SOUTHWEST BORDER SOUTH TEXAS HIDTA

2005 ANNUAL REPORT 

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

A. The Southwest Border (SWB), South Texas (STX) Regional HIDTA may be described 

as a fast growing, lightly populated, highly agricultural area with developing medical 

research and treatment centers intermingled with growing technological and manufacturing 

businesses. It may also be described as a region with a strong tourism focus. However, 

regional newspaper headlines decry these publicly voiced comments. Samplings of major 

headlines in the region reflect the sordid story of bloody drug related violence and mayhem 

within the region. Drug cartels and their associated security organizations, as well as the 

feared Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), a violent criminal group organized by Salvadoran 

refugees in Los Angeles during the 1980’s, are extremely active on each side of the 

international border between Texas and Mexico. Robert Garza, the acting Chief Patrol 

Agent, Rio Grande Sector of the Department of Homeland Security, United States Border 

Patrol, discounted comments by U.S. Representative Solomon Ortiz (D-Corpus Christi) 

stating MS-13 is tied with al-Qaida1

. 

 

Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico: This border city held hostage by violence could 

be freed if the 700 federal and state police officers that entered the city Sunday are 

successful in their fight against organized crime. March 7, 2005 Laredo Morning 

Times

Donna, Texas: ... In the carefree feeling was shattered Tuesday night when armed men 

broke into a house and killed a man. About 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, two or three men 

forced their way into a home on the 800 block of Meadow Wood normally quiet 

neighborhood, just north of Expressway 83, ... March 24, 2005 The Monitor 

 

Laredo, Texas: Seven people were indicted in connection to the double homicide

involving two victims found shot and burned to death in the trunk of a vehicle earlier 

this year. April 8, 2005 Laredo Morning Times

San Antonio, Texas: ... a federal jury in San Antonio convicted four Texas Mexican 

Mafia members on drug, money laundering and firearm charges. April 20, 2005 San 

Antonio Express News

Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico: Officials confirmed Thursday there have been 

60 kidnappings by armed, masked men since the beginning of the year in this border 

town, with 13 reported in the last eight days alone. The figures came on the heels of the 

49th homicide of the year, recorded when a young man was shot dead as he waited in 

his car at a stop sign Thursday night. May 11, 2005 Laredo Morning Times

These headlines strongly state the region’s deadly day-to-day environment, to which South 

Texas Law Enforcement Officers are subjected. Historically, the region accounts for roughly 

 

1 Agents brief local lawmen on Gang, James Osborne, March 11, 2005, McAllen Monitor.
May 15, 2006 

2

 

30 % - 55 % of the illegal drugs seized in the SWB2

. Of growing concern is the amount of 

chemicals and number of laboratories seized, which are associated with illicit 

methamphetamine smuggling, production, sale, use, transportation, and distribution, continue 

to impact the SWB, STX Regional HIDTA and destination cities. 

The SWB, STX Regional HIDTA also acknowledges the financial and economic

environment associated with illicit smuggling activity. The region connects with major 

highways from the interior of Mexico to the gateway cities of Texas and the United States. 

With the advent of the North American Free Trade agreement, NAFTA, the region is 

virtually flooded with an economy supporting the increased trade between Mexico, the 

United States of America, and Canada. Though the region has exponentially grown in 

financial resources associated with the trade, the region continues to maintain its status as 

having some of the poorest counties within the United States. Starr County continues to be 

ranked in the top ten with more than 50 percent of the population in poverty. 

 

 B. The SWB STX HIDTA covers a pivotal area responsible for a significant amount of the 

illicit drugs destined for illegal markets across the United States. In 2005, South Texas 

seizures reached phenomenal levels as compared to the SWB in total. Seizures along the 

border in the SWB STX HIDTA region account for more than 20 percent of the SWB 

marijuana seizures, 57 percent of the SWB cocaine seizures, 51 percent of the SWB heroin 

seizures, and 34 percent of the SWB methamphetamine seizures. With a total of only 562 

Federal, State, and local law enforcement and support personnel directly working the roughly 

700 miles of the border, the SWB STX HIDTA, the counterdrug task forces face a truly 

formidable task. 

C. The 40 Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies (LEA) participating in the 

SWB STX HIDTA, give a tremendous return on investment for the monies provided by 

Congress to the National HIDTA Program, and subsequently the SWB STX HIDTA. 

Conservatively, the region gives a 589 percent return for the grants provided by the National 

HIDTA Program. The participating LEA within the region are extremely appreciative of the 

funds provided. As the majority of the counties within the SWB STX HIDTA are rural in 

nature with little or no major industrial business located in the region, there are few tax 

dollars to address the soaring drug problems. Though the region has a relatively low 

individual drug use problem, ‘feeding’ the drug markets in major U.S. presents a major crime 

problem. International, regional, and or local Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO) 

capitalize on the poverty in the region as they recruit ‘coyotes’ or ‘smugglers’ to accomplish 

their illicit business activities. The crime rates, both within the region and across the 

Mexican border, continues to impact on the normal, day-to-day activities of citizens living 

within the SWB STX HIDTA. 

• Illicit drug proceeds provide a large capital return for DTO smuggling operations. The 

Texas Assistant Attorney General Don J. Clemmer3 stated, in May 2000, illegal assets 

from drug money laundering exceeded $15 billion dollars and was smuggled across the 

Texas-Mexico border (75% of the national estimate of money smuggled across the entire 

US/Mexico border). This money is smuggled via bulk cash, licensed currency 

2 SWB, STX 2005, ibid. 3

 Statement of Don J. Clemmer, Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Texas Attorney General, to the 

Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Committee on Banking and Financial Service, U.S. 

House of Representatives May 15, 2000. 
May 15, 2006 

3

exchangers along the Texas-Mexico border, and correspondent bank accounts. 

