

organizations. This strategy was 

formulated due to diverse and regionally 

unique drug problems throughout the 

Central Florida HIDTA area. These task

forces (excluding 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. 

The support sub-system consists of the 

training initiative, the Central Florida

HIDTA Management and Coordination 

initiative, which is responsible for 

managing and coordinating the 

CFHIDTA for the Executive Board. 

CFHIDTA funded personnel in this 

initiative include: the Director (contract),

Deputy Director (contract). Executive 

secretary/training coordinator (Seminole 

County employee), Financial Analyst 

(Seminole County employee), and 

Receptionist/Administrative Aide

(Contract employee). This sub-system 

coordinates all activities of the 

Executive Board, and 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. 

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaatttiiivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr:::

The 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 helps identify and 

eliminate overlapping investigations and 

duplicative efforts, and acts as a catalyst 

to unite agencies into more effective 

enforcement groups. Information and 

inquiries are provided from participating 

agencies to the Center. CFISC queries

all available databases and collects all 

relevant information to be assembled by 

an analytical team. Multiple information 

inputs allow the CFISC to develop a 

broad and accurate assessment of the 

criminal activities that affect Central 

Florida. This information is

disseminated via inquiring agencies in a 

useful and timely manner. The Center 

offers a variety of services to

participating members. These services

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,

graphs and GIS products); Space for 

joint conference activities by 

participating agencies in multi-agency 

investigations; Training opportunities; 

Overall Trends, Patterns and Predictions 

of Organizations and Crimes. Recently,

the CFISC has achieved a secure but 

unclassified network connectivity with 

all current Task Force/Initiatives and 

Florida HIDTA’s. This connectivity

allows a seamless connection to the 

CFHIDTA computer network providing 

agents and analysts the ability to request 

information from the “field”. The 

CFISC has been designed to provide a 

more effective link between intelligence 

and enforcement and to enhance the 

abilities of both to identify, target, arrest 

17 
and prosecute key members of criminal 

organizations by facilitating a rapid and 

free exchange of information through 

enhanced coordination and 

communications. 

During the latter part of 2002, a unique 

program was initiated in which each 

CFHIDTA Initiative was assigned a 

CFISC analyst. Initiatives not only have 

an assigned CFISC analyst, but are 

electronically connected through the 

system described above. Most recently, 

the CFISC completed the design and 

implementation of the Analyst Request 

Management System (ARMS). This 

system allows for the exchange of 

information requests and intelligence 

products. Additionally, it enables the 

CFHIDTA Initiatives to electronically

submit their investigative statistical

information to the CFHIDTA Director

without having to stop, manually 

compile, and submit statistics on a 

quarterly/annual basis. 

PPPaaarrrtttiiiccciiipppaaatttiiinnngggAAAgggeeennnccciiieeesss:::

Federal: AMTRAK Police; Bureau of

Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Bureau

of Immigration and Customs

Enforcement; Drug Enforcement

Administration; Federal Bureau of 

Investigation; Internal Revenue Service; 

U.S. Attorney’s Office; U.S. Border 

Patrol; U.S. Marshals Service. 

State/Local: Altamonte Springs Police 

Department; Apopka Police Department; 

Clearwater Police Department; Clermont 

Police Department; Florida Department

of Financial Services; Florida

Department of Law Enforcement;

Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages 

and Tobacco; Florida National Guard; 

Florida State Attorney’s Office; 

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; 

Kissimmee Police Department; Lake 

County Sheriff’s Office; Lake Mary 

Police Department; Lakeland Police

Department; Largo Police Department; 

Maitland Police Department; Mount 

Dora Police Department; Mulberry

Police Department; Ocoee Police 

Department; Orange County Sheriff’s 

Office; Orlando Police Department; 

Osceola County Sheriff’s Office; Oviedo 

Police Department; Pasco County 

Sheriff’s Office; Pinellas County 

Sheriff’s Office; Polk County Sheriff’s 

Office; Sanford Police Department; 

Seminole County Sheriff’s Office; St. 

Cloud Police Department; St. Petersburg 

Police Department; Tampa Police

Department; Tarpon Springs Police 

Department; Volusia County Sheriff’s 

Office; Winter Park Police Department; 

Winter Springs Police Department 

SSSi

iigggnnniiifffi

iicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

In September 2002 and February 2003, 

two MDMA laboratories were 

discovered and dismantled in Orlando. 

These two MDMA laboratories were 

connected to the same suspect who 

reportedly bought the laboratory 

equipment over an Internet auction site 

and the precursor chemicals from an 

online company. Also of note, was that 

one of the laboratories had an unlicensed 

pill press and the other laboratory site

had as pill press on order. 

In January 2003, the Osceola County 

Investigative Bureau (OCIB), a 

CFHIDTA initiative, concluded a year 

long investigation called “Operation 

Crystal Phish”. This investigation 

targeted an organization which was 

trading methamphetamine for weapons. 

This organization has since been 

dismantled by OCIB. To date, this 

18 
investigation led to nine federal and 10 

state arrests. This investigation resulted 

in the seizure of 70 firearms (including 

several assault rifles), approximately 

10,000 rounds of ammunition, 200 

knives, 486 grams of methamphetamine, 

and four methamphetamine laboratories. 

OCIB Agents indicated that much of the 

methamphetamine was obtained during 

undercover “buys” and had been shipped 

from the Phoenix, Arizona area in FedEx parcels. Some of the shipments were 

concealed in hollowed out candles. 

During mid-August 2003, a major 

Central Florida GHB manufacturing and 

distribution ring was dismantled by the 

Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation

(MBI). The eight-month investigation 

conducted by this HIDTA initiative,

resulted in the seizure of an active

clandestine GHB lab, several gallons of 

GHB, GBL (the precursor chemical use 

in the manufacturing of GHB), and the 

arrest of 15 individuals. Undercover 

purchases of drugs and seized chemicals

had a potential street value of $405,000 

and could have been used to 

manufacture at least 60,000 doses of 

GHB. Since March 2003, MBI 

undercover agents bought approximately 

six gallons of GHB, 1,000 Ecstasy pills,

nearly 6 1/2 ounces of cocaine and 

unspecified amounts of anabolic steroids 

from members of this drug trafficking 

organization (DTO). These drugs were 

being sold around the University of 

Central Florida (UCF) and the 

downtown Orlando club scene. Those 

arrested include two UCF students, an 

Orange County middle school teacher 

and a bodybuilder. Warrants were issued 

for six more suspects, including two 

additional UCF students. All subjects 

were from the Orange County, Florida 

area. 

Between May 28, 2003 and May 31, 

2003, the Polk County HIDTA Task 

Force along with several other local 

agencies seized 34 pounds of 

methamphetamine, several firearms and 

over $50,000. This enforcement

operation also disrupted a large Mexican

drug trafficking organization operating 

between Georgia and Central Florida. 

Of interest was that out of the 34 pounds 

of methamphetamine, there were four

pounds of the highly potent type of 

methamphetamine called “ICE”. It is 

anticipated that all individuals arrested

will be prosecuted in the federal court 

system in the Middle District of Florida. 

19 
CC al y

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CCCaaal

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

Stanislaus, and Tulare counties. 

CCCooonnnt

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tt:

:: (559)457-5040 

MMMi

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The mission of the Central Valley California 

HIDTA (CVC HIDTA) is to reduce the 

manufacture, 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. 

The goals of the CVC HIDTA are to: reduce 

drug availability by disrupting and 

dismantling drug trafficking organizations; 

to reduce the harmful consequences of drug 

trafficking and to improve the efficiency and 

effectiveness of the region’s law 

enforcement organizations. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssst

ttrrraaacccttt: 

The primary drug threat in the Central 

Valley is methamphetamine. The 

methamphetamine threat continues due to 

the ready availability of foreign and 

domestically acquired supplies of 

pseudoephedrine tablets, ephedrine 

hydrochloride and other essential precursors, 

chemicals and products. Large scale 

methamphetamine “superlabs” produce 

more than ten pounds during a single 

manufacturing process. 

Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations 

generally operate the superlabs. Increasing

quantities of methamphetamine is also 

produced in laboratories in the Republic of

Mexico. The finished methamphetamine is 

smuggled across the border and ultimately

into the Central Valley of California.

Manufacturing methamphetamine in Mexico 

is considered less risky and easier to 

produce due to the readily availability of

precursors imported from Asia and other 

foreign countries. 

Crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) 

manufacturing, importation and use is 

increasing in the Central Valley. Ice 

generally has a high purity and is 

20
accordingly higher priced. Small 

laboratories using the Nazi or Birch

production method are on the increase. The 

Nazi process uses Lithium metal such as 

found in Lithium batteries and Anhydrous 

Ammonia. Meth pills from Southeast Asia 

(“Yaba”) have been seized in the Fresno and

Sacramento areas. Heroin trafficking and

abuse seems to be constant or on the decline 

in some areas. Treatment program 

enrollment for heroin addiction has declined. 

The demand for marijuana remains high and 

the use of public lands for cultivating

cannabis continues at increasing levels. 

There has been an increase in marijuana 

production on public lands by Mexican Drug 

Trafficking Organizations over the last five

years in California. Five separate drug 

trafficking organizations have been 

identified as operating on National Forest

Service land in California according to the

Supervisor of the Sequoia National Forest 

and they are headquartered in Mexico. The 

“epidemic” of marijuana cultivation and

other drug related issues in national forests 

poses a significant danger to the public and

law enforcement. The organizations that 

grow marijuana are often the same ones that 

produce methamphetamine. 

DRUG 

TYPE 

Treatment 

Program

Admissions

2002

Treatment 

Program

Admissions

2001

Cocaine 3,072 3,147 

Heroin 8,553 9,499 

Marijuana 4,673 4,542 

Meth 13,125 11,685 

Table compares last two years of data for treatment 

program admissions in the Central Valley HIDTA’s nine 

counties. 

Cocaine importation, distribution and use 

remain steady in most areas. Cocaine 

supplies appear to remain high with prices

constant. Cocaine sales include both 

powder and crack forms with crack cocaine

use being greater in populated urban 

communities. Club drugs such as ecstasy 

and GHB and club drugs are gaining a user 

base through rave parties, and dances. 

SSSt

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tt:::

The CVC HIDTA Executive Board is

comprised of 16 local, state and Federal law

enforcement leaders in the CVC HIDTA 

areas of responsibility. A collaborative 

approach between law enforcement and

prosecution agencies facilitates efforts to

reduce the impact of drug production, 

trafficking and distribution in the Central 

Valley. 

The Central Valley of California continues 

to be a major manufacturing, distribution, 

and transshipment area for all types of 

illegal drugs. Regional drug trafficking 

organizations produce and distribute 

methamphetamine and marijuana to drug 

markets throughout the country. Heroin, 

cocaine and other drugs are smuggled into 

the region for local consumption or 

transshipment to other localities in the 

country. Regional consumption rates vary 

depending on drug type however 

methamphetamine abuse and addiction 

continue at high levels. The violence 

associated with drug manufacturing and 

distribution impacts families,

neighborhoods, and schools. 

The environmental impact from the toxic 

waste produced by methamphetamine 

production continues to threaten the viability

of regional farmlands, waterways and public 

areas. This pollution may last for decades. 

The CVC HIDTA enforcement initiatives 

proactively identify, target, disrupt and 

dismantle the drug trafficking organizations 

operating the California’s Central Valley. 

21
The CVC HIDTA consists of six 

enforcement initiatives, one intelligence

initiative, a training initiative, one unfunded 

demand reduction initiative and one 

administrative initiative:

Management and Administrative 

Initiative: The HIDTA Management and

Administrative staff consists of the Director,

Administrative Assistant, and Fiscal Officer.

They coordinate and administer the CVC 

HIDTA program and budget. The Director 

executes the Executive Board’s directives

and coordinates all initiatives and budgets 

which are designed to reduce the regional 

drug threat and meet national HIDTA goals. 

The Director represents both the Executive 

Board and ONDCP in all program affairs. 

Fresno Methamphetamine Task Force:

Located in Fresno, CA. this multi-agency 

enforcement initiative focuses on disrupting

and dismantling major methamphetamine

and marijuana trafficking organizations, 

precursor chemical suppliers, and 

pseudoephedrine suppliers. Their 

operational area includes Fresno, Madera 

and Merced counties. 

Fresno Area Surveillance Team: This 

group is part of the Fresno Meth Task 

Force initiative and conducts surveillance, 

collects intelligence and investigates

regional drug trafficking organizations. The 

unit is led by a Drug Enforcement 

Administration supervisor and works with 

state and local investigators. Investigations

follow federal guidelines and are prosecuted 

under the federal system. The team

concentrates on flexibility and pursuing

wiretap investigations which increase both

OCDETF and Federal prosecutions. 

Joint Fugitive Task Force: This Fresno 

initiative is led by the U.S. Marshal’s

Service and was created to apprehend

significant narcotic fugitives in the region.

The multi-agency task force uses state and

local participants to pursue narcotics

fugitives. Federal and state narcotic

fugitives identified by law enforcement 

agencies in the Central Valley are the 

priorities. 

Sacramento Area Intelligence/ Narcotics

Taskforce: This multi-agency investigative

task force initiates major investigations of

methamphetamine and polydrug trafficking 

organizations operating in the greater 

Sacramento area. It supports other 

investigative agencies as required and 

collects operational intelligence to identify

methamphetamine and narcotic trafficking 

organizations. The task force has an 

intelligence component as well as a 

Precursor/Vendor Program to educate 

retailers about methamphetamine production 

and to collect information about precursor 

chemical buyers who use the non-regulated 

products to manufacture methamphetamine. 

Southern Tri-County Drug Task Force:

This multi-agency task force is

headquartered in Bakersfield, CA. and 

includes an intelligence component and an 

investigative component. Task force 

members investigate all aspects of 

methamphetamine trafficking, including the 

acquisition of precursor chemicals, 

manufacturing, distribution, and money 

laundering. They also investigate and 

prosecute the drug trafficking organizations 

that cultivate marijuana growing on public 

lands in the region. The task force employs 

Title III investigations of drug trafficking 

organizations. Their operational area is 

Kern, Kings and Tulare Counties. 

Stanislaus-San-Joaquin Meth Task Force:

Task force members conduct long term 

investigations of regional and national drug 

trafficking organizations involved in the 

22
acquisition of precursor chemicals, and the

manufacture and distribution of 

methamphetamine and other illegal drugs. 

The initiative is located in Modesto and has 

an on-site intelligence analyst. 

Investigations are coordinated through the 

deconfliction services provided by the Los 

Angeles Clearinghouse. The initiative 

operates the Precursor Vendor Program in 

Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. 

Training Initiative: Training programs are 

presented throughout the Central Valley 

HIDTA region to improve the efficiency and 

effectiveness of drug enforcement 

investigators and intelligence analysts. 

Technical and specialized training programs

are offered in each year and all programs are 

coordinated with the National HIDTA 

Assistance Center. This initiative falls

under the Investigative Support Center. 

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaattti

iivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr::: 

The intelligence initiative is a multi-agency, 

collocated element with a central office in 

Fresno. The intelligence center is comprised 

of two sub-units: an investigative support 

unit and a technical support unit. The 

investigative support unit includes intel 

analysts with local law enforcement 

backgrounds. The California National Guard 

also supplies analysts to the unit. This unit 

provides support for phone toll 

investigations, ad hoc post-seizure analysis, 

suspect and organizational profiles, and 

graphic support for investigations and 

prosecutions. ISC personnel also prepare 

narcotic intelligence analysis, trends

assessment, statistical analysis, threat 

assessments, quarterly and annual statistical 

and performance reports and the CVC 

HIDTA’s annual strategy and budget. The 

ISC also provides analytical support with 

on-site personnel for the investigative 

initiatives in Sacramento, Modesto and 

Bakersfield. In addition, the ISC provides

investigative and intelligence training for the 

HIDTA and area LEAs. Deconfliction is

provided by the Los Angeles County 

Regional Criminal Information 

Clearinghouse, with funding for two 

analysts supplied by the CVC HIDTA. The

technical unit features an equipment pool, 

which makes equipment available for use by 

HIDTA task forces and other valley 

agencies, and computer support. Supervision 

for this initiative is provided by a DEA 

Intelligence Unit Supervisor. 

PPPaaarrrt

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iieeesss: 

Federal: Drug Enforcement Administration; 

Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. 

Marshals Service and Immigration and 

Customs Enforcement. 

State/Local: Bakersfield Police Department; 

California Department of Justice-Bureau of 

Narcotic Enforcement; California Highway 

Patrol; California National Guard; California 

Youth Authority; Delano Police 

Department; Fresno County Sheriff’s 

Department, Fresno Police Department, 

Kern County Sheriff’s Department; LA 

County Regional Criminal Information 

Clearinghouse; Madera Sheriff’s 

Department; Merced County Sheriff’s 

Department; Modesto Police Department; 

Porterville Police Department; Sacramento 

Co. Probation Department; Sacramento 

County Sheriff’s Department; Sacramento 

Police Department; San Joaquin Co. 

Sheriff’s Department’ Stanislaus County 

Sheriff’s Department; State of CaliforniaCALMMET; Stockton Police Department; 

Tulare County Interagency Narcotic 

Enforcement Task Force and the Tulare 

County Sheriff’s Department. 

23
SSSi

iigggnnni

iifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

DUC TAPE INVESTIGATION 

In March 2003 the Sacramento Area 

Intelligence Narcotics Team (SAINT) 

concluded an OCDETF investigation into a 

multi-national organization that imported 

marijuana, ice and ecstasy into the US from

Canada, the Netherlands and Southeast Asia. 

Cocaine was funneled through California 

north into Canada. The DTO imported 

approximately 50,000 ecstasy pills, 500 

pounds of marijuana and 50-75 pounds of 

ice into the US each month. Drug proceeds

were sent to Vietnam. A Vancouver B.C.-

based Asian DTO coordinated shipments of 

MDMA from the Netherlands to China,

where hundreds of pounds of “ice” (meth) 

and ephedrine were added to cargo ships 

bound for the Port of Vancouver. The 

Vancouver Chapter of an Outlaw 

Motorcycle Gang facilitated unloading of 

the maritime cargo to stash locations in the

Vancouver area. The OMG then smuggled 

ice, marijuana and ephedrine south from 

Canada into Washington, Oregon and 

California. and cocaine north from the US 

into Canada. Agents served 15 search

warrants and arrested 19 subjects for federal 

drug, conspiracy and money laundering. 

SAINT seized over $1.5 million in cash, real 

property, luxury vehicles and other assets. 

HOME INVASION ROBBERIES: 

For several months in late 2003 a series of 

violent home invasion robberies occurred. 

The Stanislaus San Joaquin HIDTA task 

force was pressed into service to pursue the

violent meth violators who assaulted several 

women shot a man. The task force set up a 

24/7 surveillance on the suspects some of 

whose members were connected to the 

Aryan Brotherhood, a notorious and violent 

prison gang. After 29 days of day and night 

surveillance, the suspects drove to a rural 

home and parked out of view of the 

surveillance units. Soon afterwards a call to 

emergency dispatch reported a home

invasion robbery at the location. A pursuit 

ensued and ended with the suspects fleeing 

the vehicle. Shots were fired at the police 

and a gun battle ensued. Eventually 11 

suspects were arrested and charged with

various felonies. 

SHOOTOUT WITH SUSPECT IN 

SLAYING OF POLICE OFFICER 

The Stanislaus San Joaquin Meth Task 

Force was asked to watch several locations 

where the murderer of a Pittsburgh 

California Police Department detective 

might appear. A small red car containing a 

person matching the suspect’s description 

was eventually located. The suspect saw the 

arrest team approaching and took a gun from 

his car. As he ran from his vehicle he fired 

at a HIDTA supervisor. The bullet shattered

the windshield, ricocheted off the steering

wheel, and lodged in the headliner 

approximately 3 inches from the 

supervisor’s head. Other agents engaged the 

suspect in a firefight and he was killed. 

METH PRECURSOR INVESTIGATION 

In November 2003, the Stanislaus San 

Joaquin Meth Task Force investigated a 

methamphetamine precursor smuggling and 

manufacturing organization. They 

distributed drugs California, Washington, 

Nevada, and Oklahoma. Pseudoephedrine 

pills from China were smuggled from 

Canada. Eventually search warrants were 

served on 12 businesses and residences 

resulting in the arrest of 31 subjects. Four 

meth labs and over 40 pounds of finished 

meth were seized. They also seized forty 

pounds of meth in solution, over 70 pounds

of red phosphorous, (capable of producing 

350 lbs of meth), over 80 pounds of iodine 

crystals (capable of producing 48 lbs of 

meth), and 480,000 Pseudoephedrine pills. 

24
CCHHIICCAAGGOO HHIIDDTTAA

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tti

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ff DDDeeesssii

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GGGeeeooogggrrraaappphhhiii

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:: Cook, Grundy, Kendall and Will Counties 

CCCooonnnt

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

MMMiiissssssi

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The mission of the Chicago HIDTA is to 

enhance and coordinate America’s drug 

control efforts among federal, state and local 

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

coordinated efforts to reduce the production, 

manufacturing, distribution, transportation 

and chronic use of illegal drugs, as well as 

the attendant money laundering of drug 

proceeds. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The area of responsibility of the Chicago 

High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area

(Chicago HIDTA) is a microcosm of the

drug trafficking and abuse problems facing 

law enforcement and public health officials 

across America. The high volume of drugs 

entering the city, combined with a large pool 

of abusers, virtually ensures a continuation 

of the city’s severe, chronic drug problems. 

Chicago is the hub of an extensive network 

of state and interstate highways connecting

it to other regions of Illinois as well as the 

rest of the continental United States. This

highway network facilitates the

transportation of large quantities of illicit 

drugs to the Chicago area, most commonly 

in commercial trucks and private vehicles. 

Mail and parcel delivery services are also

used extensively in the transport of these 

drugs. The largest postal facility in the 

world is located in Chicago as well as

numerous private parcel service providers 

who handle millions of packages each year.

Chicago is also home to the world’s busiest 

rail yards and serves as the principal 

transshipment point for goods shipped by 

mail from Mexico to Canada and between 

the East and West Coasts. 

Heroin use continues to be an alarming 

problem in the Chicago area with

Columbian and Nigerian criminal groups the 

primary smugglers and wholesale suppliers. 

Heroin is consistently received from all four 

25
source areas: Mexico, South America, 

Southeast Asia and Southwest Asia. The 

bulk of this heroin is sold at numerous openair street corner locations, primarily on the 

West Side of the city. 

Cocaine is transported to the Chicago area in

metric ton quantities. Most of this cocaine

passes through Mexico before entering the 

United States. Mexican traffickers dominate 

distribution in Chicago and organized street 

gangs control retail level cocaine and crack

distribution. 

Marijuana is the most widely available and 

commonly used drug in the Chicago area. 

Polydrug traffickers operating from Mexico 

are the primary sources for this marijuana.

These traffickers commonly transport metric 

ton quantities of marijuana from the

Southwest border to the city. Disruption of

these polydrug trafficking organizations 

require continued and aggressive attention. 

Although the availability of 

methamphetamine is limited in the Chicago

area, it poses a significant and increasing 

problem throughout the rest of Illinois. 

Methamphetamine lab seizures in outlying

suburbs are slowly increasing, signaling 

what may be a gradual incursion of the drug 

into the Chicago area. 

Club drugs continue to be readily available 

in the Chicago HIDTA area and are 

typically sold to and used by youthful 

suburbanites. Asians, Europeans and 

Israelis, relative “newcomers” to the drug

trade, are the primary wholesale distributors

of these drugs. 

Chicago’s status as a major financial center 

presents unlimited opportunities for 

laundering the vast sums of money 

generated from the trafficking of drugs. 

Typically, money laundering in Chicago is 

accomplished by transporting bulk cash to

the Southwest border or through the use of 

wire transfers and other financial services. 

Traffickers also invest profits from illegal 

drug sales into legal, mostly cash, businesses 

such as nightclubs and grocery stores.

SSSt

ttrrraaattteeegggyyyAAAbbbssstttrrraaaccct

tt:::

Chicago HIDTA was established as an 

empowerment HIDTA in 1995 to assist 

federal, state and local law enforcement 

agencies in dismantling the Gangster 

Disciples street gang in order to reduce the

flow of illicit drugs and decrease drug 

related crime in the Chicago area. In 1997, 

Chicago became a full HIDTA and 

broadened its attack on illicit drug

trafficking and related criminal activity. 

The Executive Board is the governing body 

of Chicago HIDTA and is comprised of

eight federal and eight state and local law 

enforcement executives. The Executive 

Director provides oversight and ensures

HIDTA program compliance and 

implementation of Executive Board

mandates. 

Through its initiatives, the Chicago HIDTA 

Executive Board has continued and 

expanded its multi-faceted strategy to 

significantly diminish the drugs threats 

identified in the annual Threat Assessment. 

Chicago HIDTA initiatives include ten 

enforcement groups comprised of federal, 

state and local law enforcement personnel, 

two support initiatives and a training 

initiative. Four additional enforcement 

initiatives have been developed and funded 

with supplemental funding awards. 

Enforcement activity by Chicago HIDTA 

initiatives has been designed to target major

illicit drug trafficking organizations through 

aggressive investigations and enforcement 

that include sources of supply, sources of

26
distribution, drug interdiction and drug 

related financial and violent crimes. 

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaatttiiivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr:::

The Chicago HIDTA Investigative Support 

Center (ISC) is the common thread that 

supports all Chicago HIDTA initiatives as 

well as those law enforcement agencies and

multi agency groups that request 

counterdrug investigative support. The ISC 

staff has responded to all levels of law 

enforcement by investing in and continually

developing the intelligence function, 

integrating the positions of the Intelligence 

Analyst and Systems Analyst, emphasizing

the customer service function of the 

Deconfliction/Inquiry Desk and the 

acquisition and development of effective 

databases and systems such as SAFETNet. 

The ISC has instituted the non-traditional 

approach of having an Intelligence Analyst 

man the Inquiry/Deconfliction Desk, with 

access to all ISC resources and investigative 

software, Monday through Friday from 8:00 

A.M. to 11:00 P.M. as well as on weekends. 

Deconfliction is available 24 hours a day 7 

days a week. 

Analysts capitalize on their core 

competencies: skilled investigative software 

techniques, comprehensive knowledge of 

agency databases and relationships 

developed from the multi agency

environment fostered at the Chicago

HIDTA. The application of Arc View 

Mapping, visual link charts and the creation 

of databases in support of Title III 

investigations has become a model in the

Chicago area law enforcement community. 

Within the first nine months of 2004, eight 

Chicago HIDTA analysts have supported 

over thirty wiretap investigations and over

forty pen registers. 

Innovative data sets and agency databases 

are constantly being pursued. The ISC

recently obtained the Police Computer 

Aided Dispatch (PCAD) which is the 

Chicago 911 Emergency Communications 

System, and uses it to augment the 

SAFETNet Pointer Deconfliction System.

All location and target submissions are

checked against the 911 system to check for 

any criminal activity, enhancing the officer 

safety feature of the system. The ISC has 

also recently acquired CIMIS, the Cook 

County Inmate Management System. This 

database provides data on inmates, including 

visitor lists and photos. The addition of 

PCAD and CIMIS to existing resources has 

proved to be invaluable. 

PPPaaarrrtttiiiccci

iipppaaatttiiinnngggAAAgggeeennnccciiieeesss:::

Federal: Drug Enforcement 

Administration, Federal Bureau of 

Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, 

United States Attorney’s Office, United

States Marshal’s Service, Bureau of 

Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 

Bureau of Immigration and Customs

Enforcement, United States Postal 

Inspection Service. 

State: Illinois State Police, Office of the

Illinois Attorney General, Illinois National 

Guard, State of Illinois State’s Attorney

Appellate Prosecutor’s Office, Illinois 

Department of Corrections, Illinois 

Secretary of State Police.

Local: Cook County State’s Attorney’s 

Office, Cook County Department of 

Corrections, Cook County Forest Preserve 

Police, Cook County Sheriff’s Police 

Department, Grundy County Sheriff’s

Department, Kendall County Sheriff’s 

Department, Will County Sheriff’s

Department, Bolingbrook P.D., Chicago 

P.D., Chicago Heights P.D., Cicero P.D., 

Dolton P.D., Joliet P.D., Lockport P.D., 

Matteson P.D., Oswego P.D., Palatine P.D., 

27
Plainfield P.D., Plano P.D., Posen P.D., 

Romeoville P.D., Round Lake P.D., Tinley 

Park P.D., University Park P.D.,

Wilmington P.D., Yorkville P.D. 

SSSiiigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

SAFETNet 

In 2004 Chicago HIDTA became a 

proprietary owner of the state of the art 

Pointer/Deconfliction program known as 

SAFETNet. Chicago HIDTA then examined 

the pointer/deconfliction needs of the Great 

Lakes region with a view to addressing not 

only the counter drug focus, but also those 

of general crime and homeland security. 

Chicago HIDTA has made the SAFETNet 

program available at no cost to law 

enforcement in Wisconsin, Indiana, 

Michigan and Ohio. The HIDTAs in each 

of these states have agreed to participate as 

watch centers for their region in order to 

maximize effectiveness and minimize 

expenses in the region. 

In Illinois, the Chicago HIDTA 

pointer/deconfliction coverage has expanded 

from five counties to coverage for the entire 

state. The Illinois State Police have fully 

committed to the use of SAFETNet, creating 

their own watch centers to assist the 

HIDTA. The network is now accessible to 

law enforcement in Illinois through 

RISSNet, the ISP network and the Chicago 

Police Department I-CLEAR Network, 

which has become the state-wide network 

for booking and LEADS access. The 

Chicago HIDTA Deconfliction Center will 

become a participant in the National Virtual 

Pointer System in November of 2004. 

Operation DAYTRADER 

Case Number – OCEDTF I1-01-0367: In 

October 2002, the HIDTA West Side Heroin 

Initiative, comprised of personnel from the 

Chicago Police Department, Drug 

Enforcement Agency and Illinois 

Department of Corrections, focused on the 

“Open Air Drug Market” (OADM) 

distribution of heroin on the West Side of 

the City of Chicago. The Vice Lords street 

gang was identified as the oldest and largest 

distributor of the drug in that area. The 

Mafia Insane Vice Lord faction (MIVL) was 

targeted due to their organized involvement, 

use of violence, and control of over fifty 

OADM locations. Federal wiretaps were 

initiated resulting in the interception of over 

42,000 calls leading to additional targets. 

Numerous undercover purchases were made 

from MIVL drug spots for both heroin and 

cocaine. Documentary evidence was

obtained from garbage pulls and extensive 

surveillances were conducted. At the 

culmination of the investigation in May of 

2004 the “round-up” resulted in federal 

charges against 47 defendants and various 

state charges against an additional 55

defendants, all street gang members. As of 

late September 2004, 75 of these individuals 

have been arrested – the remainder are 

fugitives. 

28
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:: 1996 

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iicccAArrreeeaa ooffRRReessspppooonnnsssi

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::

AAAlllaaabbbaaammmaaa::: Baldwin, Jefferson, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery and Morgan 

Counties 

LLLooouuuiiisssi

iiaaannnaaa:

:: Bossier, Caddo, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans and 

Ouachita Parishes 

MMMiiissssssi

iissssssi

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ii:

:: Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Jackson, Lafayette, Madison and Rankin 

Counties 

CCCooonnnt

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

MMMi

iissssssi

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ttaaat

tteeemmmeeennntt

::: 

 

The mission of the Gulf Coast HIDTA is to 

reduce illicit drug availability and its

harmful consequences within its designated 

areas by standing intelligence-driven task

forces and supporting infrastructure 

designed to target, disrupt and eliminate 

drug trafficking organizations impacting our 

region and beyond. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaat

tt AAAbbbssst

ttrrraaaccct

tt::: 

The Gulf Coast HIDTA is comprised of 20

counties/parishes in Alabama, Louisiana and 

Mississippi. The three states are largely 

rural, agricultural and 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, railways, highway systems and 

airports are used extensively by drug 

trafficking and smuggling organizations. 

The 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 299 identified 

international, national and regional drug 

trafficking organizations operating within 

the Gulf Coast HIDTA. The drug of choice 

for consumers remains marijuana, although 

cocaine and its base derivative crack, cause 

the greatest impact on violent crime, the

economy and society. Methamphetamine 

lab activity has dramatically increased in the

29
last few years particularly in the northern

portions of the three states. Much of this

increase has been small manufacturing

operations and is due to the ready 

availability of precursor chemicals such as

ephederine/pseudo-ephederine and

anhydrous ammonia. Heroin use has shown 

marked increases in some urban areas

particularly the New Orleans metropolitan 

area. The popularity of “club drugs” such as 

MDMA, LSD and GHB is on the rise 

throughout the Gulf Coast HIDTA. The 

prescription drug OxyContin has emerged as 

a significant abuse problem across the three 

states. 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. 

SSStttrrraaat

tteeegggyyyAAAbbbssst

ttrrraaacccttt::: 

The Gulf Coast HIDTA strategy is to 

address our drug problem through a multifaceted, threat driven approach balancing 

drug enforcement efforts targeting local,

regional and international drug 

trafficking/money laundering organizations 

operating within our area. This is 

accomplished through a coordinated effort 

among federal, state, and local law 

enforcement agencies. The result of this

strategy brings unprecedented synergism

and synchronization among law enforcement 

agencies within the Gulf Coast HIDTA. 

Training is another important component of 

our 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 

agencies and is coordinated with other 

training organizations in the three-state area 

to provide a balanced venue to officers. 

Gulf Coast HIDTA training is coordinated

by a designated training officer collocated

with the Gulf Coast HIDTA Mississippi 

Operations Center. 

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 designed to enhance law 

enforcement efforts. The Gulf Coast

HIDTA strategy is continually fine-tuned to 

ensure it addresses the ever-changing drug 

threat. 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 the strategy 

and align resources. The strategy is 

implemented through the funding of specific 

initiatives that target aspects of the threat in

a multi-agency collocated environment. 

In 2004, the Gulf Coast HIDTA funded 

Operation Centers in each state and thirteen

(13) other enforcement initiatives targeting 

various aspects of the drug threat throughout 

our three-state HIDTA. The Management 

and Coordination initiative provides 

programmatic and administrative oversight 

and is collocated with the Louisiana

Operations Center in Metairie, LA. 

IIInnnvvveeesssttti

iigggaaattti

iivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr:::

The Gulf Coast HIDTA Intelligence

Coordination Network (ICN) serves as the 

intelligence coordination mechanism for all 

funded initiatives. Due to the locations 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

30
with the Louisiana Operations Center, 

another HIDTA funded enforcement 

initiative. The supervisor of the NCG is a 

Drug Enforcement Administration 

Supervisory Intelligence Research Specialist 

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 Coordinator. The 

Intelligence Coordinator ensures intelligence

assets (analysts and intelligence initiatives)

dispersed throughout the Gulf Coast HIDTA 

are fully integrated and sharing information. 

He is also responsible for implementation of 

the General Counterdrug Intelligence Plan 

(GCIP) in accordance with ONDCP and

participating agency guidelines. 

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 2,548 customs cross-designated state 

and local law enforcement officers across a 

six 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. 

Intelligence exchange is accomplished

through the Gulf Coast HIDTA wide-areanetwork (WAN) which 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 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-theart digital technology. 

Further, the GC HIDTA is a node on the 

national RISS.NET system allowing our 

intelligence databases to be hosted and

accessed in a secure environment by other 

law enforcement and analytical personnel 

across the country. 

The GC HIDTA Intelligence Sub-System

also includes the Technical Support Team. 

PPPaaarrrtttiiiccci

iipppaaatttiiinnngggAAAgggeeennnccciiieeesss:::

Federal: 

ATF, DEA, Joint Task Force Six, 

FBI, IRS, USCG, USCS, NPS

State/Local: 

Alabama - Alabama Attorney General's 

Office, Alabama Bureau of Investigation,

Alabama Department of Public Safety, 

Alabama Highway Patrol, Baldwin County 

Sheriff's Office, Bayou La Batre Police 

Department, Bessemer Police Department, 

Birmingham Police Department, Daphne 

Police Department, Decatur Police

Department, Fairfield Police Department, 

Fairhope Police Department, Foley Police 

Department, Gulfshore Police Department, 

Huntsville Police Department, Jefferson 

County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County 

District Attorney’s Office, Madison County 

Sheriff's Department, Madison Police 

Department, Mobile Police Department, 

Mobile County Sheriff's Office, 

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, 

Montgomery Police Department, Morgan 

County Sheriff's Department, Orange Beach 

Police Department, Saraland Police 

Department, University of Southern 

Alabama Police Department 

31
Louisiana - Acadia Parish Sheriff's 

Department, Ascension District Attorney's

Office, Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, 

Baton Rouge Police Department, Bossier 

Parish Sheriff's Office, Caddo Parish 

Canine, Caddo Sheriff's Office, Crowley 

Police Department, East Baton Rouge Parish 

Sheriff's Office, Gonzales Police 

Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff's

Office, Lafayette Police Department, 

Louisiana Air National Guard, Louisiana 

Army National Guard, Louisiana Office of 

Alcohol and Tobacco Control, Louisiana 

State Police, Monroe Police Department, 

New Orleans Police Department, Ouachita 

Parish Sheriff's Office, Port Allen Police 

Department, Shreveport Canine, Shreveport 

Police Department, St. Landry Sheriff’s 

Office, St. Martin Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary 

Parish Sheriff's Department, West Baton

Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, West Monroe 

Police Department, Westwego Police 

Department 

Mississippi - Bay St. Louis Police 

Department, Biloxi Police Department, 

Flowood Police Department, Gautier Police 

Department, Gulfport Police Department, 

Harrison County Sheriff's Office, Hinds 

County Sheriff's Department, Jackson 

County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Municipal 

Airport Authority, Jackson Police

Department, Mississippi Bureau of 

Narcotics, Mississippi Department of Public 

Safety, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Moss

Point Police Department, Ocean Springs

Police Department, Oxford Police 

Department, Panola County Sheriff's Office, 

Pascagoula Police Department, Pearl Police

Department, Rankin County Sheriff's

Department, Southaven Police Department, 

Tupelo Police Department

SSSi

iigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

The Gulf Coast HIDTA has been uniquely 

successful in marshalling a singular attack 

aimed at drug trafficking elements operating 

within our three-state area. By coordinating 

federal, state and local law enforcement’s 

response to identified drug threats through 

the funding of initiatives, the Gulf Coast

HIDTA ensures drug enforcement assets

remain focused on drug trafficking 

organizations impacting the drug problem in 

our area and beyond. The Gulf Coast 

HIDTA continues to develop innovative 

ways to provide area task forces with secure 

communications to share intelligence.

Through the use of the Gulf Coast HIDTA 

wide-area-network, the refinement of a webbased event/target deconfliction solution

(SAFETNet), and our Intelligence 

Coordination Network, drug law 

enforcement units in our area have achieved 

unprecedented levels of collaboration and 

sharing of precious resources. 

In 2004, HIDTA-supported highway 

interdiction efforts have led to major drug

seizures and the confiscation of millions of

dollars of illicit drug proceeds. The Gulf 

Coast HIDTA supports these efforts by 

providing real-time indices checks to 

highway interdiction officers of federal,

state and local databases through queries 

made by the HIDTA/BLOC Watch Center 

located in Gulfport, MS. The Watch Center 

has expanded its services to include support 

to Atlanta HIDTA highway interdiction

officers as well. HIDTA-assigned 

investigators assist interdiction officers 

providing on-scene intelligence collection, 

evidence processing and the coordination of

controlled deliveries. Through these efforts, 

routine drug interdiction seizures oftentimes 

result in expanding investigations 

implicating other elements of sophisticated 

drug trafficking organizations. 

32
The Gulf Coast HIDTA developed event 

deconfliction solution, SAFETNet has now 

been adopted by fifteen (15) other 

HIDTAs. Presently, the Gulf Coast HIDTA 

provides secure, web-based event/target 

deconfliction services to the Appalachia, 

Atlanta and New England HIDTAs from its 

server located in Metairie, LA, resulting in 

considerable savings of operational and 

start-up costs. 

These are but a few examples of how the 

Gulf Coast HIDTA has utilized its resources

to benefit area law enforcement and other 

HIDTAs. Such sharing of resources has 

become a standard within the HIDTA 

program and has opened new vistas and 

opportunities in law enforcement expanding 

far beyond drug-focused operations. 

33
HH

t

HAAWWAAIIII HHIIDDTTAA

GGGeeennneeerrraaal

ll DDDeeessscccrrri

iippptttiiiooonnn

YYYeeeaaarrrooofff DDDeeesssiiigggnnnaaatttiiiooonnn::: 1999 

GGGeeeooogggrrraaappphhhi

iicccAAArrreeeaaasssooofff RRReeessspppooonnnsssi

iibbbiiillliiit

ttyyy:::

HHHaaawwwaaai

iiiii:

:: Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii counties. 

CCCooonnnt

ttaaacccttt:

:: (808) 356-4400

MMMi

iissssssi

iiooonnnSSStttaaattteeemmmeeennntt

As the crossroad of the Pacific and gateway 

into the continental United States, the

Hawaii HIDTA’s participating agencies 

work together by means of integrated 

initiatives to disrupt and dismantle drug 

trafficking in the State of Hawaii and in our 

Nation. With enhanced coordination and 

collaboration between Hawaii HIDTA 

agencies, illicit drug transportation, 

distribution, and usage shall be significantly 

reduced, thus enhancing public safety for all 

citizens. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt

A multitude of illicit drugs are available to

varying degrees in Hawaii, as in any 

populated area. These drugs can be 

categorized in three tiers based on the 

severity of the problems they pose to 

Hawaii’s law enforcement and citizens. In

the first tier are the two drugs causing the 

most serious problems, (ice) crystal 

methamphetamine and marijuana. Arrest 

and seizure data for both these drugs 

indicate that availability is high, while

demand data suggest that use of both drugs, 

along with the consequences of that use, is 

high and increasing. Nonetheless, the 

magnitude of the crystal methamphetamine 

problem in Hawaii, a far more socially 

disruptive problem, overshadows marijuana, 

which has seen an increase in associated

violence, but not nearly to the same extent. 

The second-tier drugs are cocaine (usually 

Hawaii’s main drug threats. 

34
crack cocaine) and heroin which, although 

they remain problems in Hawaii, appear to 

rank well behind crystal methamphetamine

and marijuana in contributing to the state’s

drug troubles. Cocaine-related arrests and 

seizures are on an upswing, but demand data 

suggest declining prevalence and 

consequences of use. At the same time, 

heroin distribution and abuse appear to be 

diminishing in light of indicators suggesting 

declines in arrests, seizures, reported use, 

and treatment. 

In the third tier are drugs such as MDMA, 

GHB, steroids, and diverted 

pharmaceuticals, which are available and 

abused in Hawaii but to a much lesser 

extent. While it is imperative to continue 

combating these drugs and thus preventing 

them from becoming a larger problem in the 

future, it is the trafficking and abuse of 

primarily crystal methamphetamine as well 

as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin that 

currently pose the most viable drug threats 

to Hawaii. 

International and local DTOs have ample 

opportunity to traffic those four drugs to, 

through, and from the area because of 

Hawaii’s high volume of international and 

domestic air and sea traffic including

passengers, cargo, and mail. Hawaii is the 

destination for crystal methamphetamine, 

cocaine, and heroin supplied from the West

Coast and Mexico by Mexican Consolidated 

Priority Organization Targets (CPOTs) and

DTOs; for crystal methamphetamine and 

heroin transported from Asia, Canada, and 

the West Coast by Asian DTOs; and for 

marijuana transported from Canada and the 

Pacific Northwest by local DTOs. Hawaii is 

a trans-shipment point for methamphetamine 

transported from the West Coast to locations

in the Pacific Basin, such as Guam, by local 

DTOs supplied by Mexican DTOs. It also is 

a trans-shipment point for methamphetamine 

transported from the West Coast or Asia to

locations in the Pacific Basin by Asian 

DTOs. Finally, Hawaii is the source of high 

potency marijuana transported to the U.S. 

mainland, Canada and, to a lesser extent, 

Mexico by local DTOs. 

Hawaii’s 2nd

tier drug threats 

The region covered by the Hawaii HIDTA 

comprises four counties. In addition to the 

threat from the presence of international and

local DTOs; drug fugitives, armed violent 

drug offenders; smuggling, money 

laundering, and the use of public lands for 

cannabis cultivation plague the counties. 

Because of the way Hawaii’s drug laws are 

written, a significant number of drug 

traffickers are identified but not prosecuted.

Among the differences from county to 

county is that law enforcement in the 

County of Honolulu, far more than in the 

other counties, faces the challenge of illicit 

drug shipments by parcels through Honolulu 

International Airport and the International 

Mail Branch. DTOs in Kauai County, 

unlike in the other three, currently are not 

linked to CPOTs. 

35
SSStttrrraaattteeegggyyyAAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt

The Hawaii HIDTA Executive Board 

through its Oversight Committees has

devised a clear, well planned, strategy to 

counter the drug threat facing Hawaii and 

the surrounding region. The process utilized 

by the Executive Board:

1) Identifies primary threats by geographic 

area; 

2) Develops desired goals to counter the 

threats; 

3) Assigns responsibility to accomplish the 

desired goals; 

4) Evaluates effectiveness of the program’s 

outcomes; 

5) Provides oversight and implements 

changes as necessary. 

This process is dynamic, ongoing, allowing 

for change and refinement. 

For FY2005 law enforcement organizations 

will contribute a total of 311 (full and/or part 

time) law enforcement personnel and

support staff, organized into 12 initiatives. 

Two additional far reaching initiatives will 

be implemented should supplemental 

funding become available. 

Each of the initiatives and the investigative 

task forces target identified drug threats

from the current HIDTA Threat Assessment. 

Each Hawaii HIDTA element is required to 

accomplish one or more of the following 

goals: 

• Disrupt/dismantle International, CPOT, 

RPOT, and Local drug trafficking 

organizations. 

• Interdict illicit drugs destined for 

Hawaii, or transiting Hawaii’s airports

and seaports, for the continental U.S. 

and other foreign destinations. 

• Reduce drug trafficking of 

methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, 

cocaine and predatory drugs by major 

drug trafficking organizations engaged 

in smuggling, transportation, supply or 

distribution. 

• Reduce the number of firearms

connected with drug trafficking and the 

number of drug fugitives operating

within the Hawaii HIDTA. 

• Reduce money laundering crime related 

to drug trafficking. 

• Provide drug intelligence and 

investigative support to HIDTA 

initiatives. 

• Provide event deconfliction and 

electronic communication links among 

the island counties. 

• Provide administrative support and 

oversight for program coordination, 

planning, development, performance, 

and fiscal accountability of HIDTA 

resources. 

• Provide training that will advance the

knowledge and coordinate the skills of 

HIDTA participating personnel. 

IIInnnvvveeesssttti

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The Hawaii HIDTA Investigative Support 

Center (ISC) provides tactical and strategic 

intelligence support to enforcement and

interdiction initiatives in an effort to reduce

drug trafficking in the State of Hawaii. To

facilitate the availability and exchange of 

information, the ISC is collocated with 

several HIDTA initiatives and links

electronically to other initiatives through the 

Western States Information Network 

(WSIN). Operation of the ISC provides full 

support to all HIDTA task forces and other 

law enforcement within the HIDTA region

to achieve an intelligence-based approach to

all counter-drug operations. 

36
The ISC consists of two intelligence groups. 

The Investigative Support Group focuses on 

supporting on-going drug trafficking 

investigations primarily in the areas of

communications analysis, association/link 

analysis, post seizure analysis, and 

event/subject deconfliction. The Strategic 

Support Group focuses on money laundering 

investigations and strategic reporting. The 

group collects, assembles, and disseminates 

data for the Hawaii HIDTA Threat 

Assessment and Annual Report, Trafficking 

Trends reports and other intelligence 

bulletins. 

 

he collocated and commingled office space 

he Investigative Support Center is jointly

aaarrrtttiiiccciiipppaaattti

iinnngggAAAgggeeennnccciiieeesss

ederal: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

tate/Local: Department of Public Safety, 

T ther: Western States Information Network 

is configured to provide open access

between investigative task forces and the 

intelligence component. This encourages

free exchange of information between law 

enforcement officers and intelligence

analysts. Because of Hawaii’s unique island 

makeup, task forces and intelligence

components on the outer islands maintain 

separate office facilities that justify their 

operational needs. Although there are 

separate facilities located on the outer

islands they do maintain contact with the

other initiatives through the ISC

LAN/WAN, WSIN and various modes of 

communications (i.e., telephone, meeting, 

documents, etc.). 

5095 5249

9393

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

2001 2002 2003

Database Entries 2001-2003

WSIN Database Entries

T

managed by a DEA supervisor and a

Honolulu PD supervisor and has sixteen 

personnel from the following agencies: 

DEA, HPD, HNG, ICE, FBI, USCG, HCPD,

MPD, KCPD, and WSIN. In addition, the 

ISC has four contract intelligence analysts. 

PPP

F

(ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration 

(DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation

(FBI), Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), 

Fisheries Service, Immigration and Customs

Enforcement (ICE), Internal Revenue

Service, Naval Criminal Investigative

Service (NCIS), U.S. Attorneys Office, U.S. 

Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals

Service, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S.

Inspector General. 

10.26%

19.81%

22.65%

0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

2001 2002 2003

Database Hit Rates 2001-2003

WSIN Database Hit Rates 

S

Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii

County Police Department, Kauai County 

Police Department, Maui County Police 

Department, Hawaii National Guard, and 

State & County Prosecuting Attorneys. 

O

(WSIN) and Contract Intelligence Analysts. 

37
SSSiiigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeeennntttsss

awaii HIDTA initiatives initiated 

Operation Shave Ice was the investigat

H

numerous cases during this period targeting 

CPOT, RPOT, and local drug trafficking

organizations, money launderers, armed, 

violent offenders, and drug fugitives. Two 

investigations, in particular, resulted in

arrests totaling approximately 100 people 

and disrupted or dismantled several drug 

trafficking organizations stretching from

Oahu and Hawaii to California, Arizona, and 

Nevada. 

ion of

a DTO operating on the island of Hawaii 

(Big Island) that smuggled multiple kilo 

quantities of crystal methamphetamine and 

cocaine through U.S. Mail, cargo, and parcel 

shipments. Lines of supply originated from 

Mexico through California, Nevada, and 

Arizona. Analysis linked the DTO to two

CPOT-designated targets. The investigation

involved 16 wiretaps and resulted in the 

arrest and indictment of 60 individuals and 

the execution of over 50 search warrants on

Oahu, the Big Island, California, Arizona, 

and Nevada. Investigative leads generated 

from cooperating defendants have resulted 

in significant spin-off investigations 

including one wiretap investigation, a series 

of buy-busts, and reverse operations 

resulting in 13 additional arrests. 

Operation Swing Video resulted in members 

of the Money Laundering Asset Forfeiture 

Group arresting a video store owner indicted 

on 91 counts of money laundering. The

individual was charged with managing and 

controlling a building that facilitated drug 

trafficking and drug use. For a $20 fee 

dealers were allowed to sell crack cocaine 

out of the video store which operated 24 

hours a day 7 days a week. It was estimated 

that as high as $20,000 in unreported 

currency transactions occurred each day. 

