A Major Narcotic Trafficking Gateway to the Nation 

 Nationally Recognized Program 

 Presented to 

 Office of National Drug Control Policy 

 Executive Office of the President 

 Washington, D.C. 

 
This is a cover sheet 

For 

Unclassified sensitive 

law enforcement counter-drug information 

The achievements identified herein 

And 

The production of this document 

Are supported by National HIDTA Program funds 

Office of National Drug Control Policy 

Executive Office of the President 

Washington, D.C. 
Dedication 

To those we serve 

To all who, without hesitation, continually 

Go in harm’s way in order to 

Protect our safety and freedom 

The American way of life 

*** 

Carpe Diem 
i

LOS ANGELES 

HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA 

C/Y 2005 

ANNUAL REPORT 

INDEX 

 Page 

I. ANNUAL REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................... 1 

II. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................. 4 

Regional Response ..................................................................................................4 

Reporting Period Covered........................................................................................4 

F/Y 2005 Budget......................................................................................................4 

National HIDTA Program Mission Statement ........................................................4 

Los Angeles HIDTA Mission Statement .................................................................5 

Los Angeles HIDTA Vision Statement ...................................................................5 

III. NATIONAL HIDTA GOALS............................................................ 5 

IV. SUMMARY OF THE THREAT ASSESSMENT - F/Y 2005 ........ 6 

V. LA-HIDTA STRATEGY SUMMARY............................................. 8 

Unity of Effort .........................................................................................................8 

Intelligence Subsystem Description ........................................................................8 

Investigative Subsystem Description ......................................................................9 

Major Components.................................................................................................10 

Task Forces – A Team Approach .........................................................................10 

Task Forces – Identified ........................................................................................10 

Building the Legal Wall – “Hand Off’s” ..............................................................10 

Prosecution Subsystem .........................................................................................11 
ii

VI. LA-HIDTA PERFORMANCE MEASURES ................................ 11 

Goal 1 – Disrupt the Market – Disrupt/Dismantle DTO’s -- Core Measures 11 

Core Table 1 – Cost per DTO – Disrupted/Dismantled, by Year.............11 

Core Table 2 – % of DTO’s – Disrupted/Dismantled, by Scope..............12 

National / International Impact – LA-HIDTA...........................................13 

Core Table 3 – MLO’s – Disrupted/Dismantled, by Scope .....................13 

Core Table 4 – Operational Scope – All DTO Cases Initiated, 2005.......14 

Core Table 5 – Drugs Removed from the Marketplace, 2005..................15 

Core Table 6 – ROI – Drugs Removed, by Year .....................................16 

Core Table 7 – ROI – Assets Removed, by Year ....................................16 

Core Table 8 – ROI – Drugs & Assets Removed, by Year .....................16 

Core Table 9 – Prosecution Initiative Cost Per Investigation...................17 

Core Table 10 - Methamphetamine Labs Dismantled, 2005, by Size .......18 

Core Table 11 - Clandestine Laboratory Activity, 2005............................19 

Methamphetamine Laboratory/Seizures – Reduction................................20 

Goal 2 – Improve Efficiency/Effectiveness of Initiatives -- Core Measures ..21 

Core Table 12 - Training Efficiency by Year & Type ..............................21 

Core Table 13 - % of Initiatives -- Event & Case Deconfliction...............23 

Core Table 14 - % of Case & Event Deconflictions Submitted ................24 

Core Table 15 - % of Investigations – Analytical Support........................25 

RISS Inquiries / Hits – 2000 through 2005 ...............................................26 

Core Table 16 - % of Initiative Investigations Referred ...........................27 

Threat Specific Measures – Relates to Goal 1...................................................28 

Core Table 17 – Federal Fugitives Targeted/Apprehended, by Year .......28 

VII. CONCLUSIONS............................................................................... 29 

VIII. APPENDICES .................................................................................. 32 

IX. LIST OF TABLES & CHARTS ..................................................... 32 

APPENDIX A – INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM – ACTIVITY....... 35 

ISS – Combined Intelligence Activity/Requests .......................................36 

Intelligence Architecture Plan....................................................................36 

Detailed Overview / Activity – Separated ................................................38 

Intelligence Support – A Systems Approach ............................................46 
iii

APPENDIX B – TASK FORCES – STATISTICAL OUTPUTS. 47 

Arrests .......................................................................................................48 

Drugs Seizures, by Type ...........................................................................48 

Asset Seizures ...........................................................................................50 

Investigative Activity ................................................................................50 

12 Year Overview......................................................................................51 

Task Force/Intelligence Organization Chart .............................................52 

APPENDIX C – OVERALL INDICATORS ................................ 53 

2005 Baseline Threat Assessment Identified ............................................54 

2005 Mid-Year & Year End Threat Assessment–“Beyond the Baseline” 54 

2005 LA-HIDTA Threat Assessment “Window”......................................54 

Impact / 2005 Threat Assessment – Regional Overview...........................55 

(Various Law Enforcement Agencies in the Region, Including LA-HIDTA Initiatives) 

Drug Trafficking Organizations Impacted ................................................56 

National / International Impact ..................................................................56 

Regional Law Enforcement Impact ...........................................................56 

LA-HIDTA Initiatives – Activity Against the Threat – Separated............57 

LA-HIDTA Initiatives – Impact on the Threat – Separated .....................57 

Training Initiative (Program) – Results .....................................................58 

APPENDIX D – C/Y 2005 – INITIATIVE OBJECTIVES .......... 61 

APPENDIX E .................................................................................... 72 

Table of Organization – LA-HIDTA .........................................................73 

Executive Board Composition ...................................................................74 

Counties Participating in the HIDTA ........................................................75 

List of Participating Agencies, 2005 .........................................................76 

Nationally Recognized Program – ONDCP Awards.................................77 
LOS ANGELES 

HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA

ANNUAL REPORT 

CALENDAR YEAR 2005 

I. ANNUAL REPORT -- EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Since its inception in 1990, the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) 

has developed into a fully functioning regional and multi-jurisdictional law enforcement narcotic 

trafficking strategy. The LA-HIDTA was originally designated as one of the Nation’s "major 

narcotic gateways", a distinction which is most evident and remains true to this day. 

In C/Y 2005, this HIDTA consisted of seven major operational task forces comprised of 

collocated Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies, three intelligence initiatives and 

five critical support elements. Each are dedicated to the task of positively impacting the major 

drug trafficking problems that continue to face our geographic region and country. Specifically, 

this summary underscores the initiatives of the LA-HIDTA and some of the more notable 

achievements in C/Y 2005 and an eleven year impact overview follows: 

 

• Los Angeles Primary Drug Market – Again in C/Y 2005, Los Angeles is the only 

primary market area in the country for all five major drugs: 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.

1

 

• Major Drug Trafficking Organizations Targeted -- Through the year, the LA-HIDTA 

Task Forces targeted 89% (221) of the major drug trafficking organizations they 

identified (249) in our region. 

• Major Drug Trafficking Organizations Impacted -- Once targeted, 63% (139) of the 

major drug trafficking organizations were dismantled or severely disrupted. Specifically, 

 

1

 NDIC, Intelligence Bulletin, Los Angeles Metropolitan Area Drug Market Analysis, June 2005, Product Number 

2005-LO424-008, page 1. 

1
2

49 (22%) of the targeted organizations were dismantled and 90 (41%) were severely 

disrupted. 

• Impact -- Drugs / Money Seized -- Arrests -- Over 87 tons of dangerous drugs were 

removed from the streets of America by the LA-HIDTA Task Forces. This included 4.5

tons of cocaine, 79.6 tons of marijuana, 33 lbs of heroin, 2.5 tons of methamphetamine, 

and approximately 1 ton of pseudoephedrine. Additionally, over $51 million in cash and 

an additional $5.8 million in property assets were seized and 1,512 individuals were 

arrested for various narcotics and money laundering offenses (includes 327 federal 

fugitive / narcotic nexus arrests by the United States Marshal's Service). 

• Intelligence Support System (ISS) Achievements -- Increase in Productivity -- The Los 

Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse (LACRCIC) Analysis and 

Research Unit supported 494 major narcotic trafficking investigations in C/Y 2005, a 

295% increase over C/Y 2004. Additionally, they handled 225 support requests, which 

resulted in 14,196 analytical products, a 10.3% increase over C/Y 2004. 

Los Angeles Joint Drug Intelligence Group (LAJDIG) Support Teams, each of which by 

design have specific areas of focus and expertise, supported 302 major drug trafficking 

initiatives in C/Y 2005. These Teams produced over 7,113 analytical products, a 5.6% 

increase over C/Y 2004. Additionally, the LA-JDIG opened 19 intelligence investigations 

for the Narcotics-Terrorism Team. 

The Inland Narcotics Clearing House (INCH) activity reflected 212 major narcotic 

trafficking cases which were supported by INCH in C/Y 2005. Additionally, during the 

year, they recorded some 213 requests for service from the law enforcement community 

and the production of 3,993 reports and charts. 

 

• Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse / Los Angeles 

Joint Drug Intelligence Group / Inland Narcotics Clearing House -- Intelligence 

Projects -- Combined Highlights – In 2005, the LA-HIDTA Intelligence Initiatives 

recorded 1,008 major narcotic trafficking cases supported. In 2004, the LA-HIDTA 

Intelligence Initiatives recorded 19,439 work products and, in 2005, this number 

increased to 20,231, a 4.1% increase. 

• LA-HIDTA - Providing Deconfliction Services for Other HIDTA Regions in the Nation 

In addition to serving the LA-HIDTA region, the Los Angeles County Regional Criminal 

Information Clearinghouse (LACRCIC) has been selected by the Central Valley, 

Northern California and Nevada HIDTAs to handle their deconfliction services. 

While it is a remarkable thing to accomplish this "sharing of resources" and "erasing" of 

jurisdictional boundaries within the State of California, it is quite another achievement to 

"crossover" into the State of Nevada. This notable capability, which became fully 

operational in July of 2002, means that the LA-HIDTA is handling the deconfliction 

services for 24 counties within the State of California (24 out of 58 -- 41.4%) and 1 

county in the State of Nevada. 

As a result, the LACRCIC is providing both focused intelligence and deconfliction 

services to 448 Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies in the States of 
3

California and Nevada. It should be noted that all of the Federal, State and local law 

enforcement agencies served in the regions described are provided this critical service 

regardless of their HIDTA membership / participation. 

This most remarkable "consolidation of effort" and "erasing" of jurisdictional boundaries 

speaks extremely well to the overall capabilities and ultimate design of the LA-HIDTA 

deconfliction process. 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. 

• Drug Trafficking Organizational Changes -- Again this year, many drug trafficking 

organizations view the LA-HIDTA region as "hot" in terms of law enforcement 

effectiveness and have been "shifting" in terms of staging their operations out of our area. 

While many organizations are still located, developed and controlled in the LA-HIDTA 

region, it is their operations that continue to shift away from center mass. Our 

investigative and enforcement elements are moving with the threat and viable intelligence 

and trafficking cases continue to be developed. 

• Enhanced Law Enforcement Cooperation - Local, Regional, and National -- During 

this year, the LA-HIDTA Task Forces (7) "handed off" 261 significant major narcotics 

trafficking investigation elements to other law enforcement organizations and 235 outside 

our area to other HIDTA regions. This has resulted in an increase in intelligence / 

information sharing with other law enforcement / HIDTA regions both inside and outside 

our region. Additionally, this insures that appropriate enforcement action continues 

against major drug trafficking organizations. 

• Training Initiative -- Capable and focused training is essential in improving both the 

effectiveness and efficiency of the Los Angeles HIDTA. In C/Y 2005, training was 

provided to 2,363 law enforcement “students” for a total of 44,224 classroom hours. The 

training was designed to enhance computer and analytical skills, improve investigative 

knowledge and managerial abilities. This training, which costs the Los Angeles HIDTA 

an average of only $4.58 per classroom hour, was provided at no cost to law enforcement 

within the region. The great majority of these training offerings would not have been 

available without the continuing support of both the National HIDTA Program and the 

Los Angeles HIDTA. 

• Twelve Year Impact Overview -- Over the past twelve years, the LA-HIDTA 

enforcement initiatives have seized some 490 tons of dangerous drugs, arrested 18,051

drug trafficking offenders, and seized over $267 million in U.S. currency. Additionally, 

they have positively impacted 1,804 major drug trafficking organizations by dismantling 

1,164 and severely disrupting 640. 

The LA-HIDTA task forces (7) accomplished all of this with less than 400 agents and 

officers inside our 4 county (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino), 

32,341 Square mile region which contains a general population of (+/-) 16 million. 
Orange 

Los Angeles 

San Bernardino 

Riverside 

II INTRODUCTION 

The Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) was designated by the 

Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in 1990. Its 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 Southern portion 

of our region is some 90 miles off of the United States/ 

Mexico border. The territorial expanse of the LA-HIDTA 

extends from Santa Catalina Island, located in the Pacific 

Ocean approximately 25 miles off shore, in the West to the 

Arizona and Nevada borders in the East. The LA-HIDTA 

was originally designated as one of the Nation’s “major 

narcotic gateways”, a distinction which is most evident and remains true to this day. 

Regional Response -- In C/Y 2005, this HIDTA consisted of seven major operational task forces 

comprised of collocated Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies and three intelligence 

Initiatives. It is their collective purpose to effectively and efficiently identify and target the 

major drug trafficking organizations, who work at the higher levels of the narcotic “food chain”, 

in order to measurably reduce drug trafficking, thereby reducing the impact of illicit drugs in this 

and other areas of the country. 

Reporting Period and Funding -- The information and dates covered in this Annual Report will 

cover the period of January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005. The National HIDTA Program, 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA), funding for this reporting 

period follows: 

$14,774,6372

 

Since its inception in 1990, the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LAHIDTA) 

has developed into a fully functioning regional and multi-jurisdictional law enforcement, 

intelligence driven, major narcotic trafficking strategy that has been designed to successfully 

embrace and support the National HIDTA Program Concept. In order to further demonstrate 

this active, focused relationship, the Mission Statement from the National HIDTA Program along 

with both the Mission and Vision Statements from the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug 

Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) are provided below: 

NATIONAL HIDTA PROGRAM 

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission of the National HIDTA Program is to disrupt the market for illegal drugs in the 

United States by assisting Federal, State and local law enforcement entities participating in the 

HIDTA Program to dismantle and disrupt drug trafficking organizations, with particular 

emphasis on drug trafficking regions that have harmful effects on other parts of the United 

States. 

 

2

 This amount includes the regular baseline budget of $14,057,115 + Supplemental Funding. The Supplemental 

Funding was not received for implementation until September, 2005 

4
5

LOS ANGELES 

HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA 

MISSION STATEMENT

It is the Mission of the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (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. 

 LOS ANGELES 

HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA 

VISION STATEMENT 

We envision that within the next five years, the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking 

Area (LA-HIDTA) Intelligence Support System (ISS) and task force initiatives will effectively 

communicate and coordinate their respective intelligence and enforcement efforts to enhance the 

disruption and / or dismantling of major drug trafficking organizations that, at their highest 

levels, operate in and through our primary geographical area to other parts of the country. To 

this end, it is our intent to positively impact (dismantle / disrupt) over 50% of the major drug 

trafficking organizations targeted each year for enforcement action. 

III NATIONAL HIDTA GOALS 

The National HIDTA Program has adopted two very specific goals that are to be achieved in 

meeting the major drug trafficking threat that impacts our region and beyond. These two 

National HIDTA Program Goals are designed to universally guide all of the various High 

Intensity Drug Trafficking Area enforcement and intelligence initiatives throughout the United 

States. The following will present these two National HIDTA Program Goals, along with a 

summary of the Los Angeles HIDTA 2005 Threat Assessment and resultant enforcement and 

intelligence Strategy, which has been specifically designed to meet the regional, national and 

international threat. The two National HIDTA Goals that guided all Program activities during 

the calendar year were: 

NATIONAL HIDTA PROGRAM GOALS

Goal 1 -- Reduce drug availability by dismantling or disrupting drug trafficking and / or money 

laundering organizations. 

Goal 2 -- Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of HIDTA Initiatives. 

The above two National HIDTA Program Goals represented very clear targets for the various 

initiatives of the Los Angeles HIDTA to achieve. Additionally, they provided the foundation 

upon which performance, planning and outcome were measured each year. Historically, all of 
the initiatives of the Los Angeles HIDTA have been designed and developed in order to have 

maximum impact on the established National HIDTA Program Goals. 

Our Executive Board and its two sub-committees (intelligence & finance) continue to take a very 

active and positive role in determining the Strategy, priorities and overall direction of the Los 

Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. By design, the Strategy provides a 

comprehensive, dynamic law enforcement / intelligence plan which combines and coordinates 

regional drug enforcement efforts in areas where they can have the most significant impact upon 

the threat. 

As a result of the Executive Board’s input and guidance, the ongoing effort on the part of all 

initiatives continued to be enhanced through mutual cooperation and teamwork. The primary 

focus of the Los Angeles HIDTA Executive Board in 2005 was: 

• The coordination, integration and synchronization of both intelligence and enforcement 

efforts to reduce drug trafficking on a regional, national and international level 

• Work to improve the systematic sharing of intelligence data and eliminate unnecessary 

duplication 

• Monitor the implementation of the Strategy to ensure that the joint efforts of both the law 

enforcement and intelligence initiatives produce maximum results 

• Where success is measured by results, ensure that each initiative is held accountable for 

its success or failure in meeting identified objectives 

IV SUMMARY OF THREAT ASSESSMENT FOR C/Y 20053 

Annual Threat Assessment Process – Dynamic -- The Los Angeles High Intensity Drug 

Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) continues to be successful in moving the Annual Threat 

Assessment process forward by establishing a periodic review beginning with the baseline, 

continuing with a mid-year evaluation and ending with the year-end review and impact 

assessment. These periodic reviews result in changes being made to the Threat Assessment as 

new intelligence / data is received. 

A LA-HIDTA Threat Assessment “window” (January 1 to December 31) has been established 

and it is within this “time frame” that the Threat Assessment and Annual Report process will 

focus and against which the impact of law enforcement in our region was measured for C/Y 

2005. A continual evaluation capacity ensures that the overall purpose and direction of each 

initiative directly relates to the regional / national threat. 

This detailed evaluation capability is developed through the dynamic threat assessment process, 

internal review process (on-site visits) and scheduled initiative presentations before the 

Executive Board. Additionally, numerous major narcotic trafficking investigations from our area 

 

3

 The data used in this Threat Assessment Summary comes from the dynamic 2005 LA-HIDTA Baseline Threat 

Assessment, including the Mid-Year and Year-End Review and Enhancement, DTO Reports. 

6
continue to move into other parts of the country, requiring detailed and integrated planning in 

order to ensure successful resolution. 

The Threat 

** A Summary ** 

As stated at the beginning of this report, within the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking 

Area, all types of narcotics are manufactured, imported and distributed for regional, national and 

international consumption. Los Angeles is the only primary market area in the country for all 

five major drugs: 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). 

Organizations4 -- During this year, the Threat Assessment process identified 275 criminal 

narcotic trafficking organizations operating within our region. These organizations range their 

base operations from regional to national and international in scope and sophistication. 24 (9%)

of the investigations conducted in 2005, within the LA-HIDTA, had verified linkage with 

Consolidated Priority Organization Targets (CPOT). 