Subsequent figures range as high as $25 billion. Removing those profits hits home where 

it counts. During CY 2005, more than $44 million dollars in illicit drug profits and assets 

were permanently eliminated from the balance sheets of international, regional, and local 

DTO. This is a serious financial blow to even the largest legitimate corporation. Its 

impact on an illegal DTO is greater yet, and represents a sizeable reduction in illicit drug 

availability across the nation. 

• Though the SWB STX HIDTA consists of large but mainly rural and unpopulated areas, 

the costs of the counterdrug efforts return high success rates for a nominal amount of 

money. The task forces of the SWB STX HIDTA provide the ability for local law 

enforcement officers and associated agencies to have the needed resources, cooperation 

and multi-agency support afforded by the National HIDTA Program. Without the 

program, local LEA could not achieve the counterdrug successes they achieve. 

• Disrupting and or dismantling DTO is the reason HIDTAs exist. During CY 2005, the 

SWB STX HIDTA disrupted or dismantled 79 DTO operating within the region. These 

DTO consisted of 76 drug trafficking organizations and 3 money-laundering 

organizations. 

• Arrests reported for CY 2005 was 2,493, an increase of 3.9 percent over CY 2004. These 

arrests resulted from the concerted efforts of the SWB STX HIDTA multi-agency, 

collocated and commingled LEA officers working together on their common targets. 

• Striving to achieve international results, the SWB STX HIDTA provided assistance in the 

investigative and intelligence support of more than 749 designated cases. 

• Training LEA officers and support personnel in safety and successful operations, the 

SWB STX HIDTA provided education opportunities for more than 395 Federal, State, 

and local personnel in CY 2005. 

• Coordinating between multiple LEA, the SWB STX HIDTA plays a leading role giving 

an ‘umbrella’ of support to participating LEA as well as reaching out to non-participating 

agencies. The non-participating agencies receive intelligence, investigative, and 

associated support to reach their counterdrug and criminal achievements. 

II. INTRODUCTION 

A. The SWB STX HIDTA is pleased to present this Annual Report documenting its 

activities during the 2005 calendar year. To fully appreciate the SWB STX HIDTA 

achievements, it is important to understand how each HIDTA is structured, and why it exists. 

The Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), designates regions with 

critical drug trafficking problems adversely impacting the United States as High Intensity 

Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTAs). By design, HIDTA are located in these areas. Thus, the 

National HIDTA Program spreads its ‘web’ throughout the nation and is uniquely situated to 

counteract area specific counterdrug efforts. HIDTA play a significant role in addressing real 

world drug and drug-related problems while offering real world solutions. The SWB STX 

HIDTA is no exception. The SWB STX HIDTA fosters cooperation and efficient working 

relationships with over 36 Federal, Sate and local agencies in its quest to disrupt and or 
May 15, 2006 

4

dismantle DTO. These relationships embody the SWB STX HIDTA cooperative efforts 

within its initiatives. A detailed description of each initiative can be found in the SWB STX 

HIDTA 2005 Strategy, which is available from the SWB STX HIDTA office. 

B. SWB STX HIDTA law enforcement task forces and initiatives established priorities 

focusing on disrupting and or dismantling DTO in the region. Those DTO impacting areas 

across the nation receive major attention of the SWB STX HIDTA. Home invasions, 

violent drug-related gang crimes, and international violent crimes associated with the border 

increased dramatically. Criminal activities in certain regions along the Texas/Mexico border 

prevent residents from continuing and or maintaining acceptable quality of life levels. The 

volatile nature of the Texas/Mexico border prevents numerous local agricultural related 

activities from continuing. Many landowners moved their families to cities away from the 

border to prevent possible bodily harm to family members. Coupled with continuing illegal 

alien smuggling, and possible terrorist related activities, the overall quality of life in the 

region is decreasing rapidly. Supporting prosecutors in the region continue to aide in efforts 

to improve regional quality of life for all residents. 

C. Each HIDTA received clear goals from the National HIDTA Program. To achieve these 

goals, clear Threat Assessment identifying problems faced; a Strategy clearly delineating a 

plan to address the Threat, and an Annual Report documenting how the Strategy achieved 

success identified in the Threat Assessment are provided by each HIDTA. The National 

Program Mission Statement embodies the overall HIDTA mission: 

National HIDTA 

Program Mission Statement 

The mission of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (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. 

 

D. The SWB STX HIDTA Executive Committee developed, in concert with HIDTA staff 

and through coordination with Federal, State, and local LEA, developed a 3-5 year vision for 

the SWB STX HIDTA. This vision, which will receive review and updating as necessary, 

reflects a HIDTA outcome, which task forces and initiatives in the area may look to as a 

‘light at the end of the tunnel.’ Task Force commanders should continue to reach out to local 

and state LEA to increase the effectiveness and information gathering and exchange ability 

within the region. Reviews of methods the SWB STX HIDTA can measure success continue 

to be an evolving process. Efficiency, effectiveness, and associated cooperation between and 

among participating and external LEA will be a facet of the vision, which will receive much 

focus over the coming years. The growth of the SWB STX HIDTA does not necessarily 

require higher budgets resources but may necessitate smarter distribution of limited resources 

while gaining participation from LEA within the SWB STX HIDTA. Increased participation 

could benefit participants through decreased crime rates, higher quality of life for citizens, 

and more cooperation. Information sharing between all LEA within the region will allow for 
May 15, 2006 

5

more informed operations and successes in the illicit drug trafficking in the area. Overall, the 

goal the SWB STX HIDTA wants to achieve is complete and comprehensive information 

exchange and cooperation between LEA and citizens to counter the illegal drug threat and 

associated crime. 