This investigation led to the seizure of 2

condominiums, 2 cars, and various bank 

accounts. In addition, the video store was

closed along with a service station owned by 

the offender that had been paid for with drug 

proceeds. The estimated worth of all of the 

seized assets exceeds $1 million. As part of 

the investigation, DEA arrested 38 alleged 

dealers and users in the state and elsewhere 

with connections to cocaine and

methamphetamine suppliers in California 

and Arizona. If convicted, the offenders 

face up to 20 years in prison for managing a 

drug trafficking house as well as a 

maximum 20-year sentence for each of the 

91 money laundering charges or 1,820 years 

in prison.

38
HHoouussttoonn HHIIDDTTAA

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:: 111999999000

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::

TTTeeexxxaaasss::: Aransas, Brooks, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, 

Jefferson, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Liberty, Nueces, 

Orange, Refugio, San Patricio and Victoria counties 

CCCooonnnt

ttaaacccttt:

:: (281) 372-5857

MMMiiissssssi

iiooonnn SSStttaaattteeemmmeeennnt

tt::: “To reduce drug 

availability through the creation and nurture 

of intelligence-driven task forces targeting 

major trafficking organizations, money 

laundering organizations and drug gangs. 

Further, the Houston HIDTA will enhance

and help coordinate efforts among federal, 

state, and local enforcement agencies.” 

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

A combination of geographic, demographic, 

and economic factors contributes to the 

obstacles that law enforcement encountered 

from the drug trade throughout the Houston 

HIDTA. Chief among these include the

HIDTA’s relative proximity to Mexico, its 

extensive transportation infrastructure, its

diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and 

its well-developed system of international 

commerce. 

These factors not only render the HIDTA a 

highly sophisticated and competitive region

in terms of the world market, but also 

reinforce the HIDTA’s 

vulnerability as one of the nation’s primary 

distribution and transshipment hubs for

regional, national, and international drug

trafficking organizations. The region is also

an important conduit for the movement of 

drug proceeds back to source countries. 

Drug-related threats presented by criminal 

groups in the Houston HIDTA include the 

laundering of drug profits, the trafficking of 

39
firearms and aliens, and escalating acts of 

violence. 

A complex transportation infrastructure

throughout the 425 miles of coastline and 16 

counties that encompass the Houston

HIDTA enables direct access from air, land,

and sea routes. 

Overland means is the primary 

transportation threat facing the Houston

HIDTA. The 15,124 lane miles of state 

roadways, including six major highways, 

aptly illustrate the threat to the HIDTA by

land. The primary routes throughout the 

HIDTA are U.S. 281, U.S. 77, U.S. 59, I-37, 

I-45, and I-10. 

The Houston Airport System (HAS) is the 

sixth largest in the world. In the year 2003, 

the HAS handled more than 42 million

passengers and 743 million pounds of cargo. 

Sea traffic apparently poses a moderate 

threat to the Houston HIDTA. Drug 

trafficking through the region’s waterways 

and ports is difficult to detect due to the 

sheer volume of cargo entering the area.

Over 455 million tons of cargo passed 

through Houston HIDTA ports in 2002 

(most current data). Four of the top 15 ports 

ranked by total tonnage for 2002 are in the 

Houston HIDTA. 

The primary drug threat for the Houston 

HIDTA continues to be cocaine/crack

cocaine. Secondary threats include 

marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, and 

Ecstasy. Cocaine and marijuana pose stable, 

chronic threats, whereas methamphetamine, 

heroin, and Ecstasy are relatively recent 

threats and are increasing. 

Methamphetamine seizure amounts rose by 

555% over 2002, while the number of labs

seized increased 45% over 2002. This trend 

continues in 2004. 

There were 288 DTOs identified in the most

recent assessment. One hundred twelve 

(112) of those were targeted for enforcement 

or intelligence collection during 2003. 

Thirty-four percent (34%) of targeted DTOs 

were CPOT-related cases, 47% were

OCFETF cases, and 32% were local cases.

Additionally, the Houston HIDTA has active 

investigations connected to 50% of RPOT 

targets. In scope, 54% of targeted DTOs

were international, 23% were national, 13% 

were regional, and 9% were local. Eightyfive percent (85%) of targeted DTOs have 

foreign sources of supply, primarily Mexico 

and Colombia. The Houston HIDTA serves 

as the base of operations for nearly half 

(49%) of targeted DTOs. At least 37% of 

targeted DTOs are polydrug organizations . 

The primary activities of targeted DTOs 

operating in the Houston HIDTA are the 

distribution of drugs and the laundering of 

drug proceeds. At least 54% of targeted 

DTOs specifically distribute drugs (apart 

from production and transportation), with at 

least 39% of those involved in polydrug 

distribution. Eighty-four percent (84%) of 

targeted DTOs launder drug proceeds,

primarily. through bulk currency shipments 

out of the U.S. using vehicles. 

The most common drug-rated offenses

(apart from drug trafficking) reported by 

participants in an annual Houston HIDTA 

survey were money laundering, assault, 

homicide, robbery and burglary. 

UCR data shows that overall crime rates 

increased in all but two Houston HIDTA 

counties (Nueces and San Patricio) from 

2001 to 2002 (most recent data). Nueces 

County had the highest overall crime per 

capita in 2002. 

Homicides in the city of Houston increased 

by more than 8% to 278 from 2002 to 2003. 

Those homicides defined as drug-related 

40
declined by 17% during the same time

frame. 

SSStttrrraaat

tteeegggyyyAAAbbbssst

ttrrraaacccttt:::

Houston HIDTA comprises ten enforcement

Initiatives, to address Trafficker 

Enforcement, Money Laundering, Gang 

Investigations, and Intelligence

Development, and one administrative 

Initiative (which also brokers training for the

450-person HIDTA task force.) The 

enforcement Initiatives address the 

HIDTA’s geographic and criminal 

characteristics for target organizations. The 

administrative Initiative supports 

management and oversight of the HIDTA 

program, and brokers training into the 

HIDTA community. 

 

The Houston HIDTA Executive Board 

comprises 16 local, state, and federal law 

enforcement executives in southeastern

Texas. The Administration component of the 

HIDTA is in Houston, while the operational 

components are based in Austin, Beaumont, 

Corpus Christi and Houston. The leverage 

provided by the multi-jurisdiction task force 

has proven invaluable in the successful

prosecution of hundreds of DTOs since the 

HIDTA’s inception in 1990. Formal

participation by HIDTA task force member 

agencies with foreign nations’ law 

enforcement agencies has improved 

international law enforcement

communication, and facilitates future case 

cooperation. 

The primary elements of the Strategy are: 

cooperative, collaborative task forces 

involving federal, state and local law 

enforcement officers; intelligence-driven 

investigations; investigative priorities; 

innovative approaches; and, accountability

and oversight. 

Some of the world’s most significant 

traffickers, transporters and drug money 

launderers operate in the Houston HIDTA 

area. The Houston HIDTA Threat 

Assessment documents the threat that they

pose to the rest of the country as well. 

Mindful of that threat, the Executive Board,

based on intelligence from a variety of

resources, has identified the Gulf Cartel and 

its various cells as the Houston HIDTA 

target that is most damaging to the country. 

Because of this, the primary enforcement 

objective of the Houston HIDTA is the 

immobilization of the Gulf Cartel.

Intelligence Initiatives will gather all 

available intelligence on the cartel and will 

meet regularly with each Initiative,

exploring investigative leads and possible 

courses of action. Cartel-related cases will 

become the investigative priority of each 

Initiative to the degree that those cases are

part of the Initiative mission. The Board 

considers this a long-term project, likely to 

take several years to complete, and likely to

require modification as traffickers adapt to

enforcement pressure. 

In a target-rich environment such as the 

Houston HIDTA, however, Initiatives 

cannot focus all of their efforts on one 

group: the second priority in the Houston 

HIDTA is cases of national significance, i.e.,

CPOT, RPOT, OCDETF, and cases with 

clear potential to fall into these categories.

Finally, Initiatives must address the local 

threat as well. Since so many drugs transit 

the Houston HIDTA, Initiatives must work 

transportation cases, and their impetus is to 

turn drug seizures into drug investigations, 

especially when a seizure relates to primary 

targets. Methamphetamine is a growing 

problem and local agencies are ill equipped 

to deal with it, so the HIDTA Initiative will 

fill the gap. Several national gang sets

operate in the Houston HIDTA and many 

local gangs terrorize Houston 

neighborhoods. 

HIDTA Initiatives will combine time-tested 

methods of operation with innovative 

approaches like the Electronic Crimes 

41
Initiative or the wide-area network, which 

will allow agencies to share information and 

software with economy and efficiency. 

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaatttiiivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr:::

e

The Houston HIDTA Intelligence SubSystem comprises three Intelligence

Services Initiatives. They provide 

operational support through timely and 

actionable intelligence via the products and

efforts of local, state and federal law 

enforcement personnel and databases to 

assist regional law enforcement agencies in

counterdrug activities. The sub-system

provides: tactical event and subject 

deconfliction services to support arrest and 

seizure operations, and for officer safety and 

enhanced intelligence production; 

operational intelligence support for active 

cases, participating in informant/defendant 

debriefings; cultivating new sources of

information; performing post-seizure and 

search 

warrant analyses; disseminating officer 

safety alerts and “lookouts” for wanted 

subjects; strategic intelligence to refine

targeting, to improve investigator 

management, to conduct and prepare Threat 

Assessments and other reports; and inservice analytical intelligence training. The

Initiatives provide research and analytical 

support and prisoner debriefings, for 

intelligence-led investigations through 

access to dozens of criminal and commercial 

databases for HIDTA task force agencies 

(and others) in the region. The Initiatives 

also provide graphics production services 

for case briefings and court case 

presentation. 

PPPaaarrrt

ttiiiccciiipppaaatttiiinnngggAAAgggeeennnccciiieeesss:::

State/Local: Beaumont Police Department, 

City of Baytown, Corpus Christi Police 

Department, Fort Bend County Sheriffs 

Office, Harris County Sheriffs Office, 

Houston Police Department, Jefferson 

County Sheriffs Office, Nueces County 

Sheriffs Office, Orange County Sheriffs

Office, Pasadena Police Department, Port 

Arthur Police Department, Sam Houston 

State University, Texas Department of 

Public Safety, Texas Office of the Attorney 

General, Texas National Guard. 

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and 

Firearms, Drug Enforcement 

Administration, Federal Bureau of 

Investigation, Immigration and Customs

Enforcement, Internal Revenue ServiceCriminal Investigation, United States

Attorney’s Offices (Eastern District of 

Texas and Southern District of Texas), 

United States Department of Defense, 

United States Marshals Service, United

States Secret Service. 

SSSi

iigggnnniiifffi

iicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennntttsss:::

Operation Enlightenment: This ongoing 

OCDETF/Priority Target investigation 

targeted a Houston-based organization that 

was trafficking methamphetamine, MDMA 

and hydroponic marijuana and blossomed 

into a Title III Electronic Intercept. Major 

Drug Squad 6 uncovered a multi-cultural 

group headed by an Asian defendant with 

ties to a Chinese smuggling group 

responsible for the smuggling and 

distribution in excess of 500 lbs. of crystal 

methamphetamine. This organization used 

technology such as text messaging and email 

to circumvent law enforcement. In 2003, 

MDS dismantled this organization by 

arresting 31 defendants, and seizing more

than $2,000,000 in assets purchased with 

drug proceeds. Agents made PowerPoint 

presentations to the defendants and their 

attorneys that incorporated surveillance 

videos, wiretap conversations, and still 

photography and resulted in plea agreements 

from all of the defendants. Federal 

prosecutors agreed that his novel technique 

saved taxpayers considerable resources in 

42
terms of time and money. The 

dismantlement of this organization has 

significantly influenced the availability of 

crystal methamphetamine in the Houston, 

Texas area. This case carried over to 2004 

with additional indictments and

identification of new targets. 

Operation Get Shorty: This case is based 

on a successful OCDETF investigation in

CY02 that resulted in 12(twelve) Title III

wire intercepts and thirty (30) pen registers 

that originated from an undercover money 

pickup operation by Houston Money 

Laundering Initiative agents. In CY03, the 

investigation continued to focus on members

of the Gulf Cartel who were responsible for 

the importation and distribution of 

approximately 600 kilograms of cocaine and 

the collection of approximately $10,000,000 

of illicit proceeds monthly. Using 

confidential informants, agents made several 

narcotic and currency seizures in Atlanta 

and Houston. The individuals associated 

with the seizures are high-ranking associates 

of the Gulf Cartel. In addition, agents plan 

to seize two real properties valued in excess 

of more than one million dollars. To date, 

the investigation has resulted in forty-two 

(42) indictments and the seizure of 851 

kilograms of cocaine, 1, 3777 pounds of 

marijuana, eleven (11) vehicles and $6.5 

million in U.S. currency (narcotics

generated proceeds).

43
LL

i

A as

t

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:: Lake County

CCCooonnntttaaaccct

tt::: (219) 650-2470 

MMMiiissssssi

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:::

The mission of the Lake County HIDTA is

to measurably reduce the availability of 

illicit drugs, firearms and violence in 

Northwest Indiana through the use of law 

enforcement initiatives which are based on a 

regional strategy that targets individuals, key 

traffickers and organizations that repeatedly 

commit drug and violent crimes. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

Lake County, with a population of almost 

one-half million people, is the second largest 

of the 92 counties in Indiana. Covering 

approximately 500 square miles and 

representing 80 different ethnic cultures, the 

myriad of problems associated with gangs, 

drugs and guns represent a formidable 

challenge for the county and its citizens.

The county contains 19 incorporated cities 

and towns with 16 public school 

corporations. The drug of choice in this 

county is cocaine, both crack and powdered. 

Street gangs in the cities of Gary, Hammond 

and East Chicago control and orchestrate the 

street level of distribution of cocaine. 

Lake County gangs have loose alliances 

with Chicago based gangs but many of these 

drug trafficking organizations do not follow 

any traditional hierarchical structure. They 

are based in many cases on ad hoc 

relationships and their ability to purchase

and distribute drugs profitably. Violence is 

used to control or expand territory and to 

maintain internal controls, resulting in an 

alarmingly high rate of drug-related 

homicides. For example, the following 

graph depicts the homicide rate for the City 

of Gary, which led the nation for the ninth 

straight year with more deaths per capita 

than any other city with a population of over

100,000 people. During 2003 one homicide 

occurred approximately every four days in 

the City of Gary. Gary’s homicide rate was

66 per 100,000 people while Chicago, led 

the nation with 599 murders. Following 

Gary, the next most violent city per 100,000 

population was Compton, California. 

44
0

20

40

60

80

100 1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

 Homicides in Gary, Indiana 

The Lake County HIDTA includes an FBIled initiative, the Gang Response 

Investigative Team that is attacking street 

gangs from the crack house to the 

courthouse. 

In addition, because of its central geographic 

location, Lake County is a major distribution 

point for shipments of bulk marijuana and 

cocaine destined for the Midwest market. 

Investigations have identified familial and 

business ties between Lake County DTOs

and Southwest Border DTOs. In 2002, for

the first time, an investigation identified a

Southeast Asian heroin DTO sending #4 

heroin from Thailand directly to Lake 

County. Additionally, a growing 

methamphetamine problem throughout the 

state is quickly spreading to Lake County. 

SSStttrrraaat

tteeegggyyyAAAbbbssst

ttrrraaaccct

tt:::

The Lake County HIDTA Executive Board 

has approved five separate enforcement 

initiatives, each complementing the other,

without competing or duplicating resources. 

All five initiatives attack the threat from a 

different perspective, much like a basketball 

team applying a full-court press. Each 

player/initiative is critical to the overall 

success of the strategy. The enforcement 

initiatives interface with a collocated

Prosecution Initiative that includes county 

prosecutors who have been designated as 

Special Assistant United States Attorneys

and have the ability to utilize the most 

appropriate judicial venue to ensure optimal 

prosecution. A Training Initiative 

coordinates the collective training of both 

HIDTA initiatives and area law 

enforcement. A partnership has been 

established with the Northwest Indiana Law

Enforcement Academy to ensure the 

coordination and optimal use of training 

resources throughout the county. 

Lake County Initiatives approved by the 

Executive Board for 2003 included the 

following: 

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 on a regional and 

national level. This unit targets organization 

with U.S./Mexican Southwest Border 

connections that use Northwest Indiana as a 

storage and distribution point for cocaine, 

heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine 

destined for the Midwest. 

The Gary Response Investigative Teamis an FBI-led multi-jurisdictional, collocated 

task force with a mission to disrupt and 

dismantle street level drug trafficking 

organizations (DTO) responsible for 

homicides and other drug related crimes in 

Gary. The GRIT uses detention without 

bond and federal prosecution as weapons 

against violent DTOs. This initiative has

significantly impacted Gary’s crack house 

epidemic and the violent crimes and plague 

of homicides it spawned. 

The Lake County Combined Task Forceis a collocated, multi-agency task force 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. 

45
The Firearms Regional Enforcement

Team- is an ATF-led task force that

conducts ballistics testing and identification

by utilizing the Integrated Ballistic

Identification System (IBIS)

instrumentation. The IBIS unit can link 

bullets and casings with other crimes, 

thereby providing valuable investigative 

leads. FIRE also identifies and targets

persons who illegally purchase, use, and 

supply firearms. FIRE analyzes firearm

transactions and identifies those who obtain 

firearms through “straw” purchases, the use 

of fictitious or illegally acquired Indiana

handgun permits and unlicensed dealers. 

The Prosecution Initiative- provides a full

time staff of collocated prosecutors

supporting HIDTA enforcement initiatives. 

The staff provides case support including 

warrant preparation, legal strategies, 

training, trial preparation, and prosecution. 

These Lake County Prosecutors are crossdesignated 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 courts. 

The Lake County HIDTA has also formed 

partnerships with community organizations 

and the Indiana National Guard in an effort 

to increase the effectiveness and impact of

the HIDTA. 

Operation Tattoo Zap provides free laser 

tattoo removal to former street gang 

members to enable them to break their ties

with the whole gang culture. 

The Indiana National Guard conducts a 

Demand Reduction Program with

numerous innovative programs which has 

reached thousands of inner city kids with a 

drug free message for a healthy, full life. 

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The Intelligence Support Center is the 

cornerstone of the Lake County HIDTA. 

The mission of the ISC is to provide 

investigative intelligence support to the 

HIDTA initiatives as will as area law 

enforcement agencies. The ISC is the only 

unit in Lake County with co-located access 

to a number of Federal, State, and Local 

Law Enforcement databases, as will as

commercial databases. Some of these are 

unique to the ISC. Some examples of these 

are: County Court records, County Booking 

records, Police reports of the major cities in

Lake County, and unique gag modules 

resident on a HIDTA-Sponsored inter-city 

database that are all accessible electronically

to the ISC analysts. 

Investigative Support that is available 

includes target and event deconfliction for 

Officer Safety in Lake County; all HIDTA 

initiatives are required to use the

deconfliction services, and any other law 

enforcement entities operating in Lake 

County are invited to use it as well. It is the 

only resource in Lake County that can 

provide comprehensive deconfliction for

Federal, State and local operations.

Deconfliction is through the use of 

SafetyNet software that links four HIDTA’S 

(Milwaukee, Chicago, Michigan and Lake 

County) 

The ISC serves as a clearinghouse for all 

firearms arrests made by the four major 

departments as well as for the numerous city 

courts in Northwest Indiana. 

The ISC possesses a unique-to-the-area 

capability to enhance audio and video

recordings in support of investigation or 

court presentations, which has been used in 

cases ranging from drug trafficking to bank 

robbery. 

Intelligence and analytical support that is

available ranges from simple research on

criminal histories to detailed document 

exploitation; charting and production in 

support of cases; preparation of a wide 

variety of case-related material, including 

46
photographs, maps, charts, and diagrams as 

needed by investigators and prosecutors; 

phone tolls and pen analysis; and support to 

interdiction activities 

The ISC also provides investigative 

intelligence support to the HIDTA initiatives

along with area law enforcement agencies. 

Support includes analysis of telephone toll 

and pen register data, preparation of caserelated material, including photographs, 

charts and diagrams, as needed by both 

investigators and prosecutors. 

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Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & 

Firearms, Drug Enforcement

Administration, Federal Bureau of 

Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, 

United States Attorney’s Office, United

States Marshals Service and United States 

Secret Service. 

State/Local: Dyer Police Department, East 

Chicago Police Department, Gary Police 

Department, Griffith Police Department, 

Hammond Police Department, Indiana State 

Police, Highland Police Department, Lake 

County Prosecutor’s Office, Lake County 

Sheriff’s Department, Merrillville Police

Department, Portage Police Department and 

Schererville Police Department. 

SSSi

iigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

Thanks to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco 

and Firearms (ATF), the Lake County 

HIDTA has the vital technology to help 

state, local and federal agencies solve 

firearm-related violent crime in Northwest 

Indiana. 

Through its National Integrated Ballistic 

Information Network program, ATF has

sponsored a Lake County HIDTA initiative 

which gives local law enforcement agencies 

access to ballistic imaging and comparison

equipment known as the Integrated Ballistic 

Identification System (IBIS). By enabling 

HIDTA personnel to make an initial 

comparison of bullet and cartridge casing

evidence from thousands of cases in 

minutes, IBIS alerts investigators to 

potential links between violent crimes. A 

Firearms Examiner then compares the 

original evidence to confirm a match, 

providing connections between crimes and 

criminals that often could not be linked by 

other means. 

The establishment of the ATF IBIS Initiative

has significantly enhanced the ability of law 

enforcement agencies in Northwest Indiana 

to solve gang-related shootings in the area. 

For instance, in 2001, Lake County Sheriff’s 

deputies responded to the scene of a driveby shooting, recovered seven cartridge 

casings from the scene and submitted them 

for entry into IBIS. Two weeks later in the

City of Gary, a small child was killed in a 

drive-by shooting. Gary Police Officers 

recovered 18 cartridge casings and several 

fired bullets from the crime scene. All were

imaged into IBIS. Correlation revealed a

potential link between the two cases which

was confirmed by a Firearms Examiner at 

HIDTA. 

After the discovery of the link, HIDTA’s

FBI-led, Northwest Indiana Gang Task 

Force began an investigation of the Latin 

Kings, a notorious Gary street gang. The 

IBIS hit helped to show linkage between 

gang members and the criminal acts they

committed. A Federal Grand Jury

subsequently returned a nine-count 

indictment charging seven gang members

with racketeering, arson, attempted murder, 

narcotics distribution, and the murder of the 

small child. All gang members were 

convicted. This was the first ever use of the 

Federal Racketeering statute against a street 

gang in the Northern District of Indiana. 

The cooperation, coordination and resources 

fostered by the Lake County HIDTA 

47
culminated in the dismantlement of a violent 

drug trafficking organization/gang. This 

unprecedented example of the marriage of 

technology and tenacious investigation by 

uniformed patrol officers, narcotics 

investigators and federal agents is what the 

Lake County HIDTA Program has brought 

to Northwest Indiana. 

48
LL

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LOOSSAANNGGEELLEESS HHIIDDTTAA

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:: The LA-HIDTA's designated geographic area in the State of 

California covers the four counties of Los Angeles, Orange, 

Riverside, and San Bernardino.

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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 to be accomplished through the 

use of multi-jurisdictional (Federal, State,

and local), collocated, and commingled law

enforcement and intelligence initiatives 

designed to attack, disrupt, and dismantle 

major drug trafficking and money 

laundering organizations that are operating 

in and through the LA-HIDTA region. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The Los Angeles High Intensity Drug 

Trafficking Area’s (LA-HIDTA) designated 

geographic area covers the four 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 (+/-) 

16 million. 

The economically and culturally diverse 

population of the region exceeds that of 41 

states. The territorial expanse of the LAHIDTA 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 off of the United States / 

Mexico border. All types of narcotics are 

manufactured, imported and distributed 

within the LA-HIDTA and beyond. 

Los Angeles – Only Primary Market in 

Country for All Five Major Drugs – Los 

Angeles is the only primary drug market 

area in the country for all five major drugs: 

49
cocaine; methamphetamine; marijuana;

heroin and MDMA. Traffickers use the 

highways to transport most of the illicit 

drugs into and across the country as well as 

to move vast sums of illicit proceeds across 

and out of the country. Of the 13 primary 

market areas nationwide, Los Angeles is the 

only area identified as a primary market for 

all major drugs of abuse. It is the nation’s

largest market for methamphetamine, the

largest market in the West for heroin and a 

staging ground for Mexican drug trafficking 

organizations and some National street 

gangs. (source NDIC) 

Sea Threat – The Port of Los Angeles / 

Long Beach is the 3rd busiest seaport in the 

world – Busiest in the United States – 9.3 

million containers / 123 million tons of

cargo annually – 213 miles of shoreline. 

Air Threat – The Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA) recognizes 3 

international, 94 municipal, and 3 seaplane 

airports within the LA-HIDA region. The 

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is

the 5th busiest passenger airport in the world. 

61 million passengers annually / 2,300 

flights a day – 2nd busiest for cargo – 1.9 

million metric tons annually. 

Land Threat – The land threat from the 

South is perhaps the most obvious where 

large quantities of illegal drugs are brought 

North on the major highways of the region. 

Indigenous – The indigenous harvesting of 

marijuana in the nearby mountains and the 

continuing numbers of major poly-drug 

manufacturing and distribution systems pose

a significant threat to our region. Inside the 

metropolitan and rural areas, hundreds of 

clandestine (large and small scale) 

methamphetamine labs continue to 

proliferate. 

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The Executive Board 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 Board and its three

subcommittees continue to take a very active 

and positive role in determining the strategy, 

priorities and overall direction of the LAHIDTA. 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. 

 

The following chart reflects the Major Drug 

Trafficking Organizations impacted by the 

LA-HIDTA enforcement initiatives, 2001 

through 2003: 

ENFORCEMENT TARGETS 

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

2001 2002 2003

Identified

Targeted

Impacted

Dismantled

Disrupted

In F/Y 2004, 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 

50
(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. 

Over the years, the above mentioned LAHIDTA enforcement/intelligence initiatives

have seized significant amounts of 

dangerous drugs as reflected in the 

following chart: 

DRUG SEIZURES (TONS) 

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

2001 2002 2003

Total Drugs

Cocaine

Marijuana

Meth

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 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 "reverse planning" 

is utilized. This plan brings together our 

various LA-HIDTA law enforcement and

intelligence initiatives for the dual 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. 

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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 our 

intelligence initiatives, enhanced lines of

communication, and provides clear 

definitive lines of responsibility. 

Additionally, the process brings an enhanced 

level of intelligence service to the LAHIDTA law enforcement community. The 

intelligence initiatives of the LA-HIDTA 

work to provide the most recent institutional 

drug intelligence. Additionally they provide 

deconfliction, pointer index, case support, 

target profiles, intelligence fusion, and 

predictive analysis to the entire law 

enforcement community in our region. 

Intelligence Driven Law Enforcement -- 

In C/Y 2003, the three LA-HIDTA 

Intelligence Initiatives recorded 1,626

combined requests for service (an increase

of 59% over last year) from various law

enforcement agencies within our region

which resulted in 21,469 analytical products 

(increase of 46% compared to 2002). 

 

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 “high risk” 

operations within the four county region

known as the LA-HIDTA. On-site 

Intelligence Analysts are available to

immediately research the various law 

enforcement intelligence data bases thus 

enabling officers to conduct enhanced 

51
narcotic investigations. 

Critical Event Tracking – LA-HIDTA 

Region -- In C/Y 2003 the War Room 

tracked 20,292 Critical Events in the LAHIDTA region, an increase of 5.0% over 

last year. This number included 1,120 

deconflictions (6.0% - one out of every 

eighteen critical events) wherein various law 

enforcement “high risk” operations are 

notified when they are about to conflict with 

each other during the course of their 

investigation. 

Providing Deconfliction Services for Other

HIDTA Regions – Currently, the Los 

Angeles County Regional Criminal 

Information Clearinghouse (LACRCIC) is 

providing the deconfliction services for the 

Los Angeles, Northern California, Central 

Valley and Nevada HIDTA’s. This notable 

capability, within the 4 HIDTA regions,

means that the LACRCIC “War Room” is 

providing service to 384 Federal, State and 

local law enforcement agencies; 24 out of 58 

counties in California (41.4%) and 1 county 

in Nevada. 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. 

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Federal: Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms; 

Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal 

Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement; 

Internal Revenue Service; United States 

Attorney’s Office; and the United States

Marshal’s Service. 

State: California National Guard; State of

California, Alcoholic Beverage Control; 

State of California, Department of Justice, 

Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement; State of 

California, Department of Justice, Criminal 

Intelligence Bureau; and the State of

California, Highway Patrol. 

Local: Alhambra Police Department; 

Arcadia Police Department; Azusa Police

Department; Baldwin Park Police

Department; Beaumont Police Department; 

Bell Police Department; Bell Gardens

Police Department; Beverly Hills Police 

Department; Burbank Police Department; 

Corona Police Department; Costa Mesa 

Police Department; Culver City Police

Department; Downey Police Department; El 

Monte Police Department; El Segundo 

Police Department; Fullerton Police 

Department; Gardena Police Department; 

Glendora Police Department; Hawthorne 

Police Department; Hemet Police

Department; Hermosa Beach Police 

Department; Inglewood Police Department; 

Laguna Beach Police Department; LaVerne 

Police Department; Long Beach Police 

Department; Los Angeles County Sheriff’s 

Department; Los Angeles Police

Department; Monrovia Police Department; 

Montebello Police Department; Newport 

Beach Police Department; Orange County 

Sheriff’s Department; Ontario Police

Department; Palm Springs Police

Department; Pasadena Police Department; 

Pomona Police Department; Port of Los 

Angeles Police Department; Redlands 

Police Department; Redondo Beach Police 

Department; Riverside County Sheriff’s 

Department; Riverside Police Department; 

Santa Ana Police Department; San 

Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; 

San Gabriel Police Department; Tustin

Police Department; Vernon Police 

Department; West Covina Police 

Department; and the Whittier Police

Department. 

 

Other: Los Angeles County District 

Attorney’s Office; and the Western States

Information Network. 

52
SSSi

iigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

“Operation Running Water” 

Southern California Drug Task Force 

Group 45

Beginning in C/Y 2002 and continuing into 

C/Y2004, SCDTF, Group 45, has been 

involved in an extensive investigation 

focusing on a major PCP manufacturing 

organization. This investigation has led to a

number of “spin-off” investigations, all of 

which focused on major PCP manufacturers 

and their command and control elements, 

that operate in and around the Los Angeles 

HIDTA region. Many of those individuals 

targeted were violent career criminals with 

extensive criminal histories ranging from 

manslaughter to assault and narcotics 

trafficking. 

During this complex, multi-jurisdictional 

OCDETF investigation, 19 Federal Title III

intercepts were launched against these 

independent organizations that worked in 

conjunction with one another. This 

investigation was conducted over a period of 

20 months and has ties to other nationwide 

PCP trafficking organizations, specifically 

Houston, Texas, where the DEA Office has 

initiated a separate Title III investigation 

based on information and assistance from 

SCDTF, Group 45. 

In the LA-HIDTA Region alone, this

investigation has resulted in the Federal 

indictments of 64 individuals of which 57

have been arrested. In addition, 17 other 

suspects have been arrested on State 

charges. This brings the total arrests in this

very remarkable case to 74. This

investigation resulted in the seizure of 

approximately 8 operational / non 

operational PCP laboratories and chemicals 

capable of producing approximately 1,000

gallons of PCP, $610,000 in cash and assets

and 86 handguns and rifles. 

The Houston, Texas, takedown resulted in 

the Federal arrest of 14 individuals, seizure 

of approximately 6.5 gallons of PCP, 14

gallons of liquid codeine and some $23,000

in cash. Other information and intelligence

has been provided to a number of DEA 

offices (New York; Chicago; Baton Rouge 

and Denver) across the country resulting in

the arrest and prosecution of 5 other 

individuals for the manufacturing and 

distribution of PCP. 

 

Special Notation – Local Violent Crime

Impact – During this investigation, the 

Federal Title III intercepts assisted the Los 

Angeles Police Department with the 

identification of 1 homicide suspect who was 

arrested and convicted of second degree 

murder. The Los Angeles County District 

Attorney’s Office believes that a conviction 

in this homicide investigation would not 

have been possible without the intercepted 

telephone calls. Intelligence and confidential 

source information developed in this

investigation resulted in the solving of 3

additional homicides in the Los Angeles 

area. These homicide trials are currently

pending. Additionally, 2 of the primary 

suspects arrested in this case are suspects in 

17 other murders throughout the region. 

Of significant importance is the fact that the

LA-HIDTA region is the source of supply 

for most of the PCP distributed throughout 

the United States. As a direct result of this

investigation, the availability of PCP has

significantly decreased and the wholesale 

price has dramatically increased. The price 

of a gallon of PCP has doubled, from $10K

to $20K. Additionally, much of the 

intelligence information has indicated that 

the few remaining PCP manufacturing 

organizations have changed their method of 

operation by moving out of the region. 

The case illustrates the extraordinary results

possible with cooperation among local, 

state, federal, law enforcement units. 

53
MMiicchhiiggaann HHIIDDTTAA

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Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, Genessee, Kent, Kalamazoo, 

Allegan and Van Buren Counties 

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The Mission of the Michigan HIDTA is to 

reduce drug trafficking, related violent crime 

and money laundering in the HIDTA 

Region. This will be accomplished through 

the coordination and sharing of Intelligence, 

a unified Law Enforcement effort and

Community Cooperation which will 

improve the quality of life in the State of

Michigan.

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The Michigan HIDTA Region is centrally 

located with access to Chicago, Cleveland,

New York, Toronto and Montreal. All are 

major urban centers with key roles in the 

North American drug trade. The Michigan

HIDTA shares a 700 mile international 

border with Ontario, Canada, with three 

principle Ports of Entry into the United

States. Each of these accounts for many 

thousands of vehicles and trucks, entering 

and leaving the United States. Numerous 

airports, including Detroit Metro Airport,

service the region with direct International 

flights to Source Countries. The Michigan 

Region has historically served as a major 

consumer and transshipment point from 

Florida, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, 

the Mexican border, as well as a center for 

Middle Eastern Drug Traffickers, Money 

Launders and Terrorist Organizations or 

Cells. 

The Michigan HIDTA Region continues to 

be a major transshipment point for Canadian 

pseudo-ephedrine used to produce 

Methamphetamine in California and Mexico 

Super Labs. 

Michigan waterways and lakes provide 

virtually unhindered access to limitless

landing areas from cities and ports in

Canada, The St. Lawrence Seaway, as well 

as U.S. cities such as Cleveland and 

Chicago. 

The Detroit Metropolitan airport has been a

major smuggling route for narcotics both 

inbound and outbound for many years. 

Numerous seizures have been made at this 

54
international airport including cocaine, 

heroin, marijuana, and large sums of cash. 

Numerous regional airports and private 

landing strips facilitate the transshipment of 

narcotics into the Michigan HIDTA area.

Since September 11, 2001, heightened 

security at area airports has reduced 

activities, which defer to land routes.

SSStttrrraaattteeegggyyyAAAbbbssst

ttrrraaacccttt:::

The Michigan HIDTA Executive Board,

through its subcommittees, coordinates and 

synchronizes the efforts to reduce drug 

trafficking; eliminate duplication;

systematically improve the sharing of drug 

intelligence and targeting information; and

utilizes specialized law enforcement task 

forces to concentrate on particular areas of

criminal activity associated with drug

trafficking. 

Michigan HIDTA initiatives focus on multilevel drug trafficking. To accomplish this, 

the Michigan HIDTA Executive Board 

continues to adopt a three tiered strategy to 

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 the Michigan area, and Level Three 

Initiatives focus on the major drug 

trafficking and money laundering 

organizations, by investigating Priority 

Targets (CPOT). Current and future 

initiatives will provide multi-agency efforts 

that will support the goals of this strategy. 

All Initiatives integrate and are supported by 

the Michigan HIDTA Investigative Support 

and Deconfliction Center (ISDC). 

The Michigan HIDTA Executive Board has

approved twenty-two (22) initiatives for FY 

2004 (two of these initiatives were later 

combined into one due to a reduction in

manpower). The approved law enforcement 

initiatives make up the Investigative 

Subsystem of the Michigan HIDTA and 

support the Michigan HIDTA Strategies to 

counter the drug threat.

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaatttiiivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr:::

The Intelligence Subsystem of the Michigan 

HIDTA is comprised of the Investigative

Support and Deconfliction Center (ISDC), 

giving access to all of the Task Force 

Initiatives and law enforcement agencies.

The ISDC is comprised of a Deconfliction

Section and four Investigative Support 

Sections. Each investigative support section 

will have primary responsibility to an

assigned group of Task Force Initiatives and

secondary responsibility to all other Task 

Force Initiatives and other participants. 

Core functions of the Investigative Support 

and Deconfliction Center include, but are 

not limited to: 

- Event and case deconfliction 

- Post seizure analysis 

- Analytical case support 

- Strategic intelligence 

- Annual Threat Assessment 

- One-stop-shopping for federal, 

 state and local intelligence 

 databases. 

The Investigative Support and Deconfliction 

Center is inter-connected through the 

Milwaukee HIDTA ISC as part of the

Riss.net connectivity plan. The Michigan

HIDTA Investigative Support and 

Deconfliction Center has maintained an

achievement of 24 of the 26 Intelligence and 

Information Sharing HIDTA Developmental 

Standards, and is in compliance with a 

majority of the milestones, which were

contained in the GCIP. All members of the 

Michigan HIDTA Investigative Support and

Deconfliction Center are collocated, fulltime assigned personnel. Several agencies 

contribute to the Investigative Support and

Deconfliction Center on a part-time basis, 

such as the Internal Revenue Service and the 

55
Canadian Customs Service. 

The Michigan HIDTA Strategy focuses on 

obtaining the most recent institutional drug

intelligence and on developing new sources.

This information is supported as much as 

possible by national intelligence agency 

sources. The Michigan HIDTA attempts to 

fuse this data into a consolidated targeting

picture that will enable investigative and

enforcement agencies and task forces to 

prioritize their collective efforts on those 

activities that give the greatest outcomes. 

This central information/intelligence

collection point facilitates cross-case

analysis, prevents duplication, and insures 

the Executive Board has sufficient 

information to establish priorities for the 

approved initiatives. 

The goals of the Investigative Support and 

Deconfliction Center are to provide 

responsive deconfliction, pointer index, case 

support, intelligence fusion, target and 

strategic financial crimes information. 

These services are provided by the 

participation and intelligence contribution of

participating and non-participating agencies.

This support is provided on site in the 

center. Each initiative benefits from and 

contributes to the Investigative Support and 

Deconfliction Center by querying and 

updating the information at the center, and 

by use of the center to provide deconfliction 

with other tactical operations in the region. 

All Michigan HIDTA operations and 

investigations are coordinated with the 

Investigative Support and Deconfliction 

Center. This is accomplished by the mutual 

agreement of the Executive Board and

respective participating agencies. 

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Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and

Firearms (BATF), Drug Enforcement 

Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of 

Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Immigration 

and Customs Enforcement (BICE), Internal

Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, 

United States Marshals Service, U.S. 

Attorneys 

Office from the Eastern District of Michigan 

and the Transportation Security 

Administration (TSA). 

State/Local: Michigan State Police, Detroit 

Police Department, Eastern Michigan 

Sheriffs, Western Michigan Sheriffs, Eastern

Michigan Chiefs of Police, Western

Michigan Chiefs of Police, Michigan

Prosecutor Representative. 

Other: Michigan Attorney General,

Metropolitan Organizing Strategies 

Enabling Strength (MOSES) Community 

Groups, Michigan National Guard, 

Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy 

(ODCP) and Wayne County Prosecutor. 

Many other federal and local agencies 

participate within HIDTA Task 

Forces/Initiatives. In CY 2003, 369 law 

enforcement personnel were assigned to 

HIDTA Task Forces/Initiatives from federal, 

state and local agencies.

SSSi

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In CY 2003 Michigan HIDTA purchased 

two ABI 310 Genetic Analyzers which 

resulted in a total of 600 drug-related violent 

crime cases completed. 

The Task Forces of the Michigan HIDTA 

Initiatives have collectively increased Drug 

Seizures by the following: 

 Heroin +20% 

 Marijuana Plants +756% 

 Methamphetamine +404% 

 Clandestine Labs +3,200%. 

On June 4, 2004, the Combined Hotel 

Interdiction Team (CHIEF) conducted 

surveillance and executed a search warrant 

at a residence in the city of Detroit. Twentyfive kilograms of cocaine, $204,800 in U.S. 

currency, one SKS assault rifle, and one 

56
Jennings 9mm Bryco Arms pistol was 

located during the search of both the 

residence and the garage. Three subjects 

who were the target of this investigation

were arrested at that time. 

An Immigration and Customs Agent (ICE), 

assigned to the Michigan HIDTA, Thomas 

Ontko, was responsible for the location and 

subsequent apprehension of a Spanish 

National. The Defendant was convicted of 

the rape and murder of a 13 year-old British 

girl while she was on a school trip to France 

in 1996. The subject was extradited, tried, 

convicted and sentenced to 30 years in 

prison by a French court. SA Thomas 

Ontko’s excellent efforts brought this 

international predator to justice. 

In 2004, US and Canadian authorities 

successfully concluded an investigation of

Vietnamese individuals and their 

organization in Canada, Michigan, 

Massachusetts, Maryland and Minnesota 

who were responsible for trafficking in over 

$40 million worth of BC Bud Marijuana and

MDMA. Thirty-one persons were arrested

in Michigan and Windsor, more than $5

million in cash, 850kg of high grade BC 

Bud Marijuana and 3,000 tablets of MDMA 

were seized.

57
MM

t

T

Miiddwweesstt HHIIDDTTAA

GGGeeennneeerrraaal

llIIInnnfffooorrrmmmaaatttiiiooonnn:::

YYYeeeaaarrrooofff DDDeeesssiiigggnnnaaatttiiiooonnn:

:: December 1996 

GGGeeeooogggrrraaappphhhiiicccAAArrreeeaaasssooof

ff RRReeessspppooonnnsssi

iibbbiiillliiitttyyy:::

IIIooowwwaaa::: Muscatine, Polk, Pottawattamie, Scott, Marshall, Black Hawk, 

Appanoose, Woodbury, and Linn counties; 

KKKaaannnsssaaasss:

:: Cherokee, Crawford, Johnson, Labette, Leavenworth, Saline, 

Seward, Barton, Sedgwick, Finney, Shawnee, Miami, Franklin, and 

Wyandotte counties; 

MMMiiissssssooouuurrri

ii:

:: Cape Girardeau, Christian, Clay, Jackson, Lafayette, Lawrence, Ray, 

Scott, St. Charles, Greene, Benton, Buchanan, Jasper, Texas, Platte, 

Marion, and St. Louis counties. 

NNNeeebbbrrraaassskkkaaa:

:: Dakota, Dawson, Douglas, Hall, Lancaster, Sarpy, Madison, Dodge, 

Gage, Jefferson, Platte, and Scott's Bluff counties; 

SSSooouuut

tthhhDDDaaakkkooot

ttaaa:

:: Clay, Codington, Custer, Fall River, Lawrence, Lincoln, Meade, 

Minnehaha, Pennington, Union, Brown, Brookings, Beadle, and 

Yankton counties; 

NNNooorrrt

tthhhDDDaaakkkooot

ttaaa:

:: Burleigh, Cass, Grand Forks, Morton, Ramsey, Richland, Walsh, and 

Ward;

CCCooonnnt

ttaaacccttt:

:: (816) 746-4911

MMMiiissssssiiiooonnnSSStttaaattteeemmmeeennntt

:::

The mission of the Midwest HIDTA is to

reduce drug availability in critical and

identified markets by creating and

supporting intelligence driven enforcement 

task forces aimed at eliminating or reducing

domestic drug trafficking and its harmful 

consequences through enhancing and 

helping to coordinate drug trafficking 

control efforts among federal, state, and 

local enforcement agencies. Central to this

effort is the formation and enhancement of 

enforcement task forces.

TThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The outlook for the Midwest HIDTA region 

can best be described by focusing on two 

distinct entities, urban and rural. Densely 

58
populated urban areas in the region, not 

unlike other large cities in the nation, will 

continue to experience major problems with 

all drugs, especially cocaine. Along with 

cocaine, other frequently reported problem

drugs including methamphetamine and 

marijuana continue to be popular in the large 

urban cities of St. Louis, Kansas City and 

Omaha. Heroin will likely remain prevalent 

primarily in St. Louis. MDMA, GHB and 

other dangerous drugs known as “club 

drugs” are also consistently present in urban 

areas. 

The ready availability and extensive demand 

for cocaine and marijuana will continue to

be major threats to the entire Midwest 

HIDTA region. Arrest, seizure and abuse 

statistics confirm that transportation and

distribution of cocaine and marijuana, 

predominantly through Mexican DTOs, 

shows no sign of weakening. Wholesale 

manufacture, transportation and distribution 

will continue to be dominated by Mexican

drug trafficking organizations 

Heroin abuse, although a minor threat in 

most areas of the region, has been reported 

in available supply in urban areas. Although 

DTO’s operating in this region are poly-drug 

operations, the overall most significant 

enforcement problem in the Midwest 

HIDTA region remains methamphetamine. 

Law enforcement continues to confront 

multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine 

being transported into the region by 

Mexican trafficking organizations, and the 

production of lesser amounts of high-quality 

methamphetamine in local clandestine 

laboratories. 

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

Midwest HIDTA (6 States)

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota

EPIC/CLSS Data including glassware, chemicals and dumpsites.

SSSt

ttrrraaat

tteeegggyyyAAAbbbssst

ttrrraaaccct

tt:::

The HIDTA Strategy is implemented 

through several components. Each state, 

through designated Advisory Boards of law 

enforcement professionals, has identified 

threat, and developed enforcement strategies 

and investigative initiatives. The Midwest 

HIDTA Executive Board, and the Office of 

the Midwest HIDTA Director, coordinates 

the integration and synchronization of all 

participating agencies' initiatives to ensure a

unified regional effort. 

The Midwest HIDTA Executive Board is

composed of executives from twelve federal 

and twelve state or local law enforcement 

agencies. The Board provides programmatic 

oversight, of all 41 initiatives. The

initiatives are organized into and support six 

counter-drug subsystems (Coordination, 

Intelligence, Investigations, Forensic Lab

59
Enhancement, Prosecution and Demand 

Reduction) each subsystem is integral to the 

success of the HIDTA. The Midwest 

HIDTA Investigative mission is to facilitate

and assist task forces and other federal, 

state, and local enforcement agencies within

the region in identifying, targeting and 

dismantling narcotic distribution and 

trafficking organizations or drug 

manufacturing operations. 

I

P

IInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaatttiiivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrt

tt CCCeeennnttteeerrr:::

The MHISC, co-managed by the Drug

Enforcement Administration, and the 

Kansas City Missouri Police Department, is 

a multi-agency coalition consisting of

federal, state, and local agencies located

within the six states Midwest HIDTA. 

Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the 

MHISC is electronically linked to task force

locations and key state agencies in each of 

the states. The MHISC collects and analyzes

information from all Midwest HIDTA task 

forces and participating task forces and

agencies. The MHISC provides event and 

subject deconfliction services, multi-source 

name checks, investigative case support, toll 

analysis, charting, graphic work, post 

seizure analysis and trend/predictive 

analysis. By improving the exchange of 

intelligence and information through more 

efficient coordination and communications, 

the MHISC enhances the ability of federal,

state, and local law enforcement agencies to

identify, arrest, and prosecute key members

of trafficking organizations and individuals 

involved in the clandestine manufacturing of 

narcotics. The MHISC coordinates and 

utilizes three separate initiatives to enhance

and implement the intelligence subsystem.

The first is the FBI CIU/Terrorism Squad 3 

in Kansas City. The CIU consists of 

representatives from various local, state and

federal agencies within the Kansas City

area. The group collects and analyzes 

information regarding Drug Trafficking 

Organizations (DTOs) and disseminates this 

information to the MHISC for sharing with 

other law enforcement agencies. The FBI 

Criminal Intelligence Group is collocated 

within the ISC facility and has expanded its 

mission to provide interface and activity into

terrorism and Homeland Security. The 

second initiative supporting the MHISC is 

the DEA St. Louis Intelligence Group. This 

initiative assists in gathering, analyzing, and 

evaluating information to the St. Louis DEA 

regional enforcement area. While physically 

located in St. Louis, the initiative is

electronically connected via firebird, and 

HIDTA.net to facilitate exchange of

information and intelligence products. The 

initiative primarily focuses on both domestic 

and international intelligence support to

DEA led Midwest HIDTA task forces. The 

initiative also addresses DTO-CPOT 

intelligence issues in the St. Louis DEA 

geographic region. The third integrated 

initiative is the Bureau of ATF Regional 

Intelligence Group, which is collocated

within the MHISC facility. This group 

provides intelligence support and assistance 

within the Kansas City Division area of 

Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. This 

collocation will enhance the coordination of

intelligence relating to firearms, gun tracing,

domestic terrorism, and violent drug 

trafficking offenders. Over 640 users at 71 

different locations have connectivity to the 

ISC through the implementation of 

HIDTA.net. The Midwest HIDTA is a 

primary use site for the National Clandestine 

Lab Database, developed by EPIC and the 

National Virtual Pointer System. 

PPaaarrrt

ttiiiccci

iipppaaattti

iinnngggAAAgggeeennnccciiieeesss:::

Federal: ATF, DEA, FBI, ICE, IRS, 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), USMS, USBP, USFS. 

State/Local: Iowa Division of Narcotics 

Enforcement, Iowa State Fire Marshal’s

60
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, North Dakota Bureau of 

Criminal Investigation (ND). 

Iowa: Altoona Police Department, Ankeny 

Police Department, Davenport Police 

Department, Des Moines Police Department, 

Eldora Police Department, Grundy County 

Sheriff’s Department, Hardin County 

Sheriff’s Department, Iowa Falls Police

Department, Marshall County Prosecutor’s 

Office, Marshall County Sheriff’s

Department, Marshalltown Police 

Department, Muscatine Police Department, 

Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, 

Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, 

Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux City 

Police Department, South Sioux City Police 

Department, Tama Police Department, Tama

County Sheriff’s Department, Woodbury 

County Sheriff’s Office. 

Kansas: Bonner Springs Police Department, 

Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Finney 

County Sheriff’s Office, Garden City Police 

Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s

Office, Kansas City Police Department, 

Leavenworth Police Department, Olathe 

Police Department, Overland Park Police

Department, Pittsburg Police Department. 

Missouri: Buchanan County Sheriff’s 

Office, Cape Girardeau Police Department, 

Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, 

Christian County Sheriff’s Office, Dunklin 

Police Department, Dysart Police 

Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s 

Department, Grandview Police Department, 

Green County Sheriff’s Office, 

Independence Police Department, Jefferson 

County Sheriff’s Department, Kansas City 

Police Department, Lake St. Louis Police 

Department, O’Fallon Police Department, 

Platte County Sheriff’s Department, 

Richmond Police Department, Sikeston 

Department of Public Safety, Springfield 

Police Department, St. Charles Police 

Department, St. Charles County Sheriff’s 

Department, St. Louis County Sheriff’s 

Office, St. Louis County Police Department, 

St. Louis Police Department, Stoddard 

County Sheriff’s Department, Trenton 

Police Department, Wentzville Police 

Department. 

Nebraska: Adams County Sheriff’s Office, 

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Grand 

Island Police Department, Lincoln Police 

Department, Nebraska Police Department, 

Scottsbluff Sheriffs Office, Gering Police 

Department, Scottsbluff Police Department, 

Fremont Police Department, Dodge County 

Sheriff Department, Hooper/Scribner Police 

Department, Blair Police Department, Burt 

County Sheriff Department. 