The majority of the trafficking organizations identified in our Threat Assessment are primarily 

Mexican National and multi-drug in operational scope. The Mexican National drug trafficking 

organizations continue to dominate the drug trade within our region. These organizations 

consistently operate beyond the LA-HIDTA geographic region. Of the identified 275 major drug 

trafficking organizations, 139 traffic in cocaine, 131 are involved in the manufacturing / 

distribution of methamphetamine, 8 traffic in precursor chemicals, 60 traffic in marijuana, 35

traffic in heroin, 5 traffic in ecstasy and 72 are involved in some form of money laundering. 

Land -- Land is the most common means of transporting illegal narcotics within our region and 

beyond. Of the 275 identified organizations, 235 use land conveyances to transport their 

product. Almost 8,000 miles of freeway and 27,000 miles of non-freeway arteries link our four 

county (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino) region together. Additionally, 4 

major interstate highways connect the LA-HIDTA area with Mexico, all of the Southwest border 

and Gulf of Mexico States to the South, Canada to the North and all of the States to the East. 

Air – Of the 275 drug trafficking organizations identified, 17 facilitate their activities through 

the use of air conveyances. The FAA recognizes 5 international, 94 municipal and 3 seaplane 

airports within our geographic region. Commercial aircraft constantly pose a significant threat to 

the LA-HIDTA area. Numbers of daily flights land directly in our region that originate from 

drug source countries in both Central and South America, as well as the Pacific Rim. 

 

4

 Organization: For LA-HIDTA purposes, the definition of an organization is 5 or more people, organized in some 

fashion, who gain substantial income from a continuing series of illegal drug-related activities [Continuing Criminal 

Enterprise, 21 USC 848] 

7
The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the 5th busiest passenger airport in the world. It 

handles more than 61 million passengers each year, which includes some 17.5 (28.5%) million 

international travelers, many from drug source countries. It is also the 2nd busiest in the United 

States in terms of bulk cargo movement, processing over 1.9 million metric tons annually. 

Sea – Maritime smuggling presents a significant concern to the LA-HIDTA. The counties of 

Los Angeles and Orange have the Pacific Ocean as their western border. Miles of pristine 

shoreline, Mexican waters some 90 miles to the South, numerous private harbors and 

international ports makes our region a prime consideration for maritime smuggling of illicit 

narcotics. 

The Los Angeles / Long Beach commercial seaport is rated as the 3rd largest port facility in the 

world. It processes over 123 million tons of cargo annually. During 2005, 2 organizations were 

identified as using maritime conveyances, but it is believed that many more operate with this 

method of transportation. 

V LA-HIDTA STRATEGY SUMMARY 

 

By design, the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) Strategy 

provides a comprehensive, dynamic law enforcement / intelligence plan which combines and 

coordinates the regional drug control efforts in areas where they can have the most significant 

impact upon the threat. An overview of the primary elements of our Strategy follows: 

Unity of Effort – In C/Y 2005, the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LAHIDTA) consists of 7 major task forces, comprised of collocated Federal, State and local law 

enforcement agencies and three intelligence Initiatives each focused and dedicated to the task of 

positively impacting (reducing) the major poly-drug trafficking organizations that continue to 

face our geographic region and country. These most capable Initiatives are organized seamlessly 

into Intelligence, Investigation and Prosecution counter-drug subsystems and an overview of 

each will be provided below: 

• Intelligence Subsystem Description – Our Strategy initially focuses on obtaining the 

most recent institutional drug intelligence and on developing new viable sources. All 

intelligence information will be supported as much as possible by independent agency / 

individual sources. The information / data will be fused into a consolidated targeting 

picture. This will enable the various investigative and enforcement (task forces) elements 

to prioritize and focus their collective efforts on those activities which will yield the 

greatest outcomes. The following will provide an overview of three of the primary 

elements of our Intelligence Subsystem: 

• Threat Assessment Project – The Threat Assessment Project in the Los Angeles 

High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) has evolved into a 

comprehensive process where we are continually, throughout the year, assessing 

the ever changing narcotics trafficking threat in our region. We have been 

successful in moving this process forward by establishing a periodic review, 

beginning with the baseline, continuing with a mid-year evaluation and ending 

with the year-end review and impact assessment. This periodic review results in 

changes being made to the Threat Assessment as new data is received. The law 

8
enforcement components and resources of the Los Angeles HIDTA are then 

adjusted accordingly in order to successfully address the threat. 

Additionally, a Threat Assessment “window” (January 1 to December 31) has 

been established. It is within this “time frame” that the Threat Assessment, 

Strategy and Annual Report process will focus and against which the overall 

impact of law enforcement in our region is measured. 

• Intelligence Architecture Plan – Developed and implemented in 1995, the LAHIDTA Intelligence Architecture Plan recognizes the ever increasing importance 

and remarkable potential that our three intelligence Initiatives bring to the various 

law enforcement organizations in our region. This plan redefined the intelligence 

responsibilities and priorities within the LA-HIDTA, effectively “bringing 

together” our intelligence Initiatives into what today is called the Intelligence 

Support System (ISS). It optimizes valued resources and enhances coordination 

of effort, including the sharing of information. Our 3 Intelligence Initiatives are 

listed below: 

Los Angeles Joint Drug Intelligence Group 

Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse 

Inland Narcotics Clearing House 

The Initiatives of the LA-HIDTA Intelligence Support System (ISS), utilizing 

support from the California National Guard, work in close concert providing 

responsive deconfliction, pointer index, case support, target profiles, intelligence 

fusion, predictive analysis and operational and strategic support services to all 

regional law enforcement customers within our region. When appropriate, all 

interdiction operations and major narcotic trafficking investigations will be 

coordinated with the appropriate Intelligence Initiative. The Intelligence 

Initiatives (3) are to work and focus their collective efforts in accordance with the 

defined matrix of responsibility5

 and signed Intelligence Architecture 

Memorandum of Understanding, which has been approved by our Executive 

Board. 

 

• Executive Board – Intelligence Sub-Committee – Established and recognized 

as a “standing committee” by the Executive Board, its primary purpose is to shape 

and drive the policies and objectives of the LA-HIDTA intelligence community. 

Additionally, they serve as a planning element for future intelligence operations 

and are responsible for monitoring and assessing the ongoing activities of the 

various intelligence agencies serving the LA-HIDTA. 

• Investigative Subsystem Description – The Investigative Systems of the LA-HIDTA 

are designed to focus on defining viable targets and provide meaningful case support 

based upon major drug trafficking intelligence information which has been gathered by 

our Intelligence Support System (ISS) and various law enforcement elements within our 

region. Our “cornerstone” task force and regional task forces will then apply the 

 

5

 Matrix of Responsibility – Refer to the Strategy, Appendix B 

9
necessary investigative resources to identify, prioritize, target and impact 

(dismantle/disrupt) the major poly-drug trafficking organizations that have been found to 

operate in the LA-HIDTA on a regional, national and international level. Our task forces, 

in concert with the Intelligence Support System (ISS), continually conduct a detailed 

review of their ongoing cases. Their goal is to revalidate their targets as still being viable 

and to redistribute resources, if necessary, in order to ensure maximum impact and 

overall success. 

• Investigative Subsystem Description – Major Components

• LA-HIDTA Task Forces – A “Team” Approach -- The LA-HIDTA Task Force 

Memorandum of Understanding, implemented in 1995, remains most successful 

in its design of facilitating the linkages between our collocated, multijurisdictional task forces through a closer cooperative effort and more unified 

approach leading to successful case resolution. This document, signed by all 

current task force commanders, calls for mutual cooperation, monthly meetings, 

sharing of “real time” intelligence information, utilization of specialized technical 

equipment, training of personnel and defines appropriate case “hand off” 

procedures.

• Operational Task Forces – Identified – Listed below are the seven operational 

task forces of the LA-HIDTA. All of these task forces work under a unique 

arrangement which takes the process of institutionalizing teamwork to a higher 

level. Again, this viable “team” concept is formalized by a Memorandum of 

Understanding (MOU) which assures the appropriate linking of the task forces. 

This process produces a more efficient, effective and successful LA-HIDTA law 

enforcement narcotics interdiction system. 

“Equal Justice” Fugitive Task Force 

Inland Crackdown Allied Task Force 

Inland Regional Narcotic Enforcement Team 

Los Angeles 

 Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force 

Regional Methamphetamine Task Force 

Regional Narcotics Suppression Program 

Southern California Drug Task Force 

• Major Narcotics Trafficking Investigation “Hand Offs” – Building the Legal 

Wall – This capability stands as a remarkable example of the creativity and 

outstanding professional working relationship that exists between the judicial 

system and task forces in the four county LA-HIDTA region. This process is 

used extensively by our “Team of Task Forces” by “handing off” key elements of 

10
major narcotics trafficking investigations to other law enforcement organizations 

in our region for the purpose of “taking down” some of the key suspects and 

drugs while not jeopardizing the main target of the task force. 

• Prosecution Subsystem – The prosecution resources of the LA-HIDTA are 

balanced between Federal and State / local prosecutors. Cross designation is 

accomplished which allows for trials to occur in the most expeditious manner and 

within the appropriate judicial system. The prosecution subsystem is collocated 

with LA-HIDTA task force elements. 

VI LA-HIDTA PERFORMANCE MEASURES 

 

The following Core Measures are required of the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking 

Area (LA-HIDTA), as they are of all HIDTAs, by National HIDTA Program Policy. A total of 

16 Core Measures have been developed to assess outcomes for the two National HIDTA Goals, 

which were defined earlier in this report which, by design, will guide all Program activities 

during each calendar year. Each of the two National HIDTA Program Goals will be listed below 

along with their respective Core Measures and the results from the Los Angeles High Intensity 

Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA)6

: 

Goal 1 – Disrupt the market for illegal drugs by dismantling or disrupting 

drug trafficking organizations.

Goal 1 -- Core Measures – Core Tables 1 through 11 are designed for the purpose of assessing 

the effectiveness of the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) in 

reducing drug availability by targeting, disrupting or dismantling major drug trafficking 

organizations, arresting and prosecuting traffickers and seizing their drugs and profit. 

Core Table #1 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Percentage of Drug Trafficking Organizations -- Disrupted or Dismantled 

Percentage of DTOs & MLOs Disrupted or Dismantled for Year 2005, at 

Los Angeles HIDTA 

 DTOs 

Identified 

# 

Targeted # Disrupted 

% of 

Targeted 

Disrupted 

# 

Dismantled 

% of Targeted 

Dismantled 

Begin 2005 78 59 25 42% 13 22% 

During 2005 171 162 65 40% 36 22% 

Total 2005 249 221 90 41% 49 22% 

 

6

 Unless otherwise noted, all of the data reflected in the Core Tables, 1 through 11, comes from the dynamic 2005 

LA-HIDTA Baseline Threat Assessment, including the Mid-Year and Year-End Review and Enhancement, DTO 

Reports. 

11
Core Table #2 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Percentage of Drug Trafficking Organizations Disrupted or Dismantled 

By Scope, 2005 

Percentage of DTOs & MLOs Disrupted or Dismantled by Scope for Year 2005, at 

Los Angeles HIDTA (All DTOs & MLOs Included) 

Scope # 

Identified 

# 

Targeted 

# 

Disrupted 

% of 

Targeted 

Disrupted 

# 

Dismantled 

% of 

Targeted 

Dismantled 

Total 

Disrupted or 

Dismantled 

Total % 

Disrupted 

or 

Dismantled 

International 105 97 37 38% 13 13% 50 52% 

Multi-state 54 50 20 40% 15 30% 35 70% 

Local 90 74 33 45% 21 28% 54 73% 

Total 249 221 90 41% 49 22% 139 63% 

Discussion – Core Tables 1 and 2 reflects the overall impact that the Los Angeles High 

Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) enforcement initiatives have had in C/Y 2005 on 

the major drug trafficking organizations 

found operating regionally, nationally 

and internationally. 

The C/Y 2005 Threat Assessment 

process, which includes the Baseline, 

Mid-Year and Year End review and 

enhancement, finds the LA-HIDTA 

initiatives identified 249 (90.5%) of the 

major drug distribution organizations 

operating in the region. 

After prioritizing these 249 organizations, 221 (89%) were specifically targeted for immediate 

enforcement action. Of the 221 organizations targeted by the LA-HIDTA initiatives, 139 (63%)

were dismantled or severely disrupted. Specifically, 49 (22%) of the targeted trafficking 

organizations were dismantled and 90 (41%) were disrupted. This impact on the part of the LAHIDTA initiatives equates to a 63% success rate against the 221 targeted organizations. 

Core Tables 2 and 4 will further define the operational scope of the major drug trafficking 

organizations identified and targeted by the LA-HIDTA initiatives during F/Y 2005. It is of 

interest to note that of the 249 major drug trafficking organizations identified, 159 (64%)

operated beyond our region – 54 (34%) in other States and 105 (66%) internationally. 

LA-HIDTA Initiatives Enforcement Impact on the Threat – The above enforcement activity 

for C/Y 2005, on the part of the LA-HIDTA Task Forces, resulted in the seizure of 4,062 kgs 

(4.5 tons) of cocaine, 72,191 kgs (79.6 tons) of marijuana, 2,236 kgs (2.5 tons) of 

methamphetamine, approximately 1 ton of pseudoephedrine tablets and 33 pounds of heroin. 

Over $51 million in cash and $5.8 million in property and assets were seized and 1,512 total 

arrests were made on various narcotics trafficking related charges. 

12

0

100

200

300

400

DTO's

1999 2001 2003 2005

YEARS

LA-HIDTA INITIATIVES

 MAJOR DTO's IMPACTED

Identified

Targeted

Impacted

Dismantled

Disrupted

0

100

200

300

400

DTO's

1999 2001 2003 2005

YEARS

LA-HIDTA INITIATIVES

 MAJOR DTO's IMPACTED

Identified

Targeted

Impacted

Dismantled

Disrupted
It is of interest to note that against the C/Y 2005 Baseline, Mid-Year and Year End Threat 

Assessment, the initiatives of the LA-HIDTA were responsible for over 87 tons (98%) of all of 

the dangerous drugs seized by law enforcement throughout the entire region. 

Again this year, the initiatives of the LA-HIDTA accounted for 81% of the cocaine seizures, 

73% of the methamphetamine seizures and 100% of the pseudo-ephedrine seizures from the 

organizations prioritized and targeted in our region for C/Y 2005. 

National / International Impact – Similar to 2004, the C/Y 2005 Baseline, Mid-Year and Year 

End Threat Assessment found that the vast majority of major drug trafficking organizations 

(64%), operating in the LA-HIDTA region, are national and international in scope. In addition, 

our intelligence components continue to estimate that over 70% of all the illegal narcotics (polydrug – cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana) smuggled into our country comes 

across the United States / Mexico border. Of this amount, 60% to 80% is reportedly controlled 

by the drug trafficking organizations operating out of the Los Angeles HIDTA region.7

 

Core Table #3 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Percentage of Money Laundering Organizations 

Disrupted or Dismantled By Scope, 2005 

Percentage of Money Laundering Organizations Disrupted or Dismantled by Scope for Year 2005, 

 at Los Angeles HIDTA 

Scope # Identified # 

Targeted 

# 

Disrupted 

% of 

Targeted 

Disrupted 

# 

Dismantled 

% of 

Targeted 

Dismantled 

 Total

Disrupted 

and 

Dismantled 

Total % 

Disrupted or 

Dismantled 

International 

Multi-State 

Local 

Total 0 0 0 0 0 

Discussion – By design, the initiatives of the LA-HIDTA do not specifically identify / target 

trafficking organizations that, as a primary function, are money laundering enterprises. 

Therefore, by rule, Core Table 3 will not apply to the LA-HIDTA. All of the major drug 

trafficking organizations identified and targeted by the LA-HIDTA during this year, operating in 

and through our region, are primarily poly-drug, wherein some will conduct money laundering 

activities. 

Beginning in 1996, through our dynamic Threat Assessment process, it was found that the major 

drug trafficking organizations that operate in our region are laundering money as an associated 

capability. 

As an example in C/Y 2005, 72 (26%) of the 275 major poly-drug trafficking organizations 

identified in our region were additionally laundering money as a secondary / associated activity. 

 

7

 Source: EPIC 

13
Core Table #4 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Operational Scope of All DTO & MLO Cases Initiated 

For Year 20058

 Operational Scope of All DTO & MLO Cases Initiated for Year 2005, at Los Angeles HIDTA 

 # Cases 

Opened 

# CPOT 

Cases 

# RPOT 

Cases 

# OCDETF 

Cases 

% OCDETF of Total DTOs 

Targeted 

International 97 15 2 6 6% 

Multi-state 50 2 0 5 10% 

Local 74 2 1 1 1% 

Total 221 19 3 12 5% 

Discussion -- The LA-HIDTA was originally designated as one of the Nation’s “major narcotic 

gateways”, a distinction which is most evident and remains true to this day. As a result, it is the 

collective purpose of the LA-HIDTA intelligence and enforcement initiatives to effectively and 

efficiently identify and target the major drug trafficking organizations, who work at the higher 

levels of the narcotic “food chain”, in order to measurably reduce drug trafficking, thereby 

reducing the impact of illicit drugs in this and other areas of the country. 

In remaining true to this original designation, which was identified above, Core Table #4

reflects the very significant “operational enforcement 

scope” of the LA-HIDTA regional task force efforts 

for C/Y 2005. It is of interest to note that of all of the 

cases identified as open and targeted by the LAHIDTA task forces in C/Y 2005, 5% were designated 

as OCDETF cases. 

Operational Scope -- Major Drug Trafficking 

Organizations Targeted -- Further, as a result of our 

intensive law enforcement and intelligence targeting efforts in C/Y 2005, the following 

remarkable results were achieved: 

Of the 221 major drug trafficking cases identified as open and targeted during the year, 12 (5%) 

were OCDETF cases / investigations. Of this number, 6 (6%) were OCDETF investigations that 

were International in scope; 5 (10%) were OCDETF cases that were Multi-State in scope; and 1 

(1%) was an OCDETF investigation that was Local in scope. 

Additionally, of the 221 investigations identified as open and targeted in C/Y 2005, 19 (9%)

were CPOT (Consolidated Priority Organization Target) Cases. Specifically of this number, 15 

(15%) of the CPOT investigations were International in scope; 2 (4%) of the CPOT cases were 

Multi-State in scope; and 2 (3%) were CPOT investigations Local in scope. Further, 3 (1%) of 

the total cases were RPOT (Regional Priority Organization Targets) with 2 (2%) being 

International in scope; and 1 (1%) being Local in scope. 

 

8

 Core Table #4 reflects those investigations that were open (targeted) in C/Y 2005. These numbers include prior 

year carryover cases. 