SWB STX HIDTA 

Vision Statement 

Maintain effective counterdrug task forces, which successfully 

coordinate and establish working relationships and liaisons with all 

Law Enforcement Agencies within the region through the exchange of 

intelligence to support the reduction and elimination of illicit 

counterdrug operations and related criminal activities. 

E. The SWB STX HIDTA recognizes a clear mission is needed for a successful battle 

against the illicit drug trafficking in the region. The law enforcement, intelligence and 

prosecution communities cannot work in concert toward any mutual objectives, and success 

without quantified or measured outputs. The SWB STX HIDTA fully embraces the 

following mission in conjunction with the national program objectives. 

SWB STX HIDTA 

Mission Statement 

Reduce drug availability by creating intelligence-driven drug task 

forces aimed at eliminating or reducing domestic drug trafficking and 

its harmful consequences through enhancing and helping to coordinate 

drug trafficking control efforts among Federal, State and local Law 

Enforcement Agencies. 

F. Reporting Period: This Annual Report covers the reporting period January 1, 2005 to 

December 31, 2005. 

G. Budget Allocation: During this reporting period, ONDCP allocated an $9,064,081 

budget for SWB STX HIDTA operations. SWB STX HIDTA strives to minimize any 

expenditure not directly addressing the achievement of their primary objectives. Accordingly, 

the SWB STX HIDTA allocates 91.9 percent of its allocation directly to task forces, 

initiatives and their operational support costs. Throughout this Annual Report, the SWB STX 

HIDTA is pleased to report significant success in achieving its mission, and its performance 

is trending positive for the future. HIDTA dollars are well spent inasmuch as they are 

yielding precisely the desired effects. 

H. Geographic Area of Responsibility: 
May 15, 2006 

6

1) Texas- Bexar County, Cameron County, Dimmit County, Hidalgo County, Jim Hogg 

County, Kinney County, La Salle County, Maverick County, Starr County, Val Verde 

County, Webb County, Willacy County, Zapata County, and Zavala County. 

2) The SWB STX HIDTA region covers two distinct population regions, the County of 

Bexar, which contains approximately 60 percent of the population within the region, and 

the rest of the region. The ‘rest of the region’ is generally remote, rural country with 

terrain varying from lush, vegetated farmlands to dry, desert like country. There are five 

major cities, Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, Eagle Pass, and Del Rio, within the region. 

These cities provide border residents availability to major transportation routes to the 

interior of the United States. Some of the border counties, specifically Hidalgo, Starr, 

Zapata, and Zavala, are four of the fifty counties in the United States with the highest 

poverty rates. Though the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) generates a 

significant amount of earning potential across the countries included, the SWB STX 

HIDTA continues to be among the poorest on the nation. Therefore, the opportunities to 

earn money and generate income in the area continue to make illicit drug trafficking a 

major problem. The poverty rate, coupled with a historical smuggling history in the 

region, makes the task of the SWB STX HIDTA task forces mission difficult 

III. HIDTA Goals 

A. The National HIDTA Program developed two specific goals to focus on to meet the 

continuing drug challenge. These two national goals guide all HIDTA initiatives in the 

United States. The SWB STX HIDTA proudly adheres to these national goals. An annual 

Threat Assessment Summary for fiscal year 2005 and an associated Strategy, developed to 

address the Threat while following the goals, are included in this section. The SWB STX 

HIDTA developed a strategy addressing local and regional needs while addressing the 

national objectives covered by the National HIDTA Goals. 

NATIONAL HIDTA GOALS 

Goal 1: Disrupt the market for illegal drugs by dismantling 

or disrupting drug trafficking and/or money laundering 

organizations; and

Goal 2: Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of 

HIDTA initiatives. 

B. All the SWB STX HIDTA initiatives and task forces address the National HIDTA 

Goals. Through planning methods to specifically close various DTO active within the 

region, task forces improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their operation and those of 

participating Federal, State, and local LEA. Based on their planning efforts, the task forces 

are able to measure, through realistic outcome measures, their successes in the counterdrug 

arena. Budgets for task forces, as evaluated by management within the task forces and at 

the Executive Committee level within the SWB STX HIDTA, are equitably distributed 

based on needs and demonstrated results. The SWB STX HIDTA initiatives are developed 

within clear national guidelines governing all HIDTA activities and expenditures. 
May 15, 2006 

7

C. The SWB STX HIDTA Executive Committee involves itself in all aspects of the 

SWB STX HIDTA pillars of operation, i.e., Intelligence, Investigation, Interdiction, and 

Prosecution activities. The Executive Committee exchange valuable information between 

participating agencies to better succeed in the counterdrug operations in the region. 

Evaluation of each task force and initiative give task force commanders direct feedback. 

Sub-committees developed by the Executive Committee assist in providing important 

insight to the performance and planning of the task forces, as they follow the Strategy to 

impact on the National HIDTA goals. Subcommittees created include Operational, 

Fiscal, and Intelligence. 

IV. Summary of Threat Assessment for Budget Year 2005

Recognizing how important it is to maximize operational effectiveness, and to ensure our 

citizens get the greatest return for their tax dollars, each year the SWB STX HIDTA 

establishes a sound strategic plan and realistic resource requests which emanate from its 

well-researched and thorough Threat Assessment. The reader is referred to The SWB STX 

HIDTA Threat Assessment for 2006 for details on the threats identified. The following 

summary is presented for your convenience: 

A. Methodology 

The STR Annual Threat Assessment’s objectives is to identify the most significant drug 

related threats and smuggling trends within the STR, and provide participating agencies 

the information necessary to make effective use of their counter drug resources. The 

Threat Assessment is the collaborative effort of numerous participating Federal, state and 

local agencies operating in South Texas. 