North Dakota: Minot Police Department, 

Ward County Sheriff, Grand Forks Police 

Department, Grand Forks County Sheriff, 

Walsh County Sheriff, Fargo Police 

Department, Cass County Sheriff. 

South Dakota: Lawrence County Sheriff’s 

Department, Meade County Sheriff’s 

Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s 

Department, Minnehaha County State 

Attorney’s Office, Pennington County 

Sheriff’s Office, Pennington County 

Attorney’s Office, Sioux Falls Police 

Department. 

Other: 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), 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 

61
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 

SSSiiigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

The Midwest HIDTA through the Office of 

the Director continues to lead efforts to 

implement the ONDCP HIDTA connectivity 

and intelligence-sharing project. The 

establishment of a Wide Area Network 

between HIDTA’s, with ONDCP National 

HIDTA Program Office, and with National 

data centers, such as HIDTA Assistance 

Center, EPIC, and NDIC, is a priority 

project to implement the General 

Counterdrug Intelligence Plan, and fulfill the 

mission of the National and the Midwest 

HIDTA Program. The use of riss.net to 

build HIDTA.net and existing technology 

makes it possible to accomplish connecting 

different HIDTA’s together. Midwest 

HIDTA is a NODE on this secure Virtual 

Private Network system, and continues to 

develop and host intelligence resources for 

HIDTA agencies and task forces. In

addition, a suspect pointer system for

HIDTA taskforces called SafetyNet was 

further expanded. Over 640 users at 71 

enforcement locations were connected via 

the HIDTA.net intranet system. 

The Midwest HIDTA continues to interact 

with other HIDTA regions in areas 

involving best practices and information 

sharing. The Midwest HIDTA is an active 

participant in the development and full 

implementation of the EPIC National Clan

Lab Database (CLSS), and the National 

Virtual Pointer System. Midwest HIDTA is 

also assisting state agencies in developing

and initiating systematic information and 

intelligence sharing utilizing the common 

national connectivity plan, 

riss.net/hidta.net/LEO. 

The Midwest HIDTA’s strategy, 

coordinating the efforts of federal, state, and

local enforcement agencies, strives to

develop and institutionalize a region-wide 

intelligence sharing network and also

provides resources to enhance law 

enforcement, forensic laboratory

capabilities, and prosecution efforts 

throughout the region. The participating 

agencies in the six state area enjoy a spirit of

cooperation and sense of unity that is 

essential in achieving the goals and 

objectives of the Midwest HIDTA. 

62
MM T

t

Miillwwaauukkeeee HHIIDDTAA

GGGeeennneeerrraaalllIIInnnfffooorrrmmmaaatttiiiooonnn:::

YYYeeeaaarrrooof

ff DDDeeesssi

iigggnnnaaattti

iiooonnn:

:: 1998 

GGGeeeooogggrrraaappphhhiiicccAAArrreeeaaasssooofff RRReeessspppooonnnsssi

iibbbiiillli

iitttyyy:::

WWWi

iissscccooonnnsssi

iinnn::: Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and Waukesha Counties Wisconsin 

. 

CCCooonnnt

ttaaacccttt:

:: (414) 220-4740

MMMi

iissssssi

iiooonnnSSSt

ttaaat

tteeemmmeeennntt

:::

90

90

Wisconsin – Illinois Border

Rockford

Madison Waukesha

94

43

94

94

43

Kenosha

Racine

Chicago

Milwaukee

90

90

Wisconsin – Illinois Border

Rockford

Madison Waukesha

94

43

94

94

43

Kenosha

Racine

Chicago

90

90

Wisconsin – Illinois Border

Rockford

Madison Waukesha

94

43

94

94

43

Kenosha

Racine

Chicago

In support of the National Drug Control Milwaukee

Strategy, Goal 2, Objective2—[to] “improve 

the ability of the High Intensity Drug 

Trafficking Area’s (HIDTA’s) to counter 

drug trafficking” the mission of the 

Milwaukee HIDTA is to apply enhanced 

intelligence processes, a high level of

enforcement coordination, and prosecution 

to substantially and measurably reduce 

organized drug distribution, drug related 

violent crime, and money laundering, and to 

reduce the demand for illegal drugs within 

the Milwaukee HIDTA. The Milwaukee 

HIDTA is also committed to stem the 

distribution of illegal drugs through the 

Milwaukee HIDTA to communities and 

rural areas throughout Wisconsin and 

beyond. These initiatives are complimented 

by a coordinated effort to include demand 

reduction initiatives, which are youth 

focused and designed to improve the quality

of life and restore neighborhood control to 

the citizens of the Milwaukee HIDTA. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaat

tt AAAbbbssstttrrraaaccct

tt:::

The Milwaukee HIDTA Region 

encompasses the four counties of 

Southeastern Wisconsin to include 

Waukesha, Racine and Kenosha in addition 

to Milwaukee. The two interstate corridors

of I-94 and I-43 constitute the primary route 

for drugs to move into and out of the region. 

Illegal drugs remain readily available and

abused throughout the Milwaukee HIDTA 

Region. Powdered cocaine and crack are 

significant drug threats in the Milwaukee 

63 
HIDTA Region, particularly in the City of 

Milwaukee. HIDTA initiatives report that

cocaine and crack remain a significant drug

threat in the region (first in Milwaukee and 

second to marijuana in the three remaining 

counties of Kenosha, Racine and 

Waukesha). 

Mexican, Dominican and Nigerian drug 

trafficking organizations are the primary 

transporters of drugs from foreign countries 

and cities in the United States. Chicago is

the primary source of drugs abused in the 

Milwaukee HIDTA region. Crack is the 

drug most often linked to violent crime in 

the city of Milwaukee, while marijuana is

frequently linked to violence in other areas 

of the Milwaukee HIDTA region. Law 

enforcement agencies are seizing increasing

amounts of cocaine. Cocaine is related to 

more deaths than any other drug and nearly 

half of those individuals admitted for 

substance abuse treatment are cocaine

abusers. Mexican drug trafficking 

organizations are the primary transporters 

and wholesale distributors, while street 

gangs and criminal groups are the primary 

retail distributors of powdered cocaine and

crack. Powdered cocaine and crack prices 

have remained stable during the last year 

indicating that the drug is readily available. 

Heroin prices have decreased while purity 

has increased indicating ready availability in 

the Milwaukee HIDTA region. Southeast 

Asian and Southwest Asian heroin are most 

common in the northern portion of the

Milwaukee HIDTA region, while South 

American heroin is most common on the 

city’s south side. Nigerian drug trafficking 

organizations are the primary sources of

Southeast Asian and Southwest Asian heroin 

originating from Chicago, Illinois.

Dominican drug trafficking organizations 

are the dominant wholesale distributors of

South American heroin. The South 

American heroin is coming from New York, 

New York. Most retail distribution of 

heroin is conducted by criminal groups, 

street gangs and independent dealers. 

More marijuana is seized than all other 

drugs combined. It is the most widely 

available and most commonly abused drug 

in the Milwaukee HIDTA region. Most 

marijuana available in the HIDTA region is

produced in Mexico and transported by 

Mexican drug trafficking organizations. 

Mexican drug trafficking organizations are 

also the principal wholesale distributors of

marijuana, while criminal groups, street 

gangs and local independent distributors sell 

marijuana at the retail level. Anecdotal 

evidence suggests that BC Bud, a type of

marijuana with increased potency, is

available in limited quantities in the northern

areas of the Milwaukee HIDTA Region. 

MDMA and other club drugs are popular in 

the Milwaukee HIDTA region, particularly 

among teenagers and young adults. 

Independent dealers transport MDMA into 

the area, primarily from Chicago. On 

occasion, limited quantities of the drug are 

brought from Miami, New York City, 

Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. 

Other dangerous drugs (ODD), like LSD 

and including diverted pharmaceuticals,

such as: Oxycontin, Vicadin and Percocet 

are abused by a small number of individuals 

in the Milwaukee HIDTA region. 

Pharmaceuticals are generally diverted for 

abuse within the region. 

There are several drug trafficking 

organizations operating within the 

Milwaukee HIDTA region. Mexican drug 

trafficking organizations with connections to 

Mexico, Chicago, Los Angeles, and 

Southwest Border states supply most of the 

cocaine and marijuana in Southeast 

Wisconsin. Dominican criminal groups 

transport most of the South American heroin

available in the region, while Nigerian 

DTOs are the primary distributors of 

Southeast Asian and Southwest Asian heroin 

64 
in the Milwaukee HIDTA region. African 

American street gangs are the dominant 

poly-drug retail distributors in the northern 

portion of the Milwaukee HIDTA region, 

while Hispanic gangs are the primary polydrug retail distributors in the southern 

portion of the region. 

Law Enforcement Agencies located in the 

Milwaukee HIDTA region have reported the 

following crime and arrest statistics: 

There were 120 homicides, 501 forcible 

rapes, 3,871 robberies, and 2,812 assaults. 

For a violent crime total of 7,304 which 

amount to 60.2 percent for all violent crime 

for the state of Wisconsin.i

 

Forty-three percent of total property crimes

in the State of Wisconsin occurred in the 

HIDTA region.ii

 

SSStttrrraaattteeegggyyyAAAbbbssst

ttrrraaacccttt:::

The Milwaukee HIDTA’s initiatives focus 

on disrupting and dismantling local,

regional, and national-level drug and money 

laundering organizations. The emphasis is 

on violent drug trafficking gangs that are 

regional DTO’s or have connections with 

regional, national and/or international 

DTO’s. 

The Milwaukee HIDTA will coordinate 

eleven initiatives in Fiscal Year 2005. There 

are four investigative initiatives. There is

one anti-drug/anti-crime initiative, one 

interdiction initiative, one prosecutorial

initiative, one training initiative, one 

management and coordination initiative, and 

one information technology initiative and an 

investigative support center. 

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaatttiiivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr:::

The HIDTA Intelligence and Technical 

Support Center, (HITS Center) is a 

collocated effort of federal, state, and local 

agencies. This task force is managed by the 

Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department. 

The HITS Center has a primary function of 

gathering, analyzing and disseminating 

strategic intelligence regarding drug 

traffickers and gang organizations. The

HITS Center also identifies drug trafficking 

organizations, assists in the development of 

threat assessments and priority setting; and

assists in the coordination of cases and 

investigations by way of a pointer index 

system and deconfliction. 

All HIDTA initiatives share information and 

are collocated having access to secure 

internal electronic communication. Remote 

users can securely connect to the Milwaukee

HIDTA network through a virtual private 

network (VPN). Currently the HITS Center 

has achieved 23 out of 26 intelligence and 

information sharing developmental 

standards as set forth by ONDCP. 

The HITS Center provides the following: 

Post Seizure Analysis, Telephone Tolls 

Analysis, Link Analysis, Intelligence 

Profiles, Charts/Graphs, Trend and Pattern 

Analysis, and Analytical Case Support. 

Currently the analysts have access to the 

following databases and research software 

tools: Transaction Information for 

Management (TIME); case management

(contains all HIDTA cases); Pen-Link 

(phone record information); World Wide

Information; (Locate Plus) drivers licenses

and motor vehicle registration checks; 

AutoTrack; Lexuz-Nexus; public source 

database; I-2 Analyst Notebook- charting; 

RissNet/MOCIC national database for 

suspect pointer index; Wisconsin utilitiesinformation associated with property 

owners; Internet-used for general and public 

searches; and Milwaukee County Sheriff 

Crimes (on-line booking information). 

The Milwaukee HIDTA offers regionally, a 

secure internet based deconfliction system 

called SAFETNeT (Secure Automated Fast

Event Tracking Network) via the Chicago 

65 
HIDTA. Currently accessible through the 

Watch Center in the Intelligence Center.

The system is utilized by other HIDTA’s

successfully and presents opportunities for 

deconfliction throughout the Great Lakes 

Region (Chicago HIDTA, Lake County 

HIDTA and Michigan HIDTA). 

A complete state-of-the-art Title III 

Operation Room is functional and is using a 

Lincoln Server System in conjunction with 

Penlink 8 Interceptor software. This 

operation is based upon a coalition between 

the Milwaukee HIDTA and the State of 

Wisconsin, Department of Justice, Division 

of Criminal Investigation (where the server

is located), whereby the costs for operation 

are equally shared to benefit the entire state. 

PPPaaarrrttti

iiccciiipppaaat

tti

iinnngggAAAgggeeennnccciiieeesss:::

Federal: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 

Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal 

Bureau of Investigation, United States 

Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of 

Wisconsin, Department of Homeland 

Security – Immigration and Customs

Enforcement and the Marshal’s Service 

State/Local: Wisconsin Department of 

Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation, 

and the Wisconsin National Guard, 

Milwaukee County District Attorney’s 

Office, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, 

Milwaukee Police Department, West Allis 

Police Department, Waukesha County 

Sheriff’s Office, Racine County Sheriff’s 

Office and the Kenosha County Sheriff’s 

Office. 

SSSiiigggnnni

iifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

The achievement of true collocated

environment that includes prevention, 

enforcement, and prosecution initiatives is a

major milestone, increasing the information

flow between task forces and other law

enforcement agencies. 

In the first nine months of 2004 the 

Milwaukee HIDTA Drug Gang Task Force 

investigated and successfully dismantled a 

large scale violent drug trafficking 

organization in the Milwaukee HIDTA 

region. 

The organization was responsible for a large 

number of violent crimes dating back to 

1994. There were two identified leaders of

the organization. Through various acts of

intimidation members of this gang were able

to successfully avoid prosecution. Based 

upon co-operating defendant’s testimony, it 

was established that the gang purchased and 

sold forty (40) to sixty (60) kilograms of 

cocaine, broken down to street level 

quantities per month. This included a onetime shipment of 100 kilograms. 

Using this information, the Drug Gang Task 

Force was able to make successful purchases 

of cocaine from members of the conspiracy 

group. The investigation progressed and a 

Federal Authorized Title III Wiretap was 

obtained. The case against the organization

was bolstered by taped telephone 

conversations which corroborated the 

information provided by the informants and 

provided new information. After monitoring 

the telephone conversations, a conversation 

between one of the leaders and a member of 

the conspiracy was intercepted whereby 

detailed plans were formulated for the 

murder of one of the identified leaders. This

resulted in the “wire” being shut down 

prematurely. 

A total of twenty-seven (27) search warrants

were secured and executed in the 

Milwaukee, WI and the Chicago, IL areas. 

Over ninety (90) law enforcement officers 

participated. There were twenty-one (21)

persons arrested and federally indicted in 

this case and 6.829 kilograms of cocaine 

were recovered. 

66 
As a result of this investigation, twentythree (23) individuals were indicted on 

Federal Conspiracy charges and the 

following assets were seized: $ 1,178,818 in 

US currency, $22,000 in stocks and bonds, 

jewelry valued at $600,000, one residence 

valued at over $300,000, four guns, and 

eleven vehicles with an approximate value 

of $125,000. 

This investigation was a cooperative effort 

between all of the Milwaukee HIDTA 

participating agencies, USAO – N IL, DEA 

– Chicago, and Internal Revenue Service – 

CID. On the roundup day, the police 

departments in Romeoville, Illinois, and 

Oak Forest, Illinois also assisted in the 

execution of search warrants in their 

respective cities. 

As a result of this investigation the 

organization has been completely 

dismantled. Information supplied by cooperating defendants on four separate 

homicides committed by members of the

organization have been cleared. 

 i

 State of Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance ii State of Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance 

67 
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The mission of the Nevada HIDTA is 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 multiagency intelligence driven task forces designed to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

Methamphetamine continues to be the most

significant drug threat in the Nevada (Clark

County) HIDTA. Law enforcement has encountered multi-pound quantities of Mexican manufactured methamphetamine and

‘Ice’, which is distinguished by its high purity levels (95-98%), and higher price. Although ‘Ice’ is not considered to be prevalent, distribution is on the rise. Statistics 

provided by the Southern Nevada Joint 

Methamphetamine Task Force (SNJMTH) 

show an alarming increase in the amount of 

methamphetamine seized within the

HIDTA. In CY02, there were approximately 

3,673 grams seized. In CY03, seizures totaled 33,895 grams, an increase in over 

960%. Additional statistics, provided by the 

SNJMTF, indicates that clandestine laboratory investigations have decreased by 50% 

from 2001 (2003-127; 2001-254). The primary reason for this reduction is the inclusion of pseudoephedrine, a precursor to 

methamphetamine, as a Schedule III Controlled Substance in the State of Nevada. 

This legislation along with increased law 

enforcement operations has not only decreased the availability, but has significantly

increased the price of case quantities of

pseudoephedrine. 

Methamphetamine Labs Seized in Clark County 

Methamphetamine labs and dumpsites seized

in Clark County

1998-2003

319

362

284

258

148 127

0

100

200

300

400

 

Marijuana continues to be the drug of choice 

in the Nevada HIDTA. The primary source 

for marijuana smuggled into the HIDTA is 

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

68
Mexican poly-drug trafficking organizations; however, it is also cultivated locally

via hydroponic production. Additionally, 

law enforcement has encountered Canadian 

“BC Bud” in limited instances. 

Cocaine remains extremely popular and

readily available specifically among the impoverished communities such as housing 

projects located in the Clark County area.

The majority of this cocaine is produced

outside of the HIDTA and transported primarily from southern California and Arizona. In CY03, the Clark County Coroner’s 

office reported that the highest death rate 

among users of illicit drugs was cocaine. 

There were 38 deaths as a result of the specific use of cocaine, and 69 deaths attributed 

to the ingestion of cocaine and other drugs. 

The club scene in the Nevada HIDTA is a 

haven for illegal drug traffickers of club 

drugs (MDMA, LSD, PCP, GHB/GBL, Rohypnol, Ketamine and analog drugs). These 

drugs are trafficked and abused in local 

nightclubs, adult entertainment clubs and at 

raves. Production of club drugs does not occur within the HIDTA, and the majority of

these drugs are supplied by international 

trafficking organizations. The Clark County 

Coroner’s Office reported that in CY03, 

there were a total of 3 deaths from the use of 

MDMA. The Southern Nevada Club Drug 

Task Force provided statistics for CY03 indicating there were approximately 67,000-

168,000 dosage units of MDMA seized 

within the Clark County area. 

The Diversion of pharmaceutical drugs is on

the rise. Prescription fraud, “doctor shopping,” illegal sales by pharmacists, and indiscriminate prescribing by practitioners all 

contribute to the diversion threat. Law enforcement and the Nevada Controlled Substance Task Force Board report that particularly Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab & 

Norco); Oxycodone (Percodan, Percocet & 

Oxycontin) and Alprazolam (Xanax) are the 

main pharmaceuticals being diverted, illegally distributed, and abused in the Nevada

HIDTA. 

In CY02, the number of prescriptions filled

(2.7 million) exceeded the state’s population. In CY03, 8,395 patients in Nevada 

were considered exceeding the drug threshold established by the Board of Pharmacy. 

According to the DEA, Nevada was above 

average in Oxycontin distribution from 

January 2002-December 2003. During this 

period, Nevada’s ranking for Oxycontin distribution rose from number 3 to 2 in a national ranking of all states for Oxycontin 

distribution. In CY03, the Clark County 

Coroner’s Office reported receiving approximately 185 multiple pharmaceutical 

drug overdose cases. 

In identifying 55 DTO’s during CY03, Nevada HIDTA initiatives continue to recognize that Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTO’s) are responsible for supplying 

the majority of available Marijuana,

Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Heroin 

into the region. 

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A Nevada HIDTA Executive Board, comprised of the chief executive officer of seven 

federal and six state and local law enforcement agencies in Clark County, ensures a 

system that reduces drug trafficking, eliminates duplication of effort and systematically improves the sharing of drug intelligence. One hundred nineteen representatives 

from thirteen federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are full time participants

in NV HIDTA initiatives. 

The strategy is implemented through seven 

collocated multi agency investigative task

forces, one collocated multi-agency intelligence initiative, one training initiative and

one management and administrative initiative. The seven task force initiatives target 

69
drug trafficking, money laundering, clandestine drug lab manufacturing, apprehension 

of drug fugitives and violent street gang

drug trafficking organizations with the intent 

to disrupt/dismantle these organizations 

through such techniques as undercover purchases, controlled deliveries, pen registers, 

toll analysis and wire intercepts. 

The Investigative Support Center (ISC) and 

the Management and Coordination Initiatives are collocated in a facility shared with 

the Las Vegas District Office of the Drug

Enforcement Administration. 

The other Nevada HIDTA initiatives include 

the Interdiction Task Force, the Southern

Nevada Club Drug Task Force (SNCDTF), 

the Southern Nevada Joint Methamphetamine Task Force (SNJMTF), the Clark

County Gang Task Force, the Money Laundering and Asset Removal Task Force 

(MLAR), the Major Drug Trafficking Organizations Task Force (MDTO) and the 

Nevada Fugitive Investigative Strike Team 

(NV FIST). 

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tti

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The Investigative Support Center (ISC) 

serves as a dual function initiative providing 

both intelligence and tactical support to the 

other Nevada HIDTA initiatives. Of critical

importance is the deconfliction support that 

provides 7 day a week, 24 hour a day deconfliction services via a contract with the Los 

Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearing House (L.A.CLEAR). This 

process ensures the officers and agents from 

all the initiatives are working in an environment free from other law enforcement

investigations and with a pointer system

should these investigations cross over to 

other initiatives interests. 

In CY2003, the Nevada HIDTA posted 2270 

critical events with LA Clear which resulted

in 170 (8%) potential event conflicts. Additionally, the Nevada HIDTA made 2256 

subject/case inquiries, resulting in 776 

(26%) hits. 

The ISC’s intelligence role is also to provide 

investigators from all the initiatives with tactical multi-source intelligence on a daily basis as well as with strategic intelligence relating to emerging trends in production, distribution and transportation of drugs. 

The ISC acts as the primary communication 

and storage facility for intelligence for all 

initiatives. It provides access to RISS.NET, 

NDPIX, FINCEN, M204, RMIN, TECS and 

other various federal, state and local databases. 

The tactical intelligence function also provides the initiatives with initial subject and

organization background investigations, and 

is prepared to do net worth investigations, 

asset identification and post seizure analysis. 

The strategic intelligence function monitors

domestic and foreign trends associated with 

narcotics activity. This includes such issues 

as dominant individuals/organizations, concealment methods, currency transfers, price,

purity and availability. The strategic intelligence function conducts an annual narcotics/crime survey based upon statistical information provided by relevant agencies in 

the HIDTA area of interest. This information is consolidated to generate the annual 

threat assessment for the Executive Boards 

review and approval. 

The ISC also serves as a resource pool of

personnel to provide assistance in investigations to all HIDTA initiatives. 

The Nevada Air National Guard RAID detachment and the Las Vegas Metropolitan 

Police Department Air Support Unit provide 

aerial support and surveillance for the Nevada HIDTA initiatives. 

70
PPPaaarrrtttiiiccciiipppaaatttiiinnngggAAAgggeeennnccci

iieeesss:::

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and 

Firearms (BATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Internal Revenue Service

(IRS), United States Attorneys Office, 

United States Marshals Service (USMS) and 

the United States Forest Service. 

State/local: Clark County District Attorney’s 

Office, Henderson Police Department 

(HPD), Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), Nevada Department of 

Public Safety, Nevada National Guard 

(NNG), and the North Las Vegas Police Department (NLVPD). 

SSSiiigggnnniiifffi

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Methamphetamine has been identified as the

primary drug threat facing the Nevada 

HIDTA. In March 2003, the SNJMTF initiated an investigation targeting a Mexican

methamphetamine ‘ICE’ distribution organization. In August 2003, the case developed into a Title III investigation targeting

three separate cellular phones. Investigators 

soon determined that this large scale drug 

trafficking organization was importing multiple pound quantities of methamphetamine, 

marijuana, and cocaine directly from Mexico on a weekly basis. The organization utilized vehicles with sophisticated hidden 

compartments for importing drugs into the 

United States and exporting drug proceeds 

back to Mexico. Additional Title III information showed the Las Vegas based cell of 

this organization was actively transporting

vehicle loads of methamphetamine ‘ICE’ to 

Oregon and Nebraska. 

The investigation led to the identification of

organizational leadership in Tijuana, Mexico

and additional co-conspirators to include

distributors, facilitators and couriers. The

head of the Las Vegas operation was responsible for transporting money and coordinating shipments of drugs to other destinations. 

Due to the outstanding efforts of the 

SNJMTF, total seizures include 93.2 pounds 

of methamphetamine (street value 

$4,231,280), 18 arrests and asset seizures 

with an estimated value of $250,000. As the

result of large seizures and key arrests, including the head of the Las Vegas operation, 

this organization’s method of operation has 

been significantly disrupted. 

 

71
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Middlesex Counties 

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:: Fairfield, Hartford and New Haven Counties 

RRRhhhooodddeeeIIIssslllaaannnddd::: Providence County 

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:: George C. Festa - (978) 691-2501 - gfesta@dir.nehidta.org

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The New England HIDTA, (NEHIDTA) will 

reduce drug availability through multi-agency 

collocated and commingled intelligencedriven drug task forces aimed at eliminating 

or reducing domestic drug trafficking and its 

harmful consequences by enhancing and 

coordinating drug trafficking and financial 

crimes control efforts. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaat

tt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The greater Boston area has been identified as

a primary heroin market in the United States 

based on high levels of abuse, significant 

consequences of that abuse, and widespread 

distribution. Low prices and high purity 

levels persist with street dosages selling for as

low as $4.00 and purity levels as high as 

95%. 

72

Colombian criminal groups continue to supply 

the region via the New York “pipeline” and 

several secondary distribution cities in 

Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. 

Crack cocaine and powdered cocaine continue 

to be significant threats to the New England 

area. These drugs, like heroin, are the two 

most commonly encountered threats that are 

facing our region. Throughout New England, 

the availability of cocaine hydrochloride 

remained stable, while the availability of

crack cocaine continues to rise. 

44%

26%

20%

10%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Percentage

Drug Type

New England Drug Threat-2004

Heroin

Crack / Cocaine

Marijuana

Pharmaceuticals
Information from federal, state and local law 

enforcement agencies have identified 

hydroponic marijuana readily available in all 

of the six New England states. In recent 

years, hydroponic marijuana, either from

Canada or indoor grows, had only been 

observed in Northern New England. However, 

currently hydroponic marijuana can be 

obtained throughout the entire New England 

area. 

The availability and abuse of diverted 

pharmaceuticals continue to threaten the New

England states. Specifically, Oxycodone 

(OxyContin) and MDMA (Ecstasy) pose the 

most significant threat to New England. 

73

The New England area also faces the United 

States/Canadian border threat. There is 

availability of all types of illegal drugs in the 

northern border regions of Vermont, New 

Hampshire and Maine. The US/Canadian 

border is a 4,000-mile stretch that is an 

increasing threat for drug trafficking and 

terrorism. Accompanying the ever-increasing 

drug activity, the quality of life issues such as 

violence, corruption and economic depletion 

of US currency are all inherent and latent 

threats. 

SSSt

ttrrraaattteeegggyyyAAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The strategy for the New England HIDTA is 

to reduce drug availability and its harmful 

consequences focusing on the flow of drugs 

from New York, Canada and elsewhere into 

New England and enhancing and coordinating 

drug trafficking and financial crimes control 

efforts among Federal, state and local law 

enforcement agencies. This is accomplished 

by collecting, analyzing and disseminating 

information and intelligence on drug 

trafficking and money laundering 

organizations to the NEHIDTA task forces 

and other law enforcement agencies. This 

intelligence is then used by NEHIDTA 

collocated federal, state and local task forces 

to initiate intelligence-driven investigations 

on the major organizations. Representatives 

from over 100 federal, state and local agencies 

support the NEHIDTA with the sharing of 

resources and information / intelligence. In 

order to reduce the flow of drugs along the 

pipeline and dismantle the drug trafficking 

organizations the New England HIDTA has 

established a total of 15 initiatives throughout 

New England. 

The law enforcement executives on the 

Executive Board and the Director and Staff 

are the command and control of 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 of attacking the drug 

trafficking organizations. 

Middlesex 
II

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The New England HIDTA’s Investigative 

Support Center (ISC) is co-managed by the 

FBI and the Massachusetts State Police. The 

ISC has two operational components; the 

Watch Center and the Analytical Services 

Section. A DEA Analytical supervisor 

manages the Analytical Section. The ISC is 

made up of investigators from federal, state 

and local law enforcement agencies. There are 

Federal and civilian intelligence analysts in 

the Analytical Section. The mission of the ISC

is to proactively collect, evaluate, collate, 

analyze and disseminate detailed and relevant 

all-source information concerning drug 

trafficking and money laundering operations. 

An integral component governing the success 

of the NEHIDTA is the free exchange of 

intelligence information among all HIDTA 

participants and other Federal, state and local 

agencies throughout the region. The analytical 

section and watch center provides support to 

major investigations. These investigations 

have resulted in 2152 arrests and 277 drug 

trafficking organizations dismantled for 2003. 

The ISC utilizes advanced computer 

technology to assist in the collection, analysis, 

retrieval, and dissemination of all the 

collected data. The ISC has a protocol for 

documenting major criminal conspiracies, 

which is utilized to support historical 

conspiracy prosecutions on significant drug 

trafficking organizations operating in New 

England. The New England Watch Center 

has partnered with the Gulf Coast, Houston, 

Atlanta and Mid-West, West Texas and 

Appalachia HIDTA’s users group to provide 

input and utilize an Internet based Event and 

Target Deconfliction application. The 

NEHIDTA ISC is linked to and utilizes 

federal, state and local intelligence databases, 

such as FBI ACS, DEA DRUG X, ICE 

TECSII, US Marshal’s Service Warrant 

Information Management System, MA Board 

of Probation, MA State Police RAMS, 

NESPIN, CT Suspect Pointer Index System, 

VT Suspect Pointer Index System and the 

Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department. The 

ISC will connect to the National Virtual 

Pointer System to enhance information 

sharing with Federal, state and local law 

enforcement. The NEHIDTA provides 

outstanding support to federal, state and local 

law enforcement agencies. 

PPPaaarrrt

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Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and 

Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, 

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal 

Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation 

Division, JTF-6, United States Attorney's for 

New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode 

Island, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, United 

States Coast Guard, United States Marshals 

for Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, 

Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, 

United States Postal Service, United States 

Secret Service, Bureau of Immigration and 

2002 2003

1690

190

2152

277

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

Year

Drug Trafficking Organizations Dismantled

Arrests

DTOs

dismantled

Customs Enforcement and Naval Investigative 

Service. 

State: Connecticut State Police, Attorney 

General’s Office, Connecticut, Connecticut 

National Guard, Connecticut Air National 

Guard, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, 

Attorney General’s Office, Maine, 

Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts 

Department of Corrections, Massachusetts 

74
Parole Office, Attorney General’s Office, 

Massachusetts, Massachusetts National 

Guard, New Hampshire State Police, New 

Hampshire National Guard, New Hampshire 

Attorney General's Drug Task Force, 

Attorney General’s Office, New Hampshire, 

Rhode Island State Police, Rhode Island 

National Guard, Attorney General’s Office, 

Rhode Island, Vermont State Police, Vermont 

National Guard, Attorney General’s Office, 

Rhode Island, Rhode Island Airport Police. 

Local: Boston, MA Police Department, 

Branford, CT Police Department, Bridgeport, 

CT Police Department, Bristol, CT Police 

Department, Brockton, MA, Police 

Department, Burlington, VT, Police 

Department, Central Falls, RI, Police 

Department, Cranston, RI Police Department, 

Derby, CT Police Department, Easton, CT 

Police Department, East Haven, CT Police 

Department, Essex County, MA, District 

Attorney’s Office, Essex County, MA 

Sheriff’s Department, Essex, VT, Police 

Department, Fairfield, CT, Police Department, 

Framingham, MA Police Department, 

Hamden, CT Police Department, Hartford, 

CT, Police Department, Lawrence, MA, 

Police Department, Lewiston, ME, Police 

Department, Lowell, MA Police Department, 

Lynn, MA Police Department, Manchester, 

NH Police Department, Methuen, MA, Police 

Department, Middletown, RI Police 

Department, Nashua, NH Police Department, 

New Haven, CT, Police Department, New 

London, CT, Police Department, New 

Milford, Ct, Police Department, Newtown, 

CT, Police Department, North Andover, MA 

Police Department, Norwalk, CT, Police 

Department, Orange, CT Police Department, 

Pawtucket, RI Police Department, Providence, 

RI, Police Department, Scarborough, ME, 

Police Department, Seymour, CT Police 

Department, Shelton, CT Police Department, 

Southbridge, MA Police Department, 

Stamford, CT Police Department, Stratford, 

CT Police Department, Trumball, CT Police 

Department, Waterford, CT Police 

Department, Watertown, CT Police 

Department, Warwick, RI Police Department, 

Webster, MA Police Department, Westerly, 

RI Police Department, West Haven, CT Police 

Department, Woonsocket, RI Police 

Department. 

Other: State Medical Examiners; State 

Directors of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and 

State/Local Directors of Emergency Medical 

Services in New Hampshire, Connecticut, 

Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, and Rhode 

Island, Connecticut POST, Holy Family 

Hospital, Methuen, MA. 

SSSiiigggnnniiifffi

iicccaaannnt

tt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeeennntttsss:::

HIDTA of the Year Award – The NEHIDTA 

is the proud recipient of the HIDTA of the 

Year Award for 2003. The award was 

presented to NEHIDTA Executive Board 

members and the Deputy Director, ISC 

manager and the Director at the National 

HIDTA Conference in Washington, DC. 

Winning this award is most gratifying because 

it is a team award and reflects the hard work, 

dedication and cooperative spirit of the law 

enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, 

participating agencies, Executive Board and 

Director and Staff of the NEHIDTA. Many 

thanks to ONDCP for recognizing the 

NEHIDTA with this prestigious honor. 

Heroin Advisory Group – The New England 

HIDTA Heroin Advisory Group was formed 

to address the heroin epidemic in the six New 

England states that is caused by the very pure 

and potent heroin that is found throughout the 

region. The group consists of medical 

examiners, law enforcement officers, 

prosecutors, prevention and education 

specialists, treatment professionals, 

emergency service personnel and doctors. 

The Heroin Advisory Group has established a 

regional strategy and action items to deal with 

75
the heroin problem in a comprehensive, 

coordinated manner. 

Training Initiative – Methuen, MA 

This initiative became operational in June 

2003 and has provided training to 214 

Federal, state and local law enforcement 

officers for a total of 3,665 student hours. 

Investigative Support Center – Methuen, 

MA. The NEHIDTA Watch Center, in 

partnership with the Gulf Coast HIDTA, 

provided Event Deconfliction services to 

NEHIDTA Task Forces. In six months, the 

Watch Center entered 1069 events, 

updated/edited 516 events and resolved 238 

conflicts. This system will be expanded to 

support other agencies in the future.

Greater Boston HIDTA Task Force – 

Boston, MA In a joint investigation with the 

Financial Task Force this task force arrested 

the leaders of an entrenched heroin and 

cocaine DTO. This task force successfully 

dismantled the Latin Kings Street Gang in 

Lawrence, MA with the arrest of twenty 

members, including the leadership. 

Central Massachusetts Task Force - 

Worcester, MA This task force participated in 

a multi-jurisdictional OCDETF investigation 

that resulted in the seizure of 283 kilos of 

cocaine in Maine. 

New England HIDTA Fugitive Task Force – 

Boston, MA -This task force has arrested 382 

individuals; 24 of these arrests were for 

homicides connected to drug violence.

Rhode Island Task Force – Providence, 

Rhode Island – initiated 66 investigations 

resulting in 80 arrests. This task force seized 

assets valued at almost $1.5 million. 

New Haven-Fairfield County Task 

Force/Hartford County HIDTA 

Transportation Task Force - Middletown, CT 

- These very successful task forces had over 

1000 arrests. The drug trafficking arrests were 

for significant amounts of heroin, crack 

cocaine and cocaine.

Providence County Transportation Task 

Force – Warwick, RI –This task force 

dismantled a major marijuana trafficking 

organization linked to a CPOT target. The 

task force seized $500,000 in assets and the 

main target received a 10-year prison 

sentence. 

Southern New Hampshire Task Force – 

Concord, NH –This task force initiated 31 

drug investigations, arrested 70 mid to upper 

level traffickers and seized assets worth over 

$1.6 million dollars. 

New England HIDTA Financial Task Force

- Boston, MA – This task force initiated an 

investigation of an automobile dealership in 

Massachusetts that has resulted in the arrest of

several drug violators in the Dominican 

Republic and the seizure of four million 

dollars in assets. 

Southwestern Connecticut Task Force – 

Bridgeport, CT- This task force is 

investigating significant Consolidated Priority 

Organization Target (CPOT) and OCDETF 

cases. In one of these investigations 27 

organizational members were arrested for the 

distribution of hundred kilogram quantities of

cocaine and multiple kilograms of heroin. 

Northern Vermont Task Force - Burlington, 

VT. This task force identified, penetrated and 

dismantled the largest known heroin 

distribution organization in the State of 

76
Vermont. 

Southern Maine Task Force - Portland, 

Maine. This task force targeted the major 

heroin and cocaine distributors in Cumberland 

County, Maine. As a result, in CY2003 there 

was a decrease in heroin –related overdose 

deaths and decreased availability of controlled

substances in that county. 

77
NN T

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To measurably reduce drug trafficking, 

related money laundering and violent crime

through a balanced partnership of federal, 

state and local law enforcement leaders

directing intelligence-driven initiatives that

are performance-oriented and aimed at

eliminating or reducing drug trafficking and 

its harmful consequences in North Florida 

and the United States. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

COCAINE

The demand, availability and abuse of 

illegal drugs are ever-present in the North 

Florida region. Cocaine HCl and crack 

cocaine remain the most widely used and 

distributed drugs in the NFHIDTA and pose 

the most significant threat to the region.

Seventy percent of the law enforcement 

agencies that participated in the NFHIDTA 

Annual Drug Threat Assessment reported 

that cocaine HCl and crack cocaine were 

their primary drug threat. 

The chart below compares the cocaine and

crack seizures effected by members of the 

NFHIDTA initiatives during CY 2001, CY 

2002 CY 2003 and through September 2004. 

The amount of cocaine seized has increased 

21% during the first three quarters of 2004 

over calendar year 2003. This increase may 

be a result of an increased availability of 

cocaine in the region. 

88

74

38

48

4 2 2 1

0

50

100

Kilograms

Cocaine Crack

Cocaine and Crack Seizures

2001

2002

2003

Sep-04

A comparison of the cocaine and crack seizures effected

by members of the NFHIDTA initiatives.

The following chart compares the number of 

deaths where cocaine either was the cause of

death or was found in the decedent in four 

78 
North Florida districts, according to the 

Florida Medical Examiner’s 2001, 2002 and 

2003 Interim Reports. (Data for 2004 is not 

available). In 2003, there was a 37%

increase in the number of cocaine related 

deaths in North Florida as compared to 

2002. 

78

115

157

0

50

100

150

200

Deaths

Cocaine Related Deaths in

North Florida

2001

2002

2003

Cocaine related deaths in North Florida as reported by

the Florida Medical Examiners.

METHAMPHETAMINE

Methamphetamine has emerged as the 

secondary drug threat, as its production and 

availability in the NFHIDTA continue to 

increase. Members of the NFHIDTA 

initiatives seized 5.6 kilograms of 

methamphetamine during the first three 

quarters of 2004, as compared to 2.4 

kilograms during the same period in 2003. 

This 133% increase may indicate that there 

is an increased availability of the drug in the

region. According to EPIC’s National 

Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System 

(CLSS), methamphetamine related seizures, 

including those of manufacturing 

equipment, chemical dumpsites and 

laboratories, have steadily increased over the 

past several years. In addition, the number

of NFHIDTA counties that are affected by

methamphetamine production is growing. A 

CLSS report revealed that there were eight 

meth-related seizures in three NFHIDTA 

counties during the first three quarters of

2004, as compared to nine laboratory 

seizures in only two NFHIDTA counties 

during the same period in 2003. 

DIVERTED PHARMACEUTICALS

The diversion of pharmaceuticals, 

particularly OxyContin (oxycodone), 

methadone and hydrocodone is an ongoing 

problem. The diversion of pharmaceuticals 

has emerged as the tertiary drug threat. 

SSSt

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Each NFHIDTA participating initiative has 

its own strategies, requirements and 

missions. The NFHIDTA Executive Board 

coordinates the integration and 

synchronization of efforts to reduce drug 

trafficking, eliminate unnecessary 

duplication of equipment or effort, and 

promote the sharing of drug intelligence and

targeting information. 

The NFHIDTA Executive Board is 

comprised of sixteen members from federal, 

state and local agencies. In CY 2004, the 

Executive Board is chaired by Randall 

Bohman, DEA Assistant Special Agent in 

Charge, with Special Agent in Charge Ken

Tucker, Florida Department of Law 

Enforcement, Jacksonville Office, as the 

vice chair. Since the designation of 

NFHIDTA in 2001, a large number of 

participating agencies have worked together 

to coordinate drug suppression activities. 

The activities have extended throughout the 

eight counties within the NFHIDTA and

enhanced the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s

Office, Middle District of Florida; four State 

Attorney’s Offices; nine federal; four state 

and ten local agencies. Partnerships have 

been established with 107 full-time and 36 

part-time participants in ten current

initiatives. The partnerships formed balance 

the efforts to attack drug trafficking within

the region and across the country at every 

level. 

The diversity of the drug trafficking and 

money laundering problems in the 

NFHIDTA require a law enforcement 

approach that includes multi-agency

79 
intelligence sharing. The unique geography 

of the area is also addressed in this

approach. The collocation of the multiagency task forces fosters open lines of 

communication and provides for a 

coordinated law enforcement effort. The 

NFHIDTA is comprised of ten initiatives

that include seven enforcement initiatives,

two support initiatives and one intelligence 

initiative. The intelligence initiative is the 

Northeast Florida Investigative Support 

Center (NeFISC) and the support initiatives 

include the administrative and training 

components. These initiatives focus on 

disrupting and dismantling local, regional, 

national and international drug trafficking 

and money laundering organizations. It is 

important to note that a strong and 

productive relationship exists between the 

OCDETF and the NFHIDTA programs in 

North Florida. The standard for the 

NFHIDTA is the development of OCDETF,

CPOT and RPOT designated investigations. 

The NFHIDTA initiatives are seamlessly

organized into subsystems that focus on a 

counterdrug emphasis. 

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The Northeast Florida Investigative Support 

Center (NeFISC) is collocated with the 

NFHIDTA administrative component. The 

NeFISC is a multi-agency criminal 

investigative support center consisting of a 

coalition of collocated local, state and 

federal law enforcement agencies. The 

NeFISC is staffed by representatives from 

the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Coast 

Guard, the Florida Department of Law 

Enforcement (FDLE), the Florida National 

Guard, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, St. 

Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the 

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The NeFISC 

currently supports a 13 county area that 

includes the eight counties, which make up 

the NFHIDTA. The NeFISC was designed 

to assist law enforcement 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. The NeFISC 

maintains a dedicated NFHIDTA website on 

the RISS network. The goals of NeFISC are 

to produce and provide strategic and 

organizational intelligence, enhance 

information sharing and cooperation, ensure

officer safety through the use of the NINJAS 

event deconfliction system and ensure 

operational efficiency and effectiveness for 

all participating agencies. 

In an effort to enhance communication and 

facilitate information sharing, several 

NeFISC analysts currently utilize the 

ADNETU web share program. In addition, 

the NeFISC developed and implemented an 

officer alert system via e-mail, which sends

out e-mail notifications to over 1,100 

officers throughout North Florida alerting 

them to check the NeFISC web page for 

active criminal intelligence related to

various topics, including officer safety

issues, narcotics information and current 

crime trends. This has been a very

successful notification tool for all federal,

state and local law enforcement agencies

within the region. 

In an effort to enhance analytical skills,

several NeFISC analysts attended Analyst 

Notebook and Link Analysis training to 

refine their skills and prepare them to assist

with complex cases, i.e. in-depth money 

laundering analysis. In addition, several 

NeFISC analysts are undergoing financial 

fraud training in pursuit of a Certified Fraud

Examiner certification to better support 

financial investigations. In an effort to offer 

enhanced quality training, several analysts 

have taken the two-week Instructor 

Techniques course in pursuit of a state 

certification, which will also offer increased

credibility to the NeFISC analysts who

routinely conduct outreach training. 

80 
In addition to the above, NeFISC analysts

also assist in active case analysis, post 

seizure and post arrest analysis, telephone 

toll analysis, trial preparation and 

counterdrug training. In addition to tactical 

case support, NeFISC analysts perform 

strategic analysis, to include researching

current economic, drug and violent crimes 

affecting the region and in-depth threat 

assessments. NeFISC analysts publish the

Annual NFHIDTA Drug Threat Assessment, 

along with a Semi-Annual Drug Threat 

Assessment and a minimum of two 

additional drug threat assessments on 

specific drug trends affecting the region. 

PPPaaarrrtttiiiccci

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iieeesss::: 

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and

Firearms; Drug Enforcement

Administration; Federal Bureau of 

Investigation; Internal Revenue Service; 

Bureau of Immigration and Customs

Enforcement; Naval Criminal Investigative

Service; U.S. Marshals Service; US 

Attorney’s Office; U.S. Coast Guard and

U.S. Coast Guard.

State/Local: Baker County Sheriff’s 

Office; Baldwin Police Department; Clay 

County Sheriff’s Office; Flagler County 

Sheriff’s Office; Florida Department of Law 

Enforcement; Florida Highway Patrol; 

Florida National Guard; State Attorney’s 

Office; Jacksonville Beach Police 

Department; Jacksonville International 

Airport Police; Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office; 

Ocala Police Department; Marion County 

Sheriff’s Office; Palatka Police Department; 

St. Augustine Police Department; St. Johns 

County Sheriff’s Office; Fernandina Beach 

Police Department; Nassau County Sheriff’s 

Office; and Ocala Police Department. 

SSSiiigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

The NFHIDTA initiatives have made

outstanding achievements in disrupting and 

dismantling drug trafficking organizations 

that have been identified in the region. Their 

combined efforts have led to successfully

disrupting 19 and dismantling 12 of the 31

identified drug trafficking organizations 

YTD 2004 in the NFHIDTA. Thirteen 

newly identified DTOs are currently being

targeted. 

One of the most recent notable long-term 

investigations, “Operation Up in Smoke”

was a joint effort by members of 

NFHIDTA’s Prescription and Designer 

Drug Squad and North Florida HIDTA Task 

Force, the U.S. Drug Enforcement

Administration, the Internal Revenue 

Service and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s 

Office. This multi-agency, multi-initiative 

investigation was designated as an RPOT 

and an OCDETF. On March 31, 2004, this 

yearlong investigation culminated in the

arrest of 20 individuals and the seizure of 

nearly $130,000 U.S. currency, 23 

kilograms of marijuana, a Rolex watch, 16

vehicles, 18 guns, two RF detectors, several 

computers, various drug packaging 

equipment and multiple spin-off cases that

are currently under investigation. The 

arrested individuals were members of a 

marijuana/MDMA trafficking and money 

laundering Asian organization primarily 

based in the Jacksonville, Florida area.

During the past three years, this organization 

was responsible for the distribution of 

thousands of pounds of high quality 

Canadian marijuana and thousands of tablets 

of MDMA throughout North Florida. The 

head of the Jacksonville cell brokered the 

importation of BC Bud and MDMA from 

his Canadian suppliers into the U.S. and 

then distributed the drugs to his two upper 

level distributors. His “second-in-command”

was not only a distributor, but also stepped 

in while the group’s leader was out of the 

81 
country. By compartmentalizing each aspect 

(importation, transportation, distribution, 

communication) of his group, the leader 

limited the risk of being compromised by 

other members. Infiltration by outsiders was 

nearly impossible due to the close-knit 

nature of this Asian organization. A Title III 

was initiated in December 2003, which 

resulted in the documentation of numerous

pertinent telephone calls made between the 

Jacksonville broker/leader and his coconspirators. Conversations among 

confidential sources and the targets of this 

investigation revealed that millions of U.S. 

dollars in marijuana proceeds were delivered

to the Canadian sources of supply. Unknown 

to the head of the Jacksonville group, a 

portion of the MDMA distributed by his 

“second-in-command” originated from a 

Vietnamese in Pennsylvania. Both the leader 

of the group and his “second-in-command”

wire transferred large amounts of money to 

Vietnam and invested it in real estate and

businesses. “Operation Up in Smoke” was 

part of a larger, international investigation

known as “Operation Candy Box.” 

82 
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TTTeeexxxaaasss::: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Henderson, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, 

Kaufman, Lubbock, Navarro, Parker, Rockwall, Smith and Tarrant 

 Counties. OOOkkklllaaahhhooommmaa:: Cleveland, Comanche, Muskogee, Sequoyah, Oklahoma, and 

Tulsa Counties. 

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The mission of the North Texas HIDTA is to 

reduce the availability of illicit drugs and

drug related violence by creating 

intelligence driven task forces aimed at 

attacking, dismantling, and destroying drug 

trafficking organizations operating in this

region and impacting other areas of the 

country. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The North Texas HIDTA is a national 

transshipment and distribution region for 

drugs arriving from Mexico, destined for 

northern Texas and Oklahoma as well as 

other areas within the United States. Drug 

traffickers use the North Texas HIDTA 

region for the transport, storage, and 

distribution of illicit drugs, exploiting its

transportation infrastructure to facilitate the

movement of illicit drugs. Numerous 

interstate highways and roadways that 

support a high volume of traffic transect 

Oklahoma as well as Texas. Oklahoma’s 

unique geographical location contributes to 

its role as a major transshipment supplier of

precursor chemicals for the manufacture of 

methamphetamine. The international air and 

land transportation corridors further 

facilitate the movement of illicit drugs 

through the North Texas HIDTA region. 

Drug trafficking groups primarily transport 

their product into and through northern 

Texas and Oklahoma using Interstates 20, 

30, 35, and 45. Interstates 35 and 40 

provide north/south and east/west passage 

through Oklahoma. This collective highway 

system effectively provides ready access to

and from the Texas/Mexico border and into 

and through the North Texas HIDTA region. 

The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport 

is one of the busiest in the world, affording 

traffickers a major transshipment facility for 

drug cargo arriving internationally as well as

for couriers transporting shipments to other 

cities throughout the United States. 

Traffickers also take advantage of the vast 

and growing population of the Dallas/Fort 

Worth region, one of the largest and most 

 83
ethnically diverse metropolitan areas in the

nation. 

Methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and 

marijuana all pose serious drug threats to the

North Texas HIDTA region. However, the 

growing and continuing abuse, availability,

production, and trafficking of 

methamphetamine constitutes the greatest 

concern in the area. Seizures of small-scale 

clandestine laboratories are increasingly

common, particularly in rural locations 

throughout northern Texas and Oklahoma. 

Increased availability, addiction potential, 

and health hazards, coupled with the 

associated violence and dangers of 

methamphetamine production and costly 

cleanup operations associated with

clandestine laboratory residue, make this 

substance particularly harmful. 

Cocaine, both powder and crack, are readily 

available and continue to be a primary drug 

threat. As with the other major drugs, the 

Dallas/Fort Worth area is considered a 

wholesale distribution and transshipment

center for cocaine. Abundant supply, high 

purity and stable prices contribute to the 

persistent availability and abuse of this drug. 