14

OPERATIONAL SCOPE

DTO / OCDETF CASES

OPEN -- C/Y 2005

OTHER 

CASES

95%

OCDETF % 

OF TOTAL

5%

OPERATIONAL SCOPE

DTO / OCDETF CASES

OPEN -- C/Y 2005

OTHER 

CASES

95%

OCDETF % 

OF TOTAL

5%
15

Core Table #5 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Drugs Removed from the Marketplace, 2005 

Drugs Removed from the Marketplace for Year 2005, at Los Angeles HIDTA 

Drug Seized (kg or D.U.) Amount Seized 

(kg/D.U.) Wholesale Value 

heroin kg 15.020 $330,440 

cocaine HCL kg 4,023.733 $62,367,861 

crack cocaine kg 37.856 $666,265 

marijuana kg 70,780.054 $45,299,234 

marijuana plants & grows 1,325.623 11,665,482 

marijuana hydroponic kg 72.594 $638,827 

methamphetamine kg 1,943.015 $23,316,180 

methamphetamine ice kg 285.985 $4,575,760 

ecstasy (MDMA) (D.U.s) 46.213 $924 

GHB 0.500 $150 

PCP Liquid - Gallons 23.173 $405,527 

Pseudoephedrine 859.524 $3,781,905 

other: Psilocybin 0.501 $176 

Total Wholesale Value $153,048,734 

Discussion – Core Table 5 is designed to focus on the value of the various drugs that were 

removed from the marketplace by Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LAHIDTA) enforcement initiatives during C/Y 2005. 

In order to determine a value, the average wholesale price for each individual drug seized was 

used and it was determined through the use of the Los Angeles County Regional Criminal 

Information Clearinghouse, Drug Prices, Quarterly Reports, for C/Y 2005. 

In C/Y 2005, over 87 tons of dangerous drugs were removed from the streets of America by the 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) Task Forces. The seized drugs 

had a remarkable wholesale street value of $153,048,734.

As a direct result of this enforcement activity, the overall number of major drug traffickers 

operating in our region was reduced, trafficking routes and methods were forced to change and 

it is logical that the operating costs to traffickers increased and the amount of illegal narcotics 

available in our region was reduced. 
16

Core Table #6 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs Removed 

From the Marketplace by Law Enforcement Initiatives, by Year 

Los Angeles HIDTA Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs Removed from the 

Marketplace by Law Enforcement Initiatives, by year 

Year Budget 

Baseline Drug 

Wholesale 

Value 

Targeted 

Drug ROI 

Drug Wholesale 

Value Removed 

From Market 

Actual 

Drug ROI 

2004 $13,604,905 $193,452,210 $14 $193,452,210 $14 

2005 $14,142,427 $193,452,210 $14 $153,048,734 $11 

2006 

2007 

* Baseline drug wholesale value = 2004 data – No drug wholesale values established in prior years 

* 2005 Budget = $14,774,637 - $632,210 (Administration Costs) = $14,142,427 (ISS = $3,863,247/ Task Forces = $10,279,180)

 

Core Table #7 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Return on Investment (ROI) for Assets Removed 

From the Marketplace by Law Enforcement Initiatives, by Year 

Los Angeles HIDTA Return on Investment (ROI) for Assets Removed from the Marketplace by Law 

Enforcement Initiatives, by Year 

Year Budget Baseline Value of 

Drug Assets 

Targeted 

Asset ROI 

Value of Drug Assets Removed from Market Actual Asset 

ROI 

Cash Other Assets Total 

2004 $13,604,905 $20,966,152 $2 $22,568,619 $8,006,910 $30,575,529 $2 

2005 $14,142,427 $20,966,152 $1 $51,844,285 $5,820,986 $57,665,271 $4 

* Drug Assets – 4 year average = 2004 Baseline 

Core Table #8 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Total Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs & Assets Removed 

From the Marketplace by Law Enforcement Initiatives, by Year 

Los Angeles HIDTA Total Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs and Assets Removed

from the Marketplace by Law Enforcement Initiatives, by year 

Year Budget Drugs and Assets 

Baseline 

Targeted 

Total ROI 

Drugs and 

Assets Removed 

From Market 

Actual Total 

ROI 

2004 $13,604,905 $214,418,362 $16 $224,027,739 $16 

2005 $14,142,427 $214,418,362 $15 $210,714,005 $15 

2006 

2007 
Discussion – Table 6 – In C/Y 2005, the enforcement initiatives of the Los Angeles High 

Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) seized $153,048,734 worth of drugs from the 

major drug trafficking organizations operating in and through our region. This remarkable law 

enforcement effort yielded an ROI of $11 for every dollar of HIDTA funds spent. 

The real impact to any major drug trafficking organization is to affect them in such a manner as 

to reduce their bottom line profits. Tables 6, 7 and 8 clearly demonstrate the efficiency and 

effectiveness of the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) 

enforcement and intelligence initiatives through the removal of both illicit drugs and profits from 

the major drug trafficking organizations targeted for enforcement action. In C/Y 2005, the Los 

Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) invested $14,142,427 to effectively 

remove $210,714,005 in drugs and assets. This reflects a remarkable combined ROI of $15 

returned for every HIDTA dollar invested. 

Core Table #9 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Prosecution Outputs & Outcomes, by Year9

Prosecution Outputs and Outcomes by Year, at Los Angeles HIDTA 

Year 

2004 

2005 

2006 

Budget 

$111,426 

$111,426 

 

Investigations 

Baseline 

100 

100 

 

Investigations 

Projected 

100 

100 

 

Investigations 

Handled 

125 

272 

 

% Handled 

125% 

272% 

 

Cost/ 

Investigation 

$891 

$410 

 

Discussion – The Los Angeles County District Attorney collocates a Deputy District Attorney 

with the Southern California Drug Task Force (SCDTF) for the purpose of providing tactical, 

legal strategies and counsel pertaining to 

Major Drug Trafficking related

investigations. Additionally, the Deputy 

District Attorney is immediately available 

to prepare and obtain search warrants, 

State wiretap orders, court orders and to 

facilitate telephonic or facsimile search 

warrants around-the-clock, seven days a 

week. 

In C/Y 2005, the Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney assigned to the Southern 

California Drug Task Force (SCDTF) facilitated the following: 272 intensive, complex, high 

level major drug trafficking “investigations” to include 182 consultations10; 57 State wiretap 

(multiple lines) court orders; 33 case prosecutions involving 46 “high end” defendants resulting 

 

9

 Los Angeles County District Attorney – Statistical Reports – Definition: “Investigations” include case 

consultations, State wiretap court orders and defendants prosecuted 

10 Consultations involve Ex Parte Motions which include search warrant and PEN register affidavits, applications 

for court authorized installation of vehicle tracking devices and case prosecution (Federal – State) strategy meetings 

17

PROSECUTION - INVESTIGATIONS

STATE WIRETAP 

COURT ORDERS

21%

CASE 

PROSECUTIONS

12%

CONSULTATIONS

67%

PROSECUTION - INVESTIGATIONS

STATE WIRETAP 

COURT ORDERS

21%

CASE 

PROSECUTIONS

12%

CONSULTATIONS

67%
in a 98% (1-dismissal) conviction rate (closed cases). In this instance, the Return on Investment 

(ROI) is outstanding and is expressed as a ratio of HIDTA dollars invested in the yearly salary 

and benefits for the Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney ($111,426) versus major drug 

trafficking “investigations” handled (272% of number projected) at $410 each. 

Core Table 10 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Value of Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs Dismantled in 2005, by Size11

Value of Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratories Dismantled 

by Size for Year 2005, at Los Angeles HIDTA 

Meth Cost Per $650 Ounce 

Value of Labs Lab Size ID/Targeted Dismantled Dismantled 

A. Less 2 Oz 33 33 $42,900 

B. 2 - 8 Oz 32 32 $104,000 

C. 9 Oz - 31 Oz 9 9 $72,800 

D. 32 - 159 Oz 14 14 $800,800 

E. 160 - 320 Oz 13 13 $2,028,000 

F. Over 320 Oz 2 2 $416,000 

Total 103 103 $3,464,500 

 * Of the 110 methamphetamine labs seized in the region, the LA-HIDTA initiatives seized 103 (94%) 

Discussion – Historically, the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) 

continues to be considered a major methamphetamine 

production and transportation source for both the State 

of California and the rest of the Nation where the drug 

is produced in high capacity labs controlled by 

Mexican traffickers12. Additionally, our region is 

known as a “source country” for the trafficking of 

methamphetamine to other regions in the Nation. 

Table 10 demonstrates that the LA-HIDTA enforcement initiatives targeted and dismantled 103 

methamphetamine production laboratories of various 

sizes. At a local average wholesale selling price of 

$650 per ounce on the street, they conservatively 

stopped the production of over $3,464,500 worth of 

raw methamphetamine. 

It is interesting to note that in C/Y 2005, the 

enforcement initiatives of the LA-HIDTA were 

 

11 Data for Core Table 10 & 11 (including the discussion) was obtained through the EPIC National Clandestine 

Laboratory Seizure System (CLSS) – as of February 2006 (C /Y 2005 data from EPIC not finalized until June, 2006) 

12NDIC, Intelligence Bulletin, Los Angeles Metropolitan Area Drug Market Analysis, Product Number 2005-

LO424-008, June 2005. 

18

SUPER LABS SEIZED - 2005 CALIFORNIA 

(Minus LAHIDTA)

46%

LA-HIDTA

54%

LA-HIDTA

CALIFORNIA (Minus

LA-HIDTA)

SUPER LABS SEIZED - 2005 CALIFORNIA 

(Minus LAHIDTA)

46%

LA-HIDTA

54%

LA-HIDTA

CALIFORNIA (Minus

LA-HIDTA)

UNITED STATES / LA-HIDTA

 SUPER LABS SEIZED - 2005 UNITED 

STATES

56%

LA-HIDTA

44% LA-HIDTA

UNITED STATES

UNITED STATES / LA-HIDTA

 SUPER LABS SEIZED - 2005 UNITED 

STATES

56%

LA-HIDTA

44% LA-HIDTA

UNITED STATES
19

responsible for seizing 54% (15) of all the methamphetamine “super labs” (10 to 20+ pounds 

per production cycle) in the State of California (28). This year, “super labs” accounted for about 

1% of the total methamphetamine production lab seizures in the Nation. Even more striking in 

C/Y 2005 was the fact that the enforcement initiatives of the LA-HIDTA seized 44% (15) of all 

the “super labs” seized in the United States (34).

Core Table 11 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Clandestine Laboratory Activities in 2005 

 Baseline # Projected # Identified % Identified 

Laboratory Dump Sites 

Seized 40 17 17 100% 

Chemical/Glassware 

Equipment Seizures 44 24 24 100% 

Persons Affected: 

Children 0 14 14 100% 

Discussion – Table 11 demonstrates the anticipated continued reduction of methamphetamine 

production activities in our region. Still, the outcome of the above methamphetamine related 

activity ultimately enhances our intelligence databases. This allows investigators to capitalize on 

the intelligence information retrieved from these laboratory dump sites and chemical glassware 

seizures which will lead them to new illegal methamphetamine production sites in the region. 

The following chart will demonstrate the number of retail distributors of pseudoephedrine 

products who, at the urging of LA-HIDTA law enforcement initiatives, voluntarily complied with 

various distribution restrictions, 2000 through 2005. 

 

LOS ANGELES 

HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA 

Retail Distributors of Pseudoephedrine Products 

VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE 

2

22

8

226

14

43

66

23

19

77

32

61

0

50

100

150

200

250

NUMBER

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

YEARS

VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE

TARGET NUMBER

RETAIL

DISTRIBUTORS
Methamphetamine Laboratory Seizures – Reduction – Since the peak year of 1999, the 

numbers of methamphetamine laboratory seizures have decreased throughout the State of 

California every year. Despite the declining methamphetamine laboratory seizure rate, the Los 

Angeles HIDTA still accounted for approximately one-quarter of all “super lab” seizures 

(addressed earlier in this section) in the country. The following chart will provide an overview 

of methamphetamine laboratory seizures the LA-HIDTA, 1999 through 2005: 

METHAMPHETAMINE LABORATORIES SEIZED 

of this total, the number of 

MEXICAN NATIONAL OPERATED LABORATORIES SEIZED 

932 125

675

252

700

155

458

186

215

202

103

29

0

200

400

600

800

1000

NUMBER

200020012002200320042005

YEARS

TOTAL METH LABS

OF TOTAL, # OF MEXICAN

NATIONAL LABS

Regional Factors in Methamphetamine Laboratory Seizure Reductions – A detailed analysis 

by our Intelligence Support System (ISS) reveals that the following factors have come into play 

within the Los Angeles HIDTA region over the years, leading to a general reduction in 

methamphetamine laboratory seizures: 

• Effective drug law enforcement and intelligence operations 

• Precursor chemical restrictions 

• Chemical control laws 

• Increased methamphetamine production in Mexico 

• Downsizing of methamphetamine clandestine lab law enforcement teams – Fewer 

methamphetamine labs observed / reported by officers/agents 

Impact -- In C/Y 2005, LA-HIDTA enforcement groups participated in 143 investigations 

targeting major Mexican National methamphetamine trafficking organizations. Additionally, 

they participated in the seizure and prosecution of some 103 methamphetamine laboratories 

found to be operating in the region. 67 of these cases had child endangerment charges presented 

for prosecution against the laboratory operators and 96 were referred to the Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA). 

Over the past four years, our Intelligence Support System (ISS) tells us that intensive regional 

law enforcement activity, supported through the National HIDTA Program within the LA20
HIDTA, has been driving methamphetamine laboratory production East into Arizona and South 

into Mexico. Finished product returns to our region through well established and documented 

land trafficking routes. 

Goal 2 – Core Measures -- Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of HIDTA 

Initiatives.

Goal 2 – Core Measures – Tables 12 through 16 are designed for the purpose of assessing the 

effectiveness of the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) in 

providing access to advanced technology, law enforcement training opportunities and in the 

establishment of advanced systems which facilitate the “real time” exchange of critical drug 

trafficking related intelligence information. 

Core Table #12 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Training Efficiency by Type and Year 

Training Efficiency by Type for Year 2005, at Los Angeles HIDTA 

Type of Training 

# Students 

Expected for 

Training 

# Students 

Actually 

Trained 

# Training 

Hours Actually 

Provided 

Total Training Cost Training Cost per Hour 

2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 % Change 

2004-2005 

Analytical/ 

Computer 217 217 217 209 3,322 4,306 $3,500 $14,857 $1.05 $3.45 229% 

Investigative/ 

Interdiction 2,115 2,115 2,115 1,417 22,284 25,806 $72,866 $133,258 $3.27 $5.16 58% 

Management/ 

Administrative 54 54 54 99 1,264 2,493 $15,906 $12,318 $12.58 $4.94 -61% 

Intelligence 205 205 205 177 5,980 4,511 $8,688 $39,670 $1.45 $8.79 506% 

Financial 55 55 55 117 2,000 3,551 $610 $872 $0.30 $0.25 -17% 

Miscellaneous 24 24 24 211 1,299 1,638 $0 $1,775 $0 $1.08 0% 

Other: Tactical 0 133 0 133 0 1,919 $0 $0 $0 $0 0% 

Total 2,670 2,803 2,670 2,363 36,149 44,224 $101,570 $202,750 $2.80 $4.58 64% 

Discussion – Training Initiative (Program)13 – Capable and focused training is essential in 

improving both the effectiveness and efficiency of the Los Angeles HIDTA. In C/Y 2005, 

training was provided to 2,363 law enforcement “students” for a total of 44,224 classroom hours. 

The training was designed to enhance computer and analytical skills, improve investigative 

knowledge and managerial abilities. This training, which costs the Los Angeles HIDTA an 

average of only $4.58 per classroom hour, was provided at no cost to law enforcement within the 

 

13 For the current LA-HIDTA Training Schedule, please refer to: laweb.hidta.net . Table 12 refers to all training 

conducted by “all sources”. LA-HIDTA training staff facilitates the training offered – they do not conduct any 

training classes. All training costs are for offerings “external” to the LA-HIDTA. Source: LA-HIDTA Training 

Records. 

21
22

region. The great majority of these training offerings would not have been available without the 

continuing support of both the National HIDTA Program and the Los Angeles HIDTA. 

The primary mission of the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Intelligence 

Support System (ISS), Training Initiative (Program), is to improve the ability of Federal, State 

and local law enforcement in our region to counter drug trafficking through viable training 

programs. The LA-HIDTA Training Initiative is designed to provide advanced law enforcement 

training efforts which address the regional threat and advances the Administration’s National 

Drug Control Strategy and the enforcement / intelligence goals and objectives of the Office of 

National Drug Control Policy. Historically involved in providing meaningful law enforcement 

training programs, the general geographical expanse, coupled with the topographical complexity 

of the region, has required that we “center” our training efforts within the following initiatives: 

Los Angeles Joint Drug Intelligence Group 

Los Angeles Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse 

Inland Narcotics Clearing House

By design, each of these initiatives, which comprise the LA-HIDTA Intelligence Support System 

(ISS), have individual “Training Coordinators” and appropriate facilities (multi-media capable) 

to facilitate all forms of intensive law enforcement / intelligence training. 

The Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) has developed and 

instituted a “Training Team” which functions under the direction of the Los Angeles Joint Drug 

Intelligence Group (LAJDIG) and this “Team” is comprised of representatives from the above 

three Intelligence Initiatives and “key” members of Federal, State and local law enforcement 

elements in our region. Their primary purpose is to develop research and provide various law 

enforcement / intelligence training opportunities within our region through an established, 

regional coordinated effort. The following charts will provide an overview of the numbers of 

students trained and training classes by type, 1999 through 2005: 

LOS ANGELES 

HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA 

Intelligence Support System (ISS) – Training Initiative 

NUMBER OF STUDENTS TRAINED, BY AGENCY 2,726 2,323 2,602 2,670 2,363

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

NUMBER

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

YEARS

STUDENTS, BY AGENCY - TRAINING

TOTAL STUDENTS OF TOTAL, # LOCAL

OF TOTAL, #STATE OF TOTAL, # FEDERAL

OF TOTAL, #OTHER OF TOTAL, #HIDTA INITIATIVES

 Note: Breakdown of students by agency not required until 2003
LOS ANGELES 

HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA 

Intelligence Support System (ISS) – Training Initiative 

NUMBER OF TRAINING CLASSES, BY TYPE 

2001 through 2005

0

100

200

300

NUMBER

1999 2001 2003 2005

YEARS

TRAINING - CLASSES, BY TYPE

TOTAL CLASSES ANALYTICAL/COMPUTER

INVESTIGATIVE/INTERDICTION MANAGEMENT/ADMINISTRATIVE

INTELLIGENCE

 Note: Breakdown of classes by type not required until 2003 

Core Table #13 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Percentage of Initiatives Using Event & Case Deconfliction Services, by Year14

Percentage of HIDTA Initiatives Using Event & Case Deconfliction Services for 

Year, at Los Angeles HIDTA 

Year 

Total 

HIDTA 

Initiatives 

# Initiatives 

Targeted to 

Use Services 

# 

Initiatives 

Using 

% Initiatives Using 

2004 7 7 7 100% 

2005 7 7 7 100% 

2006 

2007 

Discussion – Over the years, the event and case deconfliction services provided by the Los 

Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse (LACRCIC), Deconfliction 

Center “War Room”, has been “institutionalized” in all of the enforcement / intelligence 

initiatives within the LA-HIDTA (100% participation). Additionally, as a further example of 

this most remarkable capability, every Federal, State and local law enforcement agency that 

operates within the LA-HIDTA region participates, by Memorandum of Participation, in the 

LACRCIC “War Room”, Event and Subject / Case Deconfliction process. 