B. Environmental and Related Threats 

The South Texas Region of the Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 

(SWBHIDTA) remains one of the primary smuggling corridors for illicit drugs destined 

for cities and towns throughout the United States. The region is home to three major 

transportation corridors providing excellent means for international smuggling of illegal 

drugs and alien traffic originating from Mexico and South America. 

The STR has a population of approximately three million people, making it the fifty-sixth 

largest consumer market in the United States. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, three 

STR cities rank in the top 10 among the fastest growing cities in the United States. Laredo 

ranked second, McAllen ranked third and Brownsville ninth. Bexar and Hidalgo counties 

ranked 21st and 23rd, respectively, in numeric population change. It is estimated that as 

much as 20 percent of the local population is either involved in drug smuggling or receive 

direct benefits from drug smuggling activities. Drug smuggling is a daily way of life 

along the border, and many families have several generations of involvement in drug 

smuggling along the Rio Grande River. Drug smuggling in the Rio Grande Valley 

encompasses international, national, regional and local trafficking organizations. Illegal 

drug smuggling activities in the STR have a major impact on the entire nation’s illegal 

drug supply. 

C. Drug Threat 

The South Texas Border Region has the most active drug smuggling corridors in the 

Southwest. The region is a primary gateway and transshipment corridor for Colombian 
May 15, 2006 

8

cocaine entering the United States from Mexico. Methamphetamine and cocaine poses the 

greatest drug threat to law enforcement and residents in the South Texas Region. 

According to the El Paso Intelligence Center’s (EPIC) seizure statistics, 

methamphetamine seizures increased by 55 percent during the calendar year. This equated 

to 34 percent of all methamphetamine seized along the Southwest Border. Additionally, 

57 percent of the cocaine seized along the Southwest Border occurred in the STR in 2005. 

Marijuana remained the most available illicit drug in the area although seizures declined 

drastically during the calendar year. 

 

D. Drug Trafficking Organizations and Activities 

Most DTOs operating across the STR are transportation related, with ties to international 

and Mexican cartels. It is estimated the DTOs (143 identified) operating along the 

U.S./Mexico border generate 20 to 40 billion dollars annually. In order to collect their 

profits, the DTO must reverse their smuggling operations to return the illicit profits from 

the U.S. into Mexico. Methods range from old-fashioned bulk currency shipments by 

private vehicles and commercial trucks to sophisticated multi-bank transfers. 

Transportation of illicit drugs across the border region is a way of life, unfortunately, for 

many people. Historically, smuggling is a way of life for an area dominated by low 

income and slow economic growth to the undereducated. Excluding the city of San 

Antonio, the STR would not be considered a distribution center but rather a transit zone. 

Smuggling organizations bringing illicit drugs into the STR are normally loosely banded 

cells with family ties to the specific region of the border. 

 

E. Outlook 

The STR will continue to be the primary entry zone and corridor for the transportation and 

transshipment of illegal drugs entering the United States from Mexico. Major DTOs 

operating within the STR and across the border in Mexico will continue to plague the 

South Texas counties with their poly-drug trafficking activities and associated violence. 

The Rio Grande Valley will remain the primary “Staging and Transshipment Area” along 

the Southwest border. Large-scale shipments of cocaine, marijuana and 

methamphetamine will continue to make a way into the region from Mexico and South 

America. Traffickers will in all probability continue and possibly expand their investment 

practices in transportation venues that provide convenient, and profitable opportunities for 

increased overland smuggling in and through the STR. 

Violence associated with drug smuggling activities will escalate along the Lower Rio 

Grande Valley caused by the void in Gulf Cartels’ leadership. There will be a struggle for 

territory between the larger Mexican DTOs as well as fighting for power and leadership 

within the ranks of several of the trafficking organizations along the border. The 

insurgency of “Los Zetas” and “MS-13’s” involvement with DTOs will continue to 

escalate the violence associated with drug trafficking throughout the region and the state. 
May 15, 2006 

9

V. HIDTA Strategy Summary 

The SWB, STX HIDTA 2005 Strategy provides a more detailed description of this 

abbreviated description of the Strategy. The South Texas HIDTA recognizes the 

tremendous amount of illicit narcotics within its area of operations. As such, the 

Executive Committee addresses approved task forces focus on money laundering and drug 

trafficking organizations as well ac recognizing associated peripheral related activities 

such as gang activity and narco-terrorist activities. The SWB STX HIDTA funded task 

forces in CY 2005 are: 

• 9 Investigative DTO focus 

• 4 Investigative Money-Laundering focus 

• 1 Interdiction focus 

• 6 Intelligence focus 

• 1 Drug-Related, Public Corruption focus 

• 1 Management Operations focus public corruption 

VI. HIDTA Performance Measures 

As mentioned earlier in this report, HIDTAs across the country have instituted new 

procedures aimed at ensuring HIDTA sponsored initiatives work both hard and smart. 

HIDTA developed performance measures introduce a new perspective to quantify and track 

HIDTA targets and monitor results. With the application of the new PMP, the SWB STX 

HIDTA Annual Report functions as a report card; a barometer of HIDTA efficiency and 

effectiveness; a source for comparison with previous year efforts, and most importantly, a 

beacon for future action. The following series of tables and charts present specific outputs 

and efficiency measures organized in SWB STX HIDTA Goal order. These measurable 

results reflect a continuing increase in efficiency and effectiveness at lower programmatic 

costs. 