Most of the cocaine produced in Colombia 

is transported through Mexico and into the 

United States and is distributed primarily by 

Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations. 

Widespread availability and a growing 

potential market of young users make heroin 

a serious threat to the North Texas HIDTA 

region. Mexican black tar is the most 

commonly encountered type of heroin, 

followed by Mexican brown heroin. The 

Dallas/Fort Worth area of the North Texas 

HIDTA region serves as a transshipment

point from sources south of the border in 

Mexico, as well as a consumer base for both 

of these substances. 

Marijuana is the most commonly abused and 

trafficked drug in the North Texas HIDTA 

region. The omnipresent threat of marijuana 

lies primarily in its widespread availability,

popularity, and its general misperception as 

a “harmless” drug. It is the drug of choice 

for many adults and adolescents alike. In

addition to the abundant supply of foreign 

grown marijuana, domestically cultivated

cannabis is available as well. 

Money resulting from drug trafficking is 

often smuggled in bulk shipments to Mexico 

via tractor-trailer, privately owned vehicles, 

parcel delivery services and couriers. Other 

methods preferred by money launderers 

include the use of seemingly legitimate

businesses and wire transfers. 

SSStttrrraaattteeegggyyyAAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The strategy of the North Texas HIDTA is

to accomplish its mission of reducing the 

availability of illicit drugs and drug related

violence, through the following elements: 

1) Wide participation by federal, state and 

local law enforcement agencies in all North

Texas HIDTA initiatives - during FY-2004 

law enforcement agencies will contribute

approximately 162 personnel to the North 

Texas HIDTA region for assignments on 

investigative and intelligence initiatives. 

2) The operation of a well managed HIDTA 

program, led by an Executive Board, and 

implemented by the HIDTA Director and 

staff, 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. 

3) The collocation and commingling of the

majority of the task forces along with the 

Regional Intelligence Support Center within 

a central operations facility. Oklahoma task 

forces are collocated in three locations; two 

in Oklahoma City and one in Tulsa. 

4) The operation of a Regional Intelligence

Support Center and Oklahoma Intelligence 

Center to provide threat assessment, 

deconfliction coordination, and full 

 84
intelligence support to the North Texas

HIDTA initiatives, as well as all law 

enforcement in the North Texas/Oklahoma 

region. 

IIInnnvvveeesssttti

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tteeerrr::: 

The Regional Intelligence Support Center 

(RISC), co-managed by DEA and the Dallas 

Police Department and staffed with 

intelligence analysts and officers from a 

variety of federal, state and local law 

enforcement agencies. It provides

comprehensive case support, database 

checks and deconfliction services. This work 

is completed for HIDTA initiatives, member 

agencies and area law enforcement

departments. 

The RISC Watch Center is designed 

primarily to enhance officer safety by 

providing deconfliction of subjects and drug 

operations to all law enforcement agencies

within the region. This center provides over 

4,600 event and subject deconflictions a 

year for law enforcement agencies in the 

North Texas HIDTA region. 

RISC Tactical/Case Support staff 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. Last year 491 intelligence 

profiles were prepared and over 17,900 

database searches conducted. 

The RISC provides research for North Texas 

HIDTA initiatives, has access to all major 

law enforcement intelligence systems and 

public information databases, provides 

specific case support to the North Texas 

HIDTA investigative initiatives, and 

promotes participation by area law

enforcement agencies. The North Texas 

HIDTA RISC also operates intelligence

subsystems in East Texas (Tyler) and 

Oklahoma City. These centers work in 

conjunction with the RISC and provide 

similar services to their respective regions. 

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Federal: 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

Drug Enforcement Administration 

Federal Bureau of Investigation 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement 

Internal Revenue Service 

United States Marshal’s Service 

State: 

Texas Department of Public Safety 

Texas National Guard 

Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics 

Local: 

Collin County Sheriff’s Office 

Dallas County District Attorney 

Dallas County Sheriff’s Office 

Denton County Sheriff’s Office 

Ellis County Sheriff’s Office 

Gregg County Sheriff’s Office 

Gregg County District Attorney 

Harrison County District Attorney 

Navarro County Sheriff’s Office 

Smith County Sheriff’s Office 

Smith County District Attorney 

Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office 

Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office 

Arlington Police Department 

Broken Arrow Police Department 

Coppell Police Department 

Dallas Police Department 

Denton Police Department 

Fort Worth Police Department 

Garland Police Department 

Grand Prairie Police Department 

Irving Police Department 

Jenks Police Department 

Kilgore Police Department 

Longview Police Department 

Marshall Police Department 

Oklahoma City Police Department 

Plano Police Department 

Richardson Police Department 

 85
Tulsa Police Department 

Tyler Police Department. 

SSSiiigggnnni

iifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss::: 

North Texas HIDTA Eastern Drug Squad

initiated a crack cocaine case in July 2002, 

targeting several subjects who were selling 

kilo quantities of crack cocaine in the Dallas 

and Ellis County area of north Texas. 

During the investigation, it was determined 

that members of this drug trafficking 

enterprise were distributing cocaine and

marijuana in Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi 

and Ohio, and had direct ties to Mexican 

drug trafficking organizations. Members of 

the investigative team included Task Force 

Officers Tommy Hale, Brad Norman, and 

the late Tom Pease. Primary DEA 

participants were Special Agent Don York 

and Intelligence Analyst Lynn Beshears, all 

working with Assistant United States

Attorney Daniel Guess. Significant 

traffickers involved the importation of 

hundreds of kilos of cocaine from Mexico 

into the United States were identified as well 

as their extensive network of stash houses in 

Dallas. The organization was also involved 

in the smuggling of fully automatic firearms

from the United States into Mexico as well 

as the movement of millions of dollars in

drug proceeds. 

This investigation, dubbed “Operation Fifth 

Wheel”, led to the identification and

indictment of a Mexican Source of Supply 

and ultimately culminated in the indictment 

and arrest of 25 subjects in Texas and 

Oklahoma in June and July 2003. Seizures 

included several vehicles, numerous 

firearms (including fully automatic machine 

guns), over 160 kilos of cocaine, and 

approximately $2.8 million in cash. 

The investigative team, led by DEA Group 

Supervisor Glenn Schneider, worked 

virtually a 24-hour a day, seven-day-a-week 

routine to further identify significant 

traffickers and piece the organization

together. The North Texas HIDTA Eastern 

Drug Squad received a 2004 National 

Award for Outstanding OCDETF

Investigation “Operation Fifth Wheel”. The 

group also received one of the 2003 

International Narcotic Officers Association

Special Agency Awards (DEA) in 2003. 

The same year, “Operation Fifth Wheel” 

was further recognized as one of the 

Regional OCDETF Cases of the Year 

Award. Glenn Schneider, DEA Group 

Supervisor for the North Texas HIDTA 

Eastern Drug Squad, received recognition

for Outstanding Group Supervisor of the 

Year and Ellis County Sheriff’s Officer Brad 

Norman was awarded the Northern Region 

Officer of the Year at the Texas Narcotics

Officers Association (TNOA) conference in 

Fort Worth, Texas, on September 1, 2004. 

 86
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ffooorrrnnniiiaaa::: Alameda, Contra Costa, Lake, Marin, Monterey, San 

Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and 

Sonoma counties. 

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:: (415) 436-8530 

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The mission of the Northern California 

HIDTA (NC HIDTA), in support of the

National Drug Control Policy, is to 

measurably reduce the impact of regional 

drug production, trafficking and distribution 

of illicit drugs and drug-related violence in

ten San Francisco Bay Area counties. This 

mission is focused through initiatives

specializing in intelligence, investigation, 

interdiction, prosecution and demand 

reduction. When appropriate, the Executive 

Board may direct responses to other threats 

in support of the National Drug Control 

Policy. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssst

ttrrraaacccttt:::

The ten counties composing the San 

Francisco Bay region continue to be primary 

manufacturing, trans-shipment, distribution, 

and consumption areas for illegal drugs. 

This can be attributed to a number of 

economic, demographic, and geographic 

factors, including a large population base 

(approximately 7 million people), major 

national and international transportation

centers, and economic disparity. The region 

is a center for international banking and

finance, and hosts large national and 

international businesses. The NC HIDTA 

region includes three major cities, over 100 

smaller cities and eight Indian reservations. 

San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose each 

have international airports and other major 

transportation facilities. The NC HIDTA 

region has 300 miles of coastal shoreline 

and includes three international ports and

numerous private harbors. The Port of

Oakland's cargo volume makes it the fourth 

busiest container port in the United States. 

Almost 60% of the Port’s trade is with Asia.

Interstate freeways bring millions of cars

and trucks transiting from Mexico, Canada, 

and other states. Law enforcement is 

provided to the area by over 100 local and 

87
State law enforcement agencies and 15 

Federal agencies. 

Specific aspects of the threat in this region

include: 

Methamphetamine has been growing in 

popularity across the nation in recent years. 

California has been identified as the source

region for the highest volume of 

domestically produced methamphetamine. 

From here, finished product is moved across 

the nation. Statewide, between January and 

early September 2004, California agencies 

seized 37 high-capacity (ten pounds or 

higher capacity) clandestine laboratories

(“clan labs”). Oregon, with the seizure of 

five, follows California in the number of 

high capacity clan labs seized. While 

California’s over-all clan lab seizures 

decreased from 2002 to 2003, the decrease is 

attributed to the reduced number of small 

clan labs operating, while the number of 

large-capacity clan labs remained stable.

The consensus among the region’s narcotic 

investigators is that more methamphetamine 

is coming directly from Mexico, some of 

which has been converted into the crystal 

form in Mexico. 

149

112

56

0

50

100

150

Number

of Labs

NC HIDTA Lab Seizures

2001 2002 2003 

Intelligence sources report “crystal” appears 

to have become more popular than powder 

methamphetamine throughout the NC 

HIDTA region. 

The NC HIDTA region is home to 

individuals who are connected to 

methamphetamine production in our area 

and the California Central Valley. Mexican 

National Drug Trafficking Organizations 

(DTOs) serve as the primary manufacturing

and distribution groups. 

 

Although methamphetamine can be 

consumed in a variety of ways, smoking is 

the most common method of ingestion in 

this region for both crystal (ice) and powder

methamphetamine. The primary sources for 

both forms of methamphetamine are 

Mexican National manufacturing DTOs. 

Area treatment providers report that 

methamphetamine is the most difficult drug 

to treat. Methamphetamine abusers are 

often excitable, displaying varying degrees 

of agitation and paranoia frequently 

associated with violent behavior. Untreated 

meth addicts are strongly associated with

identity theft as a means of support. 

The full extent of environmental damage

from clandestine methamphetamine

production is unknown. Soil and water 

supplies suffer from improper waste 

disposal. 

The volume of pseudoephedrine (a 

precursor for the manufacturing of 

methamphetamine) entering the U.S. from 

Canada has been diminished due to the 

recent efforts of Canadian and American law 

enforcement. Taiwan is now becoming a 

major pseudoephedine source. California 

law enforcement agencies have seized large 

quantities of pseudoephedrine tablets that 

have been shipped from Taiwan by maritime 

container to Southern California for use by 

Mexican national DTOs. 

MDMA, GHB, and other so-called “Club 

Drugs” have been identified as a threat and 

88
are readily available in the urban areas of the 

NC HIDTA region. These drugs are 

prevalent in the nightclub and rave dance 

scenes, and the use of ecstasy resulted in at 

least three overdose deaths during 2003. 

The interdiction of these club drugs 

continues to be a high priority for many law 

enforcement agencies within the NC 

HIDTA’s ten-county region. Asian crime

groups are increasingly involved in the 

production and importation of MDMA. 

Many of these groups are also involved in 

identity theft and other fraudulent activities. 

The diversion of prescription drugs is a 

growing concern in the NC HIDTA region; 

as reported to NDIC by treatment providers. 

Oxycontin and related drugs are popular, 

even among high-school users. Ritalin

continues to be a concern, especially among 

young people. 

Cocaine and heroin continue to be available 

to the NC HIDTA region’s user population 

and are brought into the region primarily by 

Mexican national smuggling DTOs. Retail 

distribution is accomplished by local 

trafficking organizations. The region 

continues to be a distribution hub, 

responsible for the movement of heroin and 

cocaine to adjoining states and the Midwest.

One drug treatment provider is reporting a 

recent dramatic increase in the number of 

persons seeking treatment for cocaine 

addiction. Most of the heroin and cocaine 

imported for trans-shipment is destined for 

the Pacific Northwest and Midwest.

Marijuana availability continues to be a

threat. Marijuana is imported into the area

from Mexico, Canada, and domestic source 

areas. Within the area, large commercial 

marijuana plantations are frequently seized

on both private and public lands. The trend 

of Mexican National DTOs controlling these 

major operations continues. Medicinal 

cannabis cultivation cooperatives and sales

to purported medically qualified people is a 

difficult issue, which occasionally brings

Federal and local agencies into conflict.

Federal agencies investigating these

operations for violation of federal law find 

that local agencies are frequently unable to

assist in these investigations due to

directives from their local political

leadership. Despite the complications to

marijuana enforcement, several large 

seizures have been made of multiple

hundreds, even multiple thousands of 

growing plants in Northern California. 

Indoor grows continue to be a concern, as 

they are difficult to detect. 

Gangs and other violent groups conduct 

much of the area’s street distribution of 

methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and 

marijuana. Violence is strongly associated 

with the drug business and with 

territorial/respect disputes. Outlaw

motorcycle gangs are also actively involved 

in the drug trade. Some members are found 

to be involved in distribution of drugs or 

importation of marijuana from Canada, and 

some local distributors have ties to Mexican 

traffickers. Weapon and violent offenses are 

also part of their criminal involvement. 

 

Khat is sometimes shipped into the area

from Somalia and Yemen. It is not a 

significant threat at this time, but is 

monitored. Recently, the International Mail 

Facility was the site of seizures of dried

Khat. 

SSSt

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The NC HIDTA area includes the counties 

of Alameda (including Oakland), Contra 

Costa, Lake, Marin, Monterey, San 

Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara (San 

Jose), Santa Cruz and Sonoma. The 

Executive Board is comprised of sixteen

89
local, state and federal law enforcement 

leaders from the region. The NC HIDTA 

Administrative and Intelligence Initiatives

are located in the San Francisco Federal 

Building. Fourteen enforcement initiatives 

have received HIDTA funding for 2004, and 

thirteen will in 2005. These task forces are 

located throughout the region. They address 

the region’s primary threats from 

methamphetamine, plus cocaine, club drugs, 

heroin, violent drug-related groups, and 

financial crimes (in 2005). 

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaatttiiivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr:::

In support of the initiatives, NC HIDTA 

created a narcotic information network. 

This regional network is called the Bay Area 

Narcotics Information Network (BAYNIN). 

It provides operational deconfliction through 

the Western States Information Network

(WSIN), which is part of the nationwide 

RISS project. This deconfliction system 

enhances officer safety for all enforcement

groups within the NC HIDTA region, and is 

co-located with the Los Angeles

Clearinghouse (LA CLEAR). LA CLEAR 

provides operational and target deconfliction

to several HIDTA’s in the western states. 

The analysts of the NC HIDTA Intelligence

Group provide research, intercept support, 

analysis, presentation materials, as well as 

training to drug investigators and other 

analysts in our region. This group has 

brought together multiple state, local and 

federal agencies through support of highlevel OCDETF and CPOT cases. We have

also supported our communities in 

emergencies such as drug-related violence 

episodes by helping to locate suspects and

fugitives. The Intelligence Group, as the

largest drug enforcement analysis unit in our 

region, has offered training to analysts in 

many departments. A two-week analyst 

course (FLEAT) was offered during 2004, 

co-sponsored by DEA and HIDTA. 

Hands-on training in the use of tools and 

analytical methods has been provided 

through on site training at the HIDTA office 

for five local departments as well. We

anticipate the growth of this program to 

include federal and National Guard analysts. 

The BAYNIN Intelligence Group supports 

priority investigations region-wide. 

Connections between criminal groups are 

found by bringing analysts and investigators 

together, and by storing investigative data in

NC HIDTA databases. This pooling of

intelligence in a central location provides a

conduit for developing and passing leads 

from one investigator to another. These 

investigators may be in the local area or in

other states. The sharing within and across

regions benefits the NC HIDTA as well as 

the nationwide drug enforcement effort. 

NC HIDTA BAYNIN also maintains and 

staffs a wire intercept room containing the 

most advanced surveillance equipment 

available. This facility is available for use 

by any of the NC HIDTA initiatives or

agencies. Information gathered through the 

use of this technology is shared with the

BAYNIN Intelligence Group for analysis. 

A regional equipment pool has been 

established by BAYNIN to make high 

technology counterdrug equipment available 

to all agencies within the NC HIDTA. The 

pool specializes in equipment that is too 

expensive for a single agency to own, but 

used frequently on a regional basis. The 

equipment pool is accessible 24 hours-perday, seven-days-a-week. 

The Intelligence Support Center also 

provides computer forensic support to NC 

HIDTA initiatives. Trained technicians are 

available to assist agents with the seizure of

computers and related equipment and then 

later to conduct a forensic analysis of the 

90
equipment. This capability has been 

extremely useful in several investigations. 

SSSiiigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

Bay Area Transportation Initiative and 

Club Drug Strike Force: The NC HIDTA 

Transportation Initiative and Club Drug 

Strike Force targeted an international 

supplier of GBL, who was indicted in June 

2004. The supplier was based in Aberdeen, 

Scotland, where GBL is legally distributed. 

However, it was not legal to sell it to 

customers in the U.S. Cooperation between 

the two initiatives and with Scottish

authorities made this effort successful. 

The Club Drug Initiative first targeted a 

primary customer based in the San Francisco 

area. The Transportation Initiative (BAHT, 

SF Airport Group) was able to develop other 

leads out of the area, ultimately assisting

with the opening of investigations in other 

parts of California, Florida, New Jersey, 

Pennsylvania, and other Western States.

The BAHT has indicted the supplier and the

primary customer in San Francisco. 

This supplier provided the basis for roughly 

five million dosage units of GHB in a threeyear period. His removal from commerce 

should reduce the availability of GHB in 

several U.S. locations. 

Oakland Violent Drug Task Force: 

This initiative began in early 2003, targeting 

the most violent drug offenders in the 

Oakland area. These individuals are 

believed to be part of groups that fight for 

territory, like gangs, but have little to no 

formal structure. Oakland suffered from a 

very high homicide rate in 2003 (UCR 

listings show 109 murders for a population 

of 407,003). The Task Force hoped to have 

an impact on violence in Oakland. The 

investigation ultimately monitored several 

pen registers and wires, collecting numerous 

targets for indictment. Twenty or more

subjects have been arrested and/or indicted 

in 2004. Since the arrests, the homicide rate 

in Oakland has been lower than the same 

point in 2003. While law enforcement is 

unable to scientifically draw a conclusion 

from this, we believe that the removal of 

numerous repeatedly violent offenders, on 

federal charges, has had an impact on the 

crime in Oakland. 

Many targets of the investigation have 

extensive criminal histories for drug 

trafficking, firearms violations, felonious 

assault, assault with a deadly weapon, rape, 

and homicide. Investigation uncovered ties 

to past crimes of violence, solicitation of

murder for hire, and other criminal dealings 

with violent criminal groups. 

Additional indictments are possible as the 

data is analyzed. Follow-up investigations 

have been opened, and a connected case 

targeting a Mexican drug supplier has been 

assisted. 

Each department in this task force brought 

its best talent, information, and support. 

This effort is an outstanding example of how 

local departments, state officials and federal 

agencies can partner up to make significant 

changes in a community. 

91
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:: Benton, Clark, Cowlitz, Franklin, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Pierce, 

Skagit, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, Whatcom, and Yakima

counties 

CCCooonnnt

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:: Director Dave Rodriguez, telephone (206) 352-3600

MMMi

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:::

The Northwest HIDTA mission is to 

measurably reduce large scale importation

and local drug trafficking by intercepting 

shipments, disrupting local manufacturing 

and trafficking operations, and to reduce 

demand by supporting treatment and 

effective demand reduction programs. The

Northwest HIDTA focuses on high-value 

trafficking targets and financial 

infrastructure. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaat

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The Northwest HIDTA encompasses 14 

counties extending south from the U.S.-

Canada border, through the State Capital in 

Olympia to the Washington-Oregon border. 

It also extends east through the Yakima

Valley to the Washington-Idaho border east 

of Spokane. Washington State’s population 

of over 6 million is primarily concentrated 

in the west with most of the state’s industry, 

whereas the eastern half is primarily

agricultural.

Land Threat – Washington’s highway 

system, specifically the I-5 corridor, remains 

the most commonly used drug smuggling 

route into and through the region. The 

National Forests and National Parks are 

another commonly used route for the 

movement of drugs and money. At the U.S.-

Canada border, high potency marijuana or 

“BC Bud” travels south, while cocaine and

illicit proceeds are smuggled north to 

Canada. It is estimated that 75 to 85 percent 

of the BC Bud grown in British Columbia is 

exported to the U.S. Statistics suggest the 

BC Bud has become one of the largest 

industries in Canada, with annual production 

valued at $6 billion (U.S.). The retail price 

of BC Bud crops is significantly higher in 

92
the United States. In Vancouver, British

Columbia, BC Bud marijuana sells for 

Marijuana Seizures

Source: FDSS

1,477 3,304 4,164 5,605 10,060

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Kilograms

$1,500 to $2,000 per pound, compared to 

$3,000 per pound in Washington and $6,000 

in California. Washington State is a primary 

staging area for the smuggling of BC Bud 

into other states as far as Florida. Federal 

statistics indicate a dramatic increase in

marijuana seizures in Washington State 

between 1999 and 2004, further illustrating 

this trend. Seizures of MDMA (Ecstasy) and

methamphetamine precursors from Canada 

appear to be increasing. Mexican controlled 

drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) use 

the highway system to move black tar 

heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine to 

the state from California and Arizona. Since 

September 11, 2001, there has been a 

significant increase in security at the border 

ports of entry (POE). The potential exists for

land routes between POEs to be used for 

increased drug smuggling. There appears to 

be a shift in smuggling to U.S.-Canada 

border areas east of the Cascade Mountains

to Montana. 

Maritime Threat – The Puget Sound 

contains numerous islands and an extensive 

internal shoreline. The combined ports of

Seattle and Tacoma are the second largest 

load center in the United States with over

3.2 million TEUs, or 20-foot equivalent

units (containers), received annually. The 

volume of maritime traffic and numerous 

pleasure craft and fishing boats that travel 

between British Columbia and the United

States without being inspected, has made the

state vulnerable to the use of maritime

routes to transport drugs. 

Air Threat – Washington State has 7 

international airports, 138 public-landing 

sites, 100 heliports, and numerous privatelanding sites. Smugglers in the movement of 

illicit cargoes via air transportation have

increasingly exploited the “Open Skies 

Agreement” between the United States and 

Canada. There has also been an increase in 

the number of “air-drops” of contraband into 

Washington's National Forests and National 

Parks. 

Domestic Threat – Washington was ranked 

sixth in 2003 in methamphetamine lab 

seizures, down from a rank of third in 2001 

and 2002. There is a trend in precursors 

being imported and smuggled into the state 

versus being obtained locally. This suggests 

that new laws, enforcement, and public 

awareness measures are having effects in 

methamphetamine production and precursor 

accessibility. Local production of

methamphetamine appears to be 

increasingly shifted to areas in the state with 

limited resources to combat this threat. In 

2002 and 2003, the number of marijuana 

plants eradicated from outdoor operations 

surpassed that of indoor grow operations. 

Indoor marijuana grows also provide a 

substantial supply of locally grown high 

potency cannabis, which rivals BC Bud, for

state residents. However, outdoor growing 

operations have increased. 

Intelligence increasingly reflects Mexican

DTOs are using the Yakima Valley area as a 

transshipment hub for methamphetamine, 

cocaine, and black tar heroin to northern 

mid-western states. Illegal proceeds are 

moved in bulk cash shipments and also 

through wire remitters and banks. The

primary method Mexican DTOs use to move

illegal drug proceeds back to Mexico is wire 

remitter services in the state. 

93
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The design and placement of Northwest 

HIDTA initiatives brings a unique blend of 

law enforcement and prevention programs 

together to respond to the drug threat in the 

Pacific Northwest. They incorporate both 

sparse rural and dense urban areas. The 

diverse geographic and demographic 

characteristics require that initiatives employ 

different strategies to meet the unique needs

of each region. The unitized approach to 

countering illegal drug use includes five 

mutually supportive subsystems: 

Intelligence, Investigation, Interdiction, 

Prosecution, and Support (e.g., Prevention). 

Northwest HIDTA initiatives leverage

existing task forces and funding sources to 

create even stronger enforcement programs. 

Although each agency might have their 

individual drug enforcement strategy, the 

HIDTA program unites and combines 

resources for greater effectiveness against 

drug law violators. Initiatives stress the 

partnership, sharing, and co-location of

multi-jurisdictional task forces throughout 

the HIDTA area. These enforcement groups 

concentrate efforts against the high-value 

drug trafficking organizations operating 

within the Northwest HIDTA counties and

against the four most common drugs of 

abuse: methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, 

and marijuana. A Transportation Task Force 

concentrates on the Seattle-Tacoma 

International Airport as well as other means 

of transshipping drugs and drug profits. 

The Northwest HIDTA coordinates and 

synchronizes task force efforts by providing 

significant investigative case analysis and 

intelligence information to each of these task

forces. Since smuggling on the U.S.-Canada 

border is commonplace, a tactical 

intelligence center is in place adjacent to the

border. This Integrated Border Intelligence

Team (IBIT) directly services border 

interdiction and enforcement teams while 

coordinating with the HIDTA Investigative

Support Center (ISC). The IBIT accesses

the Western States Information Network via 

the RISS.net to receive and share

intelligence information. Border smugglers

arrested with lesser drug quantities are

charged in Washington State courts if 

prosecution is declined by the United States 

Attorney’s Office. A HIDTA funded 

Whatcom County Deputy Prosecutor 

charges such individuals in state and county 

courts. 

The Northwest HIDTA support initiatives 

include those efforts promoting drug 

education, drug courts, and building 

community coalitions with HIDTA funds. 

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaat

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The Northwest HIDTA ISC is comprised of

several components including a Watch 

Center, Analytical Unit, and Administrative 

Unit with a Technical Equipment Program 

and an Information Technology (IT) 

component. 

The Watch Center provides critical event 

deconfliction services to all law enforcement 

agencies throughout the state for officer 

safety. The Watch Center is a node to the 

Western States Information Network, which 

is a member of the national Regional 

Information Sharing System. The Watch 

Center coordinates critical drug intelligence

information among local, state, and federal

agencies. The unit prepares the Annual 

Report. In addition, the Watch Center 

augments the Analytical Unit in its

investigative case analysis services and

strategic research duties.

The Analytical Unit enhances investigative 

functions of law enforcement agencies

through delivery of analytical services from 

investigation inception to trial. These 

services include communications analyses 

(i.e., servicing DNRs and toll activity during

94
Title IIIs, mapping cell site activity, linking 

targets); research using multiple agency and

commercial databases; production of charts

and graphs; post-seizure analysis of

evidence; written analytical reports; and 

PowerPoint presentations. Written products,

such as reports of investigation, are provided 

to the supported agencies for use in their 

reporting systems. Many of the 

investigations supported are designated 

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task

Force (OCDETF) cases, have a money 

laundering element, or are complex and of 

long duration. The Analytical Unit 

additionally prepares strategic studies and 

the Annual Threat Assessment. 

The Administrative Unit provides training 

opportunities, Information Technology 

support, and Technical Equipment expertise. 

The training function of the Administrative 

Unit provides a wide array of training 

opportunities to intelligence center staff and 

law enforcement officers. The Information 

Technology personnel design, install, and 

support all of the information processing 

systems in the ISC and augment the IT 

activities of the Northwest HIDTA 

Initiatives. The Technical Equipment 

program loans, services, and installs

evidence gathering technical equipment 

needed in drug investigations by local, state, 

and federal agencies. 

PPPaaarrrt

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Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, 

Firearms and Explosives; Bureau of Indian 

Affairs; Yakama Tribal Police; Drug 

Enforcement Administration (DEA); Federal 

Bureau of Investigation; Food and Drug 

Administration; U.S. Immigration and 

Customs Enforcement (ICE); Internal 

Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation;

U.S. Customs & Border Protection; U.S. 

Coast Guard, District 13, Seattle; U.S. 

Marshal’s Service; and U.S. Postal Service. 

State/Local: Washington State Patrol 

(WSP); Washington State Department of 

Corrections; Washington State Department 

of Health; Washington National Guard; 

Clark County, Cowlitz County, King 

County, Lewis County, Pierce County, 

Skamania County, Snohomish County, 

Thurston County, Whatcom County, and 

Yakima County Sheriff’s Offices; Pierce 

County, Snohomish County, Spokane 

County, and Whatcom County Prosecutor’s 

Offices; Bellingham, Blaine, Bonney Lake, 

Bothell, Centralia, Chehalis, Des Moines,

Everett, Grandview, Granger, Lacey, 

Longview, Marysville, Olympia, Port of 

Seattle, Puyallup, Redmond (as part of the 

Eastside Narcotics Task Force), Seattle,

Spokane, Sumner, Sunnyside (Yakima

County), Tacoma, Toppenish, Tumwater, 

Union Gap, and Vancouver Police 

Departments; Cowlitz County Corrections

Department. 

Other: Royal Canadian Mounted Police; 

Canada Customs; Office of the Washington 

State Lieutenant Governor; Washington 

State Labor Council, AFL-CIO; Washington 

State Alcohol/Drug Clearinghouse; 

Educational Service District 105, Yakima;

King County Department of Community and 

Human Services; Cowlitz County, Thurston

County, Whatcom County, and Yakima

County Superior Courts; King County 

Department of Judicial Administration; 

Pierce County Alliance; Pierce County 

Planning and Land Services; Skagit 

Recovery Center; North East Washington 

Treatment Alternatives, Spokane; 

Snohomish County Human Services 

Department; Kitsap County Human Services

Department; Clark County Community 

Services Department; Skagit County Human 

Services Department; Seattle, Neighborhood 

Group; Pierce County Human Services 

Department; Thurston County 

TOGETHER!; Cowlitz County Substance 

Abuse Coalition; Greater Spokane 

95
Substance Abuse Council; and the TacomaPierce County Health Department. 

SSSiiigggnnni

iifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

On May 24, 2004, over 130 law 

enforcement personnel from the Snohomish 

County Drug Task Force and DEA (with the 

assistance of police personnel from Skagit, 

Eastside, and South Snohomish County 

Narcotics Task Forces as well as personnel 

from Everett, Seattle, Marysville Police

Departments, the WSP, ICE and the U.S. 

Marshal’s Service) served search warrants at

numerous residences and storage facilities in 

Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties. 

Throughout the eight-month investigation, 

enforcement agents executed a total of 26 

search warrants and arrested 23 suspects.

Additionally, agents seized over 26 pounds 

of high quality “ice” methamphetamine, 7.5

pounds of cocaine, and 13.2 pounds of 

marijuana. The suspects called the 

methamphetamine “bomb-bomb” because it 

was over 90 percent pure. Additionally,

agents seized over $229,000 in cash and 

$703,000 in stolen checks. Officers and 

agents seized 32 guns, 8 of which had been 

reported stolen. 

On June 23, 2004, the DEA Tacoma

Narcotics Task Force and members of the 

Gray’s Harbor Drug Task Force and ICE 

completed a two-year investigation into a

DTO operating in Gray’s Harbor County. 

Agents and detectives arrested 16 

defendants and executed 15 search warrants. 

This resulted in the seizure of one pound of 

methamphetamine, a dismantled 

methamphetamine lab, a 200 plant indoor 

grow, $4,000 in cash, and 14 vehicles. Over 

the course of this investigation, 5.5 pounds 

of crystal methamphetamine was purchased 

from members of this organization that was

allegedly responsible for the monthly 

distribution of 50 to 100 pounds of 

methamphetamine since 2001. The 

methamphetamine was transported to the

Gray’s Harbor area from California and the 

Yakima areas. All 16 defendants were 

illegal immigrants. An article from the 

Aberdeen Daily World called this

enforcement activity the “largest drug bust 

in county history.” 

96
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:: New York City and Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties 

NNNeeewwwJJJeeerrrssseeeyyy::: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union Counties 

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:: (646) 805-6105 

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The mission of the NY/NJ HIDTA is to 

reduce domestic drug trafficking and 

measurably reduce illegal drug use and 

crime by enhancing and coordinating drug 

trafficking control efforts. Recognizing that 

there is no single, effective solution, the 

NY/NJ HIDTA seeks to accomplish its 

mission through collaborative, measurable 

initiatives including information sharing, 

intelligence driven enforcement, training

and prevention. 

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Crime in New York City has decreased

dramatically over the last six years and is 

now at its lowest level in over 35 years. 

According to the FBI Index statistics, New 

York City has been the safest large city in

America since 1995. Despite law 

enforcement's tremendous accomplishments, 

communities in the New York metropolitan

area are still plagued by illegal drugs and 

related crime. The NY/NJ HIDTA region

remains one of the nation’s major

marketplaces and gateways for narcotics 

trafficking for several reasons:

New York City presents an ideal location for

the importation of drugs from around the 

world. With 20 million people from more 

than 100 different countries living in the 

area, millions of people and packages travel 

through New York City every day. Over 20 

million international passengers and over 

100 million tons of freight pass through the 

region’s three major airports, JFK, Newark 

and LaGuardia each year. 

Numerous other transportation hubs are 

located throughout the area: several 

domestic airports, the railroad complexes of

Grand Central and Pennsylvania Stations, 

and hundreds of miles of subway tracks. 

The New York metropolitan area also has an

extensive waterfront and various points-ofentry for shipping cargo of every size and

type and a complex network of highways 

and bridges which bring over one billion

people into New York City each year. Each

of these transportation avenues serves as a 

potential entry point for illegal drugs. 

 

97 
New York City, particularly the Washington 

Heights section of northern Manhattan, is 

the primary distribution center for retail and 

wholesale cocaine and heroin throughout the 

Northeast and is a significant point of

distribution for locations across North 

America. A significant portion of the heroin 

seized in the United States is seized in or

destined for New York City. In addition, a 

significant portion of the cocaine imported 

into the United States comes to or through 

New York City. 

Cocaine, both powdered and crack, poses 

the most serious drug threat to the New 

York/New Jersey HIDTA region. It is 

readily available, frequently abused, and 

more often associated with violent crime 

than any other illicit drug. Heroin, primarily

South American, poses the second most 

serious threat to the region because of the 

negative health effects and its emergence 

and spread within a new, younger abuser 

population. Marijuana's ubiquitous presence 

and acceptance by many segments of society 

distinguish it as a constant threat. The 

dramatic increase in the availability and

abuse of Other Dangerous Drugs (ODDs),

particularly MDMA (Ecstasy), mark these

substances as the next greatest cause for 

concern. Methamphetamine is not, as yet, a 

serious threat to the region, although the 

level of abuse may be gradually increasing. 

SSSt

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The NY/NJ HIDTA is led by an Executive 

Board consisting of 18 federal, state and 

local law enforcement leaders in the New 

York metropolitan area. Their leadership

enhances the integration and 

synchronization of efforts to reduce drug 

trafficking, while eliminating unnecessary 

duplication of effort, systematically

improving the sharing of drug intelligence, 

and supporting programs that effectively 

reduce the demand for illegal drugs. The 

Strategy is implemented by the following 

initiatives: 

Intelligence

 The Regional Intelligence Center 

 HIDTANET (technology) 

Enforcement 

 El Dorado Task Force 

 Regional Fugitive Task Force 

 New Jersey Drug Trafficking 

Organization Task Force 

 New York OCDETF Strike Force 

Support 

 Regional Training Center 

 Support Services 

Prevention (non-HIDTA funded) 

 Citywide Armory Project 

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The Regional Intelligence Center (“RIC”) 

consists of approximately 600 

representatives from all the federal, state and

local law enforcement agencies in the New 

York metropolitan area. The RIC is the

central conduit for information sharing

among the numerous law enforcement

agencies in the region. The RIC is organized 

into five sections and three satellite

intelligence centers: 

 

Watch Section: The Watch Section

provides law enforcement with immediate 

access -“one-stop shopping”- to a wide 

range of law enforcement and commercial 

databases, 24 hours a day, seven days a 

week. RIC analysts have access to virtually

all of the law enforcement and commercial 

computer records. Inquiries can be run on, 

among other things, persons, vehicles, 

businesses, addresses, and telephone 

numbers. Each Watch query becomes a 

permanent record in the Information Data 

System (IDS) which serves as a pointerindex for all requestors of the Watch. 

 

Borough Intelligence Section: The 

Borough Intelligence Section consists of

98
investigators from the NYPD, divided 

geographically into eight Borough 

Intelligence Teams (“BITs”) throughout 

New York City. The mission of the BITs is 

to provide a comprehensive, integrated 

picture of crime block-by-block, precinctby-precinct throughout New York City. 

Each BIT consists of one Field Intelligence 

Officer (“FIO”) for every precinct in that 

BIT’s geographic area of responsibility. 

The BITs have access to all intelligence

reports within the NYPD and their Task 

Forces and are responsible for providing a 

timely and complete criminal intelligence

picture in order to effectively drive 

enforcement decisions. 

El Dorado Money Laundering 

Intelligence Section (HIFCA): 

The Money Laundering Intelligence Section,

led by ICE and IRS, is also known as the 

HIFCA Section (High Intensity Financial 

Crimes Area). The HIFCA Section is 

responsible for providing a comprehensive, 

integrated intelligence picture of drug 

related money laundering in the New York 

metropolitan area to the HIDTA El Dorado

Task Force.

The Firearms Section (Regional Crime 

Gun Center): The Gun Center, led by ATF, 

is the central location for all criminal and

regulatory firearm information. The Gun 

Center gathers and consolidates all aspects 

of intelligence on illegal firearms use and 

trafficking and makes that information 

available to law enforcement 24 hours a day, 

seven days a week. 

Priority Targeting Section (PTS): The 

Priority Targeting Section consists of 

investigators and analysts, and is responsible 

for providing a comprehensive, integrated 

intelligence picture of the most significant 

drug trafficking and other violent 

organizations in the New York metropolitan 

area. They provide case support, threat 

assessments, strategic reports and

organizational studies to Investigators. The 

Priority Targeting Section also cultivates

informants and cooperating witnesses and 

generates investigations. Once developed, 

these cases are referred to the appropriate 

law enforcement agencies for further 

investigation. 

Satellite Intelligence Centers:

Westchester Intelligence Center 

New Jersey Intelligence Center 

Nassau County Intelligence Center 

Suffolk County Intelligence Center 

Upstate NY Regional Intelligence Center 

Rockland County Intelligence Center (nonHIDTA funded) 

PPPaaarrrtttiiiccciiipppaaatttiiinnngggAAAgggeeennnccci

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Federal 

Army National Guard, Bureau of Immigration 

and Customs Enforcement, Bureau of

Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Department

of Criminal Investigative Services, 

Department of Health and Human Services, 

Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal 

Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of 

Prisons, Federal Reserve Bank, FinCEN, 

Internal Revenue Service, Social Security 

Administration, United States Attorney’s

Offices, United States Coast Guard, United 

States Department of Defense/Joint Task 

Force-6, United States Department of Housing

and Urban Development/Office of the 

Inspector General, United States Department 

of State, United States Marshals Service, 

United States Postal Inspection Service, 

United States Probation, and United States 

Secret Service. 

State 

New York: New York National Guard, New 

York State Banking Department, New York

State Commission of Investigation, New York

State Department of Corrections, New York

State Department of Health and Human 

99
Services, New York State Division of 

Criminal Justice Services, New York State 

Division of Parole, New York State Police, 

and Waterfront Commission. 

New Jersey: New Jersey Attorney General's 

Office, New Jersey Department of 

Corrections, New Jersey Division of Criminal 

Justice, New Jersey Division of Parole, New 

Jersey National Guard, and New Jersey State

Police.

Local 

New York: Bronx County District Attorney's

Office, Clarkstown Police Department, Kings 

County District Attorney’s Office, Mt. Vernon 

Police Department, Nassau County District 

Attorney’s Office, Nassau County Police 

Department, New York City Criminal Justice 

Coordinator’s Office, New York City 

Department of Correction, New York City 

Department of Investigation, New York City

Police Department, New York County District

Attorney's Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s 

Department, Office of the Special Narcotics 

Prosecutor for New York City, Port Authority 

of New York and New Jersey, Queens County 

District Attorney's Office, Ramapo Police

Department, Richmond County District 

Attorney's Office, Rockland County District

Attorney’s Office, Rockland County Sheriff’s 

Department, Stony Point Police Department, 

Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office,

Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk

County Probation Department, Suffolk County 

Sheriff's Department, Westchester County 

Department of Corrections, Westchester 

County Department of Public Safety, and

Westchester County District Attorney's Office. 

New Jersey: Bayonne Police Department,

Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Camden

County Sheriff’s Department, East Brunswick

Police Department, East Orange Police 

Department, Elizabeth Police Department,

Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Essex 

County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Lee Police 

Department, Hudson County Prosecutor’s 

Office, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, 

Mercer County Sheriff’s Department,

Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, 

Newark Police Department, Passaic County 

Prosecutor’s Office, Passaic County Sheriff’s 

Department, and Trenton Police Department,

Union City Police Department, Union County

Prosecutor’s Office, and Union County

Sheriff’s Office 

SSSi

iigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

The New York OCDETF Strike Force is a 

collocated, commingled Task Force

dedicated exclusively to disrupting and 

dismantling Consolidated Priority 

Organizational Targets (CPOTs) and their 

drug trafficking organization affiliates in the

New York metropolitan area. 

Several law enforcement agencies,

particularly DEA, FBI, NYPD, ICE and 

IRS, agreed to combine their independent

OCDETF drug enforcement efforts under 

one umbrella, creating a true Strike Force, 

just as the OCDETF program originally

envisioned over 20 years ago. The Strike 

Force is a model law enforcement 

partnership. The 230 law enforcement 

officers include DEA (59), FBI (31), NYPD 

(34), ICE (30), IRS (30), USMS (5), 

OCDETF agency coordinators (including 

ATF and U.S. Coast Guard) (9), United 

States Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern and

Southern District of New York (3), New 

York State Police (3), and New York State 

Banking Department (1). The members of 

the Strike Force are assigned to 15

enforcement groups under the direction of a

DEA Associate SAC. 

Each enforcement group is assigned an 

Intelligence Analyst from the HIDTA 

Regional Intelligence Center (“HIDTA 

RIC”). The analyst supports the group’s 

investigations and ensures the free flow of 

information between and among the groups, 

law enforcement agencies in New York and 

throughout the country, and the Special 

Operations Division (“SOD”). The

100
intelligence analysts work closely with the

HIDTA RIC, and particularly with the 

CPOT Drug Intelligence Group, to provide 

the Strike Force with comprehensive case 

support, a constantly-updated list of

Regional Priority Targets, and access to law

enforcement databases. In turn, the Strike 

Force contributes intelligence from its 

ongoing investigations to the HIDTA RIC 

for support of other HIDTA investigations. 

In addition, the Strike Force registers all 

targets via a direct connection to UDECS, 

the state-wide deconfliction system

maintained at the HIDTA RIC. 

The Strike Force officially began operations 

in May, 2004 and is already among the 

finest drug enforcement task forces in the 

country. The Strike Force is located at 

Chelsea Market, which is connected by a 

bridge on one side to the 700-member

HIDTA Regional Intelligence Center and 

the 130-member HIDTA Fugitive Task 

Force, both of which provide invaluable 

support to the Strike Force. On the other 

side of the Strike Force space, another 

bridge will soon be built to connect the 

Strike Force to the DEA’s New York

headquarters, thereby creating a law

enforcement campus of unprecedented 

proportions. 

By physically merging the resources and 

talents of the aforementioned agencies into a 

single, commingled, powerful Task Force 

dedicated to the destruction of the area’s 

most prominent drug trafficking 

organizations, the opportunities to reduce 

the illicit drug flow to the consumer are 

being enhanced beyond anything achieved 

ever before in drug enforcement. 

Since May, 2004 Strike Force CPOT 

investigations have already yielded 

$22,000,000; 23,400 pounds of marijuana; 

and 230 kilograms of cocaine. 

101
OO

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:: Cuyahoga, Fairfield, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Lucas, Mahoning, 

Montgomery, Stark, Summit and Warren Counties 

CCCooonnntttaaacccttt::: (216) 739-3500

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:::

The mission of the Ohio HIDTA is to reduce

drug availability by creating intelligencedriven drug task forces aimed at eliminating 

or reducing domestic drug trafficking and its 

harmful consequences through enhancing 

and helping to coordinate drug-trafficking 

control efforts among federal, state and local 

law enforcement agencies. 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 Ohio. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaat

tt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The Ohio HIDTA was designated on June 

15, 1999. In 2004, six additional counties 

were added and the HIDTA is now located 

in an eleven-county region in Northern and 

Southern Ohio where access to illicit 

narcotics has become a lucrative business

and thus a challenging 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 

all of which have 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) 

102 
and the transport of drugs by travelers on 

commercial airline flights, although a 

considerable decline in the latter method has 

occurred in response to increased airport 

security. 

Besides the trafficking in cocaine, Northern 

Ohio contends with the emerging threat of 

heroin and a growing methamphetamine 

problem. Recent data from the El Paso 

Intelligence Center (EPIC) reveal a

consistent in-crease in the number of 

clandestine methamphetamine laboratory

seizures in Ohio. Since the year 2000, the 

number of labs seized in Ohio has more than 

quadrupled. The easy manufacture of this 

illicit drug coupled with its serious health 

risks makes methamphetamine an especially 

salient concern in this region. Marijuana is 

ubiquitous in Ohio as it is elsewhere and 

constitutes the most commonly available

and abused drug in this region. The socalled “designer-drugs” or “club drugs” (i.e., 

GHB, Ecstasy) have become popular among 

young adults and juveniles in the area and 

pose a threat to users who often view the use 

of these drugs as relatively harmless and 

benign. 

SSStttrrraaattteeegggyyyAAAbbbssstttrrraaaccct

tt:::

The overall investigative strategy of the 

Ohio HIDTA consists of ten 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 

Board, 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 Board 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. 

7

16 16

29

87

96

119

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Methamphetamine labs seized in Ohio

Methamphetamine

laboratories including

dumpsites, chemicals, and

equipment. Source: EPIC

103 
Initiatives:

1. Management and Coordination 

2. Investigative Support Center 

3. Training Initiative 

4. Caribbean/Gang Drug Task Force 

5. DEA Youngstown Task Force 

6. Akron/Summit County HIDTA Initiative 

7. Mahoning Valley Drug Task Force 

8. Northeast Ohio Interdiction Task Force 

9. Northwest Ohio HIDTA Task Force 

10. Stark County Violent Crimes Task Force 

11. Toledo Metro Drug Task Force 

12. HIDTA Money Laundering/Intelligence 

Initiative 

13. Commercial Vehicle/Intelligence 

Initiative 

14. South Central Drug Task Force 

15. Southwest Ohio Regional Task Force 

(Pharmaceutical Diversion Unit)

16. Miami Valley Drug Task Force 

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaatttiiivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr:::

i

The Ohio HIDTA Investigative Support 

Center (ISC) became fully operational in

early 2001. Through the use of numerous 

commercial and criminal law enforcement 

databases, it now provides event 

deconfliction, case/subject deconfliction, 

post-seizure analysis, telephone toll analysis, 

link analysis, intelligence profiles, Title III

support, charts/graphs, trend and pattern 

analysis, as well as financial/analytical case 

support, and training. The Technical 

Support/ Computer Evidence Recovery Lab 

offers additional services to law 

enforcement. All interdiction operations and 

investigations are coordinated through the 

ISC. The Ohio HIDTA ISC also coordinates 

with local and federal intelligence networks, 

as well as other HIDTAs to ensure 

connectivity. The ISC brokers information 

to the metropolitan and interdiction task 

forces and, where appropriate, to nonparticipating law enforcement agencies, in

accordance with federal regulations.

The ISC also conducts surveys and provides 

analytical and investigative training to area 

law enforcement personnel. Training is 

coordinated through the National HIDTA 

Assistance Center (NHAC) when possible to 

maximize and coordinate training 

opportunities to all Ohio HIDTA task force 

personnel. 

PPPaaarrrt

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Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and 

Firearms (ATF), Drug Enforcement 

Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of 

Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Immigration 

and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Internal 

Revenue Service (IRS), United States 

Attorney’s Office (USAO), United States

Marshals Service (USMS), Office of the 

Inspector General, United States Postal 

Inspector (USPI). 

State/Local: ACE, Ohio Adult Parole

Authority, Ohio Bureau of Criminal 

Identification and Investigation, Ohio 

National Guard, Akron PD, Alliance PD, 

Austintown PD, Bay Village PD, Beaver

Township PD, Boardman PD, Brookpark 

PD, CANE, Canfield PD, Canton PD, 

Cleveland PD, Cleveland Heights PD, 

Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority 

PD, Cincinnati PD, Columbus PD, 

Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, East 

104 
SSSiiigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhi Cleveland PD, DART, Dayton PD, Euclid iieeevvveeemmmeeennnttt

sss:::

PD, Fairfield-Hocking Major Crimes Unit,

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfield 

County Sheriff’s Office, Geauga County 

Sheriff’s Office, Greene County Sheriff’s 

Office, Huber Heights PD, Independence 

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, Montgomery county 

Sheriff’s Office, Northwood PD, Ohio State 

Highway Patrol, Orange PD, Parma PD, 

Perry Township PD, Perrysburg Township 

PD, Poland Township PD, Poland Village

PD, Regional Transit Authority PD, SEAL 

(Southeast Area Law Enforcement 

Narcotics), Shaker Heights PD, Stark 

County Sheriff’s Office, Struther’s PD, 

Summit County Sheriff’s Office, SWORD,

Sylvania PD, Toledo PD, Trootwood PD, 

Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office, Warren 

County Sheriff’s Office, Warren-Clinton 

Drug/Strategic Operations Task Force, 

Warrensville Heights PD, Westlake PD, 

Wickliffe PD, Wood County Sheriff’s 

Office, Youngstown PD, Youngstown State 

Univ. PD. 

One of the highlights of the year was the

dismantling of a Miami-based SouthAmerican heroin drug trafficking 

organization by the Ohio HIDTA 

Caribbean/Gang Drug Task Force. Title III

monitoring revealed numerous Cleveland 

area heroin customers supplied by two 

Columbian couriers. Cleveland federally

indicted 18 members of this DTO and FBI

Miami indicted 5 subjects. This 

investigation also resulted in the seizure of 

2.4 kilograms of heroin. As a result of 

Cleveland and Miami’s efforts, this

international heroin trafficking organization 

has been completely dismantled. Resulting

form the above, a major New York heroin 

supplier to the Cleveland distributors was 

federally convicted after a week-long trial. 

Because of the increased concern of heroin 

trafficking in the Ohio HIDTA region,

intelligence analysts assigned to the

Investigative Support Center chose “The 

Emerging Heroin Threat” as the theme of 

the 2004 Drug Intelligence Symposium,

hosted by the Ohio HIDTA each fall. This 

annual symposium, identified as a “best 

practice,” brings together intelligence

analysts and investigators in an effort to 

share intelligence, discuss timely issues, and 

establish professional networks in the 

counterdrug and counterterrorsim 

communities.