 

14 Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse, Deconfliction Center “War Room”, Statistical 

Reports & agency participation Memorandum of Participation. This chart excludes the Intelligence Initiatives (3) 

and the Administrative Initiative none of which, by design and purpose, are intended to use these services. 

23
Core Table #14 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Percentage of Event & Case Deconflictions Submitted, by Year15

Percentage of Event & Case Deconflictions for Year, at Los Angeles HIDTA 

Year 

Baseline # 

Deconflictions 

Submitted 

# 

Deconfliction 

Submissions 

Expected 

# Event 

Deconflictions 

Submitted 

# 

Case/Subject 

Deconflictions 

Submitted 

Total 

Deconflictions 

Submitted 

% 

Deconflictions 

Submitted 

2004 195,870 195,870 20,934 185,781 206,715 106% 

2005 195,870 195,870 26,523 169,261 195,784 100% 

2006 0 

2007 

 

 0 

Notation: Deconflictions -- The definition of a "conflict" was redefined in C/Y 2002, resulting in lower numbers but more 

 accurate reporting. 

Discussion – In C/Y 2005, the Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information 

Clearinghouse (LACRCIC) War Room and Intelligence Watch Center handled 26,523 critical 

events, a 27% increase over last year’s activity, within the LA-HIDTA region. Of this number, 

1,135 (4.2%), an increase over 2004 of 34.3%, were undercover law enforcement deconflictions 

(one out of every twenty five critical events). The following chart will provide an overview of 

both Critical Events and Deconflictions, 1999 through 2005. 

LA-HIDTA 

CRITICAL EVENTS – DECONFLICTIONS 

1999 through 2005 

5,187 3,269

17,125 5,922

17,477 4,145

19,319 1,065

20,292

1,120

20,934

845

26,523

1,135

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

NUMBER

1999200020012002200320042005

YEARS

LA-HIDTA - CRITICAL EVENTS - DECONFLICTIONS

Critical Events

Deconflictions

 

15 Includes all LA-HIDTA Initiatives plus every Federal, State and local law enforcement entity in our 4 county 

region (176 agencies) 

24
Core Table #15 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Percentage of Investigations Provided Analytical Support, by Year 

Percentage of Cases Provided Analytical Support for Year, at Los Angeles HIDTA 

Year 

Baseline # 

Cases 

Receiving 

Analytical 

Support 

# 

Cases 

Targeted for 

Analytical 

Support 

# Cases 

Provided 

Analytical 

Support 

% Targeted Cases 

Supported 

2004 991 991 1,101 111% 

2005 991 991 1,008 101% 

2006 

2007 

 *Includes 37 cases completed by SCDTF / LAFD Intelligence Group 3, linked to LACRCIC Intelligence Support 

 System (ISS) -- (12-CPOT / 10 OCDETF) 

Discussion – The Intelligence Support System (ISS) for the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug 

Trafficking Area is comprised of the Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information 

Clearinghouse (LACRCIC), Los Angeles Joint Drug Intelligence Group (LAJDIG) and the 

Inland Narcotics Clearing House (INCH). The following will provide an overview of both their 

individual and combined intelligence efforts: 

Individual Intelligence Initiative Efforts -- The Los Angeles County Regional Criminal 

Information Clearinghouse (LACRCIC), Analysis and Research Unit supported 494 major 

narcotic trafficking investigations in C/Y 2005, a 295% increase over last year. Additionally, 

they handled 225 support requests which resulted in 14,196 analytical products, a 10.3%

increase over C/Y 2004. 

Los Angeles Joint Drug Intelligence Group (LAJDIG), Support Teams, each of which, by 

design, have specific areas of focus and expertise, supported 302 major drug trafficking 

initiatives in C/Y 2005. These Teams produced over 7,113 analytical products, a 5.6% increase 

over C/Y 2004. Additionally, the LA-JDIG opened 19 intelligence investigations for the 

Narcotics-Terrorism Team. 

The Inland Narcotics Clearing House (INCH) activity reflected 212 major narcotic trafficking 

cases which were supported by INCH in C/Y 2005. Additionally, during the year, they recorded 

some 213 requests for service from the law enforcement community and the production of 3,993

reports and charts. 

 

Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse / Los Angeles Joint 

Drug Intelligence Group / Inland Narcotics Clearing House -- Intelligence Initiatives 

Combined Highlights -- In 2005, the LA-HIDTA Intelligence Projects recorded 1,008

combined requests for case support and a 6.5% increase in the combined amount of work 

product produced at the three LA-HIDTA Intelligence Projects. In 2004, the three Intelligence 

Projects produced some 19,439 work products and, in 2005, this number increased by 6.5% to 

20,698. 

25
26

The following chart will provide a historical workload overview of the various Intelligence 

Initiatives, which make up the Intelligence Support System (ISS) of the Los Angeles High 

Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA), 1999 through 2005: 

LA-HIDTA 

INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT SYSTEM (ISS) 

Los Angeles Joint Drug Intelligence Group - Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse 

Inland Narcotic Clearing House 

INTELLIGENCE CASE SUPPORT – WORK PRODUCTS 

1999 through 2005

739

6,732

708

6,900

715

13,700

1,025

14,674

1,626

21,469

1,101

19395

1,012

20,698

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

NUMBER

1999 2001 2003 2005

YEARS

CASE SUPPORT - WORK PRODUCTS

Case Support

Work Products

As an example of the amount of major drug trafficking criminal activity confronted in the Los 

Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San 

Bernardino Counties) in C/Y 2005, regional law enforcement within the LA-HIDTA submitted 

185,781 inquiries into the Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse, 

Regional Information Sharing System (RISS), resulting in 40,226 (22%) suspect “hits”. The 

below chart will provide an overview of LA-HIDTA inquiries into the State of California, 

Regional Information Sharing System (RISS), along with the number of “hits”, 1999 through 

2005. 

REGIONAL INFORMATION SHARING SYSTEM (RISS) 

Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse 

INQUIRIES / HITS 

1999 through 2005 

54,380

209,122

39,776 191,968

33,338

155,662

38,988 167,432

42,670

194,204

40,226

185,781

36,811

169,261

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

NUMBER

1999 2001 2003 2005

YEARS

RISS INQUIRIES / HITS

Hits

RISS Inquiries
27

Core Table #16 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Percentage of HIDTA Initiative Investigations Referred to Other HIDTAs 

 & 

Other Agencies, by Year 

Percentage of HIDTA Initiative Cases Referred to Other HIDTAs and Other Agencies for Year, 

at Los Angeles HIDTA 

Year 

2004 

Total HIDTA 

Initiative 

Investigations 

807 

# Initiative 

Investigations 

Targeted for 

Referral 

 # HIDTA

Initiative 

Investigations 

Referred to 

Other HIDTAs 

9 

 # HIDTA

Initiative 

Investigations 

Referred to 

Other Agencies 

294 

Total Initiative 

Investigations 

Referred 

303 

% Targeted 

Initiative 

Investigations 

Referred 

303 100% 

2005* 619 496 235 261 496 100% 

2006 0 

2007 

 

 0 

*Includes 370 “Pipeline” investigations generated by LACRCIC / 197 referred – 76 ‘Other HIDTAs’ & 121 to ‘Other Agencies’ 

 

Discussion – Enhanced Law Enforcement Cooperation – Local, Regional and National – 

Tables 15 and 16 clearly depict the very positive outcome achieved by the Los Angeles High 

Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) intelligence and enforcement initiatives in the 

critical areas of investigative support and investigation referrals. 

These activities are essential to the overall success of drug law enforcement in terms of 

improving efficiency and effectiveness through information sharing and coordinated intelligence. 

During this year, the LA-HIDTA Task Forces (7) “handed off” 496 significant major narcotics 

trafficking investigation elements to other HIDTA regions and law enforcement organizations 

both in our region and beyond. It should be noted that it is quite likely that these “hand off” 

cases would not have been worked if it were not for the ONDCP – HIDTA enhanced cooperative 

efforts of participating Federal, State and local law enforcement. The following chart will 

provide an overview of “hand off” cases, 1999 through 2005: 

2LOS ANGELES 

HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA 

Enhance Effectiveness – Promote Joint Investigations 

HANDOFF CASES

To Other Law Enforcement Agencies & Other HIDTA regions, 1999 through 2005 134 85 164 128 288 181198 161 167 129192 111 235 261

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

NUMBER

1999 2001 2003 2005

YEARS

HAND OFF CASES

OTHER HIDTA

OTHER AGENCY
Effectiveness of HIDTA I 

Threat Specific Measures – Relates to Goal 1 

The following Threat Specific Tables have been provided by the Los Angeles High Intensity 

Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) in order to illustrate various areas of regional, national and 

international drug trafficking concerns not addressed in the specific required Core Measures 

reported earlier in this report. 

Threat Specific Table #17 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Federal Fugitives Targeted and Apprehended, by Year16

Los Angeles HIDTA Fugitives Targeted and Apprehended by Year 

Year # Identified # Targeted 

% 

Targeted 

of 

Identified 

# Apprehended Apprehended % of 

Targeted 

2004 225 225 100% 249 111% 

2005 225 225 100% 327 145% 

2006 

2007 

 * # identified & targeted based on a 4 year average 

Discussion – The United States Marshal’s Service operates an LA-HIDTA Initiative with a very 

specific focus of targeting and arresting 

fugitives who are members of significant 

narcotic trafficking organizations who have 

committed crimes of violence in our region 

and beyond. They work in close concert 

with all of the LA-HIDTA Task Forces on 

matters of mutual concern and they are 

collocated with the State of California, 

Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement, Fugitive 

Detail. 

United States Marshal’s Service – “Equal Justice” Fugitive Task Force – Global Impact – 

Of the 327 LA-HIDTA fugitives arrested by the United States Marshal’s Service – “Equal 

Justice” Fugitive Task Force in C/Y 2005, 136 were wanted in other Judicial Districts and 

Courts. The arrests of these individuals clearly indicate that narcotic fugitives do not recognize 

National, State or judicial boundaries. These apprehended fugitives have significant ties not only 

to narcotic trafficking organizations in the Central District of California17, but to more prominent 

organizations throughout the continental United States, the Caribbean and Central and South 

America. 

 

16 Data for the USMS – “Equal Justice” Task Force is obtained through their Fugitive Apprehension Data Base 17 Central District of California – the largest Federal Judicial District in the United States 

28

FEDERAL FUGITIVE ARRESTS - 2005

OF TOTAL, #OUT 

OF DISTRICT

29%

TOTAL ARRESTS

71%

FEDERAL FUGITIVE ARRESTS - 2005

OF TOTAL, #OUT 

OF DISTRICT

29%

TOTAL ARRESTS

71%
29

“Equal Justice” Fugitive Task Force – 7 Year Impact Overview – Over the past 7 years, the 

United States Marshal’s Service, “Equal Justice” Fugitive Task Force, has taken 1,679 Federal 

fugitives with a narcotic nexus into custody. Of the above number, 487 were wanted in other 

Federal Judicial Districts and Courts. The following chart will provide a breakdown of both “in 

district” and “out of district” federal fugitive arrests, 1999 through 2005: 

LOS ANGELES 

HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA 

United States Marshal’s Service – “Equal Justice” Task Force 

FEDERAL FUGITIVE ARRESTS – NARCOTICS NEXUS 

1999 through 2005 

191

113

213

15

218

48

239

46

242

86

249

43

327

136

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

NUMBER

1999200020012002200320042005

YEARS

FEDERAL FUGITIVE ARRESTS

Total Fugitive

Arrests

Of Total, # Out of

District

VII CONCLUSIONS 

Since its inception in 1990, the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) 

has developed into a fully functioning regional and multi-jurisdictional law enforcement narcotic 

trafficking strategy. The LA-HIDTA was originally designated as one of the Nation’s "major 

narcotic gateways", a distinction which is most evident and remains true to this day. 

The various achievements of the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LAHIDTA) reflected in this Annual Report clearly stand as remarkable examples of the Office of 

National Drug Control Policy, National HIDTA Program concept where the key elements to 

success are visibly demonstrated by individual, multi-jurisdictional efforts, task force and 

intelligence system creativity and the ability of Federal, State and local law enforcement to 

adapt, both regionally and nationally, to ever changing drug trafficking circumstances. Through 

the years, as evidenced by the remarkable quality of the work accomplished, both our Executive 

Board and Initiatives have continued to work very hard in order to successfully embrace and 

support the National HIDTA Program concept. 

C/Y 2005 marks the second year that the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

(LA-HIDTA) has reported initiative operational targets and subsequent outcomes using the new 

Performance Management Process (PMP) efficiency and effectiveness core tables which are 

spread throughout this Annual Report. These graphic presentations provide clear illustrations as 
30

to how the various goals and objectives of the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

(LA-HIDTA) are right on target with respect to impacting the defined major drug trafficking 

threat in both our region and beyond. 

Additionally, clear evidence of very successful initiative effectiveness and productivity is present 

throughout this report, leading one to correctly conclude that drug trafficking, illegal narcotics 

availability and the resulting criminal financial rewards are, in fact, being successfully impacted 

and reduced (Goal 1). All of these accomplishments are being done by regional Federal, State 

and local law enforcement efficiently and effectively being enhanced through Los Angeles High 

Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) facilitated training and information sharing (Goal 

2). 

Specifically, this conclusion will again underscore the initiative efforts of the Los Angeles High 

Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) and a number of the more notable achievements in 

C/Y 2005: 

• Major Drug Trafficking Organizations Targeted -- Through the year, the LA-HIDTA 

Task Forces targeted 89% (221) of the major drug trafficking organizations they 

identified (249) in our region. 

• Major Drug Trafficking Organizations Impacted -- Once targeted, 63% (139) of the 

major drug trafficking organizations were dismantled or severely disrupted. Specifically, 

49 (22%) of the targeted organizations were dismantled and 90 (41%) were severely 

disrupted. 

• Impact -- Drugs / Money Seized -- Arrests -- Over 87 tons of dangerous drugs were 

removed from the streets of America by the Los Angeles HIDTA Task Forces. This 

included 4.5 tons of cocaine, 79.6 tons of marijuana, 33 lbs of heroin, 2.5 tons of 

methamphetamine, and approximately 1 ton of pseudoephedrine. Additionally, over $51

million in cash and an additional $5.8 million in property assets were seized and 1,512

individuals were arrested for various narcotics and money laundering offenses (includes 

327 federal fugitive / narcotic nexus arrests by the United States Marshal's Service). 

It is interesting to note that the 87 tons of dangerous drugs seized this year by the LAHIDTA Task Forces had a remarkable street value (average wholesale price) of 

$153,048,734. 

• Methamphetamine Laboratories Dismantled – In C/Y 2005, the enforcement 

initiatives of the Los Angeles HIDTA seized 103 methamphetamine laboratories that 

were operating in the region. At a local average wholesale selling price of $650 per 

ounce in the street, they conservatively stopped the production, per “cooking” cycle, of 

over $3,464,500 worth of raw methamphetamine. 

It is interesting to note that 29 of these investigations targeted major Mexican National 

methamphetamine manufacturing organizations and 67 of the total investigations had 

child endangerment charges presented for prosecution against the laboratory operators. 

Additionally, the enforcement initiatives of the Los Angeles HIDTA were responsible for 

seizing 54% (15) of all of the methamphetamine “super labs” (10 to 20 pounds per 
31

production cycle) in the State of California (28). This year, “super labs” accounted for 

about 1% of the total methamphetamine production laboratory seizures in the Nation. 

Even more striking in C/Y 2005 was the fact that the enforcement initiatives of the Los 

Angeles HIDTA seized 44% (15) of all the “super labs” seized in the United States (34). 

• Return on Investment (ROI) -- In C/Y 2005, the enforcement initiatives of the Los 

Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) seized $153,048,734 worth 

of drugs from the major drug trafficking organizations operating in and through our 

region. This remarkable law enforcement effort yielded an ROI of $11 for every dollar of 

HIDTA funds spent. 

The real impact to any major drug trafficking organization is to affect them in such a 

manner as to reduce their bottom line profits. Core Tables 6, 7 and 8 clearly 

demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug 

Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) enforcement and intelligence initiatives which resulted in 

the removal of both illicit drugs and profits from the major drug trafficking organizations 

targeted for enforcement action. 

In C/Y 2005, the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) 

invested $14,142,427 to effectively remove $210,714,005 in drugs and assets from the 

drug traffickers who were operating in and through our region. This reflects a 

remarkable combined ROI of $15 returned for every HIDTA dollar invested. 

• Law Enforcement Agencies – Leveraged Contributions to the Los Angeles HIDTA

Program -- The Los Angeles HIDTA Program involves hundreds of Federal, State and 

local law enforcement personnel from agencies that make significant contributions to our 

initiatives which are not reimbursed. The dollar amounts that are reflected below have 

been reported by our participating agencies and is a conservative estimate of their 

contributions to our Los Angeles HIDTA Program: 

• State and Local Law Enforcement Agency Contributions = $44,352,839

• Federal Law Enforcement Agency Contributions = $13,565,145 

• Combined Contributions = $57,917,984 

The above dollar amounts are based on salary and benefits, vehicles, facility costs, 

aircraft and specialized equipment not provided by the HIDTA Program. In Los Angeles, 

for every $1 of HIDTA funds spent on the Program, our participating Federal, State and 

local law enforcement agencies contribute $4 of un-reimbursed funds. 

• 12 Year Impact Overview – During this twelve year time period, the LA-HIDTA 

enforcement initiatives have seized over 490 tons of dangerous drugs arrested some 

18,051 drug trafficking offenders and seized over $267 million in U.S. currency. 