A. Performance Measures for Goal 1

Table 1 - Cost per DTO Disrupted or Dismantled, 2005 

SWB STX HIDTA Cost per DTO Disrupted or Dismantled in 2005 

 DTOs 

Identified # Targeted # Disrupted 

% of 

Targeted 

Disrupted 

# 

Dismantled

% of 

Targeted 

Dismantled 

Budget 

Cost per DTO 

Dismantled or 

Disrupted 

Begin 05 89 64 36 58% 4 6% 

During 

05 54 45 29 62% 7 16% 

Total 05 143 109 65 60% 11 10% 
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Table 2 - Percentage of DTO Disrupted or Dismantled by Scope, 2005 

SWB STX HIDTA DTOs Disrupted or Dismantled 2005 

Scope # Identified # Targeted # Disrupted

% of 

Targeted 

Disrupted 

# 

Dismantled

% of 

Targeted 

Dismantled 

Total Disrupted 

or Dismantled 

Total % 

Disrupted or 

Dismantled 

International 120 90 57 63% 5 6% 62 69% 

Multi-state 7 5 3 75% 1 25% 4 100% 

Local 16 14 5 36% 5 36% 10 71% 

Total 143 109 65 60% 11 10% 76 70% 

Table 3 - Percentage of Money Laundering Organizations Disrupted or Dismantled by Scope, 2005 

SWB STX HIDTA Money Laundering Organizations Disrupted or Dismantled, 2005 

Scope # Identified # Targeted # Disrupted

% of 

Targeted 

Disrupted 

# Dismantled % of Targeted 

Dismantled 

Total Disrupted 

or Dismantled 

Total % 

Disrupted or 

Dismantled 

International 9 6 3 50% 0 0% 3 50% 

Multi-state 0 0 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 

Local 0 0 0 0% 0 0 

Total 9 6 3 50% 0 0% 3 50% 

Table 4 - Operational Scope of All DTO Cases Initiated, 2005 

SWB STX HIDTA Operational Scope, 2005 

 # Cases 

Opened 

# CPOT 

Cases 

# RPOT 

Cases 

# OCDETF 

Cases 

% OCDETF of Total 

Cases 

International 9 1 7 8% 

Multi-state 2 0 0 0% 

Local 1 0 0 0% 

Total 12 1 7 6% 

As identified in Charts 1 – 4, the SWB STX HIDTA is inundated with drug smuggling activity. 

Through a comprehensive and united effort, the task forces achieved the disruption and or 

dismantlement of 79 DTO operating in and or through the region. Three of those were moneylaundering DTO. The impact of the money-laundering capabilities, coupled with the loss of 

illegal drugs, removed from the market by the task forces, had more than a $282 million dollar 

impact on the DTO through the combined loss of drug proceeds and assets. 
May 15, 2006 

11

Table 5 – Drugs removed from the Market Place, 2005 

SWB STX HIDTA Drugs Removed from the 

Marketplace, 2005 

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

(kg/D.U.) Wholesale Value 

heroin kg 66.117 $1,454,574 

cocaine HCL kg 6858.441 $96,018,174 

crack cocaine kg 21.902 $547,550 

marijuana kg 213,050.031 $181,092,526 

methamphetamine kg 347.594 $2,433,158 

methamphetamine ice kg 3.562 $78,364 

ecstasy (MDMA) (D.U.s) .026 $0 

Anabolic Steroids 930.061 $1,860 

Prescription Drugs 3896.00 $19,480 

Rohypnol 30.00 $60 

Total Wholesale Value $281,645,746 

Table 6 - Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs Removed from the Marketplace by Law 

Enforcement Initiatives, 2005 

SWB STX HIDTA ROI for Drugs Seized by Year 

Year Budget Baseline Drug 

Wholesale Value

Targeted 

Drug ROI 

Drug Wholesale 

Value Removed 

From Market 

Actual 

Drug ROI 

2004 $7,598,887 $242,209,107 $32 $242,209,107 $32 

2005 $8,164,683 $0 $0 $281,645,746 $34 

2006 

2007 

Table 7 - Return on Investment (ROI) for Assets Removed from the Marketplace by Law 

Enforcement Initiatives, 2005

SWB STX HIDTA ROI for Assets Seized by Year 

Year Budget Baseline Value of 

Drug Assets 

Targeted Asset 

ROI 

Value of Drug 

Assets Removed 

From Market 

Actual Asset 

ROI 

2004 $7,598,887 $22,194,584 $3 $22,194,584 $3 

2005 

$8,164,683 $22,194,584 $5 $44,074,282 $5 

2006 

2007 
May 15, 2006 

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Table 8 - Total Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs and Assets Removed from the 

Marketplace by Law Enforcement Initiatives, 2005 

SWB STX HIDTA Total ROI by Year 

Year Budget Drugs and Assets 

Baseline 

Targeted Total 

ROI 

Drugs and Assets 

Removed From 

Market 

Actual Total 

ROI 

2004 $7,598,887 $264,403,691 $35 $264,403,691 $35 

2005 $8,164,683 $264,403,691 $40 $325,798,393 $39 

2006 

2007 

The success of the task forces may be measured in a Return On Investment (ROI). This ROI is 

based on funds received through the National HIDTA Program and how much is returned, in 

terms of illicit drug proceeds, assets, and wholesale values of the drug seized, for each dollar 

received in the SWB STX HIDTA. As Tables 6 – 8 reflect, a total return of $39 is removed from 

the illegal DTO operating in the region for each HIDTA dollar received. If compared to a 

national business, the impact is phenomenal if the return is viewed as the removal of assets from 

a business warehouse and also from the bank accounts of the business. No business can continue 

to operate on losses that high. Note, the value of the drugs reflect regional prices and do not 

reflect the value of the drugs if purchased in major metropolitan areas of the United States. 