105 
OO

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ttiiiooonnn:

:: 1999- Deschutes, Jackson, and Marion Counties 

YYYeeeaaarrrooof

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:: 2002- Clackamas, Douglas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties 

GGGeeeooogggrrraaappphhhiiicccAAArrreeeaaasssooofff RRReeessspppooonnnsssi

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::

OOOrrreeegggooonnn:

:: Clackamas, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Marion, Multnomah, and 

Washington counties. 

CCCooonnntttaaaccct

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:: (503) 378-5123 

MMMiiissssssi

iiooonnnSSSt

ttaaattteeemmmeeennntt

:::

“To reduce drug availability by creating 

intelligence-driven drug task forces

aimed at eliminating or reducing 

domestic drug trafficking and its harmful

consequences by enhancing, and helping 

to coordinate, drug trafficking control 

efforts among federal, state, and local 

law enforcement agencies.” 

Oregon HIDTA federal, state, and local 

cooperative initiatives include, but are 

not limited to, intelligence sharing, 

investigation, investigative support, 

interdiction, and prosecution. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The Oregon HIDTA designated counties 

contain approximately 63% of the 

Oregon Population or 2,233,640 people 

as of July 1st, 2003. During 2004, the 

Oregon HIDTA Intelligence and 

Investigative Support Center (ISC) 

identified 78 drug trafficking 

organizations (DTOs) with foreign and

domestic connections that are actively 

operating in the Oregon HIDTA 

counties. Mexican and Caucasian DTOs

control the majority of the transportation

and distribution of illicit drugs into and 

out of the HIDTA counties. The drug 

distribution activities of the Mexican 

DTOs identified are significantly

supported by illegal aliens. Mexican 

DTOs specialize in trafficking multiple

drug types simultaneously. They are 

known as Poly-Drug Trafficking 

Organizations. They are the primary 

traffickers of the cocaine, heroin,

marijuana, and methamphetamine 

abused in Oregon. Other DTOs and 

criminal groups, such as outlaw 

motorcycle gangs (OMGs), street gangs, 

and Asian, Canadian, Honduran, Middle 

Eastern, and Russian DTOs, also

transport and distribute drugs in Oregon, 

but to a lesser extent. MDMA, GHB, 

106
LSD, PCP, ketamine, psilocybin and 

pseudo-ephedrine are also smuggled into 

the HIDTA region. In 2003, federal law

enforcement agencies seized 100,000 

MDMA tablets. 

An additional major threat to the entire

state and especially the HIDTA region is

the correlation between major drug 

offenders and related weapons seizures 

and crimes. The Bureau of Alcohol, 

Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives report 

that in 2003, 9,561 Oregon residents 

qualify as potential “armed career 

criminals.” Those identified as potential 

armed career criminals are responsible 

for over 41,000 criminal court charges in 

Oregon. Of the 9,561 potential armed 

career criminals, 48% (or 4,620) have a 

felony drug conviction as one of the 

three predicate offenses. Felony drug 

fugitives also pose a significant threat to 

the citizens of Oregon, and specifically 

the personal safety of Oregon Law 

Enforcement Officers. Information

obtained from the U.S. Marshal’s 

Service Portland Office (a HIDTA

fugitive task force) reports that a recent 

survey of federal warrants in the District 

of Oregon identified 8 Consolidated 

Priority Target (CPOT) warrants, 83 

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement

Task Force (OCDETF) warrants, and 

another 59 active federal felony drug 

warrants. A query of Oregon Law 

Enforcement Data System (LEDS)

shows 6,981 current felony drug 

warrants outstanding in Oregon, of 

which 77% (or 5,346) originate in 

Oregon HIDTA Counties. 

Methamphetamine continues to be a 

serious and growing threat throughout 

Oregon and is currently the most 

personally and environmentally 

damaging and dangerous drug problem 

in Oregon. The “Crystal” or “ICE” form

of methamphetamine is now the 

predominate form of meth in Oregon and 

is smoked. This is extremely addictive 

and will lead to many new meth related

crime and health problems in Oregon. 

During 2003, Oregon law enforcement

reported 437 methamphetamine lab 

seizures. 

Marijuana is the most abused illegal 

drug in Oregon and together with 

alcohol is a primary gateway drug to 

other more dangerous drugs. The 

majority of those in drug treatment in 

Oregon have an addiction to marijuana. 

High potency marijuana is grown locally 

and trafficking of highly potent 

Canadian marijuana or “BC Bud” 

continues to have a significant impact in 

Oregon as well as the HIDTA counties 

and neighboring states. Marijuana is 

grown on Oregon public lands in our 

U.S. Forests by local traffickers as well 

and Mexican drug trafficking groups. 

 

Black tar heroin continues to be a

serious problem in the urban centers of 

Oregon and the abuse of the related 

prescription drug, OxyContin, is still 

increasing. 

Cocaine, including the Crack version is 

still a significant problem in the Portland

Metropolitan area and other urban 

Oregon communities. It is of note that 

the availability and use of cocaine seems 

to be rising as the cost of “Crystal” 

methamphetamine has exceeded the cost 

of cocaine. 

Methamphetamine, on a state-wide 

basis, and HIDTA wide basis, is still the

stimulant drug of choice over cocaine. 

107
SSSt

ttrrraaat

tteeegggyyyAAAbbbssstttrrraaaccct

tt:::

The primary strategies to achieve the 

Mission of the Oregon HIDTA Program 

and the goals of the National Drug 

Control Strategy are: 

A. Create intelligence-driven drug task

forces aimed at eliminating or reducing 

domestic drug trafficking of 

methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and 

marijuana, 

B. Focus task force efforts at “High 

Value” drug trafficking organizations, 

C. Provide an Intelligence and 

Investigative Support Center (ISC) that 

serves as a “one stop research shop” and 

“coordination umbrella” that provides 

accurate, detailed and timely tactical and

strategic drug intelligence to HIDTA 

initiatives, HIDTA participating

agencies, and other law enforcement

agencies as appropriate both locally and 

nationally, 

D. Provide an Intelligence and

Investigative Support Center (ISC) that 

serves as a primary investigative

resource for technical support and 

equipment, to include state-of-the-art 

Title III and Pen Register equipment, 

GPS tracking equipment, crime analysis

equipment, surveillance equipment,

undercover equipment, video 

enhancement services, and computer 

forensic services. 

E. Provide an electronic officer safety

warning system through the ISC Watch 

Center that serves to deconflict and

coordinate tactical operations and 

investigations occurring in close 

proximity to each other on a twenty-four 

hour basis, seven days per week. 

F. Conduct field operations and 

investigations, which dismantle drug 

trafficking organizations through 

systematic and thorough investigations, 

that lead to successful criminal

prosecutions and forfeiture of their illicit 

assets, 

G. Leverage federal, state, and local law 

enforcement efforts by coordinating 

efforts to reduce the production, 

manufacturing, distribution, 

transportation, and use of illegal drugs, 

as well as the related money laundering 

of drug proceeds, 

H. Provide quality training to law 

enforcement personnel to enhance their 

skills at investigating, prosecuting, and 

preventing drug trafficking and drug 

abuse at all levels and promote officer 

safety. 

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaattti

iivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr:::

The Oregon HIDTA Intelligence and 

Investigative Support Center (ISC) is the 

primary information sharing and 

research component of the Oregon 

HIDTA. The ISC maintains an all 

crimes criminal intelligence database for 

the State of Oregon that can be accessed 

by law enforcement personnel through a 

Watch Center by phone or electronically 

over the Oregon State Intelligence 

Network (OSIN) via the secure web 

RISS.net electronic highway. The OSIN 

database interfaces with the Western

States Information Network (WSIN) 

database serving the five western states 

of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, 

and Washington. The ISC also 

provides an access point for law 

enforcement investigators to other vital 

federal, state and local law enforcement 

personnel and databases to assist all 

regional law enforcement agencies in

counter drug investigations, eradication, 

and interdiction. The ISC provides 

108
event and case coordination

(deconfliction) services for officer safety 

and enhanced information sharing. The 

ISC provides participating agencies and 

HIDTA task forces operational 

analytical support for ongoing "initiative 

driven" case activity through access to

multiple criminal and commercial 

databases. The ISC provides narcotics 

intelligence analyses, prepares threat

assessments, strategic reports, and

organizational studies; performs postseizure and search warrant analyses; 

supports arrest operations; prepares and 

conducts briefings for visitors to the 

HIDTA; and assists in trial preparations.

Additionally, the ISC conducts selfinitiated intelligence analysis projects to 

generate leads for HIDTA investigative

agencies. Additionally, the ISC 

maintains specialized equipment for law 

enforcement agency use on a case by 

case basis. 

PPPaaarrrttti

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iinnngggAAAgggeeennnccciiieeesss:::

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,

Firearms, and Expolosives (ATF), U.S. 

Bureau of Immigration and Custom 

Enforcement (BICE), Drug Enforcement

Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau 

of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue 

Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS), 

United States Forest Service (USFS), 

United States Marshals Service (USMS), 

United States Postal Service (USPS) and 

the U.S. Attorneys Offices in Oregon 

(USA). 

State/Local: Oregon Department of 

Justice, Oregon State Police, Oregon 

National Guard, Deschutes County 

Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson County 

Sheriff’s Department, Crook County 

Sheriff’s Department, Bend Police 

Department, Redmond Police 

Department, Madras Police Department, 

Prineville Police Department, Warm 

Springs Tribal Police, Deschutes County 

District Attorney’s Office, Jackson

County Sheriff’s Department, Medford 

Police Department, Ashland Police 

Department, Jackson County District 

Attorney’s Office, Salem Police

Department, Marion County Sheriff’s 

Department, and the Marion County 

District Attorney’s Office, Gresham 

Police Department, Portland Police 

Bureau, Lake Oswego Police 

Department, Washington County 

Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County

Sheriff’s Office, St. Helens Police

Department, Multnomah County District 

Attorney’s Office, Clackamas County 

Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County 

Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police 

Department, Beaverton Police 

Department, Tigard Police Department, 

Hillsboro Police Department. 

Other: Oregon Partnership, and Alcohol 

and Drug Abuse Program Director’s 

Association of Oregon. 

SSSi

iigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

The Oregon HIDTA Intelligence and 

Investigative Support Center (ISC) 

represents a very significant 

enhancement to Oregon drug 

enforcement efforts. It serves federal,

state, and local law enforcement as a 

one-stop service center for criminal 

research, intelligence collection, case

coordination (deconfliction), strategic 

and tactical analytical support,

information sharing, and information 

analysis. It now is interfaced with

homeland security efforts as well. 

When Oregon received its HIDTA 

designation in 1999, the Oregon 

109
Criminal Intelligence Unit (OCIU) was 

able to enhance its services to the

HIDTA counties and the state as a 

whole. The HIDTA Intelligence and 

Investigative Support Center (ISC) was 

conceived and built as an integrated 

component of the OCIU. 

HIDTA funding has enabled the OCIU 

to enhance its facility and services. The 

OCIU/ISC has web enabled the allcrimes intelligence database OSIN 

(Oregon State Intelligence Network)via 

RISS.net, created electronic case and 

tactical event coordination

(deconfliction), and upgraded 

equipment, Title III, and analytical

support services to drug and criminal

investigators in the field. Federal, state,

and local investigators can now 

electronically access the criminal

intelligence database to make inquiries

and get real time results or make clanlab, gang, drug, terrorism, or general 

criminal intelligence submissions into

the database. Electronic geo-mapping is 

also available for coordination, 

deconfliction, and tactical planning. 

Since full deployment of the OSIN 

system in August 2003, ISC staff have 

trained nearly 800 investigators from 

federal, state, and local law enforcement 

agencies and activated electronic access

for more than 112 individual agencies. 

Additionally, total electronic

coordination (deconfliction) is available 

for both case investigations and events 

such as search warrants, undercover buy 

busts, and other undercover operations. 

Over 300 events have been entered as of 

this writing and over 3500 inquiries have 

been made of the OSIN system. All is 

overseen by a Watch Center and all 

occurs either via the secure RISS.net or 

by phone. Many other links for criminal

case research are available and more will 

be added as the system grows. OSIN is 

designed to provide a seamless exchange 

of information to federal, state, and local 

law enforcement agencies. 

The ISC services have already resulted

in major drug trafficking organizations 

being disrupted, many kilos of drugs 

being seized, and well over a million

dollars in illegal assets seized, just in the 

last year. Government

110
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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. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssst

ttrrraaacccttt:::

The Philadelphia/Camden HIDTA was

designated in 1995. The location of 

Philadelphia and Camden on the eastern 

seaboard, particularly their proximity to 

New York, places the cities 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, drugproceeds, and illegal guns. New York gangs 

have expanded their territory to the outskirts

of the area. 

There are approximately 370 open-air 

markets in PC HIDTA Region. Cocaine is 

sold at most of these locations. 

Philadelphia remains the source city for

cocaine distribution in central and 

northeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. 

According to the mortality data from Drug 

Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), there 

were 784 drug related deaths in 2002. Of 

the nearly 1.9 million visits to Philadelphia 

area Emergency Departments (ED) in 2002, 

about 1 percent (27,753) were related to 

111
drug abuse. According to the Arrestee Drug

Abuse Monitoring program data (ADAM),

76.2 percent of adult male arrestees in 

Philadelphia tested positive for abusing at 

least one drug, i.e., cocaine, opiates, 

marijuana, methamphetamine or

phencyclidine (PCP), in 2002. 

Crack is one of the most widely available 

illicit drugs in Philadelphia and Camden. 

The North and West areas of the city

continue to be sources of supply. Crack 

appears to be the drug of choice in the inner 

city minority population centers; however, 

heroin after marijuana use is on the rise and

may replace crack. 

Heroin is plentiful, inexpensive, easily

administered (snorted rather than 

intravenously) and is being aggressively 

marketed. Philadelphia is the source city for 

the PC HIDTA area, including Delaware. 

There were 344 heroin related deaths in 

Philadelphia in 2002. South American 

heroin is the most prevalent type available in

the PC HIDTA region. Philadelphia has the 

highest purity (80-90%) in the nation

according to the DEA. 

Marijuana is readily available and widely

abused illicit drug in the 

Philadelphia/Camden region. A variety of 

ethnic DTOs, criminal groups, independent 

dealers, and street gangs distribute and 

transport marijuana using a variety of 

methods. There was a total of 46 marijuana 

related deaths in Philadelphia in 2002. The 

Philadelphia area is ranked 1st in the nation 

in the number of marijuana related ED 

mention per 100,000 population in 2002. 

Methamphetamine poses an increasing

threat to the PC HIDTA region. Although 

methamphetamine abuse is at low levels in 

the PC HIDTA region, the availability and 

production of the drug appears to be 

increasing. There was a total of 17

methamphetamine related deaths in 

Philadelphia in 2002. 

MDMA (Ecstasy) is the most frequently

abused and available club drug in the PC 

HIDTA region. Most MDMA available in 

the PC HIDTA region is produced in the 

Netherlands and is smuggled into New York 

City and then transported via private vehicle 

to Philadelphia by a variety of criminals. 

Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a 

behavioral, central nervous system 

depressant. It is most commonly sold as a 

colorless, bitter or salty-tasting liquid, but 

also is available as a crystal powder. GHB 

is available at low levels and stable prices in

the PC HIDTA region. 

Inhalant abuse is an emerging problem in

the region. Inhalants are everyday products 

that are abused for the purpose of reaching a 

high. Pennsylvania was chosen as one of 

the first states to use the Inhalant Abuse 

Prevention Program- an experimental 

program designed to provide school 

guidance counselors with the materials to 

teach parents and students about the dangers

and signs of inhalant abuse. 

Diverted pharmaceuticals, (e.g.

benzodiazepine, Codeine, Fentanyl, 

methadone, morphine and oxycodone) 

remain a concern in the PC HIDTA region. 

SSSt

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The Philadelphia/Camden HIDTA 

Executive Board is comprised of eighteen 

local, state, and Federal law enforcement 

leaders in the states of Pennsylvania and 

New Jersey. Specifically, this 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. 

112
The PCHIDTA Strategy is a coordinated, 

four tiered operation; Street-level/open-air 

drug markets, Mid-level suppliers, 

Interdiction and Money Laundering. Streetlevel and open-air drug markets are 

investigated by the Drug Violence 

Intelligence Initiative in Philadelphia and 

Operation Sunburst in Camden. These 

Initiatives are supported by the Criminal

Conspiracy Task Force, the Centerpiece 

Task Force, Major Drug Heroin Task Force 

and the Violent Crimes/Fugitive Task Force

with an investigative purpose to determine 

mid-level suppliers, seize weapons and 

locate the most dangerous drug/homicide 

fugitives. The Interdiction Initiative is

composed of four task forces with an

investigative focus on drug trafficking 

organizations using the Philadelphia 

International Airport, the 

Philadelphia/Camden Seaport, area 

hotels/motels and parcel delivery services to 

import drugs and export proceeds. 

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The Suspect Pointer Index Network (SPIN) 

database allows for real-time sharing of

intelligence information between PCHIDTA 

agencies. Officers at the Watch Center 

access the SPIN database and search the 

system by entering specific perpetrator 

/address locations into the database. If

another agency has an active investigation

on the target it will come up as a hit.

Participating agencies can access SPIN 

through PCHIDTA’s network. The Watch 

Center expects to support member agencies. 

Over 4,500 SPIN entries are projected for 

2004. 

The Philadelphia Police Department has 

initiated a new gun recovery program. The 

new program involves giving monetary 

rewards to citizens who provide information, 

which results in an arrest involving a 

firearm. The Philadelphia/Camden 

HIDTA’s watch center personnel

participated in training Philadelphia Police

Department personnel to do appropriate 

databases searches with DIGS supplied by 

PCHIDTA. The goal of the program 

continues to be removing firearms from the 

street and reduce crime and the associated

violence. 

The ISC will continue to do inquires and

appropriate case support on all shootings 

incidents in the City of Philadelphia. The

newly implemented Shooting Report 

Database created by Philadelphia/Camden 

HIDTA will facilitate this responsibility.

This report will be reviewed for possible 

connections to PPD INCT data and to active 

cases both at the FBI and those currently 

entered into SPIN. This shooting database 

will be accessible over DIGS. 

Philadelphia/Camden HIDTA will continue

to analyze drug arrests through the Hidden 

Traffickers program and how certain 

enforcement programs may be impacting on 

drug traffickers and changing the patterns of

drug sales on non-resident buyers and 

sellers. 

The ISC has in place a case support-tracking

database. This database tracks any 

assistance given to participating agencies for

their investigations. In 2004 the ISC is in 

the process of creating procedures to review 

the value of the intelligence given to each

agency. This new procedure will result in

the evaluation of our case support thereby 

customizing the intelligence to the particular

agency’s needs. Over 1,900 case supports 

are projected. 

In 2004, the Philadelphia FBI together with 

the HIDTA developed a process for 

participating agencies to electronically

request FBI file searches. This process that 

uses an ACCESS database located on the 

HIDTA computer network, provides a direct 

link between the ISC and FBI. This process

is waiting formal approval by FBI HDQTS 

and implementation is expected in 2004. If 

113
successful it will be expanded to other select 

police units and Federal agencies. Search

criteria and results will remain in the 

database for continual availability under 

DIGS as a pointer system. 

Existing databases already on the HIDTA 

computer network will be reviewed to 

ensure that key fields i.e. names, addresses, 

identification numbers (FBI #, SID, PPN, 

SSAN etc) are as complete as possible for 

each record and that each record has been

thoroughly “mapped” under DIGS for 

maximum analytic capability. This will 

insure that critical intelligence is not being

lost, and that full integration of data sources

is being accomplished. 100% compliance 

projected. 

PPPaaarrrtttiiiccciiipppaaatttiiinnngggAAAgggeeennnccciiieeesss:::

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & 

Firearms, Drug Enforcement

Administration, Federal Bureau of 

Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, 

Joint Task Force Six, U.S. Attorney’s

Office, Immigration and Customs

Enforcement, U.S. Marshals Service, and 

U.S. Postal Inspection Service. 

State/Local: Pennsylvania Bureau of 

Narcotics Investigations, New Jersey 

National Guard, New Jersey State Police, 

Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney 

General, Pennsylvania National Guard, 

Pennsylvania State Police, Camden County, 

New Jersey Prosecutor’s Office, Camden 

Police Department, Philadelphia District 

Attorney’s Office, Philadelphia Police

Department, and University of Pennsylvania 

Police Department. 

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Joint Camden Task Force Camden, NJ --

------- 

The following investigation was

spearheaded by the Initiative with 

significant contribution from Group 11 of 

the PC HIDTA, Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands

HIDTA, and the Puerto Rico State Police. 

In November 2003, initiative detectives 

completed an investigation regarding the

Benitez DTO. The cocaine and heroin that 

the organization was controlling supplied 

seven drug sets. Results of that investigation

included the arrest of 17 participants of the 

organization as well as a large quantity of 

drugs, weapons, and cash. The 

organizational structure of the operation 

from top to bottom was completely

dismantled including 2 Puerto Rican 

suppliers of the drugs. The organization had 

an elaborate re-canning system wherein the 

Puerto Rican source of supply of the cocaine 

and heroin would secrete bulk quantities of 

the drugs within vacuum-packed cans of 

food. The sealed drugs were immersed in 

the food, rendering it virtually undetectable. 

The sealed cans were then shipped from

Puerto Rico to various residential locations

in Camden. Information on the shipments 

was gleaned via an electronic surveillance 

that was being conducted by the Initiative. 

Criminal Conspiracy Squad - ATF

Philadelphia, PA ------- 

One organization has been 

disrupted/dismantled with 8 defendants 

indicted and arrested on various Federal 

Firearms and Narcotics violations. This 

OCDETF investigation, Operation High 

Rider, was investigated jointly with DEA & 

FBI and was initiated after community 

complaints of violence associated with a 

methamphetimine trafficking group 

operating in the Port Richmond section of

Philadelphia. This group was supported by 

the Warlocks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. 

114
This investigation is continuing and 

additional arrests are expected. 

Investigations into two other drug 

organizations continue, as they are long term 

in basis. One of those continuing 

investigations, OCDETF case “Operation 

Fastbreak” has yielded, to date, 20 

defendants as the case is proceeding towards 

the upper levels of the organization. To 

date, there have been 25 related shootings 

that have been matched through ballistics 

imaging that is attributed to the group. 

Parcel Squad – USPIS Philadelphia, PA --

-----

In November 2003, a significant cocaine 

trafficking organization was disrupted by the 

HIDTA Parcel Squad. Postal Inspectors 

interdicted three UPS parcels in 

Philadelphia, PA that were shipped from

Oakland, CA. A federal search warrant was 

obtained for the parcels and found to contain 

a total of 32 kilograms of cocaine secreted in 

computer towers. The parcels were 

addressed to an individual at a mail drop in 

Philadelphia, PA. Further investigation

revealed that two more parcels were waiting 

for this individual at the mail drop. These 

two parcels had arrived the day before and 

were immediately seized by agents. A 

controlled delivery of the three parcels was 

conducted with the assistance of the 

Pennsylvania Army National Guard and the 

HIDTA Mass Transportation Squad. After 

the subject returned to his hotel room with 

the parcels, he opened one of the parcels and 

was subsequently arrested. 

115
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:: The Islands of Saint Thomas, Saint Croix and Saint John. 

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:: (787) 474-8710 and gmiranda@prvi.hidta.net

 

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:::

In support of the National Drug Control 

Strategy, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin 

Islands HIDTA participating agencies 

creates intelligence driven task forces

comprised of federal, state and local law 

enforcement agents aimed at eliminating or

reducing drug trafficking and its associated 

consequences within the domestic 

environment. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The PR/USVI HIDTA was designated in 

1994 as transshipment HIDTA. Drug 

trafficking Organizations (DTOs) account 

for trafficking from 110 - 150 metric tons of 

cocaine from Colombia using multiple

transportation methods. Over 70% of it is 

destined for the US, Canada and Europe. 

Colombian cocaine & heroin traffickers

continue to dominate the supply, the 

Dominican have become smugglers and 

developed countries are the main consumers. 

Preferred method for trafficking is by sea 

means, ranging from “go-fast” boats to 

small island-hopping freighters. The two 

principal narcotics smuggled from Colombia

are cocaine and heroin, and some marijuana. 

Marijuana is primarily imported from

Mexico through CONUS and other 

Caribbean islands while European ecstasy is 

trafficked through Dominican Republic. 

116
Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands drug 

consumption is estimated at about 20-30% 

of the drugs transshipped, while the 

predominant drug of choice is cocaine. The 

PR/USVI region is very attractive to DTOs 

due to the fact that is a U. S. major 

commercial port, has the strongest regional 

economy and, moreover, its proximity to the 

poorest countries in the Caribbean, and its 

strong ties to Spanish-speaking culture, has 

made it an ideal place for the drug business.

Annually the area hosts over 2,500,000 

cruise ship passengers and the PR airport 

processes over 9,500,000 visitors. These 

high tourism/transient visitors are

contributory factors that complicate both, 

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 363 miles 

of coastline in Puerto Rico and the 105 miles

in USVI make it ideal for coast smuggling

activities. Being only 380 miles from South 

America coast and having a high volume of 

commercial containerized shipments, 

facilitates narcotics transshipment. 

SSSt

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An Executive Board comprised of 10 federal 

and 10 state/local agency heads (16 from PR 

and 4 from USVI) implement joint law 

enforcement initiatives, allocates resources

and prioritizes operations to ensure a 

joint/commingled interactive approach,

more information sharing, innovative drug 

interdiction techniques, and prioritizing

criminal investigations. Most important, the

Board annually reviews each Initiative goals 

and outcomes/outputs to enhance 

performance and works to achieve national 

supply reduction strategic goals. Two Case 

Management Committees (one for PR and 

one for USVI) coordinates all investigative

efforts to ensure coordination and 

information sharing among participating 

agencies. Both are comprised of the 

initiatives supervisors and federal and state 

prosecutors. Over 815 state, local and 

federal law enforcement and support 

personnel are co-located, commingled, and 

strategically positioned across the threat 

spectrum to enhance coverage within the 

Area of Responsibility (AOR). To address 

the drug threat there are 16 (sixteen) 

Initiatives: three smuggling interdiction, 

nine investigative, one regional intelligence, 

and three regional support Initiatives. 

All operations are based in solid developed 

intelligence to focus law enforcement 

coverage, constant interdiction activities, 

uncover communication links, investigate 

criminal activities, dismantling money 

laundering schemes and detecting new

criminal trends. All of them converging to 

develop a systematic joint approach 

designed to reduce the opportunity to 

conduct successful drug trafficking 

operations. This joint approach is used to 

reduce the AOR’s attractiveness as a 

preferred Caribbean staging and

transshipment route to and from CONUS for

illegal drugs, illegal firearms, illegal aliens

and drug proceeds money laundering. 

Initiatives approved to implement the 

PR/USVI HIDTA 2004-05 Strategy include: 

1. Air & Marine Interdiction Program 

(FURA) – this PR Police Department led 

initiative provides command, control, 

communications, coordination & 

intelligence (C4&I) to assigned forces

which allow for marine, air and ground 

interdiction within the coastline of 

Puerto Rico.

2. Blue Lightning Strike Force – this US 

Virgin Islands Police Department led

task force implement maritime

interdiction efforts in the surrounding 

waters of the USVI to close the entry of 

contraband, the inflow of cocaine, heroin 

117
and marijuana from being utilized as a 

transshipment point to CONUS. 

3. DEA Forensic Laboratory – this DEA 

led initiative provides technical forensic

support, ensure efficient and effective 

evidence analysis/processing, and

prompt availability of expert witnesses

to support successful prosecutions. 

4. HIDTA Training Initiative – this USCG 

lead task force recently modified, is 

responsible to train the law enforcement 

community to enhance the quality of 

drug related investigations, strengthen 

the local/state law enforcement agencies,

increase the conviction rate of drug 

trafficking related crime defendants at 

the state level and increase the safety of

law enforcement officers in Puerto Rico 

and the United States Virgin Islands. 

5. HIDTA / HIFCA Money Laundering 

Initiative – led by ICE this task force 

conducts complex investigations and 

interdiction of money laundering

organizations and schemes related to 

DTOs. Its purpose is to detect/ interdict/ 

dismantle DTOs smuggling and 

laundering illegally obtained cash 

proceeds from their operations. 

6. Fajardo Major Organization

Investigations – led by DEA this

initiative conducts long-term complex 

investigations geared to dismantle 

sophisticated DTOs operating in the East 

area of Puerto Rico, including offshore 

municipalities of Vieques and Culebra 

islands. 

7. High Seas Narcotics / Migrant 

Trafficking Operations - led by USCG 

this initiative address regional illegal 

narcotic and illegal migrant trafficking

through 24 hour investigation/ 

interdiction by means of sea and air over 

12 nautical miles. 

 

8. Investigative Support Center (ISC) – 

lead by FBI this task force provides 

strategic, operations and tactical 

information, deconfliction services 

through coordination of intelligence 

support sharing among all law 

enforcement agencies within the HIDTA 

and graphically organize investigative 

information. By acquiring information, 

processing it into meaningful data and 

disseminating intelligence it supports all 

HIDTA subsystems and task forces. 

9. Management and Coordination 

Support Initiative (MCSI) - led by 

contracted civilians this initiative

provides management, administrative, 

coordination, and logistical support 

structure for all HIDTA initiatives.

MCSI serves as a facilitator to the

Executive Board decision making 

process, program implementation, 

ensure cost-effectiveness, maintaining 

resources accountability and control over 

all programs, property and funds. 

10. Ponce Major Organization

Investigations - led by DEA this 

initiative conducts long-range complex 

investigations geared to dismantle 

sophisticated DTOs operating in the 

Southwest region of PR. 

11. Puerto Rico Fugitive Task Force - led 

by USMS this initiative arrest narcotic

criminals associated with smuggling, 

distribution, money laundering and street 

gang drug related activities throughout 

the AOR. 

118
12. Safe Neighborhoods Initiative – This 

newly created initiative identify, target,

investigate and prosecute drug 

trafficking criminal organizations, 

dismantle/disrupt their operational 

establishment as it relates to the use of 

firearms during the commission of 

violent crimes associated with drug 

trafficking throughout Puerto Rico and 

U.S. Virgin Islands. It engages 

organizations that supply illegal firearms

to organizations that use them to exert 

violent control over the different 

residential communities in the 

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the

U.S. Virgin Islands. 

13. St. Croix Major Organization 

Investigations – led by DEA this

initiative conducts long-range complex 

investigations geared to dismantle 

sophisticated DTOs operating in St. 

Croix. 

14. San Juan Major Organization

Investigations – led by DEA this

initiative conducts long-range complex 

investigations geared to dismantle 

sophisticated DTOs operating in the 

North West region of PR. 

15. St. Thomas Major Organization

Investigations – led by DEA this

initiative conducts long-term complex 

investigations geared to dismantle 

sophisticated DTOs operating in St. 

Thomas, VI. 

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaatttiiivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr(((IIISSSCCC))):::

Comprised of 52 intelligence analysts and 

agents from most of the HIDTA 

participating agencies, receives information 

and delivers accurate and timely intelligence

on drug related criminal activity to

initiatives and law enforcement agencies

(LEA). Specifics include: Communication 

links to allow sharing of timely and relevant 

information among all operators of the law 

enforcement community. It fosters 

information sharing among LEAs in an 

unbiased working environment to all law

enforcement components: State/Local and 

Federal. Provide one central location for all 

LEAs intelligence services to base initiative

participants commingling in a personal 

information sharing environment. 

The ISC serves as a central mechanism to 

collect, organize and disseminate 

information as final intelligence product 

using the Racketeering Enterprise 

Investigation (RICO) concept. Analysts, 

provided by FBI, DEA, USBOP, USCS, 

USARSO and PRNG uncovers links by 

serving instant, accurate, organized and

clean intelligence products, meet agentinformants requirements, which are then 

transformed into investigative or law 

enforcement operations. Using advance 

technology databases, advanced hardware, 

latest software and ultimate communication

devices like Title III (TII/S2 system), 

training the force and DEA Forensic 

Laboratory support, accelerates and

enhances the investigative capacities. It 

serves as one site information gathering and

dissemination structure that organize the 

necessary evidence for successful 

prosecution and conviction of criminals. 

Uncover criminal targets of opportunity, 

provide deconfliction of investigations and 

assure the dismantling of organizations by 

allowing for the highest quality and timely 

intelligence products and identifying DTOs 

resources purchased with drug proceeds. 

119
PPPaaarrrtttiiiccciiipppaaatttiiinnngggAAAgggeeennnccci

iieeesss:::

Federal: Drug Enforcement Agency, 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, 

Federal Bureau of Investigations, (Chair) 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, US 

Coast Guard, Internal Revenue Service,

United States Attorney’s Office - Puerto

Rico, United States Attorney’s Office - 

Virgin Islands, United States Coast Guard,

and United States Marshal Service 

State: Drug Control Office - PR, 

Department of Justice - PR, Department of 

Justice - VI, Puerto Rico National Guard, 

Virgin Islands National Guard, Puerto Rico

Department of Corrections, Puerto Rico 

Department of Treasury, Puerto Rico Police 

Department, (Vice-Chair) PR Special 

Investigations Bureau, and Virgin Islands 

Police Department 

SSSiiigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

We have achieved extraordinary success in 

intelligence, operational and organizational 

developments since our inception. 

Beginning in FY 1996 as a “Gateway” 

HIDTA, we had twelve barely staffed and 

equipped squads comprising one 

Interdiction, one Intelligence, eight 

Investigative and two Support initiatives. By 

FY 1997, PR/USVI HIDTA had 

dismantled/disrupted twelve organizations 

that were mostly operating state/local and 

national. The first threat assessment 

developed through the intelligence initiative 

caused participating agencies to develop a 

greater involvement in investigations, assign 

additional resources and participate in joint 

and commingled operations. By the end of

CY 2001, 16 initiatives have yielded over 

250 DTOs/MLOs dismantled/disrupted.

Our Operational-TEMPO since CY 2002 

has been driven by intelligence and

improving our capability to conduct 

investigative and interdiction activities, the 

effectiveness of judicial and local law

enforcement institutions, and reducing the 

introduction of drugs in the Caribbean. 

Totally focused in the joint/commingled 

investigative approach, this HIDTA have 

grown to 91% of maturity in the PMEs and 

over 92% on the GPRA requirements 

resulting in better investigations. The 

PR/USVI HIDTA Money Laundering 

Initiative /HIFCA have indirectly and 

effectively contributed to the National 

counter-money laundering efforts. 

“Operation Double Impact” was an 

investigation that revealed that Roberto 

FERRARIO and his associates laundered 

approximately $32 million in narcotics 

 

proceeds through Banco Popular de PR 

during the period of July 1995 to December 

1998. Additionally, an IRS investigation 

targeting Jairo de Jesus VALLEJOJURADO which resulted in an indictment in 

June 2000, revealed that from late 1998 

through 2000 (post Ferrario), Vallejo used 

two accounts at BPPR to launder nearly $2 

million of narcotics proceeds. This 

investigation, which encompassed 

FERRARIO and VALLEJO criminal cases, 

was expanded to include a financial analysis 

of approximately eleven- (11) accounts 

maintained at BPPR by Dominican Republic

money services business (MSB) that appear 

to have launder billions of dollars in 

criminally derived proceeds through BPPR. 

The investigation proved that the 

corporation, including the Board of 

Directors and other managers, had 

knowledge of the money laundering activity 

and were willfully blind to the activity. On 

January 15, 2003, the U.S. Department of 

120
Justice (DOJ) and BPPR entered into a

Deferred Prosecution Agreement. Pursuant 

to a forfeiture clause in the agreement, 

BPPR paid $21.6 million dollars that were

deposited into the Treasury Forfeiture Fund. 

• Reaching Out To Other HIDTAs: The 

PR/USVI HIDTA has promote the 

counter-drug efforts and coordinated 

support from/to the Caribbean countries 

and Florida, Washington/Baltimore, 

New York/New Jersey, and El Paso 

HIDTAs among others. Cooperation in 

investigative efforts and information 

sharing has been critical in the success

for case solving. 

• Cooperative International Support:

PU/USVI HIDTA is been asked to brief 

other countries joint law enforcement/ 

military groups on the HIDTA concept. 

These groups have demonstrated interest 

in using the HIDTA joint concept at 

their countries as a way to deter drugs 

trafficking within their AORs. 

121
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llooorrraaddoo:: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, Eagle, El 

Paso, Garfield, Grand, Jefferson, LaPlata, Larimer, Mesa, 

Moffatt, Pueblo, Routt and Weld counties 

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The mission of Rocky Mountain HIDTA 

(RMHIDTA) is to support the national drug 

control strategy of reducing drug use in this 

nation. Specifically, the RMHIDTA 

ultimate mission is to facilitate cooperation

and coordination among federal, state and 

local drug enforcement efforts to enhance 

combating drug trafficking organizations 

locally, regionally and nationally. This 

mission is accomplished through 

intelligence-driven joint multi-agency 

collocated drug task forces sharing

information and working cooperatively with 

other drug enforcement initiatives including 

interdiction.

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt

Methamphetamine continues to pose the 

greatest threat in Rocky Mountain HIDTA’s 

four-state region. Methamphetamine abuse 

and trafficking are associated with financial,

property, and violent crimes throughout 

Colorado, Utah, Montana and Wyoming. 

Mexican drug trafficking organizations 

(MDTOs) produce, transport, and distribute 

most of the methamphetamine in Colorado, 

Wyoming and Utah. Methamphetamine 

production also occurs in Montana and 

places a tremendous burden on law 

enforcement resources. 

Cocaine represents a significant threat to

Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. Criminal 

groups and individuals that distribute and 

abuse cocaine often engage in violent acts, 

especially assault, assault on law

enforcement, and homicide. MDTOs are the 

122
primary transporters and distributors of 

cocaine. The threat to Montana posed by 

crack cocaine is greater than that posed by

powdered cocaine. Although violence is 

infrequently associated with cocaine 

distribution and abuse in Montana, African 

American street gangs that distribute 

cocaine in Billings are known to commit

violent crimes such as drive-by shootings 

and assault in other cities in the United 

States. 

Heroin, specifically Mexican black tar and, 

to a lesser extent, Mexican brown powdered, 

poses a moderate but increasing threat to 

Colorado and Utah. MDTOs and criminal 

groups are the primary transporters and 

distributors of Mexican black tar and brown 

powdered heroin. 

Marijuana poses a significant threat to all 

states and continues to be the most readily 

available and abused illicit drug within the 

four-state region. Most of the marijuana in 

all states is produced, transported, and

distributed by MDTOs. Highly potent “BC 

Bud” from Canada is increasingly available 

in Colorado, Montana and Wyoming. 

Cannabis is also cultivated in the states, both

indoors and outdoors. Cannabis cultivators 

sometimes employ armed guards, guard 

dogs, and booby traps to deter civilian and 

law enforcement discovery of cannabis 

crops. 

The drugs often referred to collectively as 

“club drugs” pose an increasing threat to 

Colorado and Utah. In particular, MDMA is

readily available in these states. 

Hallucinogens pose a concern in Montana 

and are abused primarily by high school and 

college-age students. LSD poses an

increasing threat to Colorado and Utah. 

Psilocybin is grown in Colorado and is the 

most widely abused hallucinogen in the 

state. 

Diverted pharmaceuticals pose a concern to 

Colorado, Utah and Wyoming and pose a 

growing threat in Montana. The most 

commonly diverted pharmaceuticals include 

opioids (narcotic analgesics) such as 

Dilaudid, Fentanyl, OxyContin, Percocet, 

Percodan, Vicodin, and sedative hypnotics 

(benzodiazepines) such as Valium and 

Xanax. Stimulants such as Adderall, 

Dexedrine, and Ritalin also are commonly 

diverted in Montana. 

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Rocky Mountain HIDTA includes seventeen 

counties in Colorado, five in Montana, six in 

Utah and six in Wyoming. The governing 

body or Executive Board is made up of 

federal, state and local criminal justice

system executives from the four states. This

Board employs the director and other 

administrative staff housed in Denver to 

oversee the day-to-day operation of the 

HIDTA. 

Rocky Mountain HIDTA is broken down 

into five subcomponents, which include 

Administration, Training, Intelligence, 

Investigation and Interdiction. Each of these 

subcomponents consists of individual 

initiatives developed in order to address the 

identified threat and carry out the mission. 

The Investigative subcomponent consists of

thirty multi-agency collocated drug task

forces strategically placed throughout the 

region. The Interdiction subcomponent

consists of the Colorado State Patrol 

Interdiction Program, Utah Department of 

Public Safety Criminal Interdiction Team, 

Wyoming Highway Patrol Interdiction 

Program and the Denver Metro Interdiction 

Task Force. The Administration, Training 

and Intelligence subcomponents are 

classified as support initiatives and service 

the needs of drug law enforcement and 

prosecution. All five subcomponents are 

closely related and interact on a regular 

123 
basis in addressing the threat. Rocky 

Mountain HIDTA supports a number of 

major drug trafficking organization task 

forces, gang task force, financial task force, 

and the newly-developed Highway Patrol 

Network which is a collaboration of 

Colorado, Utah and Wyoming Highway 

Patrols. 

These initiatives include nineteen different 

federal agencies involving 115 federal 

personnel; fourteen state agencies involving 

1,145 state personnel; 118 local agencies 

involving 322 local personnel; and 4 state 

National Guard Units involving 11 National 

Guard personnel. The Investigation and 

Interdiction subcomponents have achieved 

success in meeting the projected overall 

outputs. 

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The Rocky Mountain HIDTA Investigative 

Support Center is the central hub for the 

Investigative and Interdiction

subcomponents. The Investigative Support 

Center is made up of a combination of 

federal, state and local personnel primarily 

analysts to assist drug task forces and units 

in their investigative efforts. The

Investigative Support Center has a satellite 

center in Salt Lake City, Utah and

coordinates with the Wyoming DCI center 

in Cheyenne. 

The Case Analytical Unit provides 

analytical support to the various HIDTA 

task forces in pursuit of their investigations. 

This support includes wire intercepts, PEN 

registers, graphs, charts, telephone toll 

analysis, document analysis, geo-mapping, 

link analysis, statistical analysis, subject 

background reports, and operational briefing 

books. The majority of the major

investigations that have national impact 

have had an ISC analyst assigned to the 

case. Through the Watch Center function of

the ISC, Rocky Mountain HIDTA 

enforcement agencies are provided real-time 

tactical deconfliction. Tactical deconfliction

is offered to agencies located in eleven

Colorado counties. Research is currently 

underway to expand the Watch Center 

services into projected areas of need 

throughout the Rocky Mountain HIDTA 

region. 

The ISC supports and facilitates drug 

pointer-index information sharing between 

the four Rocky Mountain HIDTA states and 

continues to work on direct connectivity

between ISC support functions and the 

investigative initiatives. The intelligence

subsystem includes activities and satellite

analytical support functions through the 

Wyoming Division of Criminal 

Investigation, Montana Division of Criminal 

Investigation and the Utah Department of 

Public Safety. 

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Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and 

Firearms, Bureau of Immigration & 

Customs Enforcement Under Department of 

Homeland Security, Department of 

Agriculture, Drug Enforcement 

Administration, Federal Bureau of 

Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, 

U.S. Attorney’s Office (Colorado, Utah and 

Wyoming), U.S. Marshals Service, U. S. 

Postal Inspections Service and U.S. Customs

Service. 

State: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, 

Colorado National Guard, Colorado State 

Patrol, University of Colorado Police

Department, Colorado Department of 

Corrections, Montana Division of Criminal 

Investigation, Montana Department of 

Corrections, Montana National Guard, Utah 

Adult Parole Division, University of Utah 

Police Department, Utah Attorney General’s 

Office, Utah Department of Corrections, 

Utah Department of Public Safety including 

Bureau of State Investigations and Utah 

Highway Patrol, Utah National Guard, 

124 
Wyoming Division of Criminal 

Investigation and Wyoming Highway Patrol 

Local: 

Colorado: The 1st, 4th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 

17th, and 19th Judicial Districts Attorneys’ 

Offices; Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas, El 

Paso, Garfield, Grand, Jefferson, LaPlata, 

Larimer, Mesa, Moffatt, Pueblo, Routt, 

Teller, and Weld Counties Sheriff’s Offices; 

Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, 

Broomfield, Carbondale, Colorado Springs, 

Commerce City, Craig, Denver, Durango, 

Englewood, Erie, Evans, Federal Heights, 

Fort Collins, Fountain, Garfield, Glendale,

Glenwood Springs, Golden, Grand Junction, 

Greeley, Greenwood Village, Lafayette,

Lakewood, Littleton, Louisville, Loveland, 

Manitou Springs, Northglenn, Pueblo, Rifle, 

Rio Blanco, Sheridan, Steamboat Springs, 

Thornton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and 

Woodland Park Police Departments. 

Utah: Salt Lake County District Attorney’s 

Office; Davis, Salt Lake, Utah and 

Washington Counties Sheriff’s Offices; 

American Fork, Bountiful, Clearfield, 

Kaysville, Layton, Mapleton, Midvale, 

Murray City, Orem, Pleasant Grove, Provo, 

Salt Lake City, Sandy, South Salt Lake City, 

Spanish Fork, Springville, St. George, West 

Jordan, West Valley, Woods Cross, Pleasant 

Grove, Lehi, Mapleton and Salem Police 

Departments; Salt Lake International Airport 

Police; Bayfield Marshal’s Office 

Montana: Cascade, Flathead, Gallatin, 

Lewis and Clark, Teton, Yellowstone, Lewis 

and Clark, Missoula Counties Sheriff’s 

Offices; Billings, Great Falls, Helena, 

Kalispell, Laurel, Missoula, and Whitefish 

Police Departments. 

Wyoming: Laramie, Natrona and 

Sweetwater Counties District Attorney’s

Offices; Campbell, Carbon, Laramie, 

Natrona, Sheridan, Sweetwater, and Uinta 

Counties Sheriff’s Offices; Casper, 

Cheyenne, Douglas, Evanston, Gillette, 

Green River, Laramie, Sheridan, Torrington, 

and Wheatland Police Departments. 

SSSiiigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeeennntttsss:::

• Established first federal, state and local 

Denver Metro drug task force of 42 

officers and 2 prosecutors collocated and

commingled. 

• Started 6 collocated/commingled drug 

task forces that were not in existence. 

• Initiated the first collocated/commingled 

task force in the tri-state area to solely

target money laundering and financial 

aspects of drug trafficking. 

• Helped facilitate the standardizing of all 

drug enforcement in Wyoming under the 

Regional Enforcement Team concept. 

• Assisted in facilitating a consolidated

statewide Utah methamphetamine 

program including officers, analysts, 

prosecutors and forensic all working 

together as a team. This resulted in a 

three-year decrease in clan lab seizures. 

• Began the first drug K-9 programs in all 

three states highway patrol departments. 

• Created the first statewide fugitive 

location task force in Colorado. 

• Rocky Mountain HIDTA programs

increased the number of drug trafficking 

organizations disrupted/dismantled by 

15%, arrests by 44% and drug seizures 

by 30% and have seen a decrease in the 

number of clandestine labs. 

• Helped foster the coordination of over 

321 separate investigations with other 

HIDTA regions. 

• Trained approximately 1,700 officers in 

47 training classes. The only HIDTA to

develop its own Two-week Basic Drug 

Investigations School, Clan Lab Safety 

Course, Street Survival Spanish, and 

Drug Unit Commanders Course, all are 

POST certified. First HIDTA to host offsite Federal Law Enforcement Analyst 

125 
Training (FLEAT), a DEA analyst 

course. 

• Cooperation with the National Drug 

Intelligence Center including housing

two NDIC field specialists. 

• Sponsored the first and ongoing federal, 

state and local Drug Unit Commanders 

quarterly meetings for training, problem 

resolution and information sharing. 

• Increased use of pointer name index 

system in each state by 150% and 

responsible for unanimous agreement

among agencies for mandated use. 

• Helped facilitate establishment of the 

Colorado Drug Investigators Association 

who set up their first annual conference. 

• Established tactical deconfliction watch 

center and secured unanimous agreement

for mandated use. 

• Developed a comprehensive policy and 

procedure manual that was requested 

and distributed to over 19 HIDTAs. 

• Developed the Rocky Mountain 

Highway Patrol Network to foster tristate coordination and cooperation. 

• Initiated and sponsored the first HIDTA 

ISC Manager’s Meeting. 

• Responsible for the ONDCP/CTAC 

radio interoperability pilot project and its 

success. 

• Work closely with Montana authorities

to bring them into RMHIDTA. Assisted 

with the threat assessment, budget and 

forming appropriate task forces. 

• Connected Utah’s pointer name index 

(ULEIN) with RISS.NET. In the process 

of connecting Colorado and Wyoming. 

• Established a methamphetamine 

coordinator’s position in coordination 

with the National Chemical Initiative,

which facilitated passage of a strong 

precursor/chemical law in Colorado. 

• Facilitated passage of the Drug 

Endangered Children’s law in Colorado 

and helped establish Colorado coalition

of drug endangered children. 

• Established a satellite Investigative

Support Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

126 
SS T

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The mission of South Florida HIDTA is to 

enhance and facilitate the coordination of 

South Florida’s drug control efforts among 

federal, state, and local law enforcement

agencies in order to eliminate or reduce drug

trafficking and related money laundering 

and violence and their harmful

consequences in South Florida and other 

regions of the United States.

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt::: 

Florida is currently the 4th most populous 

state and is projected to become 3rd in the

nation. The region includes the Miami-Fort 

Lauderdale metropolis, the 5th most

populous metropolitan region of the United 

States. The South Florida region remains 

one of the major illicit drug centers in the 

United States. 

Major drug trafficking operations – cocaine, 

heroin, marijuana, MDMA, and diverted 

pharmaceuticals are all concentrated heavily

in the South Florida area. Cocaine alone is a 

multibillion dollar criminal enterprise

orchestrated by international, regional and 

local criminal enterprises. The other major 

regional threat drugs – heroin, MDMA, and 

marijuana – represent similar criminal 

ventures of near equal proportion in the 

region. 

The South Florida HIDTA region is located 

in the critical United States gateway from 

Latin America and the Caribbean It’s

geographic area is divided into four counties 

– Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm 

Beach. 

The area is a contiguous metropolitan 

corridor along the Atlantic Ocean. It 

includes South Florida's three major 

international airports, three major deep127
water international seaports and an efficient 

ground-based network that includes welldeveloped interstate highway, rail, and other 

transportation systems. 

The South Florida drug threat consists of the 

following major drugs, each with its

significant regional and international money 

laundering activities: 

• Colombian-supplied cocaine and 

heroin 

• Crack cocaine 

• European produced MDMA 

• Jamaican, Mexican, Canadian and 

local marijuana 

• Diverted Pharmaceuticals 

Colombian cocaine and heroin shipments 

continue to arrive in South Florida from 

Colombia and the Caribbean islands. These 

same drugs also arrive directly from other 

South American countries, including 

Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela. The drugs 

arriving in South Florida include major 

quantities earmarked for delivery to other 

United States and European markets. In

addition to the South Florida area, the drugs 

are transshipped to other areas to include 

New York and New Jersey in the northeast 

and numerous states in the Southwest and 

Central United States. 

The South Florida HIDTA Initiatives 

identified a total of 255 drug trafficking 

organizations for CY 2003; there were 339 

disruptions and 143 DTOs were dismantled. 