Additionally, they have positively impacted 1,804 major drug trafficking organizations 

by dismantling 1,164 and severely disrupting 640. The LA-HIDTA task forces (7) 

accomplished all of this with less than 400 agents and officers inside our 4 county (Los 

Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino) 32,341 square mile region, which 

contains a general population of (+/-) 16 million. 
32

VIII APPENDICES 

Appendix A Intelligence Support System (ISS) – Detailed Activity/Overview 

 Intelligence Support - A Systems Approach - Flow Chart 

Appendix B LA-HIDTA Task Forces – Statistical Outputs 

 Task Forces – Intelligence – Organization Chart 

Appendix C Overall Indicators 

 2005 Mid-Year & Year-End Threat Assessment 

 ** Beyond the Baseline ** 

 Regional Impact – Inclusive of HIDTA Initiatives 

5 Year Overview 

 LA-HIDTA Initiatives – Impact Against the Threat 

12 Year Overview 

Appendix D C/Y 2005 – Initiative Objectives – Expected & Actual 

Outputs & Outcomes 

Appendix E Table of Organization for the LA-HIDTA 

 Executive Board – Membership Listing 

Counties Participating in the HIDTA – A Listing 

 List of Participating Agencies – C/Y 2005 

 Office of National Drug Control Policy – Awards 

 A Nationally Recognized Program 

Appendix F Current LA-HIDTA Training Schedule, refer to: laweb.hidta.net

IX LIST OF TABLES & CHARTS 

 Page

 

1. Core Table 1: Cost per DTO Disrupted or Dismantled, by Year............................11 

2. Core Table 2: Percentage of DTOs Disrupted or Dismantled, 

 by Scope, 2005 ...........................................................................12 

3. Chart Title: Major DTO’s Impacted – 1999 through 2005..................................12 

 
33

 

 Page

4. Core Table 3: Percentage of Money Laundering Organizations 

 Disrupted or Dismantled, by Scope, 2005 .................................13 

5. Core Table 4: Operational Scope of all DTO Cases Initiated, 2005 .......................14 

6. Chart Title: Operational Scope – DTO’s Targeted, 2005....................................14 

7. Core Table 5: Drugs Removed from the Marketplace, 2005 .................................15 

8. Core Table 6: Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs Removed

 From the Marketplace by Law Enforcement 

 Initiatives, by Year.....................................................................16 

9. Core Table 7: Return on Investment (ROI) for Assets Removed

 From the Marketplace by Law Enforcement 

 Initiatives, by Year ....................................................................16 

10. Core Table 8: Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs and Assets

 Removed from the Marketplace by Law 

 Enforcement Initiatives, by Year ..............................................16 

11. Core Table 9: Prosecution Initiative Cost per Investigation by Year .....................17 

12. Chart Title: Prosecution / Investigations, 2005 ...................................................17 

13. Core Table 10: Value of Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs 

 Dismantled in 2005, by Size ......................................................18 

14. Chart Title: Super Methamphetamine Labs Seized, 2005 ..................................18 

15. Chart Title: United States vs. LA-HIDTA 

 Super Labs Seized, 2005.............................................................18 

16. Core Table 11: HIDTA Clandestine Laboratory Activities in 2005 ........................19 

17. Chart Title: Pseudoephedrine – Voluntary Compliance 

 2000 through 2005 .....................................................................19 

18. Chart Title: Methamphetamine Labs / Mexican National Labs 

 2000 through 2005 .....................................................................20 

19. Core Table 12: HIDTA Training Efficiency by Year 

 and Type of Training .................................................................21 

20. Chart Title: Number of Students, by Agency, 

 2001 through 2005 ......................................................................22 
34

 Page

21. Chart Title: Number of Training Classes, by Type, 

 1999 through 2005 .....................................................................23 

22. Core Table 13: Percentage of HIDTA Initiatives Using Event and Case 

 Deconfliction Services, by Year .................................................23 

23. Core Table 14: Percentage of Event and Case Deconflictions 

 Submitted, by Year .....................................................................24 

24. Chart Title: Critical Events / Deconfliction, 1999 through 2005 .........................24 

25. Core Table 15: Percentage of Investigations Provided Analytical 

 Support, by Year ........................................................................25 

26. Chart Title: Intelligence Case Support / Work Products 

 1999 through 2005 .....................................................................26 

27. Chart Title: RISS Inquiries / Hits, 1999 through 2005 ........................................26 

28. Core Table 16: Percentage of HIDTA Investigations Referred 

 to Other HIDTA’s and other Agencies, by Year ........................27 

29. Chart Title: “Hand - Off “ Cases, 1999 through 2005 ..........................................27 

30. Threat Specific Table 17: Fugitives Targeted and Apprehended, by Year .............28 

31. Threat Specific Chart: Federal Fugitive Arrests – In / Out of District, 2005 .....28 

32. Threat Specific Chart: Federal Fugitive Arrests – Narcotic Nexus 

 1999 through 2005 ...................................................29 

 

X ENDNOTES

Note: Footnotes were used to prepare this report 
35

APPENDIX A 

LA-HIDTA 

INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT SYSTEM (ISS)

** DETAILED ACTIVITY OVERVIEW **

INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT 

** A Systems Approach ** 

INFORMATION FLOW CHART 
36

Intelligence Support System (ISS) 

Defined 

Combined Detailed Activity Overview 

(Separated)

LOS ANGELES 

COUNTY REGIONAL CRIMINAL INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE 

LOS ANGELES JOINT DRUG INTELLIGENCE GROUP 

INLAND NARCOTICS CLEARING HOUSE 

(Intelligence Support System (ISS) – Combined Intelligence Requests) 

INTELLIGENCE REQUESTS 2003 2004 2005 +/-% 04/05 

CASES SUPPORTED 777 976 1,008 +3.3 

WORK PRODUCTS PRODUCED 

(Major Intelligence Activity) 

2003 2004 2005 +/-% 04/05 

CHARTS / GRAPHS 3,884 2,098 3,992 +90.3 

TELEPHONE TOLL REPORTS 10,400 11,164 11,863 +6.2 

INTEL PROFILES* 5,111 6,177 4,376 -29.2 

TOTAL 19,395 19,439 20,231 +4.1 

* Includes Link Profiles, VIA Charting Profiles, Geo Mapping, Target Profiles, PSA Organizational/ Bio Profiles 

Discussion: 

LA-HIDTA Intelligence Support System (ISS) – Intelligence Architecture Plan – Defined as 

a major goal for C/Y 2005, this year continued to bring greater focus to our various intelligence 

systems through the implementation of the Intelligence Architecture Plan, a work in progress. 

This plan redefines the intelligence responsibilities and priorities within the LA-HIDTA, 

effectively “bringing together” our intelligence initiatives into what today is called the 

Intelligence Support System (ISS). It brings a working memorandum of understanding between 

intelligence initiatives, enhanced lines of communication and clear definitive lines of 

responsibility. Additionally, the process brings an enhanced level of intelligence service to the 

LA-HIDTA law enforcement community. Work on the overall LA-HIDTA Intelligence Support 

System (ISS) will continue into C/Y 2006 and will remain an area of primary focus for our 

region. The “driving elements” of this fully integrated intelligence plan are: 

• Intelligence Sub-Committee – Established and recognized as a “standing 

committee” by the Executive Board, its primary purpose is to shape and drive the 

policies and objectives of the LA-HIDTA intelligence community. Additionally, 

they serve as a planning element for future intelligence operations and are 

responsible for monitoring and assessing the ongoing activities of the various 

intelligence components serving the LA-HIDTA. 

• Intelligence Sub-Committee Membership – Includes representatives from all 

agencies which possess intelligence nodes within the LA-HIDTA. 
37

• Working Group – The Intelligence Sub-Committee has appointed a standing 

“Working Group” comprised of representatives from the LA-HIDTA intelligence 

community (DEA, ICE, LAJDIG, LACRCIC and INCH). By design, this 

“Working Group” remains in place to assist in the coordination of both the 

continuing LA-HIDTA intelligence efforts and the annual threat assessment 

process. 

• Delineation of Intelligence Initiatives Responsibilities – Working with the 

recommendations made in the Intelligence Architecture Report, the Working 

Group developed a matrix which clearly defines intelligence initiative 

responsibilities. This matrix was approved for implementation by the LA-HIDTA 

Executive Board, Intelligence Sub-Committee. 

• Intelligence Initiatives – Memorandum of Agreement – Driven by the 

recommendations made in the Intelligence Architecture Report, A Memorandum 

of Agreement, which defines the overall capabilities and responsibilities of the 

LA-HIDTA Intelligence Initiatives, has been developed, signed and implemented. 

• Case Support – In order to provide direct case support to enforcement teams, the 

intelligence resources at the Southern California Drug Task Force (SCDTF) were 

augmented with additional LACRCIC analysts. 

• Post Seizure Analysis Team – The Post Seizure Analysis Team, staffed by the 

LACRCIC, LAJDIG and INCH, augments and exploits the intelligence potential 

of seized evidence and further develops the Seizure Data Base. 

• Threat Assessment Team – A Threat Assessment Team staffed by analysts from 

each intelligence and enforcement initiative has been established to function 

under the direction of the LAJDIG to monitor the threat in the LA-HIDTA region 

on a continuing basis and assist in the production of the Annual Threat 

Assessment, Mid-Year Enhancement and Year-End Review and Impact 

Assessment. 

• Intelligence Summary Team – An Intelligence Summary Team, staffed by 

analysts from the LACRCIC, has been established and tasked with the production 

of a monthly report summarizing significant intelligence events for the LAHIDTA. 

• Intelligence Training Team – An Intelligence Training Team, under the 

direction of the LAJDIG, has been formed for the purpose of developing, 

researching and promoting various training opportunities within the LA-HIDTA. 

• Technical Team – Instituted in 1999, the Technical Team was implemented for 

the primary purpose of assessing the status of current computer systems within the 

enforcement and intelligence communities of the LA-HIDTA, as well as 

predicting future needs with a focus on standardization and “cutting edge” 

technology. 
38

LA-HIDTA 

INTELLIGENCE INITIATIVES 

(Detailed Overview / Activity – Separated)

 

Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse (LACRCIC)

(Component of the Intelligence Support System (ISS)) 

The mission of the Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse 

(LACRCIC) is to produce and provide intelligence products, enhanced information sharing and 

advanced systems technology to Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies in order to 

ensure officer safety and enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. 

The LACRCIC represents a unified effort to develop an innovative and progressive information 

management system in support of narcotic law enforcement operations in the LA-HIDTA region. 

The system uses advanced technology and skilled professionals to maximize the ability of 

counter-drug law enforcement to manage and share critical information. The critical elements of 

this initiative are: The 24 hour War Room and Intelligence Watch Center, the Research and 

Analysis Unit, the Special Operations Center and the Statewide Integrated Narcotics System 

(SINS). 

• War Room / Intelligence Watch Center – The War Room provides “real time” 

operational and tactical intelligence support by tracking, around-the-clock, all Federal, 

State and local law enforcement undercover operations within the four county region 

known as the LA-HIDTA.18 On-site Intelligence Analysts are available to immediately 

research the various law enforcement intelligence data bases, thus enabling officers to 

conduct enhanced narcotic investigations. 

The War Room and Intelligence Watch Center, during the C/Y 2005 twelve month 

“threat assessment window”, January 1 to December 31, handled some 169,261 database 

inquiries, a 9% decrease over last year’s activity, resulting in 36,811 (21.7%) database 

“hits”. 

• Critical Event Tracking – The War Room tracked 26,523 Critical Events, an increase of 

27% over last year. This number included 1,135 deconflictions (4.2% - one out of every 

twenty five critical events), an increase of 34.3% over 2004, wherein various law 

enforcement undercover operations are notified when they are about to conflict with each 

other for a number of reasons. The following is a summary of War Room activity: 

 

18 The LACRCIC “War Room” also provides deconfliction and related intelligence services to the Northern 

California, Central California and Nevada HIDTAs. 
39

LACRCIC 

WAR ROOM / INTELLIGENCE WATCH CENTER 

Database and Critical Event Summary19

Four Year Overview

DATABASE ACTIVITY NUMBER 

2002 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

DATABASE INQUIRIES (RISS) 167,432 194,204 +16 185,781 -4.0 169,261 -9 

DATABASE HITS 38,988 42,670 +47.2 40,226 -6.0 36,811 -8.4 

HIT PERCENTAGE 23.3% 22.0% 21.6% 21.7% 

 Note: While the War Room handles the deconfliction services for the Los Angeles HIDTA, Northern California HIDTA, Central California 

 HIDTA and Nevada HIDTA, this report only reflects data for the Los Angeles region. 

CRITICAL EVENT ACTIVITY NUMBER 

2002 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

CRITICAL EVENTS 19,319 20,292 +5.0 20,934 +3.0 26,523 +27 

CRITICAL EVENT CONFLICTS 1,065 1,120 +5.2 845 -25.0 1,135 +34.3 

CONFLICT PERCENTAGE 6.0% 6.0% 4.0% 4.2% 

 Deconfliction – The definition of a “conflict” was redefined in C/Y 2002, resulting in lower numbers, but more accurate reporting. 

 For explanations of reductions, please refer to each year’s respective Annual Report 

• Threat Assessment and Strategy Validation -- In order to assist in the process of both 

validating the regional drug threat and ensuring the proper focus of our strategy, the Los 

Angeles HIDTA continually monitors, 

in real time through our 24/7 

deconfliction system, the actual drug 

trafficking related undercover field 

operations of all Federal, State and 

local law enforcement agencies 

operating within our 4 county region. 

In part, these operations are tracked by 

the primary type of drug being 

trafficked by the involved individual or 

organization. The above chart reflects both the percentage and various primary drugs

worked by law enforcement in C/Y 2005. 

• Providing Deconfliction Services to other HIDTA Regions – It is of interest to note 

that the LACRCIC “War Room” is one of three integrated / compatible deconfliction / 

intelligence systems in the State of California (Western States Information Network), 

each one having the capability to back the other up as a result of either anticipated or 

unanticipated down time. The other two systems are located in Sacramento and San 

Diego. In addition to serving the LA-HIDTA region, the Los Angeles County Regional 

Criminal Information Clearinghouse (LACRCIC) has been selected by the Central 

Valley, Northern California and Nevada HIDTAs to handle all of their deconfliction 

services. 

As stated earlier, while it is a remarkable thing to accomplish this “sharing of 

resources” within the State of California, it is quite another achievement to “crossover” 

into the State of Nevada. This notable capability means that the LA-HIDTA is handling 

the deconfliction services for 24 counties within the State of California (24 out of 58 – 

41.4%) and one County in the State of Nevada. As a result, the LACRCIC is providing 

 

19 Source: Information / data provided from the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) data base. 

DRUG RELATED CRITICAL EVENTS

% O F TO TAL WO RKED IN LA-HIDTA

C/Y 2005

MARIJUANA

10%

HEROIN

5% OTHER DRUGS

13%

METH

43%

COCAINE

29%
40

both focused intelligence and deconfliction services to 448 Federal, State and local law 

enforcement agencies in the States of California and Nevada. 

This most remarkable “consolidation of effort” and “erasing” of jurisdictional boundaries 

speaks extremely well to the overall capabilities and ultimate design of the LA-HIDTA 

deconfliction process. 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.

20 The following is a listing of the 

four HIDTA regions comprised of 25 counties in the States of California and Nevada that 

are continually served, 24 hours-a-day / 7 days-a-week by the Los Angeles County 

Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse (LACRCIC) Deconfliction Center / War 

Room:

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 

LOS ANGELES 

ORANGE 

SAN BERNARDINO 

RIVERSIDE

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 

ALAMEDA 

CONTRA COSTA 

LAKE 

MARTIN 

MONTEREY 

SANTA CLARA 

SANTA CRUZ 

SAN FRANCISCO 

SAN MATEO 

SONOMA 

SAN BENITO

CENTRAL VALLEY CALIFORNIA 

SACRAMENTO 

SAN JOAQUIN 

STANISLAUS 

MERCED 

MADERA 

FRESNO 

KINGS 

TULARE 

KERN

NEVADA 

CLARK 

• State of California Anti-Terrorism Information Center – In C/Y 2005, utilizing the 

RISS, the LACRCIC provided analytical support to the California Anti-Terrorism 

Information Center (CATIC) and the associated anti-terrorism intelligence task forces 

that are located within our HIDTA region (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San 

Bernardino Counties). 

• Analytical and Research Unit – In the LA-HIDTA region, this unit supports drug 

enforcement operations, tracks potential threats to officer safety, manages and analyzes 

case information and drug trafficking activities and prepares cases for prosecution. They 

provide support through Telephone Toll Analysis, Analytical Case Support, Operational 

Intelligence Programs, Officer Safety Bulletins, Post Seizure Analysis and Asian Crime 

Analysis. 

The LACRCIC Analytical and Research Unit, during C/Y 2005, provided support to 

some 494 law enforcement investigations and handled 225 Service Requests. This 

resulted in 14,196 analytical products, a 10.3% increase over the prior year. A listing of 

these requests for service follows, by type: 

 

20It should be noted that all of the Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies served in the regions described 

are provided this service regardless of their HIDTA membership / participation. 
41

LACRCIC 

ANALYTICAL AND RESEARCH UNIT 

Activity Summary – Four Year Overview21

SUPPORT REQUEST TYPE NUMBER 

2002 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

CHARTS & GRAPHS 999 1,464 +146 1,335 -.9 1,315 -1.5 

SUMMARIES & REPORTS 136 983 +622 1,294 +31.6 1,133 +12.4 

COMPUTER LISTINGS* 3,042 8,164 +140 10,238 +25.4 11,748 +14.7 

TOTAL 4,537 10,611 +133 12,867 +21.2 14,196 +10.3 

 * Computer Listings = toll and data base reports 

 CASES SUPPORTED* 83 103 +24.1 125 +21.4 494 +295 

 * Includes SCDTF / LAFD Intelligence Group 3 (operationally linked to the LACRCIC) support of 37 cases in C/Y 2005. 

 12 of these cases were CPOT and 10 were OCDETF / 2004 & 2005 includes pipeline investigations 

TOTAL SERVICE REQUESTS 321 737 +130 333 -54.8 225 -32.4 

ARRESTS- RESULT OF SERVICE 166 196 +18.1 292 +49.0 397 +36 

COURT SAVINGS 2002 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

$2,850,000 $350,000 -88 $450,000 +29 $300,000 -33.3 

 Court Savings reflects only Los Angeles County 

 For explanations of reductions, please refer to each year’s respective Annual Report

• Special Operations Center – The LACRCIC – Special Operations Center is designed to 

support major law enforcement operations in our region involving activity such as 

electronic surveillance or “wire tap” investigations. In C/Y 2005, the Center facilitated 

telecommunication intercepts on 402 (land line / wireless) telephones and as a result 

intercepted 52,440 pertinent calls. The Center employs state-of-the-art automated 

information management systems (Statewide Integrated Narcotics System) and electronic 

surveillance equipment and is configured to house and support an on-site staff of 

investigators and analysts for the duration of any special investigation / operation. 

• Statewide Integrated Narcotics System (SINS) – The LACRCIC, as a major 

component of the Statewide Integrated Narcotics System, operates in support of the 

Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies in the LA-HIDTA region. The 

Clearinghouse, in conjunction with the Western States Information Network (WSIN), San 

Diego / Imperial County Narcotics Information Network (NIN) and the California Bureau 

of Narcotic Enforcement, form a statewide, state-of-the-art intelligence narcotic 

information network with connectivity through the Southwest Border States Anti-Drug 

Information System to National intelligence data bases through the Regional Information 

Sharing System. 

 

21 Source: Information / data provided from the LACRCIC internal “Case Track” System 
42

Los Angeles Joint Drug Intelligence Group (LAJDIG)

(Component of the Intelligence Support System (ISS)) 

The LAJDIG is a fully functioning, multi-agency, collocated, strategic and operational 

intelligence and analytical initiative. Its mission is to provide strategic profiles, target profiles, 

post seizure analysis, telephone toll analysis, cross case analysis, organizational profiling and 

major case support to all law enforcement agencies operating within the Los Angeles High 

Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Additionally, the LAJDIG is responsible for the development 

and distribution of the LA-HIDTA Threat Assessment. 