Table 9 - Prosecution Initiative Cost Per Investigation, 2005 

SWB STX HIDTA Cost per Investigation by Year 

Year Budget Investigations 

Baseline 

Investigations 

Projected 

Investigations 

Handled % Handled Cost/ Investigation

2004 $183,125 68 68 68 100% $2,693 

2005 264 226 114 50% 

2006 

2007 

The cost per prosecution, by prosecutors receiving HIDTA salaries, is relatively low. Given the 

poverty level in the area, the prosecution brings tremendous impact on the drug traffickers while 

relieving the local populace of the high cost of prosecution. The local prosecution offices could 

not afford the resources provided by HIDTA to address the growing illicit drug trafficking 

issues. 
May 15, 2006 

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Table 10 - Value of Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs Dismantled in 2005, by Size 

SWB STX HIDTA Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratories 

Dismantled in 2005 

 Meth Cost Per Ounce $1000 

Lab Size Labs ID/Targeted Labs 

Dismantled

Value of Labs 

Dismantled 

A. Less 2 Oz 0 33 $66,000 

B. 2 - 8 Oz 0 4 $20,000 

C. 9 Oz - 16 Oz 0 0 $0 

D. 32 - 144 Oz 0 0 $0 

E. 160 - 320 Oz 0 0 $0 

F. Over 320 Oz $0 

Total 0 37 $86,000 

Table 11 - Clandestine Laboratory Activities, 2005 

SWB STX HIDTA Clandestine Activities in 2005 

 Baseline # Targeted # Identified % Identified Actual Change 

from Baseline 

Suspicious 

Precursor/Essential 

Chemical Transactions* 

0 0 33 0% 33 

Laboratory Dump Sites 4 0 37 825% 33 

Chemical/Glassware 

Seizures 0 0 8 0% 0 

Methamphetamine, a growing problem across the nation as well as the SWB STX HIDTA,

receives a special focus by the task forces. Though not historically a major problem, the region 

is becoming infected with illegal laboratories and an increase in smuggling efforts. The 

laboratories found and dismantled were in the highly populated Bexar County region. 

Unfortunately, the seizures in Table 5 reflect the growing traffic problem of methamphetamine in 

the remote areas of the area. 
May 15, 2006 

14

 B. Performance Measures for Goal 2 

SWB STXHIDTA Training Efficiency 

# Students 

Expected for 

Training 

# Students 

Actually 

Trained 

# Training Hours 

Actually 

Provided Total Training Cost Training Cost per Hour 

Type of Training 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 

% Change 

2004-2005

Analytical/ 

Computer 117 0 117 6 10120 136 $94,775 $975 $9.37 $7.17 23% 

Investigative/ 

Interdiction 69 0 67 382 2682 7,954 $49,868 $29,886 $18.59 $3.76 -80% 

Management/ 

Administrative 2 0 2 0 220 1,177 $4,961 $13,380 $22.55 $11.37 -50% 

Conferences 0 0 0 7 0 64 $0 $1,948 $0.00 $30.44 0% 

 

 

 

 

Total 188 0 186 395 13,022 9,331 $149,604 $46,189 $11.48 $4.95 -57% 

Table 12 – SWB STX HIDTA Training Efficiency by Year and Type of Training 

Federal, State, and local LEA officers and support personnel could not achieve the level or 

participation as in previous years due to budget cuts in certain schools. However, the cost per 

hour continues to be low given the quality of training received. Focus continues to be on 

intelligence services where training lets investigators save time and energy with well-trained 

analysts with appropriate computer and automation support. 

Table 13 - Percentage of HIDTA Initiatives Using Event and Case Deconfliction Services, 

2005 

SWB STX HIDTA Deconfliction Services by Year 

Year Total HIDTA 

Initiatives # Initiatives Targeted to Use Services # Initiatives Using % Initiatives Using

2004 10 0 10 0% 

2005 10 10 10 100% 

2006 10 0 0 0% 

2007 10 0 0 0% 
May 15, 2006 

Table 14 - Percentage of Event and Case Deconflictions Submitted, 2005 

SWB STX HIDTA Deconfliction Submissions by Year 

Year 

Baseline # 

Deconflictions 

Submitted 

# Deconfliction 

Submissions 

Targeted 

# Event 

Deconflictions 

Submitted 

# Case/Subject 

Deconflictions 

Submitted 

Total 

Deconflictions 

Submitted 

% 

Deconflictions 

Submitted 

2004 5,000 0 5,361 4,357 9,718 0% 

2005 5,000 10,688 5,705 9,520 11,625 109% 

2006 5,000 1,150 0 0 0 0 

2007 5,000 12,114 0 0 0 0 

Officer safety can’t be highlighted enough. Through the SWB STX HIDTA Deconfliction 

system, all LEA within the region receive, at no cost to their agencies, timely and accurate 

deconfliction services for all their operation. Further, through case and subject deconfliction, 

duplication of effort is reduced and the results are returned in increased cooperation and unity of 

effort. 

Table 15 - Percentage of Investigations Provided Analytical Support, 2005 

15

SWB STX HIDTA Investigations Supported by Year 

Year 

Baseline # 

Investigations 

Receiving 

Analytical 

Support 

# Investigations 

Targeted for 

Analytical 

Support 

# Investigations 

Provided 

Analytical 

Support 

% Targeted 

Investigations 

Supported 

2004 859 130 706 660% 

2005 859 493 749 198% 

2006 859 1,564 0 0% 

2007 859 1,529 0 0% 

Good analytical support cannot be left out. An investigation, with good analysts, is an exercise 

in time conservation. Investigations with properly trained analyst results in a shorter-term 

investigation. A major percentage of the investigations opened in CY 2005 had analyst assigned. 