These drug trafficking and money 

laundering organizations represent the 

known threat organizations that are 

operating in the South Florida HIDTA 

region. All are considered national and/or 

international in scope. 

SSSt

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The tri-county area of the South Florida 

HIDTA represents part of one federal 

district, the Southern District of Florida. 

Within it, each federal agency has a regional 

leader who represents his organization and 

jurisdiction, and ensures that his personnel 

pursue their agency’s mission while they 

coordinate with other law enforcement 

organizations. Similarly, the state, county 

and municipal law enforcement agencies use 

Agency

Cocaine

2002 

(Kg)

Cocaine

2003 

(Kg)

Heroin

2002 

(Kg)

Heroin

2003 

(Kg)

Marijuana 

2002 

(Kg)

Marijuana 

2003 

(Kg)

ICE/CBP 20,320.4 12,912.6 440.2 497.1 15,282.2 14,897.1 

DEA 7,297.8 6,367.7 186.1 125.2 1,818.0 1,019.5 

FBI 4,394.4 871.7 21.1 31.6 0.1 501.8 

USCG 3,334.0 4,394.0 0.0 4,671.6 1,223.1 

Monroe County Sheriff 93.8 75.7 0.0 0.0 7.9 8.0 

Key West P.D. 1,645.3 0.4 0.0 0.0 1,308.6 215.2 

Miami-Dade P.D. 2,152.9 3,665.1 30.0 50.0 5,399.5 7,492.8 

Miami P.D. 301.4 315.7 3.3 25.5 270.0 504.5 

Broward County

Sheriff 4,157.5 1,914.0 46.6 22.0 3,576.4 2,982.0 

Fort Lauderdale P.D. 828.0 2.7 2.0 0.5 134.0 84.0 

Palm Beach Sheriff 76.5 591.8 0.2 2.5 864.8 1,241.0 

All Other Agencies 1,916.3 14.2 11,920.0 

Total 44,601.9 33,027.7 729.5 768.6 33,333.0 42,089.0 

DRUG SEIZURES 

128
the authority of their jurisdictions to carry 

out their missions in overlapping geographic 

areas. HIDTA-participating agencies submit

annual proposals for multi-agency initiatives 

to address drug trafficking and related 

money laundering and violence identified by

these agencies and in the HIDTA’s Regional 

Threat Assessment. The proposals are 

grouped into task force initiatives instead of 

single agency programs. Once reviewed by a 

subcommittee and approved by the South 

Florida HIDTA Executive Board, collocated 

task forces that strategically attack criminal 

systems and target organizations implement 

initiatives. 

The HIDTA Executive Board includes eight 

federal and eight state and local 

representatives. In FY04, it is chaired by 

Major Gary Moore, Broward Sheriff’s 

Office, with a federal agency Principal Field

Officer Mr. Marcos D. Jiminez, United

States Attorney, as vice chair. The chair,

vice chair and all Executive Board members

are selected by their peers according to

guidance from ONDCP. The South Florida 

HIDTA Director, Timothy D. Wagner, was 

nominated by the Executive Board and 

approved by the Director of ONDCP. The

HIDTA Director and Deputy Director, Joel 

Widell, provide day-to-day program 

management, brokering and support to the 

initiatives approved by the Executive Board. 

He serves as a conduit for directives, policy 

and related administrative information 

required by ONDCP 

The South Florida HIDTA-participating

agencies focus on disrupting and

dismantling international organizations and 

conspiracies devoted to smuggling illicit 

drugs into the United States and distributing 

them throughout the country, as well as 

organizations involved in laundering the 

profits of the illicit drug industry. They also 

target organizations and individuals that use 

violence in the furtherance of these criminal 

activities.

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaatttiiivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr:::

The SFLHIDTA Intelligence Center 

(SFLHIC) is a multi-agency investigative 

support center that provides analytical 

assistance through specialized intelligence 

for law enforcement agencies in South

Florida. The Center provides actionable 

intelligence through target research, 

organization analysis, and development. 

Direct case support is available to more than 

100 local, state, and federal law enforcement

agencies in Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, 

and Palm Beach counties The SFLHIC is 

designed to take maximum advantage of 

today’s state-of-the-art information 

technology such as the HIDTA Intranet Base 

Information System (HIBIS), which is a 

web-based portal that links seven 

subsystems into one web environment. 

PPPaaarrrttti

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FEDERAL: ATF, CBP, DEA, FBI, 

Federal Bureau of Prisons, ICE, IRS, NDIC, 

USAO, USBP, USCG, US Department of

State, US Dept. of Defense, USPS, USSS 

STATE/LOCAL: Aventura PD, Bal

Harbour PD, Broward Sheriff's Office, 

Coral Gables PD, Coral Springs PD, Davie 

PD, Florida City PD, Florida Dept. of Law 

Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, 

Florida National Guard, Fort Lauderdale 

PD, Glades PD, Hallandale PD, Hialeah PD, 

Hollywood PD, Homestead PD, Indiancreek 

PD, Key Biscayne PD, Key West PD, 

Lauderhill PD, Lighthouse Point PD, 

Margate PD, Medley PD, Miami Beach PD, 

Miami PD, Miami-Dade PD, Miramar PD, 

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, N. Bay 

Village PD, N Miami PD, Pembroke Pines

PD, Plantation PD, State Attorneys Office,

Sunny Isles Beach PD, Sunrise PD.

129
SSSiiigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhi

iieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

Of the 85 new OCDETF investigations 

initiated in South Florida, 34 (40%) are by 

HIDTA initiatives

Miami Task Force Operation Capstone was 

initiated as a result of the prior MTF 

Operation Cornerstone investigation against 

Cali Cartel leadership in which 47,000 

kilograms of cocaine were seized. The 

continuation of this investigation targets the

remaining leadership of the Cali Cartel still 

operating as a key drug trafficking 

organization. 

During 2003 the investigation resulted in the 

indictment of the leaders of the notorious 

Cali Cartel, 11 defendants, including the two 

founding members, brothers MiguelRodriguez-Orejuela and Gilberto RodriguezOrejuela. The indictment charges the 

laundering of $2.1 billion worth of drug 

proceeds as well as narcotics trafficking 

including smuggling and obstruction of 

justice through multiple murders and 

payoffs. Extraditions are anticipated in late

2004. Thus far, five subjects have been 

taken into custody. 

Operation Double Trouble, a long term 

investigation targeting the Henao 

Organization which utilized the Black 

Market Peso Exchange, offshore banks, and 

corporations to launder drug proceeds has 

arrested 60 defendants and seized 40 bank 

accounts to date. During 2003, a 30 count 

indictment was issued, charging 36 

individuals with money laundering and 

narcotics-related charges. During August 

2003, 28 subjects were arrested. This was 

recognized with an Outstanding Task Force 

award by the Director, ONDCP in

December 2003. 

Operation X targets three international drug 

trafficking money laundering organizations. 

To date the investigation has dismantled two

organizations, arrested 20 subjects and 

seized $3.1 million in assets. In December

2003, an additional indictment was returned. 

Operation Riptide has targeted multiple

Colombian Peso Brokers. During 2003, the 

initiative dismantled four significant money 

laundering organizations, disrupted seven, 

and seized almost $12 million in currency. 

Operation Green Sweep, a Broward County 

HIDTA task force investigation targeting 

businesses and individuals using the BMPE 

to launder drug funds, has arrested 23 

subjects, seized $3,327,685, 19 kilos of 

cocaine and dismantled 1 money laundering 

organization while disrupting 8 during 2003. 

In another investigation, the same task force 

is targeting an importer/exporter who uses 

commercial shipments to conceal narcotics

and launders narcotics funds through various 

businesses 

Another task force focusing on outbound 

movements of narcotics targeted a high level 

organization. The investigation has yielded 

the seizure of two large inbound shipments

of heroin and cocaine concealed in cargo

and large outbound shipments of cash 

concealed in cargo. During 2003 the task 

force seized $7 million in cash arrested 25

individuals, dismantled 3 organizations and 

disrupted three. 

VIOLENT CRIME: 

During 2003, overall violent crime rates for 

the South Florida HIDTA counties declined

by approximately 3.6%. Although declining, 

the following rates per 100,000 population 

depict a serious problem for South Florida: 

homicides 338, robberies 14,165, assaults 

27,318, rapes 1,923, and burglaries 52,404. 

Despite declines in the crime index totals, 

violent crime continues to be a serious 

concern for the South Florida community.. 

Drug-related street level violence is 

common. The daily newspapers report 

130
shootings of innocent children who were in 

the wrong place at the wrong time when 

rival gang members confront each other over 

drug turf. Street-level armed robberies are 

the most commonly reported violent crime. 

Kidnappings occur every day by addicts 

robbing for money to purchase drugs. Drug 

owners who are robbed of their product and 

its profit buy murder contracts. Intimidation 

and retaliation are by-products of the drug 

trade; witnesses testifying at drug trials and

their relatives are threatened and intimidated 

by violence. 

In October 2002, Gang Strike Force 

investigators targeted the “Lincoln Fields 

Gangsters” and their associates to dismantle 

their drug distribution network operating in 

the North-Side District of Miami-Dade

County. Over the next nine months, GSF 

investigators conducted numerous

surveillances and identified 60 members of 

the gang and numerous associate members.

Undercover detectives purchased cocaine

and/or cannabis from “Lincoln Fields 

Gangsters” and their associates and made

narcotics and firearms arrests on 48 

occasions. GSF investigators were able to

document the organization’s use of specific 

types of packaging designed to build brand 

loyalty. The investigation revealed that the 

subjects and their associates were directly 

responsible for or associated with over 300 

crimes in Miami-Dade County. Most had an 

extensive criminal history including

homicides, shootings, robberies, and 

countless cocaine and cannabis sales. In 

May, one member was shot by another 

member over accounting discrepancies at 

one of the organizations drug holes. 

On June 24, 2003 GSF prosecutors issued 33 

warrants charging members and associates

with drug trafficking and related crimes. To 

date, a total of 32 of the 33 gang members 

have been arrested. 

Through this and several other significant 

investigations, GSF made 42 federal and 68 

state arrests. They dismantled three violent 

drug trafficking organizations. 

Operation STOP dismantled an operation 

supplying the AUC and FARC with 

numerous assault rifles. Records indicate 

approximately 600-700 weapons sold in the 

past. A shipment of 50 assault rifles was

seized subsequent to two controlled 

deliveries to two sets of Colombian 

nationals. STOP also initiated Operation

Destination Trinidad, targeting an 

organization funded by narcotics proceeds, 

trafficking assault rifles and silencers to an

extremist terrorist organization, Jamat et 

Muslimen. During 2003 the investigation, 

which is still ongoing, resulted in federal 

prosecutions and seizure of assault type 

weapons. Significant home invasion groups 

were successfully targeted throughout 2003, 

resulting in the dismantling of a total of 8

organizations, disruption of 19 

organizations, 91 arrests, and seizure of 179 

weapons. 

 

131
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:: Cochise, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, 

 and Yuma Counties. 

CCCooonnntttaaacccttt::: (520) 746-4426/4400

MMMiiissssssiiiooonnnSSStttaaattteeemmmeeennntt

:::

To facilitate federal/state/local multi-agency

task forces and other partnerships to increase 

the safety of Arizona's citizens, by 

substantially reducing drug trafficking, 

money laundering, and drug-related crime

and violence. 

TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

Arizona continues to be one of the fastest 

growing states in the nation. This rapid 

population growth continues to strain law 

enforcement resources. The region has six

Customs land ports of entry, three of which 

are major ports, five designated international 

airports, and an excellent transportation 

infrastructure that is exploited by drug 

traffickers. The two major metropolitan 

areas in the HIDTA, Tucson and Phoenix, 

are primary distribution centers and drug 

transit areas with close proximity and easy 

access to the Arizona-Sonora border. The 

primary threat is from major drug 

trafficking, money laundering groups, and 

street gangs that operate in Arizona and 

Mexico. 

Arizona is considered a transshipment point 

for loads of drugs, primarily marijuana, 

cocaine, Mexican black tar heroin, and 

increasingly methamphetamine produced in 

Mexico, destined for other areas in the U.S. 

Marijuana continues to be the most abused 

and trafficked drug in the state that serves as

America’s pipeline for Mexican marijuana.

Cocaine remains the second most abused 

drug. Methamphetamine poses the most 

significant policing problem statewide and 

has replaced cocaine as the second most 

popular drug of choice in several areas of 

the state. It is the most abused stimulant 

drug in Arizona. Heroin is the least abused 

illicit drug in Arizona. Mexican black tar 

heroin is the most common type of heroin 

available in Arizona. Ecstasy has become

an “acceptable” and trendy drug among 

132 
teens and young adults. Marijuana seizures 

in CY2003 were 911,854 pounds. This 

represents a 57% increase from CY 2002. 

Arizona Statewide Marijuana Seizures 

(metric tons)

0

100

200

300

400

500

MJ 272.5 212.8 261.6 414.5

2000 2001 2002 2003

Cocaine seizures dropped from 7,540 

pounds in CY 2002 to 6,347 pounds in CY 

2003. Clandestine methamphetamine 

laboratory seizures decreased from 297 in 

CY 2002 to 116 in CY 2003; however, 

statewide seizures increased from 639 

pounds to 1,641 pounds on CY 2003. 

Statewide methamphetamine seizures in

Arizona have increased 160% since CY 

2000. Increased numbers of seizures have 

occurred at the ports of entry and in traffic 

stops. Heroin is routinely smuggled into the 

United States through Arizona Ports of 

Entry. Heroin seizures are down from 15 

pounds in CY 2002 to 11 pounds in CY 

2003. Drug proceeds are smuggled from 

Arizona to Mexico in bulk by vehicles, 

commerce shipments, private and

commercial aircraft, and pedestrians. The 

easy access to illicit drugs generates local 

community drug abuse problems throughout 

the state. 

Increased interdiction efforts have frustrated 

the alien and narcotic smuggler. This has 

resulted in significant acts of aggression and

violence toward law enforcement officials. 

Drug trafficking and consumption in the 

region inevitably lead to drug-related crime. 

In CY 2003 violent crime statistics for 

homicides, robberies, aggravated 

assaults, rapes, and property were up. Drugrelated violence and property crime are 

increasingly perpetrated by drug gangs and 

abusers and threatens the safety of Arizona's

citizens. 

SSSt

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tteeegggyyyAAAbbbssst

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The Arizona HIDTA operates as an 

extension of the Southwest Border HIDTA 

and under the guidance of the Office of 

National Drug Control Policy. Participating

agencies have their own missions, strategies, 

and policies/procedures. The Arizona 

HIDTA Executive Committee (AHEC)

provides the unity of effort and coordination 

to synchronize the HIDTA strategy as it 

targets the drug threat and reduces drugrelated crime. The AHEC consists of 13 

voting members, 5 local, 3 state, and 5 

federal. There is also one non-voting 

member - JTF-6. The AHEC is a policy 

making board that may empower

subcommittees to accomplish their 

objectives. They review and approve annual 

budget submissions and provide guidance to 

the Arizona HIDTA staff. The Arizona 

HIDTA provides the coordination umbrella 

for all HIDTA initiatives and special 

projects. 

The AHEC has funded 23 initiatives to 

execute the HIDTA strategy and meet the 

Performance Measures of 

Effectiveness/Government Performance 

Results Act targets and the ONDCP 

Developmental Standards. Each initiative is

a multi-agency federal, state, and local 

effort. All initiatives are collocated and

commingled except in two instances where a 

large, diverse, rural environment does not 

permit collocation. 

The HIDTA counties each have one 

“centerpiece” initiative (task force) that 

serves that respective county with a 

collocated or collaborative multi-agency

task force directed at major drug case 

development and drug smuggling. These 

133 
“centerpiece” task forces are essentially

multi-dimensional to meet HIDTA program 

guidance criteria. The remaining initiatives

augment the primary task forces by

providing specialized units to target money 

laundering, drug-related violence, 

corruption, fugitive apprehension,

surveillance expertise, training, demand 

reduction, technical or intelligence support. 

To accomplish these priorities, grant funding 

is administered to 23 initiatives. These joint 

federal, state, and local initiatives are

organized seamlessly into counter-drug 

systems. Each system focuses on a counterdrug imperative. The systems are 

intelligence, interdiction, investigation,

prosecution, demand reduction and support. 

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaat

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At the direction of the ONDCP, the Arizona 

HIDTA Executive Committee has 

implemented an interdiction, intelligence 

and investigative based HIDTA Center in 

Tucson, Arizona. The mission of the Center 

is two-fold: to provide a support 

environment for the collocation of vital 

federal, state, and local law enforcement

resources involved in counter drug 

investigations, interdiction, and intelligence 

and; to provide investigation and 

interdiction intelligence systems and 

products that supports and enhances Arizona 

HIDTA drug task forces/initiatives 

capability to disrupt/dismantle drug

trafficking organizations in support of the 

Arizona HIDTA Strategy. Participants 

include an Administration Support Group 

with 7 full-time members and an

Intelligence Division with 40 full-time and 

22 collocated members. The 

Administration Support Group is staffed by 

Pima County Sheriff’s Department 

personnel and provides facility management

and security services, information systems 

technical support, operates/maintains the 

event deconfliction system NINJAS, and 

conducts research and development for

enhanced databases electronic connectivity

and analytical support systems. The 

Intelligence Division is an Arizona

Department of Public Safety led federal, 

state, and local initiative. The Intelligence 

Division provides all source intelligence, 

trend and pattern analysis, analytical case 

support, and case deconfliction support to 

the HIDTA initiatives and other appropriate 

users. To support these efforts, the 

Intelligence Division has access to over 36

databases. They use the Geographic 

Information System Arcview to provide 

predictive intelligence as well as graphically 

display drug, currency, weapons, and other 

seizure data. The ISC provides this graphic 

display through COBIJA WebShare to over 

1,500 vetted users throughout the United 

States and Canada. Additionally, during ’03

SIPRNET/ADNET connectivity was 

established and functioning as an 

information resource and secure e-mail

resource. Collocated at the Arizona HIDTA 

Center are three other initiatives. Also cohoused are components of the Tucson Police 

Department Special Investigations Unit, the

Border Patrol Prosecution Unit, a Deputy 

Pima County Attorney, and air assets of the 

Arizona DPS and Pima County Sheriff's

Department. 

PPPaaarrrt

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Federal: Drug Enforcement Administration, 

Federal Bureau of Investigation, 

Immigration and Naturalization Service, 

United States National Park Service, United

States Forest Service, United States Border 

Patrol, United States Customs Service,

United States Marshals Service, and United

States Attorneys Office. 

State/Local: Arizona Attorney General's 

Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety 

134 
Local: Benson Police Department, Bisbee 

Police Department, Cochise County 

Attorney’s Office, Cochise County Sheriff’s 

Department, Chandler Police Department, 

Casa Grande Police Department, Eloy Police 

Department, Glendale Police Department, 

Kearney Police Department, Maricopa 

County Sheriff’s Department, Mesa Police 

Department, Mohave County Sheriff’s 

Office, Nogales Police Department, Oro 

Valley Police Department, Peoria Police

Department, Phoenix Police Department, 

Pima County Attorney’s Office, Pima

County Attorney’s Office, Pima County 

Sheriff’s Department, Pinal County Sheriff’s 

Department, Santa Cruz County Attorney’s 

Office, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s

Department, Tucson Police Department, 

Wilcox Police Department, Youngtown 

Police Department, Yuma County Sheriff’s 

Department, Yuma Police Department 

Other: National Guard, Department of 

Defense JTF-6 

SSSiiigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

The Arizona HIDTA, working with the 

California Border Alliance Group, New 

Mexico HIDTA, South Texas HIDTA,

Chicago HIDTA, Michigan HIDTA and 

others, has spearheaded a concept called

Cobija (blanket in Spanish). Cobija is a

coordinating mechanism that assists 

HIDTAs in facilitating federal, state, tribal,

and local law enforcement 

coordinated/synchronized criminal

interdiction operational planning, 

operations, information sharing and 

intelligence generation supporting

interdiction, investigative, and intelligence

agencies. There have been sixteen Cobija 

cycles since its inception in August 1998. 

Each cycle involves an operational planning 

conference (usually attended by 300 - 400 

law enforcement representatives), an

operational period, and lessons learned. 

Each phase is continually supported with 

intelligence. 

Cobija involves representatives from 

Arizona, California, Texas, New Mexico, 

Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Idaho, 

Maine, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi,

Louisiana, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Ohio, 

Wisconsin, Missouri, Georgia, Kentucky, 

New York, Nevada, Kentucky, Ohio, New 

Jersey, Alabama, Washington, Arkansas, 

and Canada. Over 120 law enforcement 

agencies and task forces are participants. 

Cobija supports the ONDCP strategic goals, 

General Counterdrug Intelligence Plan, DHS 

Arizona Border Control Initiative, and the 

President’s drug reduction goals. Cobija 

works closely with the Counterdrug 

Executive Secretariat to further enhance 

federal, state, tribal, and local multi-agency

coordination and information sharing. 

The Department of Defense, Defense 

Systems Information Agency supports 

Cobija by providing, at no cost, a secure 

electronic tool via the Anti-Drug Network 

Unclassified system. This allows for secure 

dissemination of intelligence and operational 

information

to all vetted users of the system (over 

1,500). Cobija WebShare hosts the 

interactive situational map Arcview that 

graphically displays drug and currency 

seizures, and other information. Over

30,000 drug seizure reports are submitted 

annually to the Arizona HIDTA 

Investigative Support Center from across the 

nation and Canada. These reports are made 

available to all WebShare users via the 

situation map. 

The Arizona HIDTA, along with the CBAG 

and New Mexico HIDTA, are working with 

El Paso Intelligence Center to establish the 

connectivity model that will be format 

between EPIC and all HIDTAs. The Cobija 

135 
process, with its ability to receive local and

tribal seizure and incident reporting, is a 

major contributing factor to this effort. 

The Cobija concept has been briefed to The 

Interdiction Committee in WA DC, Project 

Northstar, Canadian officials, the National 

HIDTA Conference, and dozens of other 

law enforcement, government, technology 

symposiums, and academia organizations. 

The Arizona HIDTA, in conjunction with 

their partner HIDTAs, facilitates two/three

Cobija cycles each calendar year. Cobija

XVII will begin in February 2005. 

 

136 
CC

t we t I

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:: San Diego and Imperial Counties. 

CCCooonnntttaaaccct

tt::: (619) 557-5880 

MMMi

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iiooonnnSSSt

ttaaattteeemmmeeennntt

:::

To reduce drug trafficking, thereby reducing 

the impact of illicit drugs in this region and

other areas of the country. To accomplish 

this mission, the CBAG will assist in the

coordination of joint operational and 

supporting initiatives to deter, disrupt, 

dismantle, and ultimately eliminate the most 

significant Drug Trafficking Organizations 

(DTO’s), their supporting transportation and 

money laundering organizations. The CBAG 

will also emphasize efforts against 

methamphetamine manufacturing, precursor 

supply, and “club drug” abuse through 

innovative enforcement operations and 

demand reduction programs utilizing a

multi-agency, joint concept of operations. 

TThhhrrreeeaaat

tt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The California Border Alliance Group’s 

(CBAG) area of responsibility, San Diego 

and Imperial Counties, extends north 65 

miles from the international border with

Mexico to the Orange and Riverside County 

lines, from the Pacific Ocean on the west 

140 miles east to the Arizona State line, and 

includes the seven Ports of Entry at San 

Ysidro, Otay Mesa, Otay East, Tecate, 

Calexico West, Calexico East, and Andrade. 

The geographic location is truly unique: 

terrain that ranges from seaports and 

beaches to deserts, with forested mountains 

in between, yet home to the largest binational metropolis in the world. 

Both San Diego and Imperial Counties have 

large Mexican cities directly to the south. 

Tijuana’s population is officially reported as

1.5 million, but estimates run as high as 2 

million; it is Mexico’s third largest, and

fastest-growing, city. Mexicali, which 

borders Imperial County, is the capital of 

Baja California Norte and has a population 

of close to 1 million. 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 US-Mexican Southwest 

Border population. The CBAG area of 

responsibility not only has five of the busiest 

137 
U.S. land Ports of Entry to contend with, but 

also international airports and seaports. The 

threats range from land, sea, and airborne 

drug smuggling, distribution, production, 

and consumption of cocaine, 

methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, 

prescription drugs, and precursor chemicals, 

and from Major Drug Trafficking 

Organizations, international Narco-terrorism

and money laundering to street gangs and 

drug abusers. It remains one of the most 

active transit areas for drugs and illegal 

aliens moving north and for monies 

traveling south, as well as a major domestic

marijuana cultivation area. 

During 2003, CBAG task forces and 

member agencies seized more than: 

Marijuana 202,310 Kg 

Marijuana eradicated 262,029 plants 

 (260,00 Kg) 

Cocaine 1,424 Kg 

Cocaine (maritime) 48,181 Kg 

Heroin 72.5 Kg 

Methamphetamine 537.8 Kg 

Arrests 5,015 

Cash/assets $ 16.2 Million 

Clan Labs 19 

Additionally, CBAG initiatives participated

in out-of-area seizures of over 48 Metric 

Tons of cocaine seized at sea, and another 

113 Kg of heroin on controlled deliveries to 

destinations outside of the CBAG area.

SSStttrrraaat

tteeegggyyyAAAbbbssstttrrraaaccct

tt:::

To accomplish its mission, the CBAG 

coordinates 19 intelligence-driven, joint, 

multi-agency coordinated initiatives, which 

are organized into five mutually-supporting 

subsystems: Intelligence, Interdiction,

Investigation, Prosecution, Demand 

Reduction, and Support Initiatives. Of note, 

two of those initiatives, the National 

Methamphetamine Chemical Initiative and

the National Marijuana on Public Lands 

Initiative, coordinate nation-wide efforts 

against their respective targeted drug

trafficking problems. 

CBA G S e i z u r e s ' 9 8 - ' 0 3

0

500

1 , 000

1 , 500

2 , 000

2 , 500

3 , 000

3 , 500

4 , 000

4 , 500

5 , 000

199 8 1999 2000 2 001 2002 2003

C o c a i n e M e t h a m phet a m i n e

H e r o i n C l ande s t i ne Labs

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 16 

Members/Officers, 8 Federal and 8

State/local. An Intelligence Subcommittee

provides guidance and direction to the 

Intelligence Center (the San Diego/Imperial 

County Regional Narcotics Information 

Network - NIN) and develops intelligence

policies for the approval of the Executive 

Marijuana Seizures (bulk Kilograms and Plants Eradicated)

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

400,000

450,000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Cannabis (bulk) Plants

138 
Committee. A Fiscal Subcommittee reviews 

and 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 submission to the CBAG 

Executive Committee. The Director is also 

responsible for the management of the 

CBAG Staff, which includes Budget, 

Program Analysis, Network Administration, 

Demand Reduction, and Training and 

Equipment Coordination. 

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaatttiiivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnt

tteeerrr:::

The San Diego/Imperial County Regional 

Narcotic Information Network (NIN), the 

centerpiece of the CBAG’s Intelligence 

Support subsystem, provides responsive 

deconfliction, pointer index, case support, 

intelligence fusion, and predictive analyses

in cooperation and coordination with the 

California Southwest Border Intelligence

Group, the Imperial Valley Law 

Enforcement Coordination Center 

Intelligence Division, and member agency

intelligence units. The NIN is the CBAG 

region’s intelligence “hub”, connected by 

on-line systems and cross-attached

personnel to those intelligence nodes within 

the region, and with the other Southwest 

Border HIDTA ISC’s and nationwide via the 

Western States Information Network and 

RISSNET. 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 NIN 

Watch Center processed 9,383 narcotic 

enforcement actions taking place in San 

Diego and Imperial counties, resulting in

729 deconflictions (just under 8 percent.) 

Additionally, the Watch Center conducted 

74,864 database inquiries which resulted in 

25,058 system hits or sharing of 

information, or a “hit rate” of just over 33 

percent. 

Planning and implementation are ongoing 

for a comprehensive, co-located multiagency Law Enforcement Coordinating 

Center, containing a joint Regional 

Intelligence Center (RIC) to radically

improve the Intelligence process and the 

coordination of investigations and 

enforcement in San Diego and Imperial 

Counties. The concept is based on the 

collocation and commingling of the San 

Diego/Imperial County Narcotics 

Information Network (NIN), California 

Southwest Border Intelligence Group (ICE),

San Diego Police, and San Diego Sheriff’s 

Intelligence Units, and intelligence units

from the Bureau of Customs and Border 

Protection, DEA, FBI, and California AntiTerrorism Information Center (CATIC) into

a true multi-agency Joint Intelligence

Center, supported on-site by ARJIS 

(Automated Regional Justice Information 

System) and other appropriate entities. The 

homeland security-focused Regional 

Terrorist Threat Assessment Center (RTAC) 

will be integrated with an overall 

intelligence fusion center, with robust 

connectivity and coordination with, and 

between, the Imperial Valley Law 

Enforcement Coordination Center, the San 

Diego Joint Harbor Operations Center, and 

other entities within the region.

Approximately 500 agents, analysts, and 

support personnel will be located at this 

center.

PPPaaarrrtttiiiccci

iipppaaattti

iinnngggAAAgggeeennnccci

iieeesss:::

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco 

and Firearms, Civil Air Patrol, Drug 

Enforcement Administration, Federal 

139 
Bureau of Investigation, Federal 

Communications Commission, Immigration 

and Naturalization Service, Internal

Revenue Service, Naval Criminal 

Investigative Service, United States

Attorney’s Office, United States Border 

Patrol, United States Bureau of Land 

Management, United States Coast Guard, 

United States Customs and Border 

Protection, United States Immigration and 

Customs Enforcement, United States Forest 

Service, United States Marshals Service,

United States Postal Inspection Service,

Department of Defense-Joint Task Force 

North 

State: California Department of JusticeBureau of Narcotic Enforcement, California 

Department of Justice-Western States 

Information Network, California 

Department of Corrections, California 

Highway Patrol, California National Guard 

Local: Calipatria, Brawley, Calexico, 

Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, El Centro, 

Escondido, and Holtville Police 

Departments, Imperial County District 

Attorney’s Office, Imperial County 

Probation Department, Imperial County 

Sheriff’s Office, Imperial, National City, 

Oceanside, and San Diego Police 

Departments, 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. 

Other: San Diego County Prevention 

Coalition, National Institute of JusticeBorder Research and Technology Center, 

San Diego County Board of SupervisorsMethamphetamine Strike Force 

In Total: 784 Federal, State, and local 

personnel participate in CBAG HIDTA 

Initiatives. 

SSSi

iigggnnni

iifffi

iicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

Cocaine seizures along the California border 

decreased again during 2003, while 

marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine 

seizures increased. However, 48 Metric 

Tons of cocaine were seized on the high seas 

that was destined to cross the Southwest 

Border through California, Arizona, New 

Mexico or Texas and would almost certainly 

have resulted in higher border seizure rates

had it not been seized at sea. The amount of 

cocaine seized in the Eastern Pacific through 

the cooperation of the Coast Guard, Federal 

Agencies, and CBAG initiatives seems to 

indicate at least two things: the EastPac-toMexico route for entry via the Southwest 

Border remains dominant, and enforcement 

successes in the Transit Zone directly affect 

seizures in the Arrival Zone. The San 

Diego Marine Task Force seized 6,220 Kg 

of cocaine in local cases tied directly to the 

Southern California coast. In addition to

border seizures of marijuana, 262,029 plants 

(equivalent to over 260,000 Kilos) were 

seized in San Diego County – most of them

in large remote operations run by Mexican 

DTOs. 

The dismantlement of the Arellano-Felix

Organization (AFO) continues with 

indictments, arrests, and extradition

proceedings for the upper echelon and

transportation and enforcement cells of that 

cartel, as well as unprecedented cooperative 

efforts between U.S. and Mexican law 

enforcement. Multiple intelligence sources

tell us that the remaining cells of the 

Arellano-Felix Organization are having 

difficulty getting cocaine from the source 

countries, and have been forced to turn to 

other sources of income such as alien 

smuggling and kidnapping. Of course, a 

lack of drug income makes the AFO even 

more vulnerable to the pressures being 

exerted by the Zambada-Garcia 

organization, currently making a play for the 

Tijuana plaza. The push for complete 

140 
dismantlement of the AFO, as well as proactive investigations of associated DTOs 

and the Zambada-Garcia organization, 

continue unabated as a top priority for this 

HIDTA. 

The continued decline in lab activity in San

Diego and Imperial Counties, and increase 

of labs in Mexico, is compelling evidence of 

a successful long-term methamphetamine

reduction strategy for this and other regions. 

Clandestine laboratories, mostly 

methamphetamine labs, continue to affect 

the CBAG region, but only 19 were seized 

in the CBAG area during 2003. 827 labs 

were seized in California, of which 132 were 

“super labs” capable of producing 10 pounds 

or more methamphetamine in a single cook 

(92% of the nation’s total of 143 super labs.) 

Mexican lab seizures are highly significant: 

at least 47 labs were seized in the Tijuana 

and Mexicali areas in 2003, for a total of 

119 reported over the past two years. While 

methamphetamine use continues to be a 

significant public safety and health problem 

in our region, our comprehensive approach 

to the methamphetamine issue may be 

having success. Once considered the 

“Methamphetamine Capital” of the US, a

concerted and coordinated effort on the part 

of San Diego Law Enforcement, Public 

Health, Demand Reduction, Government

officials, and corporate interests have 

essentially shut down the large-scale 

production, reduced emergency department 

mentions, and increased treatment 

admissions for methamphetamine. 

141 
NN

t we t I

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SSoouuthhwesst BBoorrddeerrHHIDDTTAA

GGGeeennneeerrraaalllIIInnnfffooorrrmmmaaat

ttiiiooonnn:::

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:: 1990

GGGeeeooogggrrraaappphhhiiicccAAArrreeeaaasssooofff RRReeessspppooonnnsssi

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NNNeeewwwMMMeeexxxi

iicccooo::: Bernalillo, Chaves, Hidalgo, Dona Ana, Eddy, Grant, Lea, Lincoln, 

Luna, Otero, Rio Arriba, San Juan, and Santa Fe Counties and all 

the municipalities therein. 

CCCooonnnt

ttaaaccct

tt:

:: (505) 541-7501

MMMi

iissssssi

iiooonnnSSStttaaattteeemmmeeennntt

:::

The New Mexico Region’s mission is to 

reduce drug availability by creating 

intelligence-driven drug task forces aimed at 

disrupting or dismantling international and

domestic drug trafficking organizations, and 

the harmful consequences through 

enhancing and helping to coordinate drug 

trafficking investigative efforts among 

federal, state and local law enforcement 

agencies. 

 

TTThhhrrreeeaaat

tt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The New Mexico Regional Partnership was 

designated in 1990 as one of the five regions 

of the Southwest Border HIDTA. The region 

encompasses 13 counties, four Ports-ofEntry, and about 180 miles of the 

international border shared with Mexico. 

The proximity to Cuidad Juarez, Mexico and 

El Paso, Texas is also a major corridor for 

traffickers who smuggle narcotics into the

United States through New Mexico. Freight 

trains and commercial motor vehicle carriers 

that cross the Texas/New Mexico and

Mexican borders are frequently used by 

major poly-drug trafficking organizations to 

move significant amounts of drugs into and 

throughout the United States. These polydrug organizations have effectively

established distribution networks in key 

locations throughout the State of New 

Mexico where heroin, cocaine, 

methamphetamine and marijuana are readily

available. Drug traffickers are increasingly

exploiting the North American Free Trade 

Agreement provisions as a means of 

facilitating the illegal movement of their

drugs mixed with the significant increase of 

illegal commercial trade. The importation,

distribution, and consumption of cocaine 

and “crack cocaine” are the biggest threat in 

the region. Cocaine seizures are on the rise 

in the State of New Mexico. 

142 
Methamphetamine is of major concern to

New Mexico as it is still the most favored

drug for abuse. In general, 

Methamphetamine is produced in Mexico in 

its purest form and then smuggled into the 

United States in bulk quantities where it 

passes through New Mexico for distribution 

in other parts of the United States.

Methamphetamine also comes into New 

Mexico for personal use from mid-level 

distributors from Arizona and California. 

Additionally, methamphetamine is produced

in small quantities in New Mexico by users,

but in such small amounts, it usually only

reaches the personal use level. 

Mexican marijuana is the most prevalent 

drug abused and the most commonly seized 

drug resulting from interdiction seizures. 

The marijuana market is dominated

primarily by Mexican traffickers, but there 

is also evidence that marijuana is being 

grown in New Mexico. Marijuana is also 

being grown in California and Arizona and 

does cross New Mexico’s borders, but is 

usually destined for the northeastern coast of 

the U.S. Multi-ton marijuana seizures occur 

annually along the southern New Mexican 

borders and the three Interstate arteries, I-40, 

I-25, and I-10. 

Cocaine Seizures (Kilos)

2001

826.03

 30%

2000

700.83

 26%

2002

507.15

 19%

2003

667.46

 25%

Biggest Threat

Marijuana Seizures (Kilos)

2001

114,350

 28%

2000

90,306

 23%

2002

89,803

 23%

2003

102,013

 26%

Most Commonly Seized Drug

The availability of Mexican black tar heroin

continues throughout New Mexico; and both 

brown and white heroin have been 

encountered. Two counties in northern New 

Mexico, Rio Arriba County and Santa Fe 

County, rank number one and two in the 

nation for heroin overdoses per capita. 

Heroin abuse has been a persistent problem 

for generations, but the addict population 

continues to grow steadily as a result of the 

location of the main supplier. 

Meth Seizures (Kilos)

2001

263.38

 27%

2002 

280.99 

29%

2000

221.09

 23%

2003

204.61

 21%

Favored Drug of Abuse

Number of Clandestine Labs

2001

218

 34%

2002

132

 21%

2000

70

 11%

2003

221

 34%

Significant Increase Between 2000 and 2003

Heroin Seizures (Kilos)

2000

57.72

 65%

2001

9.74

 11%

2002

9.98

 11%

2003

12.023

 13%

Severe Problem in Northern New Mexico

143 
Lastly, gangs facilitate much of the drug

distribution that occurs at the street level and

are responsible for much of the drug-related 

violence in the region. 

SSStttrrraaattteeegggyyyAAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

An Executive Committee comprised of 

seven federal and seven state/local law 

enforcement leaders in the New Mexico 

Region allows for a 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 Region coordinates 13 

initiatives that include representatives from 

73 federal, state, and local law enforcement

agencies. There are full-time participants in 

the New Mexico Regional initiatives that 

implement the strategy including: 17 

collocated multi-agency task forces; one

prosecution initiative that includes two U. S. 

Attorney Offices and seven District 

Attorney Offices; one forensic criminal 

laboratory; one Investigative Support 

Center; and one administrative support 

initiative. Interdiction efforts are

emphasized on the transshipment of drugs in 

New Mexico. Investigations employ post 

seizure analysis and follow-up techniques in 

complex cases to include financial/moneylaundering investigations. A prosecution 

system coordinates efforts between the U. S. 

Attorney’s and state prosecutors focusing on 

high profile cases, including Organized 

Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force 

(OCDETF) investigations, and addressing 

the high volume of cases that originate from 

the border region. 

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaatttiiivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr:::

The New Mexico Investigative Support 

Center (ISC) is the centerpiece of the 

HIDTA Region 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. In addition to 

reporting on strategic intelligence, the ISC 

provides event and case deconfliction for 

officer safety and enhanced intelligence; 

case support to develop tactical intelligence 

for refined targeting Consolidated Priority

Organization Target and Regional 

Organization Target (CPOT and RPOT);

and in-service analytical intelligence

training. The ISC provides HIDTA task 

forces operational analytical support for 

ongoing initiative driven case activity 

through access to criminal and commercial 

databases. The ISC provides law 

enforcement immediate access to a wide 

range of law enforcement and commercial 

databases. The ISC currently has the

following databases: Treasury Enforcement

Communication System (TECS), National 

Criminal Information Center (NCIC) and 

related subsystems, including the Interstate 

Identification Index (III), National Law 

Enforcement Teletype System (NLETS),

INS Central Index System (CIS),

Commercial Drivers License Information

System (CDLIS and SAFER), DEA 

Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Information 

System (NADDIS), New Mexico Criminal

Justice Information System (CJIS), FBI

Field Office Information Management 

System (FOIMS), the state Corrections

Management Information System (CMIS), 

an event deconfliction system (SafeTnet) 

and Rocky Mountain Info Network (RMIN). 

The New Mexico Regional Threat 

Assessment requires quarterly reporting so 

144 
that resources and direction can be 

reevaluated among the HIDTA initiatives. 

This information and statistics are shared 

with the NMISC. 

PPPaaarrrtttiiiccci

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Federal: Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, 

Amtrak Police Department, Department of 

Defense JTF-6, Drug Enforcement 

Administration, Federal Bureau of 

Investigation, Immigration and Customs

Enforcement, United States Marshal 

Service, United States Attorney’s Office and

United States Border Patrol. 

State: New Mexico Department of 

Corrections and Parole, New Mexico 

Department of Public Safety, New Mexico 

National Guard, and District Attorney’s 

Offices of the First, Second, Third, Fifth, 

Sixth, Eleventh and Twelfth Judicial 

Districts. 

County/Municipal: 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, 

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, Hatch Police 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, New Mexico State University 

Police 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, Sunland Park Police 

Department, Taos Police Department, Taos 

Police Department, Tatum Police

Department, Torrance County Sheriff’s 

Department, Town of Mesilla Marshal, 

University of New Mexico Police 

Department, and Valencia County Sheriff’s 

Department. 

Other: New Mexico Sheriff’s and Police 

Association

SSSi

iigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhi

iieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

In CY 2003, Office of National Drug 

Control Policy (ONDCP) recognized the 

Albuquerque DEA HIDTA Task Force for 

their efforts with an award as an

Outstanding HIDTA Interdiction Initiative. 

This Task Force performs interdiction duties 

on all forms of public transportation and the 

New Mexico highways. The cooperative 

spirit, hard work and dedication of the Task 

Force participants led to numerous 

outstanding successes throughout the United 

States, as well as in the State of New 

Mexico. These outstanding achievements

included 76 individual arrests, numerous 

seizures totaling 1,370 kilograms of 

marijuana, 38 kilograms of cocaine, 11 

kilograms of methamphetamine, 2 kilograms 

of heroin, 154 kilograms of other dangerous 

drugs and cash currency totaling over 

$2,338,552.00. 

The Albuquerque DEA HIDTA Task Force 

demonstrated an outstanding ability to forge

cooperative relationships among group 

members, as well as with the varied law

enforcement participants. This Task Force

145 
was able to initiate and cultivate productive 

relationships with private entities that 

promoted the continued effectiveness of the 

group’s interdiction endeavors. Members of 

this group are continuously sought to 

provide training to federal, state and local 

agencies throughout the U.S. regarding case 

law, methods, trends and techniques for 

successful interdiction operations. 

The interdiction efforts of the Task Force 

participants also resulted in the initiation and 

development of several significant 

investigations. The following investigations 

are provided as a sample: 

• After developing a cooperative working 

relationship with Mail Boxes Etc., the 

Task Force was contacted by employees 

of the company about a suspicious 

package. The package was subsequently

seized by DEA and was found to contain 

11 pounds of marijuana and 1.6 

kilograms of cocaine. Through 

additional investigative techniques and 

surveillance, the case led to an additional 

cocaine seizure of 16 kilograms, 17 

arrests and the dismantling of a drug 

trafficking organization. 

• A joint operation by members of the 

DEA HIDTA Task Force, Immigration 

and Customs Enforcement and 

Albuquerque Police Department, that 

was conducted in two simultaneous, 

synchronized stages netted four arrests,

the seizure of $285,820.00 U.S. cash 

currency, 583 kilograms of marijuana, 

two pickup trucks, two goose-neck 

trailers with false compartments, a 

forklift, and two John Deere Gator 

Utility Vehicles. 

• During a routine interview of a train

passenger, agents and officers observed 

dried glue on the outside sole of an

individual’s “new” shoes. This 

observation led to the discovery of .85 

kilograms of heroin hidden in the soles

of the passenger’s shoes. 

146 
SS

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::

TTTeeexxxaaasss::: Bexar, Cameron, Dimmit, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Kinney, La Salle, 

Starr, Maverick, Val Verde, Webb, Willacy, Zapata, and Zavala 

counties; 

CCCooonnnt

ttaaaccct

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:: (210) 692-1532 

MMMi

iissssssi

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:::

The mission of the South Texas (ST) 

Partnership, Southwest Border High 

Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (SWB

HIDTA) is to reduce drug availability by

creating intelligence-driven drug task forces

aimed at eliminating or reducing domestic 

drug trafficking and its harmful 

consequences through enhancing and 

helping to coordinate drug trafficking 

control efforts among federal, state and local 

Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA). The ST 

Partnership’s Director and Executive 

Committee identified eight specific goals to

accomplish the mission. The major goals 

are reducing drug availability by eliminating

or disrupting Consolidated Priority 

Organization Targets (CPOT) and Regional 

Priority Organization Targets (RPOT) Drug 

Trafficking Organizations (DTO); 

increasing focus on CPOT/RPOT 

transportation and distribution

organizations; partnering with Organized 

Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces 

(OCDETF) regarding CPOT/RPOT; 

increasing investigative focus on money 

laundering activities through intelligence 

providing avenues for investigations, thus 

impacting on drug trafficking profits; 

seeking to identify, dismantle, and prosecute 

large-scale narcotics and money laundering 

organizations, and seize the assets associated 

with their illegal activities; increasing

coordination and consolidation among SWB 

HIDTA initiatives; increasing counter drug

information collection, analysis, production 

and fusion into useable intelligence, and 

improving the efficiency and effectiveness 

of Law Enforcement Organizations (LEO)

within the STR through enhanced training, 

coordination, and officer safety. 

147
TTThhhrrreeeaaattt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The South Texas Region is a primary 

corridor for transportation and transshipment 

of illegal drugs entering the United States

from Mexico. Major DTOs operating within 

the region and across the border in Mexico 

plague South Texas with their poly-drug 

trafficking activities. The South Texas

region is a nationally significant 

transportation and transshipment hub for

drugs destined for the rest of the nation. 

Drugs transit the South Texas region to 

Dallas or Houston on route to their final 

destinations. 

The illegal drugs DTOs conceal are shipped 

via private and commercial cargo vehicle as 

well as other regional methods of 

transportation. The enormous volumes of 

commercial and pedestrian traffic transiting 

South Texas provides excellent masking 

opportunities for smuggling through and 

between Ports of Entry. 

Significant shipments of cocaine, 

methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana 

transit the region. Large sums of illegally 

obtained funds also transit the region on the 

way south to the DTO operators. 

The availability of Mexican black tar heroin

through the region attracts a number of new 

users, including adolescents. An increasing

indication of South American heroin

indicates the region is quickly becoming a 

new market for this drug in the South Texas 

region. 

Mexican methamphetamine continues to be 

a major problem within the region. Mexican 

methamphetamine DTO increasingly try to 

smuggle large amounts of their illicit drug 

through the area. 

SSStttrrraaattteeegggyyyAAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The ST Partnership, SWB HIDTA 

Executive Committee consists of 13 local, 

state, and Federal law enforcement leaders 

representing the 14 counties of the ST 

region, SWB HIDTA. The Executive 

Committee coordinates and integrates, with 

the SWB HIDTA, counter narcotic efforts in 

interdiction, intelligence collection,

development, and exchange, and 

investigations to facilitate prosecutions of 

drug trafficking organization members. 

There are 49 local, state, and federal LEA 

participating in the ST Partnership’s

initiatives and task forces. The 49 agencies 

represent 12 federal, three state and 34 local 

LEA are working in the region’s multijurisdictional, collocated task forces. The

counterdrug efforts target illicit narcotic 

activities across all the 14 counties in the 

South Texas Partnership’s areas of 

responsibility. The South Texas region’s 

calendar year 2003 seizures totaled more

than 52 percent of the cocaine, 38 percent of

the marijuana, 32 percent of the 

methamphetamine, and 29 percent of the 

heroin seized during the year on the SWB. 

Ecstasy is also being seized in increasing 

quantities. 

Operational elements are located in the 

major border cities and ports of entry of 

Brownsville, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Laredo, 

McAllen (Hidalgo POE), Rio Grande City, 

and San Antonio. Initiatives consist of 

multi-agency, collocated counterdrug task 

forces participating in counter drug related 

interdiction, investigative/money laundering, 

intelligence, and prosecution efforts across

the South Texas region. 

A total of 14 operational task forces, 

supported by the Investigative Support 

Center (ISC) and its nodes, cover the South 

Texas region. 

148
The Administrative staff for the South Texas 

Partnership headquarters itself in San 

Antonio, TX. The Administrative staff also

provides training support for South Texas 

and regional LEA. 

IIInnnvvveeessstttiiigggaaatttiiivvveeeSSSuuuppppppooorrrttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr:::

The San Antonio Investigative Support 

Center (ISC), and its support elements in 

Austin, Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, and 

Del Rio, provides support for operational 

activities. 

The ST HIDTA Intelligence Center 

(STHIC), located in San Antonio, provides 

the ISC needs within the ST Partnership. It

is a full service center providing 

information, assistance and support in 

narcotics investigations. Its mission is to 

provide accurate, detailed, and timely 

tactical, investigative, and strategic drug 

intelligence to HIDTA initiatives, 

participating agencies, and other LEA, as 

appropriate. Coupled with the five 

supporting intelligence elements and the 

Deconfliction Center, the STHIC meets the

needs of not only the 14 ST counties but 

also supports LEA requests from an 

additional 58 plus counties within the South 

Texas Region. Local, state, and Federal 

LEA from 88 different cities and locations 

within the state use the center. The ISC 

therefore supports several cornerstones of 

the HIDTA Development Standards. 

The elements enhance intelligence 

collection, analysis, reporting, and 

production within the partnership. Each 

element of the STHIC consists of a cell of

collocated and commingling local, state, and

federal intelligence professionals catering to

the needs of task forces and the mission to

reduce drug availability in the region and the 

nation. 

The Deconfliction Center provides support 

for LEA located throughout the state as well 

as meeting the needs of HIDTA partnership 

personnel. The database used is as an 

information storage and mapping software 

system designed to enhance officer safety 

during high-risk enforcement actions. 

Again, more than 72 counties within the 

State of Texas participate in and work with

the ST Deconfliction Center. 

Overall, the STHIC and its subordinate task 

forces provide tactical and strategic support 

as well as continually reviewing and 

updating the Threat Assessment and 

providing deconfliction services for the STP, 

SWB HIDTA. 

The STHIC is the hub for three of the SWB 

HIDTA Partnerships in their use of the 

Regional Information Sharing System

Network (RISSNET). RISSNET is a 

national LEA network which enhances the 

support received from the ISC of the region 

and the nation. 

The ISC provides participating agencies and 

HIDTA task forces operational analytical 

support for ongoing "initiative driven" case 

activity through access to multiple criminal 

and commercial databases. The ISC 

provides narcotics intelligence analyses, 

prepares threat assessments, strategic 

reports, and organizational studies; 

participates in informant and defendant 

debriefings; performs tactical alert 

distribution, provides for post-seizure and 

search warrant analyses; supports arrest 

operations; prepares and conducts briefings 

for visitors to the HIDTA; and assists in trial 

preparations. Additionally, the ISC conducts 

self-initiated intelligence analysis projects to

generate leads for HIDTA investigative

agencies. The STHIC requires intelligence 

managers within the region to meet quarterly 

to enhance regional reporting so resources

and direction of the South Texas Partnership 

149
may be evaluated, with relationship to 

initiatives. 