• Support Teams – In order to best meet the intelligence needs of the various Federal, 

State and local law enforcement agencies throughout the LA-HIDTA region, the LAJDIG 

assigns the various service requests to the following “Support Teams”, each of which, by 

design, has specific areas of focus and expertise: 

Narcotics – Terrorism 

Case Support / Financial 

Post Seizure Analysis / Administrative 

Threat Assessment Lead / Toll & Cross Case Analysis 

Federal Intelligence Data Systems / Data Entry 

Organizational Studies / Criminal Enterprise / Southwest Border Teams 

In C/Y 2005, the above LAJDIG “Teams” supported 302 Investigations. These “Teams” 

produced over 7,113 analytical products, an increase of 5.6% over last year (6,738). The 

following chart list the requests for service by the five “Substantive Teams” by type of 

request: 

 

LAJDIG 

ANALYTICAL AND RESEARCH SUPPORT (SUBSTANTIVE) TEAMS 

Activity Summary – Cases Supported – Four Year Overview22

SUPPORT TEAM ACTIVITY # CASES SUPPORTED 

2002 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

POST SEIZURE ANALYSIS 26 21 -19.2 22 +4.8 19 -13.6 

TELEPHONE TOLL ANALYSIS 182 155 -14.8 185 +19.4 220 +18.9 

FINANCIAL / HIFCA 232 243 +4.7 22 -90.1 20 -9.1 

NARCO / TERRORISM* 38 41 +7.9 49 +22 19 -61.2 

CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE 9 14 +55.6 2 -85.7 8 +300 

SOUTHWEST BORDER 59 40 -32.2 2 -10 16 +700 

TOTAL* 546 514 -5.9 319 -37.9 302 -5.3 

*Reduction due to an increase in criminal enterprise/gang cases and less emphasis on narco / terrorism investigations 

 

22 Source: Information / data provided by the LAJDIG internal Case Tracking System 
43

LAJDIG 

ANALYTICAL AND RESEARCH SUPPORT TEAMS 

Activity Summary / Work Products Produced 

(January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005) 

PRODUCTION ACTIVITY TOTAL 

TARGET PROFILES* 153 

TOLL ANALYSIS PROFILES* 28 

CHARTS / GRAPHS / REPORTS* 1,470 

CASE CONNECTIVITY ESTABLISHED* 4,462 

INDIVIDUAL BIO SHEETS CREATED* 254 

TITLE III / DNR SUPPORT 152 

NEW TARGETS IDENTIFIED 10 

COURT ORDER REQUESTS* 176 

REPORT DISSEMINATIONS* 498 

FULL POST SEIZURE PROFILES* 5 

SUBPOENAS ISSUED* 67 

TOLL RECORDS LOADED INTO JDIG DATABASE 1,688,643 

METRO SEARCH INQUIRIES 93,589 

TOLL SUBSCRIBERS IDENTIFIED (Metro Search) 11,403 

DATABASE / RECORD INQUIRIES 542,663 * Number = work products produced / Source: LAJDIG Case Tracking System 

• High Intensity Financial Crimes Area (HIFCA) – During C/Y 2000, Los Angeles was 

designated a High Intensity Financial Crimes Area. The LAJDIG “Financial Team” 

supports the Los Angeles HIFCA by conducting toll analysis on telephone numbers 

recorded through the banking industries’ “Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR’s)”, for the 

purpose of determining various case leads and identifying money laundering cells 

contained within the major drug trafficking organizations that operate in and through our 

region. The combining of regional law enforcement resources such as this, in order to 

successfully address major drug trafficking / money laundering issues, speaks indeed to 

the strength of the ONDCP National HIDTA Program. 

• Narcotics – Terrorism Team – On September 11, 2001, the LAJDIG created a 

“Narcotics – Terrorism Team” and began to immediately assist the FBI Strategic 

Information Operation Center (SIOC) in Washington, D.C. Continuing into 2006, this 

team is providing “real time” assistance to Federal, State and local anti-terrorism / 

narcotic terrorism investigations throughout our region and beyond. In C/Y 2005, the 

LAJDIG opened 19 intelligence investigations for the Narcotics – Terrorism Team. 
44

Inland Narcotics Clearing House (INCH) 

(Component of the Intelligence Support System (ISS)) 

INCH, administered by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Special Investigations 

Bureau, and collocated at DEA Riverside, has a twofold support mission within the LA-HIDTA: 

(1) Provide narcotic related analytical support to all law enforcement agencies and multi-agency 

task forces within the Inland Empire, which is comprised of Riverside and San Bernardino 

Counties; (2) Provide the necessary hardware and communications connectivity to the Statewide 

Integrated Narcotics System (SINS) and act as a local processing site for the transfer of SINS 

based information between Sacramento, the LA Clearinghouse and the several agencies within 

the Inland Empire with SINS workstations. The collocation of INCH with DEA Riverside 

allows significant interaction with their analytical component facilitating communication and 

intelligence sharing capabilities. Their various internal intelligence support systems are as 

follows: 

Operates as a Support Unit / Case Support / Toll and Cross Case Analysis 

State of California Anti-Terrorism Informational Center – Analytical Support

The role of INCH is geared toward providing case specific analytical support by taking drug 

intelligence information from submitting investigators and manipulating that data into a usable 

format. This format is usually some graphical representation of the information which, when 

processed, is turned back to the initial investigator for appropriate dissemination. INCH is a 

support unit and does not actively seek out new intelligence or develop intelligence sources. 

These capabilities within the LA-HIDTA remain with both the LAJDIG and LACRCIC. 

A comparative listing of service requests for 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 for the Inland Narcotics 

Clearing House (INCH) follows. This activity reflects that a total of 212 major narcotic 

trafficking cases were supported by INCH in C/Y 2005. Additionally, during the year, they 

recorded some 213 requests for service from the law enforcement community and the production 

of 3,993 reports and charts. 

INCH 

MAJOR NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING CASES SUPPORTED 

(Four Year Overview) 

TYPE # CASES SUPPORTED 

2002 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

COCAINE 8 34 +32.5 35 +2.9 19 -46 

CLANDESTINE LABS 41 18 -56.1 50 +178 46 +8 

MARIJUANA 2 16 +700 13 -19 14 +8 

METHAMPHETAMINE 17 85 +400 126 +48.2 71 -44 

OTHER DRUGS 7 5 -28.6 86 +162 62 -28 

TOTAL 75 158 +110.7 310 +96.2 212 -32 
45

INCH 

ANALYTICAL CASE SUPPORT – NUMBER OF REQUESTS 

(Four Year Overview) 

TYPE # OF REQUESTS 

2002 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

TELEPHONE TOLL 31 15 -51.6 18 +.20 9 -50 

REPORTS* 113 114 +.08 257 +125 124 -52 

MAPPING 4 2 -50 0 -200 1 +100 

CHARTING 12 12 0 27 +125 10 -63 

PHOTOGRAPHIC 30 81 +170 169 +108 69 -59 

TOTAL 190 224 +17.9 471 +110 213 -55 

* Includes 2 terrorism related California Anti-Terrorism Information Center (CATIC) investigations 

INCH 

ANALYTICAL CASE SUPPORT – NUMBER OF REPORTS AND CHARTS 

(Four Year Overview) 

TYPE # REPORTS & CHARTS 

2002 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

TELEPHONE TOLL* 3,083 1,213 -60.6 907 -25.2 87 -90.4 

REPORTS** 1,317 3,172 +140.8 3,719 +17.2 2,699 -27 

MAPPING 10 76 +660 6 -92 15 +150 

CHARTING*** 143 171 +19.6 74 -57.0 127 +71 

PHOTOGRAPHIC 759 826 +8.8 704 -15.0 1,065 +51 

TOTAL 5,312 5,458 +2.7 5,410 - .9 3,993 -26.2 

* Telephone Toll includes reports & supporting documents 

** Reports include: Textual Analysis, Statistical Reports Intelligence Profiles and the Hammer 

***Charting include: Link Analysis and VIA Charting 
46

SINS

SINS

TASK FORCES

TASK FORCES

Intelligence Support Intelligence Support Intelligence Support -- A Systems App

-- A Systems App

A Systems App

LACRCIC

INTELLIGEN

WATCH CEN

LACRCIC

INTELLIGENC

WATCH CENT

24 hrs / day

AGENT AGENT

INQUIRIES

&

SUBMISSIONS

INQUIRIES

&

SUBMISSIONS

INTELLIGEN

PROJECT

LAJDIG LACRCIC 

INTELLIGENC

PROJECTS

LAJDIG LACRCIC I

REQUEST

FOR

CASE SUPPORT

REQUEST

FOR

CASE SUPPORT

24 hrs / day

RESPONSE RESPONSE RESPONSE

CASE

SUPPORT

CASE

SUPPORT
47

APPENDIX B 

LA-HIDTA 

TASK FORCES 

** STATISTICAL OUTPUTS 

Arrests 

Drugs Seized, By Type 

12 Year Overview 

TASK FORCES – INTELLIGENCE 

ORGANIZATION CHART 
48

LA-HIDTA 

Task Forces 

Statistical Outputs23

(Arrests / Drugs Seized by Type / 12 Year Overview)

The combined statistical data reflected below from the LA-HIDTA Initiatives (7 Operational 

Task Forces), provides a listing of activity, covering the time period from January 1, 2005 to 

December 31, 2005, that is inclusive of the C/Y 2005 Threat Assessment process. Additionally, 

an eleven year impact overview is provided for review: 

Arrests 

LA-HIDTA 

TASK FORCES -- ARRESTS 

2002 Through 2005 

AGENCY NUMBER ARRESTED 

2002 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

LA-HIDTA TASK FORCES 1,496 1,178 -21.2 1,129 -4.2 1,185 +4.9 

USMS-Narcotic Fugitives 239 242 +1.2 249 +2.9 327 +31.3 

TOTAL 1,735 1,420 -18.2 1,378 -3.0 1,512 +9.7 

Drug Seizures 

LA-HIDTA TASK FORCES 

Inclusive of the Annual Threat Assessment 

DRUGS SEIZED BY TYPE 

2001 Through 2005 

DRUGS SEIZED 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

COCAINE 

(kgs)

1,877 

(2 tons) 

2,257 

(2.5 tons) 

3,452 

(3.8 tons) 

2,849 

(3.1 tons) 

4,062 

(4.5 tons) 

MARIJUANA 

(kgs)

11,231 

(12.4 tons) 

18,618 

(20.5 tons) 

35,984 

40.3 tons) 

36,294 

(40 tons) 

72,191 

(79.6 tons) 

TOTAL 

(kgs)

13,108 

(14.4 tons) 

20,875 

(23 tons) 

39,436 

(44.1 tons) 

39,143 

(43.1 tons) 

76,253 

(84.1 tons) 

* 2004 – Marijuana Seizures –does not include a significant seizure (113,449 plants) in the U.S. National Forest – Riverside 

 Facilitated by the National Marijuana Initiative -- The result of an LA-HIDTA intelligence initiative led investigation (INCH) 

 

23 Unless otherwise noted, all of the data reflected in Appendix B comes from the LA-HIDTA Baseline Threat 

Assessment, including the Mid-Year and Year-End Review and Enhancement, DTO Reports. 
49

12 YEAR TOTAL 

(Above Listed Drugs) 

DRUGS SEIZED – TYPE 12 YEAR TOTAL 

COCAINE (kgs) 102,955 (113.5 tons) 

MARIJUANA (kgs) 242,228 (267 tons) 

GRAND TOTAL (kgs) 345,183 (380.5 tons) 

LA-HIDTA TASK FORCES 

Inclusive of the Annual Threat Assessment 

DRUGS SEIZED BY TYPE 

2001 Through 2005 

DRUGS SEIZED 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

HEROIN 97 lbs 93 lbs 137 lbs 79.5 lbs 33 lbs 

METHAMPHETAMINE 6,681 lbs 

(3.3 tons) 

2,599 lbs 

(1.3 tons) 

6,898 lbs 

(3.5 tons) 

5,591 lbs 

(2.8 tons) 

4,930 lbs 

(2.5 tons) 

EPHEDRINE **   **  ** 

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE 44,000 lbs 

(22 tons) 

19,614 lbs 

(9.8 tons) 

39,731 lbs 

(19.9 tons) 

10,891 lbs 

(5.4 tons) 

1,895 lbs 

TOTAL 

(lbs)

50,778 lbs 

(25.4 tons) 

22,306 lbs 

(11.1 tons) 

46,766 lbs 

(23.4 tons) 

16,561.5 lbs 

(8.2 tons) 

6,858 lbs 

(3.5 tons) 

12 YEAR TOTAL 

(Above Listed Drugs) 

DRUGS SEIZED – TYPE 12 YEAR TOTAL 

HEROIN 781 lbs 

METHAMPHETAMINE 60,474 lbs (30.3 tons) 

EPHEDRINE 9,244 lbs (4.6 tons) 

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE 150,131 lbs (75.1 tons) 

GRAND TOTAL 220,630 (110.4 tons) 
50

Asset Seizures 

LA-HIDTA INITIATIVES 

SEIZURES OF MONEY 

1994 Through 2005 

U.S. CURRENCY SEIZURES / YEAR AMOUNT 

2005 $51,844,285 

2004 $22,568,619 

2003 $21,105,000 

2002 $16,900,000 

2001 $16,200,000 

2000 $19,059,611 

1999 $13,412,984 

1998 $ 8,599,585 

1997 $21,659,834 

1996 $18,977,584 

1995 $20,734,262 

1994 $ 36,127,490 

TOTAL $267,189,254 

* 2005 – Assets seized = $5,820,986 

Investigative Activity 

LA-HIDTA ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVES 

Electronic Intercept – Investigative Activity 

2002 through 2005 

ACTIVITY NUMBER COMPLETED 

2002 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

TITLE III INITIATIONS 31 29 -6/5 58 +100 80 +38 

PEN REGISTERS 29 23 -20.7 59 +157 53 -10.2 

TOTAL 60 52 -16.1 117 +125 113 -3.5 

ACTIVITY NUMBER COMPLETED 

2002 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

OCDETF CASES 24 16 -33.3 54 +237.5 12 -78 

TOTAL CASES INTEL ANALYST 

ASSIGNED 

1,025 1,626 +59 1,101 -32.2 1,008 -9.5 
51

DISCUSSION 

12 YEAR IMPACT OVERVIEW 

LA-HIDTA Initiatives 

The mission of the LA-HIDTA is to measurably reduce drug trafficking organizations that 

operate on a regional, national and international level. As a rule, the major drug trafficking 

organization investigations that are undertaken by our task forces (7) are long term, complex 

processes which often take months or years to bring to a successful conclusion. Because these 

cases do not follow calendar year time parameters, it is important to take into consideration the 

total enforcement activity of the LA-HIDTA task forces for a twelve year time frame, 1994 

through 2005. 

During this twelve year period, the LA-HIDTA enforcement initiatives have seized over 490 tons 

of dangerous drugs, arrested some 18,051 drug trafficking offenders and seized over $267 

million in U.S. currency. Additionally, they have positively impacted 1,804 major drug 

trafficking organizations by dismantling 1,164 and severely disrupting 640. The LA-HIDTA task 

forces (7) accomplished all of this with less than 400 agents and officers inside our 4 county (Los 

Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino) 32,341 square mile region which contains a 

general population of (+/-) 16 million. 

The following chart will provide an overview reflecting the amount of major drugs (cocaine, 

marijuana, methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine) seized by Los Angeles HIDTA initiatives, 

1995 through 2005: 

MAJOR DRUGS SEIZED BY TYPE

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

19951996199719981999200020012002200320042005

YEARS

TONS

Cocaine

Marijuana

Meth

Pseudo
52

LA-HIDTA 

Task Force – Intelligence -- Organizational C

Los Angeles 

High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area

EXECUTIVE BOARD 

INDIVIDUAL 

TASK FORCE 

EXECUTIVE BOARDS/COUNCILS

M e m o r a n d u m o f U n d e r s t a n d i n g 

“Team of Task Forces”

Intelligence Support System (ISS) 

Los Angeles Joint Drug Intelligence Group – Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse – Inland Narc

Southern 

California 

Drug Task Force 

(National) 

(SCDTF) 

Los Angeles 

Interagency 

Metropolitan 

Police 

Apprehension 

Crime Task Force 

(Los Angeles County) 

(LA-IMPACT) 

Regional Narcotics 

Suppression 

Program 

(Orange County) 

(RNSP) 

Inland Regional 

Narcotic 

Enforcement 

Team 

(San Bernardino County) 

(IRNET)

Inland Crackdown 

Allied Task Force 

(Riverside County) 

(INCA) 
53

APPENDIX C 

OVERALL INDICATORS 

2005 MID-YEAR & YEAR END 

THREAT ASSESSMENT 

** BEYOND THE BASELINE ** 

REGIONAL IMPACT 

INCLUSIVE OF LA-HIDTA INITIATIVES 

(Five Year Overview) 

LA-HIDTA INITIATIVES 

IMPACT AGAINST THE THREAT 

( Twelve Year Overview) 
54

Overall Indicators 

2005 Baseline Threat Assessment -- Identified

 

In C/Y 2005, the initial Baseline Threat Assessment for the LA-HIDTA identified 106 major 

drug distribution organizations operating within the four county (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside 

and San Bernardino) geographic region defined as the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug 

Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA). 

2005 Mid-Year and Year-End Threat Assessment – Beyond the Baseline 

At mid-year and year-end, a review and enhancement to the initial C/Y 2005 Baseline Threat 

Assessment was conducted. This review is designed to move the threat assessment process 

forward in a dynamic manner by providing a mid-year and year-end status report on the major 

drug trafficking organizations that were initially identified at the beginning of the year. 

Additionally, any new organizations identified, since the initial Baseline Threat Assessment was 

established at the beginning of the year, were added to the process for tracking and analysis. 

MAJOR NARCOTIC ORGANIZATIONS IDENTIFIED 

in the 

2005 BASELINE THREAT ASSESSMENT 

INCLUDING MID-YEAR AND YEAR-END ADJUSTMENTS

ASSESSMENT PERIOD NUMBER IDENTIFIED 

BASELINE-INITIAL ASSESSMENT 106 

MID-YEAR REVIEW 89 

YEAR-END / FINAL REVIEW 80 

TOTAL ORGANIZATIONS IDENTIFIED 275 

2005 LA-HIDTA Threat Assessment “Window” – The initial Baseline, Mid-Year and YearEnd Threat Assessment process used by the LA-HIDTA for 2005 is designed to provide a 

complete and comprehensive dynamic overview of our task force enforcement and interdiction 

efforts during a given period of time. Bringing the LA-HIDTA into compliance with the 

National HIDTA Program’s calendar year reporting requirement, this 2005 Threat Assessment 

“window” will address the combined statistical data (arrests and tons of dangerous drugs seized) 

for a 12 month time frame from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. 

As a result of the Mid-Year and Year-End review, the total number of major drug trafficking 

organizations identified in the 2005 Threat Assessment was adjusted upward to 275. A general 

breakdown of the major drug trafficking organizations and their activities identified in both the 

Baseline, Mid-Year and Year-End analysis follows and it is against these numbers that the LAHIDTA law enforcement assessment of effectiveness for C/Y 2005 will be measured: 
55

2005 THREAT ASSESSMENT 

Baseline + Mid-Year + Year-End Review and Adjustments 

ORGANIZATION ACTIVITIES BY TYPE24

ORGANIZATION TYPE NUMBER 

COCAINE / MULTI-DRUG25 155 

METHAMPHETAMINE 131 

MARIJUANA 60 

HEROIN / OPIUM 35 

MONEY LAUNDERING26 14 

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE 

(Precursor Chemicals) 

13 

 

Impact on the 2005 Threat Assessment 

By 

Various Law Enforcement Agencies in the Region 

Including LA-HIDTA Initiatives 

The overall impact on both the 2005 Baseline Threat Assessment, which includes the Mid-Year 

and Year-End review and enhancement for the Los Angeles area (Los Angeles, Orange, 

Riverside and San Bernardino Counties), finds that, of the 275 major drug trafficking 

organizations identified, the various law enforcement agencies in our region, inclusive of the 

LA-HIDTA Initiatives (7 major task forces), prioritized and targeted for enforcement 241 (88%) 

of the 275. 