Table 16 - Percentage of HIDTA Initiative Investigations Referred to Other HIDTAs and 

Other Agencies, 2005 

 

SWB STX HIDTA Affiliated Cases Referred by Year 

Year 

Total HIDTA 

Initiative 

Investigations 

# Initiative 

Investigations 

Targeted for 

Referral 

# HIDTA Initiative 

Investigations 

Referred to Other 

HIDTAs 

# HIDTA Initiative 

Investigations 

Referred to Other 

Agencies 

Total Initiative 

Investigations 

Referred 

% Targeted 

Initiative 

Investigations 

Referred 

2004 0 0 0 27 27 0% 

2005 1369 14 2 0 2 14% 

2006 0 12 0 0 0 0 

2007 0 13 0 0 0 0 
May 15, 2006 

16

VII. Conclusions 

Calendar year 2005 is the second year the National HIDTA Program used targeted tables to 

reflect achievements based on a historical baseline. The 2005 results will be compared to 

2004. This new process is a first in that not only are historical DTO continually evaluated 

and documented in a database, new DTO identified or developed through out the year will 

also be documented. Better records on known DTO coupled with information developed 

with new DTO better addresses the trend within the SWB STX HIDTA. 

Targeting data, coupled with the results displayed in disrupted and or dismantled 

information will give analysts a more informed scope of the illegal drug trade in the region. 

Delineating the difference between drug trafficking DTO and money laundering DTO will 

allow better results on the impact of the HIDTA Program against international, multi-state, 

and local DTO operations. 

Evaluating the ROI for drugs seized as well as assets and proceeds associated with DTO, 

allows the HIDTA to better evaluate the impact on the DTO in the region. Keeping the 

cost down for local populations aids in preventing a national problem from being an 

‘albatross’ around the necks of local prosecuting attorneys. 

Evaluating growing trends, as reflected in the methamphetamine data, may be used to 

identify national trends and their impact on a HIDTA. Through the overall evaluation of 

tables 1 – 12, training, officer safety, and analytical impact may be measured. 

In short, this evaluation method, when coupled with the Matrix for each HIDTA, 

performance may be measured in a timely manner. The HIDTA Executive Committee, in 

concert with the Management and Coordination element, may use the performance charts 

to determine performing task forces or to refocus a region’s direction based on developing 

or measured trends. 

The SWB STX HIDTA and its initiatives/task forces are pleased to announce it adheres to 

the National HIDTA Goals. It is making dramatic strides in removing illicit drugs from the 

market place. The SWB STX HIDTA is continuing to identify, targets, and remove illegal 

drugs and associated DTO from the region. This activity facilitates the disruption and or 

dismantlement of DTO and or money-laundering organizations from the area. Through 

careful budgeting and continued evaluation of costs involved with the DTO investigations, 

analysts, trainers, and managers can make their LEA more efficient and effective. 

As the SWB STX HIDTA continues its semi-annual Threat Assessment, coupled with the 

results of the Annual Report and associated tables and Matrix, the Executive Committee, 

along with the leadership of the SWB STX HIDTA, a streamlined and effective 

organization will continue to improve on its successes and plan for a better tomorrow for its 

regional citizens. 
May 15, 2006 

17

Tabl

Agencies, 2005...................................................................................................................... 15 

VIII. Appendices

A. Table of Organization for the HIDTA. 

B. Table listing composition of Executive Board showing local, state and federal affiliation. 

C. List of participating agencies. 

D. HIDTA PMP Matrix 

E. HIDTA Initiatives 

IX. List of Tables and Charts 

Table 1 - Cost per DTO Disrupted or Dismantled, 2005................................................................ 9 

Table 2 - Percentage of DTOs Disrupted or Dismantled by Scope, 2005............................10 

Table 3 - Percentage of Money Laundering Organizations Disrupted or Dismantled by Scope, 

2005....................................................................................................................................... 10 

Table 4 - Operational Scope of All DTO Cases Initiated, 2005 ................................................... 10 

Table 5 - Drugs Removed from the Marketplace, 2005 ............................................................... 11 

Table 6 - Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs Removed from the Marketplace by Law 

Enforcement Initiatives, 2005............................................................................................... 11 

Table 7 - Return on Investment (ROI) for Assets Removed from the Marketplace by Law 

Enforcement Initiatives, 2005............................................................................................... 11 

Table 8 - Total Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs and Assets Removed from the 

Marketplace by Law Enforcement Initiatives, 2005............................................................. 12 

Table 9 - Prosecution Initiative Cost Per Investigation, 2005 ...................................................... 12 

Table 10 - Value of Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs Dismantled in 2005, by Size ............. 13 

Table 11 - Clandestine Laboratory Activities, 2005..................................................................... 13 

Table 12 – SWB STX HIDTA Training Efficiency by Year and Type of Training .................... 14 

Table 13 - Percentage of HIDTA Initiatives Using Event and Case Deconfliction Services, 2005

............................................................................................................................................... 14 

Table 14 - Percentage of Event and Case Deconflictions Submitted, 2005 ................................. 15 

Table 15 - Percentage of Investigations Provided Analytical Support, 2005............................... 15

e 16 - Percentage of HIDTA Initiative Investigations Referred to Other HIDTAs and Other 
May 15, 2006 

Appendix A 

SWB STX HIDTA 

Table of Organization 

Brownsville, Texas HIDTA

Investigative TAsk Force

Eagle Pass Southwest

Border Multi-Agency

Task Force

South Texas Del Rio

Task Force

South Texas HIDTA

Multi-Agency Drug-Related

Public Corruption

Task Force

South Texas HIDTA

Laredo Multi-Agency

Task Force

South Texas HIDTA

McAllen Initiative

South Texas HIDTA

San Antonio

Initiative

South Texas HIDTA

Starr County

Investigative

Task Force

South Texas HIDTA

White Sands

Task Force

Laredo Financial

Enforcement Team

Investigative

Initiatives

McAllen Intelligence Center

(MIC)

South Texas HIDTA

Border Patrol

Intelligence Center

(BPIC)

South Texas HIDTA

Intelligence Center

(STHIC)

South Texas HIDTA

Laredo INtelligence

Center

(LIC)

Texas Narcotics

Information System

(TNIS)