PPPaaarrrt

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iiccciiipppaaatttiiinnngggAAAgggeeennnccciiieeesss:::

Federal: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and 

Firearms (BATF), Bureau of Customs and 

Border Protection (United States Border 

Patrol (USBP)), Bureau of Immigration and 

Customs 

Enforcement (BICE), Department of Justice 

- Office of the Inspector General (DOJOIG), Drug Enforcement Administration 

(DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation

(FBI), Internal Revenue Service-Criminal 

Investigation (IRS-CI), United States Coast 

Guard (USCG), United States Fish and

Wildlife Service (US FWS), United States

Marshals Service (USMS), United States 

National Park Service (NPS), and U.S. 

Attorneys Offices from the Southern and 

Western Districts of Texas (USAOSDT/WDT). 

State/Local: Texas Attorney General’s

Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, 

Texas National Guard, 293rd Judicial 

District, 63rd Judicial District, Bexar County 

Constable’s Office, Brownsville Police

Department, Cameron County Auditor’s 

Office, Cameron County District Attorney,

Cameron County Sheriff’s Office, Combes

Police Department, Eagle Pass Police 

Department, Harlingen Police Department, 

Hidalgo County Auditor’s Office, Hidalgo 

County District Attorney, Kimble County 

Sheriff’s Office, Kinney County Sheriff’s 

Office, La Salle County Sheriff’s Office, 

Laredo Police Department, Leon Valley 

Police Department, McAllen Police

Department, Mission Police Department, 

Pharr Police Department, Port Isabel Police 

Department, Rio Grande City Police 

Department, San Antonio Police 

Department, San Benito Police Department, 

Starr County District Attorney, Starr County 

Sheriff’s Office, Union Pacific Railroad, Val

Verde County Sheriff’s Office, Webb 

County District Attorney’s Office, Webb 

County Sheriff’s Office, Weslaco Police 

Department, Willacy County Sheriff’s 

Office, Zapata County District Attorney, and 

Zapata County Sheriff’s Office. 

SSSiiigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e ttsss:::

The South Texas Partnership of the SWB 

HIDTA made significant management and 

leadership gains within the last year. As

mention previously, the El Paso Intelligence

Center reports the region is responsible for 

the seizure of more than 52 percent of the

cocaine, 38 percent of the marijuana, 32 

percent of the methamphetamine and 29 

percent of the heroin in 2003. 

In 2004, the South Texas Partnership, 

through the leadership and guidance of the 

Director and Executive Committee, 

undertook a major review of regional assets, 

procedures, management methods, 

budgetary practices, and intelligence 

capabilities. The reviews objectives resulted

in heightened sensitivity to initiative and 

task force needs as well as a better use of 

intelligence resources. 

Financially, a bottoms-up review, led by the 

appointed Financial Subcommittee, resulted 

in a better distribution of scarce funds while 

focusing on real growth and greater 

achievements from existing task forces.

Critical and hard financial decisions resulted 

in more meaningful “ownership rights” for 

lead agencies and participating agencies.

With input from the Director’s

Administrative Support Element’s (DASE)

Director and Financial Officer, the 

Executive Committee received a 

presentation focusing on demonstrated 

historical fiscal management. This 

presentation, coupled with a presentation of 

the Operational Review Subcommittee,

150
provided an annual recap of resources 

provided compared to task force outputs and 

outcomes. 

The Investigative Support Center, with its 

hub and nodes, received a review of its 

support abilities and overall performance on 

targeted DTO. The Intelligence Subcommittee performed this evaluation and 

review. 

Not to be left out, the DASE received an indepth evaluation as well. The Executive 

Committee’s Chair, Vice-Chair, and two 

additional Executive Committee members 

performed an evaluation of the DASE. 

Results of the overall review of the ST 

Partnership and its intelligence, interdiction, 

investigative, and prosecution elements

resulted in a more cohesive and

comprehensive HIDTA Program within this

SWB Partnership. 

Improved communications, on-site 

inspections, task force feedback, fiscal and

operational training opportunities and 

attendance give a significant perspective to

this bottom-up review procedure. 

Though not a panacea to all, the program is

a start in a continual effort within the

Partnership to provide overall support to the 

federal, state, and local Law Enforcement

Agencies participating within our region.

Increased intelligence exchange,

deconfliction support, investigative 

achievements, and interdiction efforts reflect 

the success and goals identified by the 

leadership of the ST Partnership, SWB 

HIDTA. 

151
WW

t we t I

t

T

Weesstt TTeexxaassRReeggiioonnaall PPaarrttnneerrsshhiipp

SSoouuthhwesst BBoorrddeerrHHIDDTTAA

GGGeeennneeerrraaal

llIIInnnfffooorrrmmmaaatttiiiooonnn:::

YYYeeeaaarrrooofff DDDeeesssiiigggnnnaaatttiiiooonnn::: 1990 

GGGeeeooogggrrraaappphhhi

iicccAAArrreeeaaasssooof

ff RRReeessspppooonnnsssiiibbbiiillliiitttyyy:::

TTTeeexxxaaasss:

:: El Paso, Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Presidio, Brewster, 

Terrell, Crockett, Pecos, and Reeves counties. 

CCCooonnnt

ttaaaccct

tt:

:: Travis B. Kuykendall, Director (915) 532-9550

MMMiiissssssiiiooonnnSSSt

ttaaattteeemmmeeennntt

:::

The mission of the West Texas Region of 

the Southwest Border HIDTA is to

dismantle the Drug Trafficking

Organizations (DTO) in our region and to 

stop the flow of illegal narcotics into the

United States. We will make our area

“unattractive” to the DTOs via the

development and coordination of 

intelligence, interdiction, investigative,

forfeiture and prosecution initiatives. 

TThhhrrreeeaaat

tt AAAbbbssstttrrraaacccttt:::

The West Texas Region of the Southwest 

Border HIDTA (SWB HIDTA – West 

Texas) adjoins the 490 miles of international 

border including five of the busiest Ports of

Entry (POEs) 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 ends of the country, 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 (DTOs) 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 amplify the complexity 

of the threat.

Drug traffickers in the area are major, highlevel 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 all major cities

152
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 

continue to be the largest in the country. 

Heroin seizures continue to grow. DTOs are 

sophisticated and wealthy enough to avoid 

law enforcement efforts to curtail moneylaundering activities. Internal and external 

power struggles to control the Juarez Cartel 

unleashed a wave of violence in Ciudad 

Juarez and Ojinaga, Mexico that continues

to be a problem. Corruption on both sides of 

the border assists the DTOs in advancing 

their illicit trade. 

Charts 1 and 2 from the West Texas HIDTA 

2005 Threat Assessment demonstrate the 

increasing burden of drug trafficking in the 

West Texas region. Increasing successes in 

disrupting and dismantling the drug 

trafficking organizations, combined with 

increased use of this region to transship

narcotics to the United States is reflected in 

the caseloads of prosecutors. 

0

500

1000

1500

2000

CY01 CY02 CY03

WTR - Fugitive Arrests

Southwest Fugitive Task Force

CY-2001 to CY-2003

All Other Arrests

Arrests Resulting from HIDTA Investigations

Narcotics Arrests

Chart 1 – Fugitive Arrests

539

793 824

0

200

400

600

800

1000

CY 2001 CY 2002 CY 2003

WTR State Narcotics Prosecutions

Chart 2 – State Narcotics Prosecutions 

The continued increase of fugitive arrests,

combined with an increase in Federal, state, 

and local warrants indicate the growing need 

for law enforcement, prosecution, and 

corrections resources in the West Texas 

area. 

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West Texas, designated in 1990 as one of 

the five regions of the Southwest Border 

HIDTA, encompasses ten West Texas 

counties that adjoin 490 miles of

international border with Mexico. The West 

Texas Regional Executive Committee is

comprised of 3 local, 1 state, and 6 federal 

law enforcement leaders in the SWB 

HIDTA-West Texas 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 23 federal, state, and local 

agencies cooperatively participate in 12 

multi-agency initiatives. The management 

& coordination component of this HIDTA 

region is located in El Paso, TX. The 

Investigative Support Center (ISC), 

comprising the intelligence backbone of the 

HIDTA, is also co-located in El Paso, TX.

The Texas Narcotics Information System, is

a statewide multi-HIDTA initiative located 

in Austin, TX. Six investigative initiatives

target the major drug trafficking 

organizations, and their components, 

operating in the region. This includes 

153
targeting the highest command and control 

levels of drug trafficking organizations, their 

transportation organizations, money 

laundering organizations, and the fugitives

related to drug trafficking. Three 

interdiction initiatives target the Ports of 

Entry, the use of wide-open territory 

throughout the region, transient traffickers, 

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 full prosecution of

narcotics cases. 

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The West Texas Region Intelligence 

Initiative consists of 3 nodes, which provide 

operational units with a seamless 

intelligence support system. The structure 

and policies of the entire initiative comply 

with the Federal General Counter Drug 

Intelligence Plan (GCIP). The Intelligence

Initiative functions in the following manner: 

The Investigative Support Center (ISC) is

the hub of the West Texas HIDTA and it is 

located in one office location, the El Paso

Federal Criminal Justice Building. Three

agencies are full participants in and comanage the ISC: Drug Enforcement 

Administration, El Paso Field Division; El

Paso County Sheriff’s Department; and the 

Federal Bureau of Investigation. The ISC is 

the initial point of contact on all service 

requests to the Intelligence Initiative. The 

ISC provides data base query, deconfliction 

pointer index services, and a full range of 

tactical and strategic analytical support and 

reports. With the addition of translators 

from the Texas National Guard, the ISC 

provides translation/transcription services to

all of the HIDTA initiatives. It also

develops intelligence driven investigations to

provide to the operational units. The ISC 

serves as the hub of communications

between all of the agencies/initiatives, the 

West Texas Region administrative center

and the other SWB Regions through the 

development and operation of a secure 

Intranet/e-mail system. Access to all federal, 

state, local and commercial databases has

been achieved. Connectivity to the 

RISSNET has been achieved. The FBI, 

DEA, BICE, DPS, EPCSD and the EPPD

have all assigned personnel to the ISC on a 

full-time basis. The TOAG, CBP/USBP-El 

Paso and CBP/USBP-Marfa have all 

assigned part-time personnel to the ISC. 

EPIC also plays a role in the ISC with 

connectivity to the ISC WAN, and the ISC 

has access to EPIC’s Clandestine Lab 

database. 

The Alpine/Marfa/Big Bend Intelligence 

Center (AMBBIC) is being established as a 

satellite ISC that provides limited 

intelligence support in the Alpine/Marfa/Big 

Bend areas of the West Texas Region. The 

Texas Narcotics Intelligence System 

(TNIS) is the third node of the West Texas 

HIDTA Intelligence Initiative that provides

national database connectivity, a central 

information repository and limited analytical 

support. The ISC coordinates the efforts of 

the AMBBIC and TNIS components of the 

initiative so that the narcotics agent/officer 

is serviced by a seamless intelligence

support system. 

154
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Federal: Drug Enforcement Administration 

(DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation

(FBI), Internal Revenue Service-Criminal 

Investigation (IRS-CI), United States Border 

Patrol from the El Paso and Marfa Sectors 

(CBP/USBP), Bureau of Immigration and 

Customs Enforcement (BICE), United States

National Park Service (NPS), United States 

Marshals Service (USMS), and U.S. 

Attorneys Offices (AUSA) from the 

Western District of Texas.

State/Local: Texas Office of the Attorney

General (TXOAG), Texas Department of 

Public Safety (TXDPS), Texas Board of 

Criminal Justice – Inspector General 

Division (TBCJ-IG), Texas National Guard, 

Counter Drug Program (TXNG-CD), 34th

Judicial District Attorney’s Office (34 DA), 

Alpine Police Department (APD), Brewster 

County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), Culberson 

County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), El Paso 

County Sheriff’s Department (EPCSD), El 

Paso Police Department (EPPD), Hudspeth 

County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), and the 

Presidio County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). 

Other: El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC),

JTF-North, and El Paso County Metro 

Narcotics Task Force. 

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Beginning in 2003, the West Texas Region 

initiated Consolidate Priority Organization 

Targeting (CPOT) efforts. Even without 

funding available at the time, this became a

comprehensive, multiple agency/initiative

effort to the Vicente Carrillo Fuentes DTO 

(VCFO), the Ismael Zambada Garcia DTO 

(IZGO), and associated RPOT organizations 

with an intelligence driven investigative

operation that will result in the disruption of 

the VCFO and IZGO and the dismantlement 

of their associated RPOT organizations. 

West Texas Region began conducting this 

operation with the underlying goal of 

dismantling the VCFO and IZGO. 

The ISC became the driving force for this

operational initiative. The initiative is

managed by the CPOTS Management 

Committee (CMC), which consists of the 

area task force commanders that reflect the

make-up of the Regional Executive 

Committee (EXCOM). The CMC approves 

targets and expenditures and coordinates 

case investigations to maximize the efficient 

and effective use of our resources. 

The ISC is the intelligence hub for the 

operation. They coordinate target 

enforcement solely as a deconfliction

mechanism. Investigative initiatives focus

their efforts on dismantling the 

organizations validated as CPOT targets by

the ISC. Interdiction initiatives focus their

efforts on disrupting operations associated 

with the identified RPOT organizations.

Interdiction operations funded under this 

project are intelligence driven and 

specifically linked to the targeted

organizations. VCFO, IZGO and associated 

RPOT assets are targeted by all initiatives. 

Some success of the West Texas Region’s 

CPOT initiative has already been realized.

In 2003 and 2004, the West Texas 

Smuggling Initiative significantly disrupted 

the VCFO at the highest levels in their

efforts under Operations “Pale Horse” and 

“Pasadores”. A total of twenty-two

smuggling, and/or transportation 

organizations (or “cells”) were identified

through a single confidential source, and 

specific individuals or targets were chosen 

for targeting based on priority, importance, 

ease of infiltration, current activity, and 

ranking within the Juarez Cartel. Two 

organizations responsible for command, 

control, and oversight of the Juarez 

smuggling corridor were identified and 

dismantled. 

155
To date the HIDTA investigation has 

resulted in the seizure of 58 pounds of 

cocaine and 6,000 pounds of marijuana. 

The investigation revealed that the primary 

target was used by the organization as an 

“Enforcer”. The primary target was

responsible for the collection of debts owed 

the organization and the patronage payments

for the use of the Juarez smuggling corridor. 

During this investigation the primary target 

was linked to a total of twelve murders 

committed in Juarez, Mexico. Since the

murders were directly related to criminal 

activity occurring within the jurisdiction of

U.S. law enforcement officials, the U.S. 

Attorney’s Office agreed to seek indictments

against him for Continuing Criminal 

Enterprise and the Federal Murder statutes. 

156
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The mission of the Washington/Baltimore 

HIDTA is to improve interagency 

collaboration, promote the sharing of 

accurate and timely information and 

intelligence, and provide specialized training

and other resources to W/B HIDTA 

participating law enforcement and treatment/ 

criminal justice agencies that will enhance

their ability to provide superior services and 

meet their operational objectives. Through 

its state-of-the-art Intelligence Center, its

highly trained and skilled professional staff 

will enhance and help to coordinate drug 

control efforts throughout the W/B HIDTA 

region and, when practical, in other areas of

the country with the aim of bringing about 

measurable reductions in drug availability, 

drug trafficking, drug use and the social 

public health, public safety and financial 

consequences associated with illicit drugs. 

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Illegal drugs remain widely available at 

relatively stable prices throughout the W/B 

HIDTA region. Drug use patterns within the 

HIDTA region vary considerably by 

geographic area. 

In the Baltimore metropolitan area, heroin 

remains the drug of choice, although there 

are signs that cocaine distribution and use 

may be challenging heroin’s traditional 

dominance. Baltimore-area law 

enforcement officials are also concerned

about the growing use of illegally diverted

pharmaceuticals (primarily painkillers) and

have expressed concern that Baltimore may 

be emerging as a source area for diverted 

OxyContin. 

In Southern Maryland, cocaine and 

marijuana are the primary drugs of abuse. 

Violence among the many drug trafficking 

organizations and gangs distributing drugs 

157
in this area continues to pose a serious 

challenge to law enforcement. 

Cocaine is the predominant drug of abuse in 

Washington, DC but heroin distribution has 

expanded considerably over the past year. 

PCP and LSD are seen as emerging threats

in this area; while overall use of these drugs 

is relatively small compared to cocaine, 

there is some evidence to indicate that

distribution of PCP and LSD is expanding. 

In Northern Virginia, cocaine and marijuana

are considered the primary drug treats facing

the area. Distribution of heroin, diverted 

pharmaceuticals, MDMA and “club drugs” 

pose smaller but growing threats. While 

overall use of methamphetamine remains 

low, Virginia law enforcement officials have 

expressed concern regarding the growing 

availability of methamphetamine in

surrounding states. 

In 2003, law enforcement sources identified 

141 drug trafficking organizations operating 

in the W/B HIDTA region. A number of 

factors (such as growth in money laundering 

activity and an increasing number of DTOs 

that distribute two or more drugs) suggest 

that these organizations are becoming more 

sophisticated than in years past. 

Gang activity (and the violence that often 

accompanies it) is a growing concern

throughout the region. The Baltimore Police 

Department has identified 242 distinct gangs 

operating in the city; 95 percent of these 

gangs are involved in drug distribution. The 

emergence of Mara Salvatucha (MS-13) as a 

leading gang in the HIDTA region has 

generated considerable concern in law

enforcement circles, especially in Northern

Virginia and Southern Maryland. 

Drug transportation and distribution are also

region-wide concerns. Most of the drugs 

entering the HIDTA region are transported 

in privately-owned vehicles traveling on 

Interstate 95 and the HIDTA region’s 

extensive highway system. Traffickers also 

use parcel delivery services, the US mails, 

and couriers traveling on public 

transportation systems to import substantial 

quantities or drugs. 

 

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The W/B HIDTA is committed to bringing

together Federal, state and local agencies in

an equal cooperative partnership and 

actively promotes intelligence sharing and

coordinated drug enforcement, treatment 

and prevention efforts. 

Its Executive Board plays a central role in 

shaping the HIDTA’s strategy, formulating 

its budget, overseeing threat assessment and 

performance management efforts and, 

through its active committee system, guiding 

the efforts of the HIDTA’s numerous 

initiatives. The Board has incorporated

homeland security priorities into the

HIDTA’s ongoing efforts and is actively 

seeking to expand its intelligence resources. 

The majority of the W/B HIDTA’s law 

enforcement initiatives focus on 

investigating and dismantling drug 

trafficking organizations. Other initiatives

attack drug trafficking through investigation 

of drug-related violent crime, firearms

trafficking, money laundering operations 

and drug movement and distribution. The

HIDTA’s prosecution initiatives advise

other law enforcement initiatives and focus 

on building strong cases against the 

leadership of drug trafficking organizations 

operation in the HIDTA region. 

The HIDTA’s Treatment/Criminal Justice 

initiatives focus on reducing crime by 

implementing a coerced treatment model for 

drug-addicted repeat offenders. By 

emphasizing the creation of a seamless 

treatment and supervision system, 

demanding accountability on the part of 

offenders and ensuring strict supervision and 

drug testing, these initiatives can 

158
dramatically reduce recidivism among 

addicted offenders. 

Prevention initiatives funded by the W/B 

HIDTA focus on at-risk youth with the goals 

of preventing illegal drug use and promoting 

positive involvement with their families, 

schools and communities. Each prevention

initiative is run by a coalition of law 

enforcement officials, local agencies, school 

system personnel and community 

organizations and is evaluated annually to 

ensure that they are meeting local needs

effectively. 

The efforts of all of these initiatives are

supported by the HIDTA’s training and 

administrative support initiatives. These 

initiatives provide training courses, financial 

management services, IT support, 

administrative oversight and logistical 

support to enhance the efficiency and 

effectiveness of the W/B HIDTA. 

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The HIDTA’s intelligence initiatives are

continuing to expand intelligence services 

and enhance intelligence sharing among the 

region’s law enforcement and criminal 

justice agencies. At the W/B HIDTA, the 

ISC is comprised of two initiatives, the

Intelligence Center Initiative and the

Investigative Intelligence Unit. The

HIDTA’s overall intelligence effort is 

coordinated by the Intelligence Center

Program Manager, who works closely with 

the Executive Board and the Director to

ensure that the ISC’s services meet current 

demands and continue to evolve as new 

threats emerge. 

The Intelligence Center Initiative consists of

four subunits: the Watch Center, Case 

Development Unit, Futures Unit and

Evaluation and Crime Mapping Unit. 

The Watch Center serves as a central hub for

law enforcement information sharing in the 

Washington/Baltimore region, providing 

case/subject deconfliction services (through 

the Case Explorer system), one-stop access

to a wide variety of law enforcement 

databases, and a region-wide event 

deconfliction service. 

The Case Development Unit assists

investigative initiatives and participating

agencies in identifying previously 

undetected drug traffickers and provides 

case development and support services to 

help investigators build larger, more 

significant cases. This unit’s analysts also

offer post-seizure analysis and document

exploitation services. 

To assist the region’s law enforcement

agencies in staying abreast of new 

developments in drug trafficking and 

substance abuse, the Futures Unit focuses on 

monitoring new and emerging trends and 

developing predictive intelligence products. 

In addition to producing a steady flow of 

intelligence bulletins and special reports on

new or emerging threats, the unit’s analysts

also conduct longer-term research on threats 

of special concern in the region (such as 

gang activity). 

Through its mapping efforts and geotargeting studies, the Evaluation and Crime 

Mapping Unit helps HIDTA initiatives and 

participating agencies plan more effective 

enforcement operations and evaluate the 

effects of their work. In addition to its work 

with law enforcement agencies, the unit has

also assisted numerous criminal justice and

treatment agencies in developing maps to 

support service planning and evaluation 

efforts. The Evaluation and Crime Mapping 

Unit staff has also played an important role 

in the development and implementation of

the HIDTA’s new performance 

measurement process. 

The Investigative Intelligence Unit 

concentrates on providing support for 

complex, long-term conspiracy cases and 

Title III intercepts. Its analysts make use of 

159
the latest analytical software and 

intelligence techniques to assist agencies in

confronting the drug treats posed by the 

increasingly complex and sophisticated 

DTOs operating in the HIDTA region. This 

initiative is also expanding its efforts to 

support initiatives and participating agencies 

pursuing cases in northern Virginia. 

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LAW ENFORCEMENT

FEDERAL: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & 

Firearms Explosives, Drug Enforcement 

Administration, Federal Bureau of 

Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, 

Bureau of Immigration and Customs

Enforcement, United States Marshals

Service, United States Park Police, United

States Postal Service, United States Coast 

Guard, United States Attorney - Eastern

District of Virginia, United States Attorney - 

District of Columbia, United States Attorney

- District of Maryland 

STATE & LOCAL: 

Alexandria Police Department, Annapolis 

Police Department, Arlington County 

Commonwealth Attorney, Anne Arundel 

County Police Department, Arlington 

County Police Department, Baltimore City 

Housing Authority Police Department, 

Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore 

County Police Department, Calvert County 

Sheriff’s Office, Charles County Sheriff’s 

Office, District of Columbia National 

Guard, Fairfax County Police Department, 

Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, Greenbelt 

Police Department, Harford County 

Sheriff’s Office. Loudoun County Sheriff’s 

Office, Maryland State Police, Maryland

National Capital Park Police/PG County 

Div., Maryland National Capital Park 

Police/Montgomery County Div., Maryland 

National Guard, Maryland Natural 

Resources Police Department, Maryland 

Transit Administration Police Department, 

Maryland Transportation Authority Police 

Department, Metropolitan Washington 

Airport Authority, Metropolitan Transit 

Authority, Metropolitan Police Department, 

Montgomery County Police Department, 

Prince George’s County Police Department, 

Prince William County Police Department,

State’s Attorney’s Office – Baltimore,

University of Maryland Police, Vienna 

Police Department, Virginia State Police,

Virginia National Guard

TREATMENT / CRIMINAL JUSTICE 

Arlington County: Virginia Department of 

Mental Health; Substance Abuse and Mental 

Retardation; Arlington County Detention 

Center; Arlington County Substance Abuse 

Services; Virginia Department of 

Corrections / Alexandria City: Virginia

Department of Mental Health, Substance 

Abuse, and Mental Retardation; Alexandria 

Community Service Board; Virginia

Department of Corrections; Virginia 

Department of Probation and Parole; Center 

for Substance Abuse Treatment; Alexandria 

City Circuit Court / Baltimore City: Alcohol 

and Drug Abuse Administration; Maryland 

Department of Public Safety and 

Correctional Services- Division of Parole 

and Probation / Baltimore County: Alcohol 

and Drug Abuse Administration; Maryland 

Department of Public Safety and 

Correctional Services; Baltimore County 

Department of Health, Bureau of Substance 

Abuse; Baltimore County Bureau of 

Corrections / Charles County: Alcohol and 

Drug Abuse Administration; Maryland 

Department of Public Safety and 

Correctional Services; Charles County 

Health Department; Charles County 

Detention Center; Charles County offices of 

the MD Department of Parole and Probation 

/ Washington DC: Addiction Prevention and 

Recovery Administration; Administrative 

Office of the US Courts/Federal Corrections 

and Supervision Division; Washington, DC 

160
Superior Court; Center for Substance Abuse

Treatment of the U S Department of Health 

and Human Services; Correctional Program 

Office of the U S Department of Justice; 

Superior Court of Washington DC; US 

Pretrial Services / Fairfax County: Virginia 

Department of Mental Health, Substance 

Abuse, and Mental Retardation; Fairfax 

County Community Service Board; Virginia 

Department of Corrections; Community 

Services Board (Fairfax, VA); Virginia 

Department of Probation and Parole; Center 

for Substance Abuse Treatment of the U S 

Department of Health and Human Services; 

Correctional Program Office of the U S 

Department of Justice; US Pretrial Services / 

Howard County: Alcohol and Drug Abuse 

Administration; Maryland Department of 

Public Safety and Correctional Services; 

Howard County Health Department; 

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration: 

Ellicott City, Waldorf, Howard County 

Health Department; Center for Substance

Abuse Treatment of the US Department of 

Health and Human Services; Correctional 

Program, Office of the US Department of 

Justice; Maryland Department of Public 

Safety and Correctional Services; Circuit 

Court of Maryland; District Court of

Maryland; US Pretrial Services / Loudoun 

County: Virginia Department of Mental 

Health, Substance Abuse, and Mental 

Retardation; Loudoun County Mental Health 

Services; Loudoun County Mental Health 

Center,; Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Services; Center for Substance Abuse 

Treatment of the US Department of Health 

and Human Services; Correctional Program 

Office of the US Department of Justice; 

Maryland Department of Public Safety and 

Correctional Services; Circuit Court of 

Maryland; District Court of Maryland; 

Superior Court of Washington D .C.; U S 

Pretrial Services / Montgomery County: 

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration; 

Maryland Department of Public Safety and 

Correctional Services; Montgomery County 

Government; Federal Substance Abuse and 

Mental Health Services Administration

"Treatment for Homeless" Grant; Mental 

Health and Substance Abuse Services 

(Rockville, MD); Center for Substance 

Abuse Treatment of the US Department of 

Health and Human Services; Correctional 

Program Office of the U S Department of 

Justice; Circuit Court of Maryland; District 

Court of Maryland; Montgomery County 

Department of Corrections and 

Rehabilitation / Prince George's County: 

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration; 

Maryland Department of Public Safety and 

Correctional Services; Prince George's

County Government Division of Addictions 

(Largo, MD); Prince George's County 

Department of Corrections; Center for 

Substance Abuse Treatment of the U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services; 

Correctional Program Office of the U.S. 

Department of Justice; Circuit Court of 

Maryland; District Court of Maryland / 

Prince William County: Virginia 

Department of Mental Health, Mental 

Retardation, and Substance Abuse; Prince 

William County Community Services 

Board; Virginia Department of Corrections; 

Virginia Department of Mental Health, 

Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse; 

Prince William County Community Services

Board; Virginia Department of Corrections 

PREVENTION 

Baltimore City, Maryland: Baltimore Police

Department; Mayor’s Office of 

Neighborhoods; Baltimore Community

Affairs Unit; C-Safe; Strategic

Neighborhood Action Plan (SNAP); Healthy 

Neighborhoods Initiative; Community 

Relations Officers in each Police District in

Baltimore; Regional Auto Theft Task Force; 

Environmental Crimes Unit; Baltimore City

Fire Department, Arson Task Force; 

Community Policing Youth Violence 

Program; The Baltimore Urban Lighting

Board; The Baltimore Prostitution Task 

Force; Office of the State’s Attorney for 

161
Baltimore City; Code Enforcement Unit,

Department of Housing & Community 

Development; Police Explorers; Police 

Athletic League (PAL) / Montgomery 

County, Maryland: Department of Health & 

Human Services; Montgomery County 

Police Department; Montgomery County 

Public Schools; Maryland National Capitol 

Park & Planning Commission; YMCA 

Silver Spring Youth Services; Equity 

Management; Commonwealth Foundation;

United Way; Impact Silver Spring; 

Montgomery County Department of 

Recreation; Southern Management; Carroll 

Avenue Quebec Terrace Community Center; 

After School Activities Project (ASAP) / 

Prince William County, Virginia: Prince 

William County Police Department; 31st 

District Juvenile Court Service Unit; Prince

William County Interfaith Caregivers; 

Osbourne High School; Manassas City 

Police Department; Manassas Park Police; 

Juvenile Court Services; FAST; Metz High

School; Manassas Detention Center; Prince 

William County Community Services 

Board; Manassas City School Board; Prince 

William School Board; Department of 

Social Services; Johnson Learning Center; 

Prince William county Juvenile Detention

Home; Manassas City Family Assessment

Team; Metz Middle School; Georgetown 

SSSiiigggnnniiifffiiicccaaannnttt AAAccchhhiiieeevvveeemmmeennnt e tt:::

Over the past several years, the Washington/ 

Baltimore HIDTA region has seen an

increase in the diversion and abuse of 

prescription painkillers (especially in the

Baltimore metropolitan area). A recent case,

in which the HIDTA’s Intelligence Center

played a central role, illustrates how solid

intelligence and investigative efforts can be

used to counter the growing threat of

pharmaceutical diversion. 

The investigation began in May 2003 when 

the Cecil County Drug Task Force 

(composed of investigators from the

Maryland State Police and Cecil County, 

Maryland Sheriff’s Office) executed several 

search warrants against a suspected

OxyContin distributor. In spite of careful 

planning and the cooperation of an 

informant involved in supplying the 

distributors with OxyContin through “doctor 

shopping”, the task force was only able to 

charge one suspect with a minor drug 

possession offense. Due to the task force’s 

heavy workload, investigators were forced 

to close the case without further 

investigation. 

Convinced that there was more to their 

OxyContin distribution case, several task

force officers contacted the W/B HIDTA’s 

Intelligence Center. Although Cecil County 

is not designated as part of the HIDTA, its 

drug task force has established a strong 

working relationship with a number of the 

HIDTA’s Maryland-based initiatives. As 

analysts from the Intelligence Center’s Case 

Development Unit began examining the 

non-drug evidence collected during the 

execution of the Cecil County Drug Task 

Force’s search warrants, they quickly

discovered that the task force investigators 

were right about their case. 

Using document exploitation techniques, 

subpoenas and telephone toll analysis, the 

Case Development Unit’s analysts quickly

identified other members of the original 

target’s family who were involved in

OxyContin distribution and began tracing its 

suppliers and customers. As new 

information came in, analysts were able to

trace the organization’s distribution 

activities throughout Maryland, Virginia, 

West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, 

North Carolina and Tennessee. 

As the case grew, the Case Development 

Unit and the Cecil County Drug Task Force 

enlisted the help of DEA’s Diversion

162
Control Program. As the Case Development

Unit identified doctors and pharmacies used 

by the organization’s “doctor shoppers” to 

obtain OxyContin, DEA personnel used 

their regulatory and inspection authorities to

gather additional evidence and encourage 

doctors and pharmacists to provide 

investigators with additional information on 

their targets’ activities. DEA and ATFE 

agents helped to coordinate investigation of 

distribution activities outside of Maryland. 

The investigation culminated in the spring of 

2004 with the arrest of all of the suspects 

involved in the distribution operation and 

several members of two other families who 

supplied them with OxyContin through 

“doctor shopping” and prescription fraud. 

All of the suspects are scheduled to stand 

trial in September of 2004 on Federal 

narcotics and conspiracy charges. Since 

their initial arrest, two of these suspects have 

been rearrested for attempting to intimidate 

witnesses and a prosecutor involved in this 

case; a third suspects has be rearrested for a 

parole violation. This case is an outstanding 

example of how intelligence analysis and

interagency cooperation can be used to build 

a successful case from what at first appeared

to be a minor drug case. 

163
National High Intensity Drug 

Trafficking Area (HIDTA) 

Program 

2004 Awards 

165
167

2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATOR 

APPALACHIA HIDTA – KAREN MANNING, APPALACHIA HIDTA FINANCIAL 

MANAGER 

The AHIDTA Executive Board nominates Karen Manning, AHIDTA Financial Manager, 

for the National "Outstanding Administrator" Award. We nominate her in recognition of the 

specific accomplishments as set forth below. We nominate her in recognition of her years of 

experience upon which we have come to rely. And most of all, we nominate her for her 

unceasing, enthusiastic and tireless dedication to the people of Appalachia. 

 Karen has been with the AHIDTA since its inception in 1998. Under her able leadership, 

Karen’s financial staff has built the financial infrastructure of the AHIDTA, from the ground up, 

into an efficient and effective operation. The backbone of this infrastructure is the Fundware

budget tracking software system. Karen selected this system from among several that she and her 

team evaluated. Working with the fiduciary, Karen and her team implemented the software and 

tailored it to efficiently track expenditures and budget balances in a manner that has assured 

excellent financial management for the AHIDTA. The system allows for the monitoring of 

expenditures by grant year, initiative, agency, budget category and sub-category. This level of 

budget management contributes to the efficient overall operation of the AHIDTA. 

 Karen has conducted numerous training sessions for participating agencies in all three 

states in the AHIDTA. These sessions covered the methods and procedures for all applicable 

aspects of financial management at the AHIDTA. These sessions have been well received by 

AHIDTA participants and have resulted in enhanced communications and more efficient 

operations. 

 In August 2004, Karen was selected as one of six Financial Managers from the National 

HIDTA program to travel to Miami and test the new Everest Financial Database Software being 

developed for the HIDTA program. 

 Beginning in 2003, based on reviews and recommendations by ONDCP, the Executive 

Board along with the AHIDTA management team was challenged to restructure AHIDTA. 

Karen, with her experience and leadership, assisted in transforming the AHIDTA into the kind of 

HIDTA envisioned; a full functioning and effective collaboration of federal, state and local law 

enforcement, prosecutors, and demand reduction specialists working toward the reduction of 

drug use and trafficking. The AHIDTA changed the fundamental structure of 7 umbrella type of 

initiatives that were agency focused to 27 multi agency initiatives which are task force driven. 

Karen’s job expanded from one of monitoring 12 federal and 17 state agency budgets to that of 

monitoring 9 federal, 13 state and 64 local law enforcement agency HIDTA budgets. With these 

changes, Karen saw the need for expenditure monitoring at the task force level. Karen devised a 

system, utilizing an AHIDTA form LC-07, that allows task force commanders to review all 

HIDTA expenditures for their task force before HIDTA funds are dispersed. In effect, this 

system provides accurate, timely and reliable financial information. It also creates another 

channel of communication through which the task forces can make their needs known to 

AHIDTA management in a timely and direct way. In turn, AHIDTA management is able to 

provide the task forces and its officers with the resources they need to get their job 

accomplished. 
168

 Karen Manning’s responsibilities notably do not end with the financial side of AHIDTA. 

Considering that long range planning and finance are inextricably linked, and recognizing 

Karen’s skill as both a financial planner and a manager, the Executive Board Chair appointed 

Karen to the newly formed AHIDTA Strategic Planning and Budget Committee as an ex-officio 

member. This committee is responsible for long range strategic and financial planning for the 

AHIDTA and became fully functional in January 2004. 

 In January 2004, AHIDTA held its first Annual Conference where Karen not only made a 

presentation concerning the AHIDTA budget process, but was actively involved in the 

conference planning. 

 In February 2004, Karen provided assistance in the Initiative Write-up Training, held for 

all the AHIDTA task force commanders and initiative representatives as they prepared their 2005 

Initiatives and Budgets. 

 Karen additionally has been involved with the development and responsibilities of the 

State Coordinating Committees (SCC) beginning in late 2003 with AHIDTA’s restructure and 

new vision. The SCC is a working committee responsible for recommending the submissions of 

interim reports to the Executive Board by way of Executive Committees. The SCC additionally 

is responsible for initiative development, budgets and a review process. In July, 2004, Karen 

assisted the SCC with its mid-year AHIDTA Initiative Reviews by providing a budget history for 

the initiatives and assisting in the preparation of an evaluation process which has become a 

standard to be utilized in future reviews. 

 Her leadership and experience is called upon daily by the AHIDTA Director, 

management team and AHIDTA participants. In September 2004, Karen was instrumental in 

preparing an AHIDTA Interdiction Initiative proposal by requesting additional funding from 

ONDCP regarding discretionary funding announced in August 2004. 

 As a consummate professional, and team player, Karen has not only completely 

restructured the financial landscape of AHIDTA, she has shown her leadership skills through 

constant support of the AHIDTA staff and all the participants of AHIDTA that she considers 

extended family. Karen exhibits compassion, excellent team building skills, and a logical 

approach to problem solving. The entire AHIDTA team has come to rely on Karen’s knowledge 

and experience as evident from the above examples. AHIDTA values her advice and opinion. 

Karen Manning is “making a difference” for the citizens of AHIDTA and our country. These 

qualities make Karen a vital member of the AHIDTA management team and an outstanding 

emissary of the HIDTA Program. AHIDTA, enthusiastically nominates her for this honor. 
2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

OUTSTANDING TASK FORCE COMMANDER 

Central Valley California HIDTA – Sergeant Fred Links 

At first glance Sergeant Fred Links looks like a football star and Marine Corps

advertisement. The fact that he is a boat builder, World Champion speed boat racer, and a heart 

attack survivor isn’t apparent. Nor does one see that Fred has been awarded two Silver Stars and

three Bronze Stars for Bravery by his department. What is clearly evident is that he is

charismatic, radiates confidence and has a clear dedication to law enforcement and the HIDTA 

mission. He is a 25 year veteran of the Sacramento County Sheriffs Department and is married 

to a Sheriff’s Sergeant who’s assigned to the Sex Crimes Unit. Fred is Commander of the 

HIDTA’s Sacramento Area Intelligence Narcotics Task Force (SAINT) initiative that was 

awarded “Outstanding HIDTA Task Force Cooperative Effort” last year. SAINT became

operational in 2000 has been under Sergeant Links’ leadership for most of that time. The task 

force consists of 12 individuals from 8 different local, state and Federal agencies. The mission of 

the SAINT is the identification, arrest and prosecution of major methamphetamine 

manufacturers, drug distributors and chemical suppliers. SAINT members are cross trained as

clandestine laboratory specialists able to dismantle methamphetamine laboratory sites. 

This past year SAINT members seized 151 pounds of cocaine, 46 pounds of 

methamphetamine, 132 pounds of marijuana and over $700,000 in drug proceeds. They initiated 

54 investigations and disrupted or dismantled 16 major drug trafficking organizations. On 

September 23, 2004, a 17 month SAINT investigation into a Sacramento-area “ice” or crystal 

meth producing and distributing DTO concluded. Investigators were led to the DTO’s Canadian 

ephedrine suppliers who smuggled the precursor into the U.S. The Ice was shipped to Hawaii 

and Minnesota as well as distributed throughout CA. Twenty four search warrants led to 27 

arrests. There was 20 pounds of meth seized, $130,000 cash, 18 guns, 12 vehicles and 10 

children placed into protective custody. In Canada, the RCMP determined that the DTO 

imported thousands of pounds of ephedrine. Two thirds of it went to an outlaw motorcycle club 

in Canada and one third to Sacramento. The RCMP arrested 54 individuals, seized 80 pounds of 

methamphetamine, seized 2,620 pounds of ephedrine powder, 1.6 million ephedrine pills, 2 

kilograms of cocaine and $3 million Canadian currency. 

Use of Innovation in Supervising Investigations - Sergeant Links and SAINT members 

relentlessly pursue DTOs operating in the Sacramento, Northern and Central California regions. 

Fred uses unique approaches to investigations. One has been to target the essential chemicals, 

equipment and precursors used in labs. He uses reverse undercover operations, financial 

investigations, complex conspiracy investigations as well as targeting of rogue chemical 

suppliers. He relies heavily upon the application of technology. Each Title III investigation is 

complex and demanding, requiring long hours of work and coordination. His recognition of the 

sophistication and countermeasures used by DTOs has fostered his technical investigative 

approach. SAINT operates pen registers and dialed number recorders to collect telephone call 

activity. This year to date, SAINT initiated 9 Title-III investigations into major DTOs. Because 

Fred understands the value of case analysis, all data is provided to the on-site ISC intelligence

analyst who has the latest versions of analytical software and robust computer systems. Another 

innovation is Fred’s Precursor Vendor Program (PVP). Under PVP, an investigator acts as a 

liaison to local businesses such as tack and feed stores that sell products used in meth 

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laboratories. Businesses are encouraged to voluntarily report information regarding the buyers of 

products that might be used to manufacture methamphetamine. PVP data is researched and 

analyzed to disclose links to meth labs. Research may also identify if a conspiratorial 

relationship exists between chemical retailer and DTOs. 

Innovation and investigative experience still lead to arrest situations where confrontation 

is often an element. Fred received one Bronze Star for Bravery when he led the “entry team” on 

a search warrant. He was confronted by an armed suspect preparing to fire on officers. Fred

physically subdued him and neutralized the danger. Another of his Bronze Stars for Bravery was

awarded for his involvement in a pursuit of a fleeing suspect armed with an AR 15 who fired on 

officers then fled into a brushy area. Fred was a member of the SWAT team that entered the 

wooded area eventually located the suspect and took him into custody. 

Leadership and Direction - Over 10 years ago Fred helped develop and organize one of

the most recognized tactical entry courses in California, “Round Hill Tactical Entry Training.” 

He’s demonstrated his innovation and dedication through his commitment to this program that

improves officer safety. He developed training methods and techniques to improve safety skills. 

He’s the lead instructor, advisor, and tactical guru of the program. Round Hill uses on-site,

hands-on scenarios encountered by major narcotic and other plainclothes specialized 

enforcement units. Fred has instructed and coordinated over a thousand students from hundreds

of agencies on how to operate during these high-risk situations, ensuring that cops stay alive. 

Fred is one of California’s recognized experts in high-risk officer safety situations. 

Fred leads by example and has demonstrated his abilities in countless situations. He was

awarded a Silver Star for Bravery after he entered a two-story apartment complex that was 

engulfed in fire. He searched for victims and at one point was pinned in by fire on the second 

floor. He escaped by running through a wall of flames and jumped from the second story to a

roof and eventually to the ground. He returned to the building to rescue a man paralyzed by fear 

and then carried the man to safety. His other Silver Star for Bravery was received when Fred 

wrestled with an armed suicidal man in an attempt to save him from self-destruction. As Fred 

struggled to control the violent person, three rounds were fired from the assailant’s shotgun. He 

saved the man from himself. 

Commitment to the HIDTA Program and Law Enforcement - Collocation and 

collaboration are part of Fred’s philosophy. He recognizes that drug enforcement is often not a 

localized issue and task forces must think globally to be successful. His approach is one of 

complete cooperation with all agencies as their assistance may be needed at some future date in 

return. This interactive policy led SAINT to participate in 3 OCDETF investigations this past 

year involving agencies in California, several other states and Canada. Meth producers in 

California use Canadian suppliers of Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine. One of SAINT’s long-term 

investigations involved an Asian-based international group that moved drugs from Canada to the 

Sacramento area. Drug proceeds were electronically transferred to an Asian country. The multiagency investigation led to the seizure of meth precursors. Laboratory locations were identified

and the products seized. Drug supplies were impounded and many distribution groups in 

Sacramento County and the surrounding area were disrupted and dismantled. This example of a

collaborative effort typifies Sgt. Links’ requirement of SAINT members to assist other local and 

federal agencies. They’ve helped 29 other agencies to conduct investigations within the SAINT 

area of responsibility this year. SAINT investigations are international and multi-state in nature. 

This year their operations have spanned from Canada to Mexico and from Minnesota to Hawaii. 

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Sergeant Fred Links is a true leader in the HIDTA’s efforts to combat drug trafficking 

organizations and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement. He is the 

consummate professional and has received no less that 90 letters of commendation, recognition, 

appreciation, outstanding employee awards and unit citations. Sergeant Links should receive 

ONDCP’s recognition as “Outstanding Task Force Commander.” 

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2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

OUTSTANDING INTERDICTION EFFORT 

Gulf Coast HIDTA – Caddo/Bossier Drug Task Force 

The Caddo/Bossier Drug Task (CBTF) based out of Shreveport, Louisiana consists of 

personnel from the Shreveport Police Department, the Bossier City Police Department, the 

Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police and the Drug Enforcement 

Administration. The CBTF has two enforcement groups, one of which is dedicated to airport, 

bus, parcel, and highway interdiction efforts. The CBTF has always had an excellent working 

relationship with the Louisiana State Police’s Criminal Patrol (CP) program based out of Bossier 

City, Louisiana. The CBTF has assisted the CP interdiction efforts by providing personnel and 

resources to further investigations that stemmed from drug and/or money seizures made during 

traffic stops. This assistance has included case adoption for federal prosecution as well as 

assisting in controlled deliveries of contraband to other destinations outside the state of 

Louisiana. 

The CBTF is being nominated for Outstanding Interdiction Effort for an investigation 

that began on the morning of September 26, 2003, when the Louisiana State Police (LSP) 

detained a subject after a traffic stop on Interstate 20 in Bossier Parish Louisiana. The LSP 

troopers recovered approximately five kilograms of heroin from a false battery in the vehicle. 

Following an interview conducted by CBTF agents, the subject decided to cooperate and stated 

that he had been hired by an individual, later identified as Saul BARRERA-CRUZ, to transport 

the heroin from Nacogdoches, Texas to Elizabeth, New Jersey. With the continued cooperation 

of the defendant, the CBTF then began driving the defendant and the heroin from Shreveport, 

LA to Elizabeth, New Jersey. This trip was better than 1500 miles one way. The length of the 

trip was exacerbated by the time frame that the defendant had been given to arrive. On the first 

leg of the trip, agents drove sixteen hours non-stop. The first stop was made in Durham, NC. 

The defendant had been instructed to call a particular number from there. This call was made 

successfully, and the defendant was instructed to get some sleep and then drive to Newark, NJ on 

the following day. The defendant was led to believe that he would be met immediately 

following his arrival. For that reason, agents only allowed themselves about four hours of sleep 

and then got right back onto the road. 

Upon arrival into Newark, NJ, the CBTF agents met with their DEA counterparts from

the Newark DEA office and devised a plan to conduct the controlled delivery to the intended 

recipient. Once plans had been made, the defendant called the intended recipient. The intended 

recipient was later identified as Manuel LINARES-SANDOVAL. The defendant was told to 

meet LINARES at a particular motel in Elizabeth, NJ. The defendant and the agents waited for 

about four hours but LINARES did not show up. At this point the CBTF agents instructed the 

defendant to call LINARES and to tell him to meet at a different hotel and that this was his last 

opportunity to obtain the dope. LILINARES showed up late for that deal as well, but he was 

spotted by the CBTF agents in the restaurant of the hotel. At that point, agents were only 

guessing that he was the intended recipient. The only Spanish-speaking agent stood beside 

LINARES while LINARES was talking on his cellular telephone. The conversation overheard 

by the CBTF agent confirmed the agents’ suspicions and surveillance of LINARES then began. 

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By this point, the assisting Newark DEA agents had left for the night. The commander of 

the CBTF had agents follow LINARES. CBTF agents followed LINARES from Elizabeth, NJ to 

Queens, NY. There the agents observed LINARES remove a large red backpack from the 

vehicle that he was driving. LINARES stashed the vehicle behind a locked gate, and got into a 

second vehicle driven by an unidentified black male. The CBTF agents then observed 

LINARES bring the red backpack into a nearby business. The agents noted both the address of 

the business and the address where the car was stashed. Surveillance was terminated at that 

point, but the agents passed along what they had learned and observed to DEA New York. 

The following day the controlled delivery to LINARES was successfully completed. 

Agents used a ruse to identify LINARES and did not arrest him. This turned out to be a huge 

break for DEA New York. They had been investigating LINARES and knew that he was a 

major heroin dealer, but did not have him identified, nor were they aware of the two addresses 

that the CBTF agents acquired by following him the preceding night. LINERAS then became a 

primary target of the New York investigation. 

Upon their return to Shreveport, the CBTF agents discovered that BARRERA- CRUZ 

was the head of a transportation cell of a major heroin and cocaine trafficking organization based 

out of Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico. The identifications of BARRERA-CRUZ and 

LINARES as well as the telephone numbers used and called by each expanded the investigation 

exponentially. Designated as Operation "Jump Start" by DEA’s Special Operations Division, 

this investigation was joined by in excess of twenty domestic DEA offices and five foreign DEA 

offices. 

The CBTF went on to develop a second informant. This led to the seizure of an 

additional five kilos of heroin. The CBTF also provided invaluable intelligence to DEA NY that 

helped them obtain the probable cause for a Title III intercept. The CBTF also developed 

enough probable cause for two Title III intercepts at the Shreveport Resident Office. This was a 

first for the DEA Shreveport Office as well as for the CBTF. The Shreveport wire tap not only 

produced additional evidence against BARRERA-CRUZ but also led directly to the arrests of 

twenty-six illegal aliens and three coyotes by the U.S. Border Patrol. 

On April 23, 2004, the CBTF arrested BARRERA-CRUZ and his associates in 

Nacogdoches, Texas for drug distribution and alien smuggling. BARRERA-CRUZ is currently 

cooperating with the CBTF and has elicited the help of his brothers in Mexico. The brothers 

have been offered the responsibility of overseeing loads of heroin and cocaine for a high-ranking 

member of the Guatemalan organization. The first recorded telephone calls by the brothers to 

the Guatemalan will be made in early October 2004. The Guatemalan has been identified by the 

CBTF agents and is indictable already due to his role in the ten kilograms of heroin seized thus 

far. It is anticipated that the investigation will soon enter into a new phase that will bring the 

agents additional seizures and indictments against some of the highest members of this 

international smuggling organization. This outstanding investigation, which began with the 

follow-up investigation of a traffic stop, continues to broaden in scope. 

 

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2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATIVE EFFORT 

Hawaii HIDTA – HI-Impact Task Force – Operation Shave Ice 

Hawaii HIDTA, Operation SHAVE ICE, was given OCDETF designation, and was investigated

by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Hawaii County Police Department (HCPD), Honolulu

Police Department (HPD), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and 

Firearms (ATF), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the 

Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

The initial investigation targeted the Marvin Postadan Organization. Postadan led a drug 

distribution organization on the Big Island of Hawaii that smuggled crystal methamphetamine ("ice") and 

cocaine from California to Hawaii. In addition, Postadan owned two automotive businesses on the Big 

Island. Postadan's California supplier, Francisco Guiterrez Ramirez was shown through telephone 

analysis to have Consolidated Priority Organization Target (CPOT) connections to the Arellano-Felix and

Zambada-Garcia organizations. The Postadan organization was involved in the distribution of multiple 

kilo quantities of ice and cocaine. The transportation methods included cargo shipments, U.S. Mail, and

private carriers such as UPS and Fedex. 