Of the 241 major drug distribution organizations targeted, 150 (62%) were dismantled or 

severely disrupted by enforcement action. Specifically, of these 241 organizations targeted, 51

(21%) of these targeted major drug trafficking organizations were dismantled and 99 (41%)

were severely disrupted. 

Major Drug Trafficking Organizations Impacted – Listed below are the major drug 

trafficking organizations (types) impacted for C/Y 2005. For comparison, the same data is 

identified for 2001 through 2005 and the percentage difference (%+/-) between the years is 

reflected: 

 

24 Reflects the number of organizations out of the 275 involved in each activity – multiple activities common. 

25 Major drug trafficking organizations are predominately trafficking in cocaine with heroin / methamphetamine / 

marijuana. 

26 From 1996 to present, the major narcotic trafficking organizations are laundering money as well. 
56

2005 BASELINE THREAT ASSESSMENT 

MAJOR DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATIONS IMPACTED 

Including Mid-Year & Year-End Adjustments 

By 

Various Law Enforcement Organizations in our Region 

Inclusive of LA-HIDTA Initiatives

ORGANIZATION TYPE # DISMANTLED 

2001 2002 %+/- 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

COCAINE/MULTI-DRUG* 59 49 -17 55 +12 34 -38 17 -50 

HEROIN 9 11 +22 9 -18 9 0 4 -56 

MARIJUANA 26 24 -8 16 -33 20 +25 8 -60 

METHAMPHETAMINE 96 108 +12 53 -51 39 -26 21 -46 

CHEMICAL BROKERS 

(Pseudoephedrine) 

34 4 -88 7 +75 3 -57 1 -67 

ECSTASY 

(Dangerous Drugs) 

4 1 -75 2 +100 1 -50 0 -100 

TOTAL 228 197 -14 142 -28 106 -25 51 -52 

ORGANIZATION TYPE # DISRUPTED 

2001 2002 %+/- 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

COCAINE/MULTI-DRUG* 29 28 -3 38 +36 43 +13 31 -28 

HEROIN 6 5 -16 1 -80 3 +200 9 +200 

MARIJUANA 12 5 -58 12 +140 18 +50 17 -6 

METHAMPHETAMINE 44 34 -23 42 +24 47 +12 36 -23 

CHEMICAL BROKERS 

(Pseudoephedrine) 

**   10 **  6 -40 5 -17 

ECSTASY 

(Dangerous Drugs) 

**   4 **  1 -75 1 0 

TOTAL 91 82 -10 107 +30 118 +10.3 99 -16 

* Trafficking predominately cocaine with heroin / methamphetamine / marijuana – All major DTO’s are laundering money as well. 

National / International Impact – Similar to 2004, the 2005 Baseline Threat Assessment found 

that the vast majority of major drug transportation organizations (66%), operating in the LAHIDTA region, are national and international in scope.27 In addition, our intelligence 

components continue to estimate that over 70% of all the illegal narcotics (poly-drug – cocaine, 

heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana) smuggled into our country comes across the United 

States / Mexico Border. Of this amount, 60% to 80% is reportedly controlled by the drug 

trafficking organizations operating out to the Los Angeles HIDTA region.28 

Regional – Law Enforcement Impact – Including LA-HIDTA Initiatives -- The enforcement 

effort against the 2005 Threat Assessment process by the various law enforcement agencies in 

our region, including the LA-HIDTA Initiatives, resulted in the seizure of some 89 tons of 

dangerous drugs including, 4,896 kgs (5.4 tons) of cocaine, 72,477 kgs (79.9 tons) of marijuana, 

2,844 kgs (3.1 tons) of methamphetamine, approximately 1 ton of pseudoephedrine, 22.1 kgs of 

heroin and 49.2 kgs of ecstasy. Additionally, they made 1,217 arrests and seized over $62 

million in cash and $5.9 million in property assets. 

 

27 2005 LA-HIDTA Threat Assessment, DTO Reports 

28 EPIC Reports – Regional Drug Trafficking Trends 
57

LA-HIDTA FUNDED INITIATIVES 

Activity Against the Threat 

** Separated ** 

The 2005 Baseline Threat Assessment, which includes the Mid-Year and Year-End review and 

enhancement, finds that the LA-HIDTA initiatives identified 249 (91%) of the 275 major drug 

trafficking organizations identified. After prioritizing these 249 organizations, 221 (88.8%)

were specifically targeted for immediate enforcement action. Of the 221 organizations targeted 

by the LA-HIDTA initiatives, 139 (63%) were dismantled or severely disrupted. Specifically, 

49 (22%) of the targeted trafficking organizations were dismantled and 90 (41%) were 

disrupted. 

This impact on the part of the LA-HIDTA initiatives equates to a 63% success rate against the 

220 targeted organizations. A five year comparative analysis 2001 through 2005 of this 

disruption/dismantling activity follows along with the difference (%+/-). 

2005 BASELINE THREAT ASSESSMENT 

** LA-HIDTA INITIATIVES – SEPARATED ** 

MAJOR DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATIONS IMPACTED 

Includes Mid-Year & Year-End Adjustments

ORGANIZATION TYPE # DISMANTLED 

2001 2002 %+/- 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

COCAINE/MULTI-DRUG* 39 36 -7.7 38 +1 23 -39 16 -30 

HEROIN 5 5 -- 6 +20 5 -17 4 -20 

MARIJUANA 79 91 +15 50 -45 51 +2 8 -84 

METHAMPHETAMINE 20 12 -40 12 -- 25 +108 20 -20 

CHEMICAL COMPANIES 

(Pseudoephedrine) 

34 4 -88 5 +25 2 -60 1 -50 

ECSTASY 4 1 -75 1 -- 1 0 0 -100 

TOTAL 181 149 -18 112 -25 107 -4.5 49 -54 

ORGANIZATION TYPE # DISRUPTED 

2001 2002 %+/- 2003 %+/- 2004 %+/- 2005 %+/- 

COCAINE/MULTI-DRUG* 20 22 +10 21 -5 30 +42.9 28 -7 

HEROIN 4 3 -25 1 -66 2 +100 8 +300 

MARIJUANA 37 26 -30 7 -73 11 +57.2 16 +45 

METHAMPHETAMINE 4 4 -- 32 +700 37 +15.6 32 -14 

CHEMICAL BROKERS 

(Pseudoephedrine) 

** 4 ** 8 +100 4 -50 5 +25 

ECSTASY 

(Dangerous Drugs) 

** 3 ** 3 -- 1 -66 1 0 

TOTAL 61 62 +2 72 +14 85 +18.1 90 +6 

* Trafficking predominately cocaine with heroin / methamphetamine /marijuana – Illegal chemical brokers major focus 1999 – 2005. 

 Major narcotic trafficking organizations are laundering money as well 

LA-HIDTA Initiatives Enforcement Impact on the Threat – The above enforcement activity 

for C/Y 2005 on the part of the LA-HIDTA Task Forces resulted in the seizure of 4.5 tons of 

cocaine, 79.6 tons of marijuana, 2.5 tons of methamphetamine, 46.2 kgs of ecstasy, 

approximately 1 ton of pseudoephedrine and 33 lbs of heroin. Over $51 million in cash and $5.8 

million in property assets were seized and 1,512 total arrests were made on various narcotics 

trafficking related charges. 
58

It is of interest to note that against the 2005 Baseline, Mid-Year and Year-End Threat 

Assessment, the initiatives of the LA-HIDTA were responsible for over 87 tons (98%) of all the 

dangerous drugs seized throughout the entire region. Again this year, the initiatives of the LAHIDTA accounted for 81% of the cocaine seizures, 73% of the methamphetamine seizures and 

100% of the pseudoephedrine seizures from the organizations prioritized and targeted in our 

region for C/Y 2005. The following chart will provide an overview of the percent of drugs seized 

in the region, by Los Angeles HIDTA initiatives, 1999 through 2005: 

LOS ANGELES 

HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA 

Enforcement Initiatives 

PERCENTAGE OF ALL DRUGS SEIZED IN REGION 

By 

LA-HIDTA INITIATIVES

1999 Through 2005 

% OF DRUGS SEIZED IN REGION

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

YEARS

PERCENT

ALL DRUGS

COCAINE

METH

PSEUDO

It must continue to be recognized in C/Y 2006 that the very nature of the narcotics enforcement 

business is quite complex and both time and manpower intensive. It demands that investigative 

officers / agents stay narrowly focused on individuals or targets, but they must remain flexible 

and able to quickly shift direction as case conditions dictate. 

TRAINING INITIATIVE 

Program 

The primary mission of the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Intelligence 

Support System (ISS), Training Initiative (Program), is to improve the ability of Federal, State 

and local law enforcement in our region to counter drug trafficking through viable training 

programs. The LA-HIDTA Training Initiative is designed to provide advanced law enforcement 

training efforts, which both addresses the regional threat and advances the Administration’s 

National Drug Control Strategy and the enforcement / intelligence goals and objectives of the 

Office of National Drug Control Policy. 
59

Historically involved in providing meaningful law enforcement training programs, the general 

geographical expanse, coupled with the topographical complexity of the region, has required that 

we “center” our training efforts within the following initiatives: 

Los Angeles Joint Drug Intelligence Group 

Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse 

Inland Narcotics Clearing House 

By design, each of these initiatives, which comprise the LA-HIDTA Intelligence Support System 

(ISS), have individual “Training Coordinators” and appropriate facilities (multi-media capable) 

to facilitate all forms of intensive law enforcement / intelligence training. 

The Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) has developed and 

instituted a “Training Team” which functions under the direction of the Los Angeles Joint Drug 

Intelligence Group (LAJDIG). This “Team” is comprised of representatives from the above 

three Intelligence Initiatives and “key” members of Federal, State and local law enforcement 

elements in our region. Their primary purpose is to develop research and provide various law 

enforcement / intelligence training opportunities within our region through an established, 

regional coordinated effort. The following matrix will provide an overview of the training 

provided through this comprehensive effort for C/Y 2005: 

(1) Total Number of Courses – The Initiatives of the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug 

Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA) facilitated (256) intelligence / law enforcement 

related training events in C/Y 2005. 

a. Number of Analytical/Computer Courses: 48

b. Number of Investigative/Interdiction Courses: 148 

c. Number of Management/Administrative Courses: 13 

d. Number of Intelligence Courses: 47

*Awaiting NHAC list of courses offered – LA-HIDTA focus is on investigative & analytical personnel 

(2) Total Number of Students: 

a. Of the Total, Number of Local Students: 1,285 

b. Of the Total, Number of State Students: 425 

c. Of the Total, Number of Federal Students: 533 

d. Of the Total, Number of Military Students: 0

e. Of the Total, Number of Students Not Listed Above: 120

f. Of the Total, Number of Students Assigned to a HIDTA Initiative: 936

 (3) Total Number of Student Hours: 44,224

 (4) Number of Agencies Impacted: 155

 (5) Number of State Certifications: 96 

 
60

TRAINING INITIATIVE 

C/Y 2005 

GENERAL COURSE OFFERINGS 

The following will offer a general listing of the types of courses offered to regional, Federal, 

State and local law enforcement personnel (sworn/non-sworn) by the Los Angeles High Intensity 

Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA), Training Initiative: 

Advanced Gangs* 

Clandestine Laboratory Investigations* 

Conspiracy Investigations* 

Courtroom Testimony* 

Designer Drugs* 

Electronic Surveillance* 

Indoor Marijuana Investigations* 

Interview and Interrogations* 

Money Laundering* 

• State of California, Peace Officer Standards and Training 

(POST), Certified Classes 

• Note: Some classes held multiple times – above reflects a 

partial listing 

Analyst Notebook 

Basic Russian Language 

Basic Spanish Language 

Effective Briefing Techniques 

Effective Interpersonal Communications 

Essential Writing Skills for Law Enforcement 

Financial Investigative Techniques 

Fraud Investigation Methods 

Microsoft Excel 

Microsoft Powerpoint 

DEA / Mobil FLEAT Training 

Patrol Investigative Techniques 

Statement Analysis 

Technologies for Counter Drug Operations 

Tracing the Money Trail 

Train the Trainer 
61

APPENDIX D 

LA-HIDTA 

C/Y 2005 

INITIATIVE OBJECTIVES 

EXPECTED & ACTUAL 

OUTPUTS / OUTCOMES
62

C/Y 2005 

Expected and Actual 

Outputs & Outcomes

As part of the overall C/Y 2005 Strategy for the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LAHIDTA), a number of measurable objectives and milestones (performance objectives) for our law 

enforcement initiatives were identified. The following will reflect these objectives along with the 

achievement results.29

LA-HIDTA TASK FORCE OBJECTIVES 

C/Y 2005

Expected Overall Outputs and Outcomes 

Investigation Subsystems 

Actual Overall Outputs and Outcomes 

Objective 1: Target Major Mexican 

National Methamphetamine 

Organizations 

Expected Output: In C/Y 2005, enforcement groups 

will participate in seventy one (71) investigations 

targeting major Mexican National methamphetamine 

organizations. 

Desired Outcome: Identify and dismantle the 

methamphetamine organizations, identify sources of 

precursor chemicals, arrest violators and reduce the 

amount of methamphetamine that is manufactured and 

distributed within and outside the LA-HIDTA. 

Actual Output: LA-HIDTA enforcement groups 

participated in 143 investigations targeting major 

Mexican National methamphetamine organizations. 

Outcomes: During the year, a number of major 

Mexican National Methamphetamine organizations were 

identified, targeted and dismantled/disrupted. These 

significant investigations identified a number of sources 

of illegal precursor chemicals and suspects. Further 

investigations are continuing, designed to disrupt the 

illegal sources of supply. 

 

29 To ensure appropriate focus, LA-HIDTA Initiatives provide a Quarterly Performance Objective Status Report to our Executive 

Board. Unique to the LA-HIDTA, a Mid-Year Performance Objective Status Report is furnished to ONDCP along with our 

Mid-Year Threat Assessment review and enhancement. 
63

Objective 2: Investigate and Seize 

Clandestine Methamphetamine 

Laboratories 

Expected Output: 

Output #1: In C/Y 2005, enforcement groups will 

participate in the seizure and prosecution of 475 

methamphetamine laboratories (incidents). 

Output #2: Enforcement groups will collaborate in the 

seizure of 29 methamphetamine laboratories “handed 

off” inside the LA-HIDTA region. 

Output #3: Enforcement groups will collaborate in the 

seizure of 13 methamphetamine laboratories “handed 

off” outside the LA-HIDTA region 

Desired Outcome: The disruption of methamphetamine 

production in the LA-HIDTA region, the identification 

of sources of chemicals used to manufacture 

methamphetamine and the reduction of damage to the 

environment caused by toxic chemicals. Improve the 

quality of life and the safety of the citizens. 

 

Actual Outputs: 

Output #1: The enforcement groups of the LA-HIDTA 

participated in the seizure and prosecution of some 103 

methamphetamine laboratories operating in the region. 

Output #2: Enforcement groups of the LA-HIDTA 

collaborated in the seizure of 143 methamphetamine 

laboratories “handed off” inside the region. 

Output #3: Enforcement groups collaborated in the 

seizure of 32 methamphetamine laboratories “handed 

off” outside the LA-HIDTA region. 

Note: Reduction – Intensive regional law enforcement 

activity has been driving methamphetamine lab 

production East into Arizona and South into Mexico. 

Finished product returns to our region through well 

established and documented land trafficking routes.

Outcome: Notable disruption of methamphetamine 

production in our region, increased identification of 

chemical sources needed to manufacture the product, 

dismantling of manufacturing sites resulted in a 

reduction of long-term environmental damage and an 

obvious increase in the safety of citizens and improved 

quality of life. 

Objective 3: Reduce the Amount of 

Pseudoephedrine in the LA-HIDTA 

Region 

Expected Output: Identification and prosecution of 

thirty seven (37) pseudoephedrine brokers, suppliers and 

distributors that are operating illegally within the LAHIDTA region. 

Desired Outcome: Reducing the amount of a necessary 

precursor for the manufacturing of methamphetamine, 

thus reducing the amount of clandestine 

methamphetamine laboratories in the LA-HIDTA region 

and beyond. 

Actual Output: LA-HIDTA enforcement initiatives 

identified and prosecuted 38 pseudoephedrine 

companies, suppliers and distributors operating illegally 

in our area. 

Outcomes: Reduced amount of required precursors 

needed in the manufacturing of methamphetamine, 

overall number of known methamphetamine laboratories 

reduced, enhanced impact regionally and nationally. 
64

Objective 4: In C/Y 2005, Reduce the 

Availability of Apparatus, Chemicals 

and Gasses Needed to Manufacture 

Methamphetamine 

Expected Output: The investigation and prosecution of 

twenty (20) chemical brokers, suppliers and distributors 

operating illegally within the LA-HIDTA region.

Desired Outcome: The reduction of available materials 

needed to manufacture methamphetamine resulting in 

the reduction of laboratories in the region. 

Actual Output: Our enforcement elements investigated 

and prosecuted 19 chemical companies, suppliers and 

distributors that were operating illegally in our area. 

Outcome: Obvious reduction in the materials needed to 

manufacture this devastating product. Number of 

known laboratories reduced by dismantling. 

Objective 5: In C/Y 2005, Reduce the 

Availability to “Stove Top Cookers” 

of Legitimate Pseudoephedrine and 

Other Products Through Education 

and Voluntary Compliance 

Expected Output: Voluntary compliance from thirty 

two (32) retail distributors of pseudoephedrine, MSM 

and other manufacturing products to reduce the 

availability of their products being used for the 

manufacturing of methamphetamine, specifically in 

“stove top” operations. 

Desired Outcome: The reduction of availability of 

pseudoephedrine products and the reduction of “stove 

top” laboratories that require the product; increase in 

community safety. 

Actual Output: LA-HIDTA investigative elements 

facilitated voluntary compliance from 61 retail 

distributors of pseudoephedrine products. 

Outcome: Apparent reduction in “over the counter” 

products that are used for the manufacturing of 

methamphetamine “stove top” operations. Obvious 

increase in public safety. 
65

Objective 6: For C/Y 2005, Target 

Clandestine Laboratories That 

Operate with Children Present 

Expected Output: Enforcement groups will participate 

in 121 laboratory cases where child endangerment 

charges will be presented for prosecution against the lab 

operators. 

Desired Outcome: Increase the safety of the citizens, 

especially children that are exposed to toxic chemicals; 

improve the quality of life in the region. 

Actual Output: LA-HIDTA investigative elements 

participated in 67 methamphetamine laboratory cases 

where child endangerment charges were presented for 

prosecution consideration. 

Note: Reduction – Refer to “Notation” – Objective 2 

Outcome: Obvious increase in the overall safety of both 

children who are exposed to toxic chemicals and citizens 

who live in the region. Improvement in the quality of 

life. 

Objective 7: Reduce the Amount of 

Chemicals Being Disposed of Illegally 

in the LA-HIDTA Region 

Expected Output: During C/Y 2005, enforcement 

groups will refer 222 investigations that have evidence 

of illegal dumping to the Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) and assist in the prosecution of 

clandestine laboratory operators and/or person(s) 

proved to be responsible for the illegal dumping.