Between May and October of 2003, sixteen wiretaps were conducted to further this investigation.

Four additional groups were identified and dismantled including the criminal enterprises of William 

Totten, Brandon Chang, Jasen Antonio, and Shane Tom. In addition to the drug lines of supply coming 

from Ramirez to Postadan, three other distinct drug lines of supply into Hawaii were dismantled. These

lines of supply included Michael "Playboy" Huwe from Nevada who supplied Shane Tom's organization, 

Roman Calderon from Arizona who supplied William Totten's organization and Carlos Pagan who

obtained his drugs in California and was one of the suppliers of Jasen Antonio's organization. The 

investigation included pre-takedown ice seizures of 1 pound, 1 1⁄2 pounds, 2 pounds, and five pounds 

respectively. In addition, several shipments of currency representing drug proceeds were intercepted 

leaving Hawaii including one for $99,030. The other currency seizures were conducted by airport

interdictions of body carriers identified through the wiretaps. The total amount of currency seized in this 

case is approximately $510,000.00. The value of the assets seized in this case amount to approximately

$75,000.00. In addition, 15 firearms comprised of handguns, shotguns, and rifles were seized. 

In October, sixty individuals were indicted and over fifty search warrants were executed 

including search and arrest warrants in Hawaii (on Oahu and the Big Island), California, Arizona, and 

Nevada. These search warrants resulted in many asset seizures. All indicted subjects were arrested and

several have been convicted. 

Investigative leads generated from cooperating defendants have resulted in significant spin-off

investigations including one wiretap investigation, and a series of buy-busts and reverse operations which

have resulted in approximately 13 additional arrests to date of significant targets who transport drug

supplies into Hawaii. 

On the Big Island, Shave Ice was initiated by HCPD Detective Ernest Saldua and FBI SA Neil 

Rogers, who also wrote two Title III affidavits. HCPD Lieutenant Norman Keamo coordinated the

investigation on the Hilo side of the Big Island. FBI SA Lisa Nielsen wrote the initial Title III affidavit 

and one later affidavit. On the Island of Oahu, the HIDTA wire-room operations were supervised by FBI 

SA Daniel Brady, who wrote five Title III affidavits, and HPD Detective Michael Church. Most of the 

manpower was provided by HPD through the efforts of Captain John Lum who ensured the continuing

support of the HPD command. Finally, the prosecution efforts of AUSA Chris Thomas ensured that the

hard work of the above team and many others reached the appropriate conclusion. DEA, ICE, MPD, 

HDPS, KPD, IRS, USPIS, HNG, and BATF provided significant support during the lengthy investigation. 

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2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATIVE SUPPORT CENTER 

Houston HIDTA – Houston HIDTA Investigative Support Center 

The Houston Intelligence Support Center (HISC) is the intelligence centerpiece of the 

Houston HIDTA. Established in 1992 as the Joint Drug Intelligence Group, the HISC serves as 

the focal point for drug trafficking and criminal intelligence for the Houston HIDTA and area 

law enforcement. The FBI sponsors the Initiative, and the Houston Police Department provides a

Deputy Coordinator. Other participants include ATF, DEA, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, 

ICE, the Texas Attorney General’s Office the Texas Department of Public Safety and the USCG. 

The HISC also houses the Houston HIDTA Intelligence Coordinator, and works closely with him. 

In this multi-agency task force environment, analysts and investigators use the most advanced 

analytic tools and methods to collect, organize, evaluate, and analyze raw information and 

disseminate finished intelligence products to the Houston HIDTA community and beyond. 

The HISC is fully integrated into the Houston FBI’s Field Intelligence Group (FIG). 

HISC analysts are trained on and have access to many of the same systems as FBI analysts,

which allows them to provide analytical support across the law enforcement/intelligence 

spectrum, regardless of investigative program. This concept originated in the Houston HIDTA, 

and has become the model for other FBI Field Divisions. This model has benefited the Houston 

HIDTA by providing a far more comprehensive analytical capability than would otherwise exist. 

One example of this integration is that HISC analysts actively participate in multi-agency efforts

such as the Joint Intelligence Center which provided analytical services 24 hours a day during 

the week of the 2004 Super Bowl and All-Star games in support of security and enforcement

efforts. 

Houston HIDTA Initiatives and area agencies rely heavily on the HISC. The 45

investigators, analysts, administrators and support personnel that comprise the HISC provide all 

of the services outlined in HIDTA Program Guidance and the General Counterdrug Intelligence 

Plan except event deconfliction, which is the mission of a separate Initiative. Case/subject 

deconfliction is institutionalized in the Houston HIDTA and the deconfliction database contains 

thousands of names. Potential conflicts are quickly identified and resolved. The HIDTA DTO 

list is maintained by the HISC, and continuously updated. At least one HISC analyst from the 

long-term support team (OST) is assigned to each CPOT investigation and most other priority 

targets, providing the full gamut of analytical support. A short-term analytical support team, the

IRT, provides a dedicated local telephone number, a toll-free long distance telephone number, 

and an e-mail address for agencies seeking analytical support. This team has responded to nearly 

3,000 requests for support in the first eight months of 2004. These requests may be completed in 

a few hours, or a few weeks, depending on the requestor’s requirements. 

The HISC does not limit itself to reactive support. A team of investigators collects 

information to identify significant drug trafficking organizations in the Houston HIDTA. 

Traditional investigative techniques such as informant interviews, surveillance, communications 

collection, and undercover operations are used in furtherance of these investigations. Once the 

scope of the targeted criminal conspiracy has been fully identified and assessed (often in 

conjunction with analytical personnel), the investigation is referred to operational units for 

enforcement action. Since January 1, 2004, two case referrals have been disseminated to HIDTA 

member agencies. In addition to fully-developed case referrals, this squad also distributes 

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actionable intelligence information to operational squads or agencies for short-term enforcement

action. Thirty eight (38) such disseminations have occurred so far this year. The HISC’s novel 

prisoner debriefing concept has generated the development of cooperating individuals and

witnesses in furtherance of case development. 

Thus far in CY/04 HISC disseminations have directly contributed to 71 arrests, and the

seizure of over 60 methamphetamine labs, 7 kg methamphetamine, 60 kg of cocaine, 3 kg of 

heroin, 79 firearms, and $1,024,434.00. It has provided support in investigations resulting in 

many more arrests and seizures across the country. 

Nor is the HISC limited to operational intelligence. The Strategic Analysis Team (SAT) 

produces comprehensive threat assessments in support of the Houston HIDTA and area law

enforcement. This team is responsible for the collection, analysis, and publication of strategic 

products such as the annual HIDTA Threat assessment, and topic-specific assessments as 

warranted or requested. When trends have been identified in the collection and analysis

processes, the SAT has produced specific assessments to address trends such as raves, 

methamphetamine, and heroin. One such document, the Houston Situation Report, published in 

2004, received high praise across the country for the depth of its presentation in a concise format. 

The SAT also develops and maintains liaison with regional enforcement agencies in order to

collect and analyze intelligence. It has a working relationship with the National Drug 

Intelligence Center and other HIDTA and non-HIDTA intelligence operations. This team 

produced the 2004 Houston HIDTA Threat Assessment and assisted in the production and 

dissemination of pamphlets distributed to area retailers about common products used in

methamphetamine production. ONDCP and others have consistently praised the Houston 

HIDTA Threat Assessment, particularly its reporting on drug trafficking organizations. 

In monthly intelligence meetings, HISC representatives provide snapshots of ongoing 

investigations and trends. It maintains a booklet of databases to which it has access, updates it 

continuously, and provides it to HIDTA Initiatives. These sources of information include local, 

state and federal law enforcement databases, global intelligence, and commercial databases. In 

2004, the HISC and the FIG conducted a 2-day open house to showcase its capabilities. It also

conducts agency-specific briefings that have been very well received. 

For management purposes, the HISC provides monthly, quarterly, and annual 

performance results. As all support is captured in electronic format, statistical information on all 

aspects of HISC operations is provided routinely. All analytical support and disseminations are 

reported, along with which agencies made the requests, whether the requesting agency is a

Houston HIDTA member agency, and whether the requestor is part of a Houston HIDTA 

Initiative. Both the HISC management and the HIDTA management are provided current

information on the extent to which Houston HIDTA Initiatives use the HISC to receive analytical

support and services. 

As part of the Initiative Review process, all Initiatives are specifically queried about the 

support that the HISC provides. In the 2003 cycle, one hundred percent of Houston HIDTA 

Initiatives reported satisfaction with HISC services. There were no complaints, and no suggested 

improvements. The Initiative has been praised by area law enforcement and FBI Headquarters 

as well. ONDCP recently suggested that the HIDTA Assistance Center use the HISC as an 

object lesson in the Intelligence Management curriculum that it is currently developing, 

highlighting many HISC routine procedures as ‘best practices’ for implementation by other 

HIDTAs. 

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2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

OUTSTANDING COOPERATIVE EFFORT 

Los Angeles HIDTA – INland Crackdown Allied Task Force 

In September 2003, an investigative lead was passed to INCA Task Force from the Drug 

Enforcement Administration (DEA), Special Operations Division (SOD) via DEA Los Angeles 

Field Division, Southwest Border Group Three (SWB-3). The lead consisted of three (909) area 

code phone numbers with information that the numbers were in contact with a large drug 

trafficking organization based in Guadalajara, Mexico. 

Based on toll analysis and investigation, including the use of the Regional Information 

Sharing System, through the Western State Information Network database, the DEA Multiple 

Source Query, and El Paso Intelligence Center checks, the phone numbers were determined to be 

in contact with numerous previously identified narcotics related telephones. On October 31, 

2003, a California state wiretap was obtained targeting two of the numbers passed in the SOD 

lead. Soon after monitoring began, it was determined the same individual, identified as Salvador 

MENDOZA, was using both phones. 

In December 2003, based on intercepted communications, a vehicle was identified by the 

INCA Task Force, which was believed to contain a load of cocaine enroute to New York. At 

INCA request, officers of the California Highway Patrol, in Victorville, California, stopped the 

vehicle. The vehicle was found to have hidden compartments, which contained 46 kilograms of 

cocaine. The driver was arrested and prosecuted in California state court and pled guilty. 

Additionally in December 2003, intercepted communications indicated a subject was

driving a load of narcotics from California to Chicago, Illinois. This information was passed to 

Chicago, DEA who was able to identify the driver and his vehicle, which was a pick-up truck 

pulling a large cargo trailer. Chicago DEA was able to identify an associate of MENDOZA in 

Chicago as Jose URENA. During the surveillance Chicago DEA used an undercover officer to 

initiate a conversation with the driver, identified as Glen FULLER, of Aspen, Colorado, in a bar 

inside a hotel in Illinois. DEA agents later placed a court authorized tracking device in the trailer 

to monitor movement of the trailer. In late December 2003 Chicago DEA advised INCA that the 

trailer was enroute back to California. Shortly after the first of the year, 2004, INCA members

were able to locate the trailer in Riverside, CA Intercepted conversations indicated the trailer was 

loaded with narcotics after it arrived in California, and was then returned to FULLER to be 

transported back to Illinois. Based on a request from Chicago, DEA, in the spirit of cooperation, 

and in order to more fully identify the members of the organization in Illinois and to further the

investigation, a decision was made to allow the trailer to be transported to Illinois prior to any 

enforcement action. FULLER left California with the vehicle in early January 2004. 

On January 10, 2004, Illinois State Police stopped the vehicle just outside of Chicago, 

Illinois. The trailer was searched without FULLER’s knowledge, and 137 kilograms of cocaine 

were located in the compartment. In order to further the investigation, the compartment was

returned to the original condition, and the vehicle was returned to FULLER the next day. 

Intercepted communications indicated that FULLER believed the cocaine was still in the trailer.

Later that evening, to avoid endangering FULLER’s life when he delivered an empty trailer to 

the drug trafficking associates in Chicago, DEA agents cut the lock of the trailer and forced open 

the compartment to make it appear as if the narcotics had been stolen. The ruse worked, and the 

intercepted conversations since that time led to the identification of the source of the cocaine in 

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Mexico, the identification of the transportation organization in Colorado, and the identification 

of other members of the organization in Chicago, Minnesota, and California. Additionally, 

MENDOZA was forced to travel to Mexico to explain the loss to the head of the drug trafficking 

organization. Members of the DEA Guadalajara, Mexico Office observed MENDOZA meeting 

with Luis RODRIGUEZ-OLIVERA, identified as the head of the newest CPOT organization. 

In August 2004, intercepted conversations indicated that MENDOZA and associates 

would be traveling to Monterrey, Mexico. Members of the Mexican police, working with DEA 

in Monterrey, followed MENDOZA to a warehouse approximately one hour from Monterrey. 

After MENDOZA left, Mexican officers were able to search the warehouse and located 

approximately 11,000 pounds of marijuana much of which was already packaged in tile boxes 

prepared for shipment to locations in Texas and Georgia. 

Additionally in August 2004, based on intercepted communications, INCA Task Force 

initiated surveillance on a location in Alhambra, CA. During the surveillance, INCA members 

observed a subject leave the location and meet with three other subjects. An exchange was 

observed, and the three subjects were stopped after they left the area. A search of the vehicle 

resulted in the discovery and seizure of 21 pounds of “ice” methamphetamine, and a concealed 

handgun. INCA Task Force members later served a search warrant at the residence in Alhambra

and over 3,100 pounds of marijuana was seized. Intercepted conversations and surveillance have 

led to identification of associates in Georgia, Minnesota, Texas, New York, Illinois in the United 

States, and Los Mochis, Manzanillo, and Monterrey, Mexico. Wiretaps have been initiated in 

Chicago, IL, Milwaukee, MN, Atlanta, GA, and El Paso, TX. 

Impact -- As a result of the investigation so far, a total of 208 kilograms of cocaine, 68 

pounds of methamphetamine (in a form commonly known as “ice”), 32,799 pounds of 

marijuana, one kilogram of heroin, and $559,000 in US currency have been seized and 33 

subjects have been arrested for narcotics related crimes in the United States and Mexico. Various 

investigative techniques have also been used, including “wall stops”, pen registers, and court 

authorized video surveillance inside of an identified warehouse, and sealed search warrants. The

investigation is continuing. 

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2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATIVE EFFORT 

Los Angeles HIDTA – Southern California Drug Task Force – Group 44 – “Operation 

Trifecta” 

This narrative concerns the Los Angeles segment of Operation TRIFECTA, a national 

and international investigation coordinated by DEA’s Special Operations Division and involving 

activities in Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Phoenix, Chicago and various cities in Mexico. 

The targets were three cells connected to the ZAMBADA-GARCIA drug trafficking cartel based

in Mexico. An investigation against a fourth cell is currently being conducted based on 

intelligence and informants developed from the first three cases. 

A search warrant conducted in Los Angeles in March 2002 and another one in November 

provided evidence that the AVENDANO Organization was active in the Los Angeles area. By 

January 2003 Group 44 had developed sufficient probable cause to allow the initiation of wire 

intercepts on various members of the organization. 

Group 44 conducted 75 wiretaps over the next seventeen months, spinning off to new 

targets as the opportunity arose. Information gained from the wiretaps provided the probable 

cause for two border searches, 23 state and federal search warrants and ten traffic stops, all 

resulting in arrests and seizures. Group 44 did an outstanding job of overseeing and coordinating 

the enforcement activities of several other law enforcement agencies to include U.S. Immigration 

and Customs Enforcement, the California Highway Patrol, the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, 

the Kern County Sheriffs Department, the LAPD and police departments from Los Angeles 

suburbs of Inglewood, Pomona, El Monte, Pasadena, Santa Ana and Glendale. Two additional 

LAHIDTA funded task forces, LA-IMPACT and LA-CLEAR also provided support to Group 

44. The level of cooperation received from all of these agencies was extraordinary. 

Group 44 also coordinated with offices across the U.S. in seeking the highest possible 

level of development of this case. Connections to Atlanta, Phoenix and Denver were shared with 

DEA offices in those cities. Information given to DEA offices in San Jose, California and 

Fayetteville, Arkansas allowed those offices to start intercepting telephones in their respective

areas, resulting in seizures and arrests. In April 2003 Group 44 provided information to DEA 

Columbus, Ohio concerning a delivery of marijuana to the area. DEA Columbus seized 128 

pounds of marijuana and arrested two suspects. Group 44 also developed information about a 

distributor in Cincinnati, Ohio who was working for their main target. Using information from

Group 44’s wiretap, DEA Cincinnati was initiated its own wiretap, resulting in seizures of 

$81,800 in Cincinnati and $206,000 in Oklahoma and important intelligence about money flows

as well. 

Group 44 did an extraordinary amount of work that led to extraordinary 

accomplishments. In total 95 arrests were made; and 1,313 pounds of cocaine, 5,789 pounds of

marijuana, 76 pounds of methamphetamine, 5.4 pounds of heroin, $4.4 million in cash and assets 

and numerous firearms were seized.

This long-term investigation targeted an arm of one of the wealthiest and most successful 

Mexican cocaine cartels in operation – the ZAMBADA-GARCIA Organization. Two major 

figures in the cartel are currently the subjects of international arrest warrants, thus inhibiting their 

ability to travel, and three drug trafficking cells run by the organization have been dismantled. 

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2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

OUTSTANDING INTELLIGENCE ANALYST 

Los Angeles HIDTA – Jane Chung 

In January 2004, Jane W. Chung, Contract Intelligence Analyst, joined a multi-agency 

investigative team of agents and analysts in support of “Operation Vanquish Niño”. This joint 

FBI and ICE led investigation targeted a significant Los Angeles based “poly-drug” Mexican 

Drug Trafficking Organization (MDTO) involved in money laundering and the transportation of 

marijuana and cocaine. Both agencies had seized significant narcotics and proceeds, but not in 

proportion to the organization’s illegal activities known to exist. They enlisted the help of the 

Los Angeles Joint Drug Intelligence Group (LAJDIG) to develop a method of approaching the 

case against three major targets who would not likely be cooperative with law enforcement after 

they were taken into custody. 

Upon consultation with the prosecuting attorney and case agents, and assessment of the 

available intelligence, Jane Chung pursued the innovative formulation of a scheme to develop 

documentary-style videos tailored to each target with the intent to compel the key targets to 

cooperate with authorities. Jane dubbed the video project, “Video Dossiers”, in reference to the 

traditional “file and dossier” method of interrogation. 

The Video Dossiers were produced using the latest computer technology available at the 

LAJDIG. The Video Dossiers employed the tactic of setting one target in opposition to another 

and exploiting the target’s familial participation in criminal activities. Also, the Video Dossiers 

used the conventional method of feigning an abundance of knowledge on the law enforcement 

side by convincing the target that their crimes and behavior are well known to the authorities and 

it would be in their best interest to confess and cooperate. 

In total, three Video Dossiers were produced and custom-tailored to three separate 

targets. The medium used for the Vanquish Niño Video Dossiers included still images (such as 

photos or seized documents), surveillance videos, consensually recorded audio conversations, 

excerpts from multiple line T-III wire intercepts, footage of local police traffic stops, etc. Each 

video illustrated each respective target’s involvement and implication in the narcotics trafficking 

and money laundering organization. Additionally, the videos demonstrated extensive target 

knowledge due to audio tapes and footage of the target’s family members involved in the 

organization, known mistresses, girlfriends, homes, businesses, associations, and travel 

destinations.

One segment of a target’s Video Dossier depicted photographs of his teenage daughter’s 

encounter with a local police officer. The audiotape simultaneously heard in the background is a 

wiretapped conversation between father (target) and daughter during which he asks her to give a 

man a sum of $14,500 in cash (of drug proceeds), which was hidden in their home. The Video 

Dossier concept has an amazing impact on the psyche of the targets and thus in turn the outcome

of the investigation. Case agents have highly recommended this approach for future 

investigations. 

Jane Chung’s seven years of experience as a Counterintelligence Agent in the U.S. Army

Reserves and two years as a LAJDIG Intelligence Analyst contributed to her exemplary 

performance on the Video Dossier project. Her understanding of Psychological Operations in the 

military allowed her to identify and exploit the weaknesses of the key targets in order to persuade

them to cooperate with law enforcement. 

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The takedown and interrogations of the three key subjects is indicative of the 

effectiveness of the Video Dossiers. All three targets are cooperating based upon the 

effectiveness of this product. 

Though many investigative and analytical efforts have brought this case to fruition, the 

crucial role of the innovative Video Dossiers was instrumental in contributing to the overall

successful outcome of the “Operation Vanquish Niño”. 

Additionally, Jane Chung has assisted in several multi-agency investigations in the last 

year and she has repeatedly proven herself to be professional when representing the LAJDIG and 

working with clients. Her nomination is supported through her innovative development of Video 

Dossiers, which at their core utilize intelligence and analytical approaches, coupled with proven 

psychological principles that she has ingeniously adapted for a law enforcement setting. 

Video Dossiers have become a vital support product that the LAJDIG provides to its 

clients. The Video Dossiers help to enhance the LA-HIDTA’s utility and participation in future

investigations, not only enhancing the professional products available, but also promoting the 

analytical support offered through the HIDTA. The Video Dossiers concept should be considered 

a “best practice” and used as a national model for HIDTA Intelligence Support Centers in 

support of their clients. 

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2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

OUTSTANDING INTERDICTION EFFORT 

Midwest HIDTA - DEA Kansas City Interdiction Task Force (KCITF) 

The KCITF is multi-agency task force that targets drug trafficking organizations utilizing 

private or commercial modes of transportation, shipping or temporary lodging to facilitate the 

delivery of drugs or proceeds. The interception of drug/money couriers directly impacts Drug

Trafficking Organizations (DTO) operating in other areas of the country. 

The KCITF initiates interdiction investigations through direct support of Operation 

Pipeline by rapidly responding to the scene of the initial stop/arrest and relieving the road officer 

of the follow up investigative burden. KCITF conducts interviews, processes prisoners, 

coordinates all collected evidence with the appropriate DEA and HIDTA entities and presents 

the case to prosecutors. Reference Operation Jetway, KCITF agents recruit and maintain 

Confidential Sources at the Kansas City International Airport to include: Airline employees, 

baggage handlers, security screeners and rental car agencies and initiate investigations as needed. 

The KCITF routinely responds to area hotels/motels looking for persons with prior drug 

history or displaying known courier characteristics. Using proven surveillance techniques, 

probable cause is developed and interdiction stops are made. Nearly all such operations yield

useful intelligence; some have resulted in sizeable seizures of drugs and currency. 

Since January 1, 2004, the KCITF initiated 73 cases, affected 87 arrests, obtained high 

conviction rates and seized $3,159,810 in assets. During that same time the KCITF achieved the 

following drug removals: 133 kilograms cocaine, 2,568 kilograms marijuana, 912 live marijuana 

plants, 20.5 kilograms methamphetamine, 0.92 kilograms of Heroin, 70 fluid ounces of PCP and 

6,000 dosage units of MDMA. The KCITF conducted four controlled delivery operations to 

various cities across the country and received five controlled delivery operations into Kansas 

City. 

Derivative Case Example 

On February 13, 2004, a Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) Trooper stopped a vehicle 

occupied by 2 occupants on I-70 west of Topeka. During a subsequent consensual search, 12 

kilograms of cocaine was located inside the tailgate. KCITF agents responded, downloaded and 

disseminated telephone intelligence. Through interviews and telephone analysis KCITF agents 

determined that the subject was the son of a previously arrested courier, who was arrested by the 

KHP on December 11, 2003, in possession of 24 kilograms of cocaine. This subject confessed to 

the facilitation of over 100 ten to 30 kilogram cocaine transactions with the same source of 

supply in Denver. This son utilized his Mother, to transport cocaine from Denver to his 

customer base in Washington D.C. In coordination with the SOD, the Denver DEA Division and 

the Washington DEA Division, both the source of supply and the intended recipients have been 

identified and face future federal indictment. 

As a result of the information collected by the KCITF, the Denver Division initiated a

Title III investigation that intercepted four separate telephone lines. The Washington, Chicago, 

Boston and Newark Divisions all continue to actively investigate this identified organization. 

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2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

OUTSTANDING COOPERATIVE EFFORT 

North Texas HIDTA – Northern Drug Squad (NDS) 

In 2002, the NDS, which is a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) lead HIDTA 

Initiative, initiated an investigation into Scotty Jay Pilcher who was identified as a major 

methamphetamine (METH) distributor. The NDS executed a search warrant at Pilcher’s 

residence resulting in the arrest of 9 subjects, and the seizure of 53,000 pseudoephedrine tablets 

and 38 firearms. On the same day, the Pilcher investigation was approved as an OCEDTF 

investigation and was designated “Operation White Mercury”. 

As the Pilcher investigation continued, the NDS executed numerous search warrants,

resulting in the dismantling of 6 clandestine laboratories and a “super lab”, located on Pilcher’s 

grandfather’s property. Pilcher and other co-conspirators later admitted that over 100 lbs of 

METH had been manufactured at the super lab between August of 2001 and April of 2002. 

On May 14, 2003 the NDS indicted 18 subjects in the Pilcher investigation. At that time, 

Paul Lynn Schlieve, a former University of North Texas professor was identified as financing the 

manufacture of METH at the Pines 2 Paradise (P2P) ranch in rural Cooke County, Texas. The 

acronym P2P (A reference to an old technique for manufacturing METH) was intentional. 

After the referenced indictments, several subjects began providing proffer statements.

These statements and other suspicious activity led investigators to a Walgreen Pharmacy in 

Denton, Texas. DEA Diversion conducted numerous interviews and determined that Pilcher and 

his associates had been allowed to purchase unlimited quantities of pseudoephedrine. Further, 

Walgreen had failed to comply with federal regulations and no suspicious purchase reports had 

been filed with DEA. 

Walgreen’s subsequently turned over a surveillance video showing subject Donnie Pence, 

an associate of subject Pilcher, purchasing two shopping carts full of pseudoephedrine tablets at

the Denton, Texas Walgreen at 2:00 am in the morning and took almost two hours to check out 

due to the packaging and sales restrictions. 

On September 10, 2003, 7 additional subjects, including Dr. Schlieve, were charged in a 

superceding indictment. On January 23, 2004, Dr. Schlieve was convicted by a jury of his peers. 

By the time of Dr. Schlieve’s trial, the other 24 people charged in the conspiracy had pled guilty. 

As a result of the Pilcher investigation and the prosecution of Dr. Schlieve, “D” magazine, a 

prominent Dallas based publication, wrote an excellent article in the summer of 2004, on Dr. 

Schlieve that helped to publicize the nature and extent of the METH problem in North East

Texas. 

The NDS also initiated an investigation into Jesus Valencia Farias and his family. The

Farias investigation demonstrated that traditional Mexican Drug Cartels are heavily involved in 

the distribution METH/ICE in North East Texas. The Farias investigation led to 11 federal 

indictments and the seizure of over 30 lbs of METH/ICE. An additional 7 indictments are 

anticipated in early 2005. 

In August of 2003, United States Attorney (USA) Matt Orwig responded to the Pilcher 

investigation, “Operation White Mercury,” the Farias investigation, and other prominent cases by 

creating the Eastern District METH Initiative (EDMI) with the NDS. The EDMI was created out 

of the growing METH problem, which is prevalent within the Eastern District of Texas. The 

initiation of the EDMI was a direct result of “Operation White Mercury” and the action taken by 

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USA Orwig. Over the last 12 months the EDMI has facilitated the federal prosecution of 

numerous worthy subjects and has generated several multi-defendant sub-investigations, which

are being worked as stand alone cases. 

As of September 13, 2004, the EDMI has produced 27 indictments, 20 arrests, 19 

convictions, 8 criminal enterprise disruptions, 5 criminal complaints, $79,235 in forfeitures 

(approximately $20,000 more pending), and the seizure of 13.611 Kilos (30 lbs) of METH 

(Cocaine, Marijuana, GHB and other drugs have also been seized). “Operation White Mercury”

has been a very cost effective investigation. The historical nature of the conspiracy has 

eliminated the need for many expensive proactive investigative techniques. To date, more than 

50 overt acts have been identified. 

The most remarkable accomplishments associated with the EDMI occurred during the 

summer of 2004. Relying on source information, the NDS initiated an investigation concerning a 

subject identified as Prindle. To date, a dozen subjects associated with Prindle have been 

identified and three have been indicted. Numerous additional federal indictments are anticipated. 

On August 26, 2004 the most significant subject in the Prindle investigation was arrested. The 

NDS in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies utilized a source to secure the delivery

of over 17 lbs of METH/ICE. This METH was obtained from Leionardo Alvarado Blanco, a.k.a. 

“El Tigre.” It was 94% pure and the street value easily exceeds one million dollars. The 17 lbs 

of METH is believed to have originated from Mexico and efforts are underway to fully identify 

the source of supply thereby developing a CPOT connection. 

Finally, in August 2004 an FBI source provided information that led to the arrest of 

Richard Carl Roberts and the search of Roberts’ residence wherein METH, firearms, and a 

videotape containing child pornography were discovered. The investigation revealed that 

Roberts had been using METH to obtain the cooperation of a juvenile for the purpose of 

manufacturing child pornography, which Roberts intended to distribute over the Internet. On 

September 8, 2004 Roberts was charged in a 5 count federal indictment. 

Captioned matter and the associated sub-investigations are a true cooperative effort of not

only the larger federal agencies involved in the EDMI, but that of local law enforcement

agencies. Most, if not all, of the local law enforcement agencies participating within the EDMI 

acquiesced their prosecutive venue on very deserving subjects and instead have allowed for

federal prosecution within a larger conspiracy investigation. In the fall of 2004, 12 to 16 

additional indictments are anticipated.

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2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

OUTSTANDING INTELLIGENCE ANALYST 

New York / New Jersey HIDTA – Alan Goldfisher 

Mr. Goldfisher is the Supervisor of the Strategic Group within the Money Laundering 

Intelligence Section of the Regional Intelligence Center. In his role as the Strategic Group 

Supervisor, Mr. Goldfisher leads a unit of 10 law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts

representing five law enforcement and regulatory agencies. 

The Money Laundering Intelligence Section is one of five sections comprising the New 

York/New Jersey HIDTA Regional Intelligence Center (“RIC”). It was established following

the designation of the El Dorado Task Force as the High Intensity Financial Crimes Area 

(HIFCA) for the New York metropolitan area. The Money Laundering Intelligence Section 

(HIFCA) provides direct support to the El Dorado Task Force and serves as a repository for 

money laundering intelligence for all law enforcement in the New York metropolitan area. 

 

USE OF INNOVATIVE ANALYTICAL SUPPORT 

Mr. Goldfisher has been instrumental in the formulation of the Strategic Group for the 

last 18 months. He has greatly contributed to the successful implementation of original 

programs for identifying money laundering trends and patterns. In addition he has worked with 

the financial community to identify new methods for identifying the illegal movement of money 

to the Middle East and Southwest Asia. These methods now serve as the model for the country. 

Example: Mr. Goldfisher directed members of his group in the analysis of hundreds of 

Yemen-owned deli/grocery businesses operating in the New York metropolitan area and

elsewhere in the US that are operating as illegal money remitters. Mr. Goldfisher developed a 

methodology to examine relationships between these businesses and their role in moving 

millions of dollars a year to Yemen, mostly as unreported outbound funds. It is believed that 

these businesses are operating as illegal money remitters (Hawalas), which avoid the banking

system and all reporting requirements. Based on the analysis of these businesses Mr. Goldfisher 

developed over 50 targets and referred them to the El Dorado Task Force, NYPD, HHS, FDA, 

USPIS and other agencies for investigation. 

Example: In conjunction with an investigation being conducted by ICE, SAC, NY, Mr. 

Goldfisher directed the analysis of multiple boxes of documents associated with a large KHAT 

smuggling organization. The analysis, from a khat smuggling case, resulted in the identification 

of over 30 narcotics couriers and over one million dollars in proceeds. Mr. Goldfisher and his 

analysts met with the case agents and US attorney to present the analytical findings that resulted 

in the indictment of the main subject on money laundering and conspiracy charges. 

Example: Money Orders – directed the analysis of over 2,500 instances of money orders 

purchased in the NY area and negotiated in banks in Yemen. Mr. Goldfisher developed a 

method to look at the financial documents after they had been negotiated overseas thereby being 

able not only to identify the originator of the financial document but also those that negotiated

the money overseas. This enabled Mr. Goldfisher to coordinate with the New York area 

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financial institutions and was able to identify in excess of $300 million in funds that were 

primarily purchased with maximum denomination, even dollar amount money orders. Using this 

information, analysis was conducted on NY area money order agents whose daily activity 

appeared suspicious. A total of 12 targets were developed based on this analysis and referred for 

further investigation. 

Example: Geographic and Industry Studies were initiated to identify money laundering 

techniques, fraudulent banking schemes including credit card bust outs and businesses or 

industries in the New York area and nationwide that perpetuate or facilitate these schemes. 

Statistical analysis of credit card bust out activity revealed that from 4/1/96 – 8/31/04 a total of 

over $900,000 Suspicious Activity Reports were filed by financial institutions. Approximately 

237,000 (27%) were categorized under violations which are indicative of bust out schemes. 

Much of the money derived from these schemes fall into the hands of non-US citizens; some

potentially being used to support or fund terrorism. Under Mr. Goldfisher’s direction, HIFCA 

initiated a project to promote the investigation and prosecution of subjects involved in bust out 

schemes. In one scenario a three block section of Brooklyn, NY was reviewed for financial and 

criminal activity. As a result, he was able to identify a potential conspiracy involving a group of 

middle eastern nationals that are engaged in organized schemes to defraud financial institutions

utilizing a variety of methods that included bust out schemes, check fraud, fraudulent casino 

lines of credit as well as immigration frauds and outstanding warrants. 

The credit card bust out project initiated by Mr. Goldfisher has resulted in an active ICE 

JFK investigation involving bust out activity and human smuggling. 

DIRECTION 

Mr. Goldfisher’s analytical and law enforcement experience has been a critical factor in 

the developmental success of the Strategic Group of the Money Laundering Intelligence Section. 

In addition he has been instrumental in establishing a successful working relationship between

law enforcement and the financial community in the New York metropolitan area. 

Mr. Goldfisher consistently develops innovative ideas and concepts to improve the 

intelligence collection process and information sharing among law enforcement agencies, 

financial regulators and the financial community. 

COMMITMENT TO THE HIDTA PROGRAM 

Mr. Goldfisher regularly conducts presentations within the law enforcement and financial 

community in order to develop new sources of information as it pertains to financial crimes. The 

information exchange provides a means of coordinating law enforcement and financial 

community information that can be analyzed and disseminated for use by other law enforcement

agencies. The information is shared with law enforcement and regulatory agencies at regular 

HIFCA meetings, sponsored conferences and at symposiums for the financial community. 

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2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

OUTSTANDING TASK FORCE COMMANDER 

Ohio HIDTA – Cleveland FBI Supervisory Special Agent Stephen E. Vogt 

The Caribbean/ Gang Drug Task Force (CGDTF) has been the premier Ohio HIDTA 

Drug task force since the Ohio HIDTA was formed in 1999. This multi-agency HIDTA 

initiative has been supervised by Cleveland FBI Supervisory Special Agent Stephen E. Vogt 

since December of 2000. The CGDTF consists of 4 FBI agents, 1 DEA agent, 1 IRS agent and 

15 state and local task force officers with the primary focus on working long-term, multi-state 

conspiracy investigations with links to international Consolidated Priority Targets (CPOT) as 

outlined in both the HIDTA and OCDETF national program goals. 

As the Task Force Commander of the CGDTF, SSA Vogt has organized and coordinated 

intelligence sharing amongst multiple federal, state and local Northern Ohio law enforcement 

agencies in order to identify local drug trafficking organizations (DTO’s) with the goal of linking 

these DTO’s to national and international CPOT targets. 

1. Use of Innovation in Supervisory Investigations

Since taking command of the CGDTF HIDTA Initiative, SSA Vogt has refocused task 

force personnel away from street-level buy/bust operations to more sophisticated multi-state, 

multi-jurisdictional conspiracy cases that impact other HIDTA regions. SSA Vogt has provided

direction and coordination over the CGDTF HIDTA Initiative’s complex investigations. SSA 

Vogt has emphasized the importance of telephone toll manipulation and the usage of the Special

Operations Division (SOD) in order to link local DTO’s to higher-level national/international 

DTO’s. SSA Vogt developed the innovative idea of having HIDTA CGDTF personnel draft 

spin-off Title III affidavits and provide court orders to other HIDTA regions’ task forces to move 

the cases forward throughout the country. This technique has made it easier for HIDTA groups 

in other regions to initiate Title III spin-off investigations on targets significant in their 

jurisdiction.

During this past year SSA Vogt was unique in his application of Global Positioning 

Technology (GPS) to track cellular communications on a DTO. This is a unique application of 

this technology to locate and identify movement of large drug shipments. SSA Vogt 

successfully used this technique in OCDETF investigation “Noon Ore” to track and intercept a 

tractor-trailer, bound for Ohio from the Southwest Border loaded with 1000 lbs. of marijuana and

30 kilograms of cocaine. 

2. Leadership and Direction

After September 11, 2001, FBI Headquarters directed FBI field offices to re-assign a

large contingent of drug investigators to counter-terrorism matters. However the Cleveland

Division was made an exception due in part to the strength and commitment of SSA Vogt’s 

HIDTA Initiative’s drug program and the impact it has had on the national level in reducing the 

flow of illegal drugs into the United States. During the 2004 reporting period under SSA Vogt’s 

leadership and direction, CGDTF HIDTA Initiative developed 25 Title III investigations and 

passed 6 spin-off investigations to law enforcement agencies in Phoenix, Tucson, Miami and 

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New York. SSA Vogt has personally drafted Title III affidavits for other HIDTA groups to

move cases up the chain to identify and prosecute the hierarchy of national/international DTO’s. 

SSA Vogt has been certified by the Federal District Court in Northern Ohio to testify as an 

expert witness on drug cases. SSA Vogt has taught Title III investigative techniques at the FBI 

Academy, Cleveland Heights Police Academy, Chicago FBI Field Office and the Ohio HIDTA 

to further exploit the usage of the Title III investigative technique. 

3. Commitment to the HIDTA Program

SSA Vogt is a firm believer in the HIDTA and OCDETF national strategy of promoting 

intelligence sharing for the purpose of identifying and investigating multi-state, multijurisdictional DTO’s. Over the past year, SSA Vogt’s HIDTA Initiative has shared intelligence

that resulted in six spin-off investigations to other HIDTA regions. SSA Vogt has coordinated 

investigative activity with other HIDTA regions in order to maximize the dismantlement of the 

entire DTO. 

During the past year, the CGDTF HIDTA Initiative under SSA Vogt’s leadership has

achieved the following successes as a result of his commitment to the HIDTA Program: 

• 25 Title III’s

• Interception and analysis of over 20,000 wiretap telephone conversations 

• 6 spin-off Title III’s to other HIDTA regions 

• Over 100 indictments 

• Seizures include: 

o 60 kg of cocaine 

o 1022 lbs marijuana 

o $500,000 cash 

o $2 million in property and assets 

SSA Vogt has been a powerful proponent of innovative and sophisticated investigative 

techniques to promote intelligence sharing throughout the HIDTA program and push 

investigations beyond the borders of the Ohio HIDTA. 

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2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATIVE EFFORT RESULTING IN 

SIGNIFICANT ASSET FORFEITURE 

Rocky Mountain HIDTA – Southern Colorado Task Force – “Operation Forklift”

The Southern Colorado Task Force targeted an organization involved primarily in the 

distribution of cocaine and money laundering activities by individuals in the Colorado Springs 

metro area. It is estimated that the organization distributes over 2,000 kilos of cocaine and 

generates 40 million dollars annually. As the investigation progressed, the documentation and

evidence linked this group to a consolidated priority organization target (CPOT) Vicente CarilloFuentes. 

Southern Colorado Task Force worked this case fulltime for 2 years. They utilized 52 pen 

registers, 20 Title III intercepts, satellite tracking devices, cell site surveys, aircraft, pole

cameras, recruitment of informants and interviews of potential witnesses/defendants. The task 

force also engaged in thousands of miles of surveillances coordinated with other jurisdictions 

across the country. Surveillances were successfully supervised, established and maintained to 

and from Chicago, Illinois, Greensborough, North Carolina and El Paso, Texas. All of the

evidence collected on this on-going investigation involved extensive use of the federal grand jury 

system. Some of the highlights of the investigation included: 

• January 2003-Agents seized 265 kilos of cocaine. The controlled delivery to New York 

resulted in seizing 1.4 million dollars. 

• March 2003-Undercover agents purchased a kilo of cocaine from one of the primaries in 

Colorado Springs, which resulted in the identification of the ranch where the cocaine was 

stored. 

• May 2003- Agents seized 270 pounds of marijuana, 5 weapons, and $143,000 cash in 

Woodland Park, Colorado. 

• May 2003- Agents seized approximately 2 millions dollars in Pueblo, Colorado. 

• July 2003- Agents seized $350,000 cash in Chicago Illinois. 

• July 2003- Agents seized $700,000 cash in El Paso, Texas. 

• August 2003- Agents seized 14 kilograms of cocaine and an assault rifle in Pueblo, 

Colorado. 

• September 2003- Agents seized 548 kilograms of cocaine in Chicago, Illinois. 

• October 2003- Agents seized $1,395,000 cash in New York City. 

• October 2003- Agents seized 1⁄2 million dollars cash in New York City. 

• November 2003- Agents seized $830,000 cash in Greeley, Colorado. 

• November 2003-Agents seized 1.7 million dollars cash in Chicago, Illinois. 

• November 2003-Agents seized $86,552 cash in El Paso, Texas. 

• December 2003-Agents seized 125 kilos of cocaine in El Paso, Texas. 

As a result of the efforts of the Southern Colorado Task Force and in cooperation with drug 

law enforcement authorities throughout Colorado, Texas, New York, North Carolina and Illinois, 

this drug trafficking organization and money laundering group was dismantled in the 

spring/summer of 2004 with the arrest of 60 members of the organization, seizure of 1,824 kilos 

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of cocaine, 521 pounds of marijuana, and $8,900,000 cash. Three high level members of the 

Mexican Cartel have been indicted in Colorado. This investigation has also led to “spin off” 

wire intercepts in three different DEA Divisions. 

This is historically one of the most significant investigations ever completed out of the Rocky 

Mountain region and has had major impact nationwide. The Southern Colorado Drug Task 

Force felt that the cooperation and coordination nationwide with various HIDTAS, federal 

authorities, as well as state and local authorities, was tremendous. This case has and will 

continue to have inflicted a tremendous blow to the Vicente Carillo-Fuentes organization, 

particularly related to their bulk currency system. 

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2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

ONDCP DIRECTOR’S AWARD 

Washington / Baltimore HIDTA – Director, Thomas H. Carr 

Few individuals involved in the National HIDTA Program have contributed as much as 

Thomas Carr. Since 1988, he has played an active role in shaping the HIDTA Program and led 

the way in encouraging HIDTAs to adopt the latest developments in technology and intelligence

techniques. His leadership and vision have contributed to the HIDTA Program’s success and

growth in numerous ways both great and small. 

Thomas Carr began working with the staff of the National HIDTTA Program in late 1989 

after a distinguished career with the Maryland State Police and the Maryland Governor’s Drug 

and Alcohol Abuse Commission. During the early years of the HIDTA Program, he used his

expertise in drug enforcement and law enforcement intelligence operations to help ONDCP staff 

shape the HIDTA Program’s approach to drug enforcement. When the Washington Baltimore 

HIDTA was designated in February of 1994, Mr. Carr quickly emerged as the one candidate for 

Director who could command the trust and respect of the many agencies that would be 

participating in the newly formed HIDTA’s activities. 

From the very beginning, Mr. Carr turned to technology and innovative intelligence and 

investigative techniques to address the challenges faced by the W/B HIDTA region. To improve 

communication and coordination among initiatives located throughout the HIDTA region (which 

includes areas of Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia), he worked with his 

technology staff to build a wide area network which today connects more than 400 computers. 

Realizing the potential of information technology to improve information sharing, he secured 

HIDTA and outside grant funds to develop the Case Explorer system (a case management/case 

deconfliction system) and the HIDTA Automated Treatment System (an information system that

allows treatment providers and criminal justice system professionals to track offenders in 

treatment from intake through the completion of their treatment programs after their release on

probation or parole). With the help of Dr. John Eck, a nationally known expert on crime 

mapping and the relationship between crime and place, he established the Evaluation and Crime 

Mapping Unit (the first of its kind in the HIDTA Program) to assist law enforcement and 

intelligence personnel in evaluating drug trafficking and crime patterns, conducting geo-targeting

studies to identify areas suffering from the highest concentration of drug activity and evaluating

the effects of enforcement efforts in targeted areas. He has also taken a leading role in 

promoting regional and national information sharing efforts, such as supporting the connection 

of HIDTAs to the RISS network and working with the Philadelphia/Camden HIDTA to promote 

use of its DIGS data mining system. 

Thomas Carr has also distinguished himself as one of the HIDTA Program’s most 

capable directors. His leadership and determination to see that all participating agencies received

an equal voice in the HIDTA’s affairs was instrumental in unifying the HIDTA during its early 

days. As participating agencies’ commitment to the HIDTA grew, he harnessed this growing 

sense of unity to build support for addressing several challenging issues. He worked closely with 

the Executive Board’s committees to enhance fiscal accountability at the initiative level and 

promote an active role for committee and Executive Board members in the budget process. He 

has been a prominent supporter of the HIDTA’s intelligence program, encouraging initiative 

supervisors to adopt intelligence-driven investigative techniques, assisting participating agencies

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in building their own information sharing programs and helping to generate Executive Board 

support for expanding and reorganizing the HIDTA’s intelligence program to meet changing 

drug threats. As the W/B HIDTA confronted the challenges posed by limited funding and largescale redeployment of personnel and resources following the September 11 terrorist attacks, his 

quiet example and commitment to fair play were invaluable in preserving the smooth and 

efficient operation of the HIDTA and its initiatives. 

His greatest contributions to the HIDTA Program’s management culture have come in the 

area of performance measurement. Building on the example set by the HIDTA’s

Treatment/Criminal Justice Program, Mr. Carr has been the driving force behind efforts to 

develop meaningful and quantifiable measurements of each initiative’s performance, actively

encouraging the Executive Board and its committees to mandate regular statistical reporting and 

the use of electronic systems such as Case Explorer and HATS to track progress on key

outcomes. His expertise in this area was recognized by the HDAC when he was chosen to lead 

several committees that played key roles in helping the HIDTA Program to develop the HIDTA 

Performance Standards and revise its performance measurement policies. In 2003 and 2004, his

years of effort in this area culminated in the design and adoption of the HIDTA Program’s new 

Performance Measurement Process (PMP) system. The PMP system is a truly unique 

achievement, providing a performance measurement system flexible enough to meet the needs of

the various HIDTA regions yet powerful enough to provide ONDCP with the data needed to

conclusively demonstrate the HIDTA Program’s effectiveness. His ongoing involvement in 

training HIDTA region staff and implementing the new system is sure to pay many dividends to 

both the individual HIDTA regions and the National HIDTA Program in the years to come. 

Mr. Carr’s leadership at the HIDTA Program’s national level has not been restricted 

solely to performance measurement. Over the years, he has played an active part in HDAC 

efforts to improve the HIDTA Program’s financial management, intelligence systems and 

information technology. At the request of ONDCP staff, he has taken part in various efforts to 

develop improved intelligence sharing (such as planning for development of the National Virtual 

Pointer System) and has assisted a number of newly-appointed HIDTA Directors in setting up 

their operations. His dedication to the principles of the HIDTA Program and his determination 

to help it grow and succeed have won him the respect and admiration of his fellow Directors and 

ONDCP staff alike. 

Thomas Carr’s numerous accomplishments have benefited not only the 

Washington/Baltimore HIDTA, but the National HIDTA Program as a whole. His many 

contributions have played an invaluable role in making the HIDTA Program what it is today. 

192
2004 National HIDTA Program Award 

OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATIVE EFFORT RESULTING IN 

SIGNIFICANT ASSET FORFEITURE 

Southwest Border HIDTA, West Texas Regional Partnership – “Operation Lone Star” 

Operation Lone Star is a unique HIDTA initiative. Lone Star is not the usual initiative in

the traditional full-time collocated sense. This initiative is an umbrella initiative covering an

enormously expansive border region with joint, cooperative, inter-agency interdiction operations. 

Operation Lone Star is organized to capitalize on intelligence and information that will lead to

successful interdiction operations along the border highways, desert crossings, and Border Patrol 

checkpoints. Participating agencies in Operation Lone Star will collaborate and conduct joint 

interdiction operations that target, interdict and seize a substantial amount of drugs, vehicles and 

Drug Trafficking Organization proceeds. 

The success of this initiative in its cooperative investigative and interdiction efforts 

through the multi-agency task force concept resulted in a significant disruptive impact to drug 

trafficking in the Big Bend region. Throughout 2003 and 2004, significant operations within the 

Marfa Border Patrol Sector included "Hilltop I & II, Gear Jammer 2003, Gear Jammer II 2003", 

netting significant amounts of marijuana, weapons and vehicles seized. Additionally, El Paso 

Sector Operation "Cobija XIV" netted significant amounts of marijuana, vehicles, and cocaine 

seized. 

Communication and counter-drug measures initiated through the Operation Lone Star

initiative – between U.S. Border Patrol and counterpart county, state, and federal law 

enforcement agencies - have resulted in the disruption of 7 local, 2 regional, 2 national, and 1 

international drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in calendar year 2003. These 

disruptions have continued throughout 2004. 

Counter-drug measures resulted in the seizure of currency in the amount of $648,005, 

vehicle assets valued at $7,004,415, the seizure of 82,317.67 kilos of marijuana, 793 kilos of 

cocaine, and 9.523 kilos of heroin, leading to 968 arrests. Drug trafficking organizations’

operations and financial returns are disrupted and reduced due to the outstanding interdiction

efforts of this initiative. 

Liaison between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and interdiction

techniques initiated by Operation Lone Star have led to the increase of jurisdictional cooperation 

in a vast region. Without this cooperation, it would be extremely difficult for a single agency to 

succeed in the prevention of narcotics further invading our country. The liaison among these

agencies developed into further investigations by the Department of Homeland Security -- 

Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug 

Enforcement Administration that has led to targeting and dismantling multiple organizations. 

Initiative quantitative efforts significantly breached narcotics trafficking activities to the

area. Ongoing investigative efforts between these agencies and the Operation Lone Star 

initiative are predicted to disrupt and possibly dismantle drug trafficking organizations affecting

the West Texas HIDTA Region in the future. 

Asset forfeiture and vehicle seizure numbers demonstrated by Operation Lone Star and 

participating law enforcement agencies impeded the narcotics traffickers' profits and armed the 

West Texas HIDTA Region with accountable measures for further funding of its mission - to 

deter, disrupt, and dismantle narco-terrorism threatening national security. 

193
NCJ 207693

Office of National Drug Control Policy

Washington, D.C. 20503