Desired Outcome: Reducing the amount of toxic 

chemicals that are being introduced into the environment 

within the LA-HIDTA region. Improve the quality of 

life and the safety of the citizens. 

Actual Output: LA-HIDTA investigative elements 

referred 96 investigations that had evidence of illegal 

dumping to the Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA). 

Note: Reduction – Refer to “Notation” – Objective 2 

Outcome: A reduction in the overall amount of 

dangerous, toxic chemicals that are being introduced 

into the environment. Overall improvement in the 

quality of life for all citizens. 

Objective 8: Increase Public 

Awareness of the Dangers of 

Methamphetamine 

Expected Output: In C/Y 2005, LA-HIDTA 

enforcement / intelligence elements will participate in 

111 public education presentations to a variety of citizen 

groups within our region. 

Desired Outcome: Citizens will become more aware of 

the methamphetamine problem in the LA-HIDTA 

region. “Educated” citizens will assist law enforcement 

in locating and identifying clandestine laboratories. 

Actual Output: During the year, the LA-HIDTA 

enforcement / intelligence elements participated in 120 

public presentations with a specific focus on the dangers 

of methamphetamine. 

Outcome: Enhanced citizen awareness relative to the 

methamphetamine problem in our region. Greater 

citizen involvement with law enforcement locating and 

identifying clandestine laboratories. 
66

Objective 9: Enhance the 

Effectiveness of Law Enforcement by 

Promoting Joint Investigations 

Expected Outputs: 

Output#1: LA-HIDTA Initiatives (task forces) will 

develop and refer 176 “hand off” cases to law 

enforcement agencies within the LA-HIDTA. 

Output#2: LA-HIDTA enforcement entities will develop 

and refer 122 significant investigative leads to Federal, 

State and local agencies nationwide. 

Desired Outcome: Increase in the efforts to 

institutionalize teamwork among LA-HIDTA 

participants; increase in intelligence / information 

sharing; increase in number of “targeted” trafficking 

organizations; increase in the number of agencies 

participating in the HIDTA Program. 

Actual Outputs: 

Actual Output#1: The LA-HIDTA task forces 

developed and referred 140 “hand off” cases to various 

law enforcement agencies in the region. 

Actual Output#2: Our enforcement elements 

developed and referred 159 significant investigative 

leads to Federal, State and local agencies nationwide. 

Outcome: Increased teamwork among LA-HIDTA 

enforcement entities; increase in overall intelligence / 

information sharing between the enforcement and 

intelligence communities; increase in number of 

organizations targeted and enhanced regional 

participation. 

Objective 10: Identify the Major 

Drug Trafficking / Money 

Laundering Organizations Operating 

in our Region 

Expected Output: One hundred and fifty three (153) 

major drug trafficking / money laundering organizations 

will be identified for enforcement consideration. 

Desired Outcome: Increase in the number of known 

major drug trafficking organizations; enhance the threat 

assessment process; provide a more coordinated law 

enforcement effort. 

Actual Output: 249 major drug trafficking / money 

laundering organizations were identified for enforcement 

consideration. 

Outcome: The number of known major drug trafficking 

organizations increased; the threat assessment for our 

region was enhanced with the additional intelligence 

generated through post seizure analysis and the efforts of 

law enforcement was more coordinated and effective. 
67

Objective 11: Target the 

Organizations that are Identified by 

the LA-HIDTA Task Forces Through 

the Dynamic Threat Assessment 

Process 

Expected Outputs: 70% of the identified drug 

trafficking / money laundering organizations will have 

enforcement action taken against them. In excess of 5% 

will be dismantled. 

Desired Outcomes: Increase in the number of major 

drug trafficking organizations targeted30; increase in the 

number of drug trafficking arrests; increase in the 

number of drug trafficking organizations severely 

impacted; increase in public safety. 

Actual Output: 63% of the identified drug trafficking / 

money laundering organizations had enforcement action 

taken against them. 22% of those targeted were 

dismantled. 

Outcome: Increase in organizations targeted; arrests; 

major drug trafficking organizations severely impacted 

and an obvious increase in public safety. 

Objective 12: Identify and Participate 

in Heroin Drug Trafficking 

Organization Investigations 

Expected Outputs: Conduct investigations against, 

and negatively impact, twenty four (24) heroin 

trafficking organizations. 

Desired Outcomes: Decrease in heroin trafficking 

organizations; increase in intelligence through the 

identification of smuggling routes, source countries and 

methods; increase in intelligence sharing. 

Actual Output: LA-HIDTA initiatives conducted 

investigations against, and negatively impacted, 37

heroin trafficking organizations. 

Outcome: Increased intelligence through post seizure 

analysis; increased intelligence sharing along with 

identification of smuggling routes and source countries; 

increase in heroin investigation effectiveness and task 

force efficiency. 

 

 

30 Through the dynamic LA-HIDTA Threat Assessment process, it is found that as drug trafficking / money laundering targets 

are dismantled / disrupted, others are identified – DTO Reports. 
68

Objective 13: Arrest / Indict Major 

Drug Traffickers That Operate in the 

LA-HIDTA on a Regional, National 

and International Level 

Expected Output: Arrest / indict over one thousand 

two hundred and seventy (1,270) major drug trafficking / 

money laundering violators.

Desired Outcomes: Reduce the number of drug 

traffickers identified in the Threat Assessment; increase 

in public safety; provide additional intelligence from 

cooperative suspects; identify additional investigative 

trafficking leads and targets. 

Actual Output: Some 1,185 major drug trafficking / 

money laundering violators were arrested and / or 

indicted. (does not include U.S. Marshal Service) 

Outcome: The overall number of active major drug 

traffickers identified in the Threat Assessment was 

reduced; enhanced intelligence resulted from these 

arrests; obvious increase in public safety and additional 

leads / targets was identified. 

Objective 14: United States 

Marshal’s Service, Fugitive Detail, in 

Concert with the Various Law 

Enforcement Organizations in our 

Region, Will Focus Their 

Investigative Efforts Leading to the 

Successful Apprehension of Federal 

Fugitives with a Narcotic Nexus 

Operating in the LA-HIDTA Region 

Expected Output: Arrest of two hundred and fifty five 

(255) federal fugitives with a narcotics nexus. 

Desired Outcome: Increase in law enforcement agency 

participation and cooperation in the LA-HIDTA area; 

increased public safety; increased officer safety; increase 

in the quality of life. 

Actual Output: Three hundred and twenty seven (327) 

federal fugitives with a narcotic nexus were arrested in 

the LA-HIDTA region by the U.S. Marshal’s Service. 

One hundred and forty six (146) of these were fugitives 

wanted in other Federal Judicial Districts throughout the 

country. 

Outcome: Regional law enforcement participation and 

cooperation were enhanced; public safety was increased 

with the removal of these fugitives; enhanced quality of 

life. 

The arrest of these wanted individuals clearly indicates 

that narcotic fugitives do not recognize National, State 

or judicial boundaries. These apprehended fugitives 

have significant ties not only to narcotic trafficking 

organizations in the Central District of California, but to 

more prominent organizations throughout the continental 

United States, the Caribbean and Central / South 

America. 
69

Objective 15: In C/Y 2005, 

Investigations will Focus on 

Organizations / Targets Operating at 

a Medium to High Level of 

Trafficking / Money Laundering 

Expected Output: Seizure of over 12.1 tons (24,110 

pounds) of dangerous drugs from the streets of the Los 

Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and 

beyond. These seizures to include: 1.6 tons (3,246 

pounds) of cocaine; 6.3 tons (12,660 pounds) of 

marijuana; 1.4 tons (2,851 pounds) of 

methamphetamine; 53 pounds of heroin; and 2.6 tons 

(5,300 pounds) of pseudoephedrine 

Desired Outcome: Decrease in the number of major 

drug traffickers operating in the LA-HIDTA; cause 

traffickers to change routing and transportation systems; 

increase in cost of operation to traffickers; reduce the 

amount of narcotics available in our region. 

 

Actual Outputs: Seizure of 87.5 tons (175,000 

pounds) of dangerous drugs including: 8,956 pounds 

(4.5 tons) of cocaine, 159,153 pounds (79.6 tons) of 

marijuana, 4,930 pounds (2.5 tons) of 

methamphetamine, 33 pounds of heroin, 1,895 pounds 

(.9 tons) of pseudoephedrine and 102 pounds of ecstasy. 

Outcome: The overall number of major drug traffickers 

operating in and through our region was reduced, 

trafficking routes and methods were forced to change, 

various operating costs to traffickers increased and the 

amount of illegal narcotics available in our region was 

reduced. 

Again this year, as a result of successful task force 

operations, the LA-HIDTA is witnessing significant 

routing changes of cocaine in our region. Many “loads” 

which once came into the LA-HIDTA for storage and 

distribution nationally are seen being diverted to other 

areas of the country in an attempt to avoid detection. 

LA-HIDTA INTELLIGENCE SUBSYSTEMS OBJECTIVES 

C/Y 2005

The following will provide the various Objectives for the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking 

Area Intelligence Support System (ISS), which were developed for C/Y 2005: 
70

Objective 16: Increased Analytical 

Use of the Three Intelligence 

Initiatives by Law Enforcement in the 

LA-HIDTA Region 

Expected Outputs: A 2% increase in the amount of 

work product produced at the three Intelligence 

Initiatives. A 1% increase in the use of the RISS Net 

System. 

Desired Outcome: Increased intelligence sharing; 

increased LA-HIDTA efficiency; increased cooperation 

among participants; increased enforcement activity; 

decrease of duplication of effort. 

Actual Outputs: An actual 6.5% increase in the 

amount of work products produced at the three 

intelligence initiatives and a 9% decrease in the overall 

use of the RISS Net System. 

Outcome: Increased intelligence sharing is obvious, as 

evidenced by an enhanced level of efficiency and 

cooperation between law enforcement agencies and a 

decrease in the duplication of effort. 

Objective 17: An Increased Use of 

the Deconfliction Center by Regional 

Law Enforcement Agencies for C/Y 

2005 

Expected Outputs: A 1% increase in the use of the 

Deconfliction Center by participating law enforcement 

agencies for C/Y 2005. 

Desired Outcome: Increased officer / public safety; 

increased efficiency of enforcement entities; lower 

investigative cost by reducing the number of “officer vs. 

officer” encounters; reduce duplication of effort. 

 

Actual Output: An overall 27% increase of the use of 

the Deconfliction Center by participating law 

enforcement agencies was realized. 

Outcome: Obvious increase in officer / citizen safety; 

increased efficiency; reduced investigative costs were 

realized through the reduction of “blue on blue” 

encounters. 

OBJECTIVES for the LA-HIDTA 

C/Y 2005

The following will provide the various Objectives for the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking 

Area which was developed for F/Y 2005: 
71

Objective 18: Increase Law 

Enforcement Intelligence / 

Operational Related Training in the 

LA-HIDTA Region 

Expected Outputs: The LA-HIDTA Intelligence 

Support System (ISS) will facilitate one hundred and 

twenty (120) intelligence / law enforcement related 

training events in C/Y 2005. 

Desired Outcomes: Increased intelligence system 

efficiency; increased law enforcement cooperation; 

increased intelligence sharing; enhanced analytical 

expertise, stronger, more viable case support; and 

increased enforcement effectiveness. 

Actual Output: During the year, the LA-HIDTA 

Intelligence Support System, Training Initiative 

facilitated two hundred and fifty six (256) Federal, State 

& local intelligence / law enforcement related training 

events. 

Note: This training involved 2,361 “students from some 

155 various Federal, State and local law enforcement 

agencies in our region – 44,224 student hours. Of the 

total, 936 “students” were assigned to HIDTA 

Initiatives. 

Outcome: Increased law enforcement / intelligence 

system efficiency and cooperation; increased 

intelligence sharing and analytical expertise; more viable 

case support. 

 
72

APPENDIX E 

TABLE OF ORGANIZATION / LA-HIDTA 

EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPOSITION 

COUNTIES PARTICIPATING IN THE HIDTA

LIST OF PARTICIPATING AGENCIES, C/Y 2005 

OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY 

AWARDS 

“A Nationally Recognized Program” 
73

OFFICE OF NATIONAL 

DRUG CONTROL POLICY

OFFICE OF NATIONAL OFFICE OF NATIONAL 

DRUG CONTROL POLICY

LAPD / LASO / SBSO / SWB / DEA / IRS / ICE / RCSO / OCSD / FBI & OTHERS*OVERSEEN BY INDIVIDUAL

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

BUDGET/FINANCE

SUB-COMMITTEE

(AD HOC)

BUDGET/FINANCE BUDGET/FINANCE

SUB-COMMITTEE

(AD HOC) (AD HOC)

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY & SCDTF 

OVERSIGHT SUB-COMMITTEES

(AD HOC)

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY & SCDTF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY & SCDTF 

OVERSIGHT SUB-COMMITTEES

(AD HOC) (AD HOC)

HIDTA NATIONAL 

COORDINATING 

COMMITTEE

HIDTA NATIONAL HIDTA NATIONAL 

COORDINATING COORDINATING 

COMMITTEE

LACRCIC / THREAT AGCIP IMPL

LA IMPACT

IRNET

RNSP

INCA

RMTF

USMS-FTF

SCDTF

* INCLUDES A PROSECUTION ELEMENT

LA HIDTA EXECUTIVE 

BOARD

LA HIDTA EXECUTIVE LA HIDTA EXECUTIVE 

BOARD

CPOT 

SUB-COMMITTEE

(AD HOC)

CPOT 

SUB-COMMITTEE COMMITTEE

(AD HOC) (AD HOC)

IN

SU

IN

IN

SU

LA HIDTA 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE 

DIRECTOR / DEPUTY DIRECTOR

LA HIDTA LA HIDTA 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE 

DIRECTOR / DEPUTY DIRECTOR DIRECTOR / DEPUTY DIRECTOR

NATIONAL JOINT TASK 

FORCE*

NATIONAL JOINT TASK NATIONAL JOINT TASK 

FORCE* REGIONAL JOINT TASK FORCES REGIONAL JOINT TASK FORCES OTHER TASK FORCES NARCOTIC UNITS* OTHER TASK FORCES NARCOTIC UNITS* NARCOTIC UNITS* IN

SUPP

IN

IN

SUPPO

SUPPO

LA HIDTA

EXECUTIVE BOARD — ORGANIZATION CHART

LA HIDTA

EXECUTIVE BOARD — ORGANIZATION CHART

OFFICE OF NATIONAL 

DRUG CONTROL POLICY

OFFICE OF NATIONAL OFFICE OF NATIONAL 

DRUG CONTROL POLICY

LAPD / LASO / SBSO / SWB / DEA / IRS / ICE / RCSO / OCSD / FBI & OTHERS*OVERSEEN BY INDIVIDUAL

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

BUDGET/FINANCE

SUB-COMMITTEE

(AD HOC)

BUDGET/FINANCE BUDGET/FINANCE

SUB-COMMITTEE

(AD HOC) (AD HOC)

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY & SCDTF 

OVERSIGHT SUB-COMMITTEES

(AD HOC)

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY & SCDTF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY & SCDTF 

OVERSIGHT SUB-COMMITTEES

(AD HOC) (AD HOC)

HIDTA NATIONAL 

COORDINATING 

COMMITTEE

HIDTA NATIONAL HIDTA NATIONAL 

COORDINATING COORDINATING 

COMMITTEE

LACRCIC / THREAT AGCIP IMPL

LA IMPACT

IRNET

RNSP

INCA

RMTF

USMS-FTF

SCDTF

* INCLUDES A PROSECUTION ELEMENT

LA HIDTA EXECUTIVE 

BOARD

LA HIDTA EXECUTIVE LA HIDTA EXECUTIVE 

BOARD

CPOT 

SUB-COMMITTEE

(AD HOC)

CPOT 

SUB-COMMITTEE COMMITTEE

(AD HOC) (AD HOC)

IN

SU

IN

IN

SU

LA HIDTA 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE 

DIRECTOR / DEPUTY DIRECTOR

LA HIDTA LA HIDTA 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE 

DIRECTOR / DEPUTY DIRECTOR DIRECTOR / DEPUTY DIRECTOR

NATIONAL JOINT TASK 

FORCE*

NATIONAL JOINT TASK NATIONAL JOINT TASK 

FORCE* REGIONAL JOINT TASK FORCES REGIONAL JOINT TASK FORCES OTHER TASK FORCES NARCOTIC UNITS* OTHER TASK FORCES NARCOTIC UNITS* NARCOTIC UNITS* IN

SUPP

IN

IN

SUPPO

SUPPO

LA HIDTA

EXECUTIVE BOARD — ORGANIZATION CHART

LA HIDTA

EXECUTIVE BOARD — ORGANIZATION CHART
74

LOS ANGELES 

HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA

EXECUTIVE BOARD 

FEDERAL 

Drug Enforcement Administration 

Federal Bureau of Investigation 

Immigration & Customs Enforcement 

Internal Revenue Service 

United States Marshal’s Service 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms 

United States Postal Inspection Service 

United States Attorney’s Office 

 

STATE & LOCAL 

California Department of Justice – Criminal Intelligence Bureau 

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department 

Orange County Sheriff’s Department 

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department 

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department 

Los Angeles County Police Chief’s Association 

Orange County Police Chief’s Association 

San Bernardino County Police Chief’s Association 

Riverside County Law Enforcement Administrators Association 

Los Angeles Police Department 
75

LOS ANGELES 

HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA 

COUNTIES PARTICIPATING 

in the 

LOS ANGELES 

HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA

GEOGRAPHIC AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (located in the State of California) 

designated geographic expanse covers the four counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside 

and San Bernardino. The LA-HIDTA is comprised of some 32,341 square miles with a 

general population of (+/-) 16 million. 

Orange 

Los Angeles 

San Bernardino 

Riverside 
76

LOS ANGELES 

HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA 

PARTICIPATING AGENCIES 

** A LISTING **

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; Anaheim 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; San Bernardino 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. 
77

Office of National Drug Control Policy 

Executive Office of the President 

A Nationally Recognized Program

1999 

Outstanding HIDTA of the Year 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

2000 

Outstanding HIDTA of the Year 

Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

Director’s Award 

Chief Stephen Port, Hawthorne Police Department 

Executive Board – Intelligence Sub-Committee 

Team Award – Outstanding Investigative Effort 

Southern California Drug Task Force, Group 48 

2001 

Director’s Award 

Michele Leonhart, SAC/DEA – Los Angeles 

Executive Board - Chairperson C/Y 2000 

Outstanding Task Force Commander 

Lieutenant Steve Bishop, Orange County Sheriff’s Department 

Los Angeles Joint Drug Intelligence Group – Co-Director 

2002 

Team Award – Outstanding Investigative Effort 

Southern California Drug Task Force, Group 48 

2003 

Team Award – Outstanding Investigative Effort 

Southern California Drug Task Force, Group 50
78

2004 

Outstanding Intelligence Analyst 

Jane Chung, Contract Analyst 

Los Angeles Joint Drug Intelligence Group 

Team Award – Outstanding Investigative Effort 

Southern California Drug Task Force, Group 44 

Team Award – Outstanding Cooperative Effort 

Inland Crackdown Allied Task Force 

2005 

ONDCP did not give out any 2005 awards