Unified Narcotics

Intelligence

Task Force

(UNIT)

Intelligence

Initiatives

Deputy Director

(HIDTA Funded)

Intelligence Coordinator

(HIDTA funded)

Financial Officer

(HIDTA funded)

Executive Administrative

Assistant

(HIDTA funded)

South Texas HIDTA

Director's Administrative

Support Element

Training/Inventory Coordinator

HIDTA Funded

TX DPS

(Part-Time)

South Texas Region

Training Initiative

Support

Initiatives

South Texas Region

Director

(HIDTA funded)

BICE

Cameron County

District Attorney

DEA

FBI

South Texas Region

Intelligence Coordinator

Texas DPS

Intelligence

Subcommitte

IRS-CI

ICE

Laredo PD

San Antonio PD

Financial

Subcommitte

BCBP, USBP

DEA

Cameron County

District Attorney

Starr County

District ATtorney

Operational

Subcommittee

South Texas Region

Southwest Border HIDTA

Executive Committe

South Texas REgion

Southwest Border HIDTA

18
May 15, 2006 

19

Appendix B 

SWB STX HIDTA 

Executive Committee Agencies/Members* 

Laredo Police Department – Assistant Chief Gilbert Navarro (Chair) for Chief Agustin Dovalina 

III 

San Antonio Police Department – Captain Vidal Resendez for Chief Albert Ortiz 

Cameron County District Attorney – District Attorney Armando Villalobos 

Hidalgo County District Attorney – District Attorney Rene Guerra 

Starr County District Attorney – District Attorney Heriberto Silva 

Texas Department of Public Safety (Narcotics) – Commander James Brubaker 

Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (United States Border Patrol) – Chief Paul Berg 

Bureau of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement – Special Agent in Charge Alonzo Pena 

Drug Enforcement Administration – Associate Special Agent in Charge Luis R. Saldana for 

James D. Craig 

Federal Bureau of Investigation – Assistant Special Agent in Charge Steve Ibison 

Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations Division – Special Agent in Charge Harlan 

Carter 

United States Attorney - Southern District of Texas – Assistant United States Attorney Jose 

Angel Moreno for United States Attorney Michael Shelby 

United States Attorney – Western District of Texas – Assistant United States Attorney Greg 

Surovic for United States Attorney Johnny Sutton 

United States Marshals Service – Southern District of Texas – Marshal Ruben Monzon 

*Note: To maintain a balanced voting board, the USMS, IRS, and two USAO each have 1⁄2 vote 

each. 
May 15, 2006 

20

Appendix C 

SWB STX HIDTA 

Participating Agencies 

Local 

63rd Judicial District of Texas 

293rd Judicial District of Texas 

Bexar County Constable’s 

 Office, Precinct #1 

Brownsville Police Department 

Cameron County District Attorney

Cameron County Sheriff’s Office 

Del Rio Police Department 

City of Eagle Pass 

Combs Police Department 

Eagle Pass Police Department 

Harlingen Police Department 

Hidalgo County Auditor’s Office 

Hidalgo County District Attorney 

Kimble County Sheriff’s Office 

Kinney County Sheriff’s Office 

Laredo Police Department 

LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office 

Leon Valley Police Department 

McAllen Police Department 

Mission Police Department 

Pharr Police Department 

Port Isabel Police Department

Rio Grande City Police Department 

San Antonio Police Department 

San Benito Police Department 

Starr County District Attorney 

Starr County Sheriff’s Office 

Val Verde Sheriff’s Office 

Webb County District Attorney 

Webb County Sheriff’s Office 

Weslaco Police Department 

Zapata County District Attorney 

Zapata County Sheriff’s Office 

State 

Texas National Guard 

Texas Attorney General’s 

 Office 

Texas Department of 

 Criminal Justice 

 Texas Department of Public

 Safety 

 

 

Federal 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, 

 and Firearms 

Drug Enforcement 

 Administration 

Department of Homeland 

 Security – Office of the 

 Inspector General 

Federal Bureau of 

 Investigation 

Bureau of Immigration and 

 Customs Enforcement 

Internal Revenue Service - 

 Criminal Investigation 

National Park Service 

United States Border Patrol 

United States Coast Guard 

United States Marshals 

 Service 

Criminal Justice Department 

Union Pacific Railroad 

U.S. Department of Treasury- 

 Financial Crimes 

 Enforcement Network 

U.S. Attorney’s Office 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

 
May 15, 2006 

21

Appendix D 

SWB STX HIDTA Matrix 

(See separate document) 
May 15, 2006 

22

Appendix E 

SWB STX HIDTA 

Initiatives 

a. Brownsville, Texas, HIDTA Investigative Task Force – A collocated, multi-agency joint 

investigative task force targeting Gulf Cartel, Osiel Cardenas-Guillen, and related 

transportation DTO, some of which may include Juarez Cartel ties. The targeted 

organizations are international, national, and supporting regional DTO within the task force’s 

AOR. Public officials associated with DTO bribery efforts have been removed from their 

positions of public trust and convicted of drug-related charges as a result of the joint 

investigations the task force worked. The task force targets DTO and directs investigative 

efforts based on interdiction results and/or intelligence developments. The task force targets 

core methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin trafficking organizations. The task 

force performs interdiction efforts at the regional airports in Harlingen, and Brownsville, 

Texas as well as various bus stations and or package delivery points throughout the region. 

A significant number of the task forces investigations begin with interdiction stops at or near 

these locations. Several investigations result from referrals by the US Border Patrol. Illicit 

drugs transiting the region are reduced through the task forces’ concerted efforts. 

Investigators coordinate targets and cases through the Intelligence Subsystem. 

b. Eagle Pass Southwest Border Multi-Agency Task Force – This multi-agency, joint task 

force conducts long-term investigations on significant CPOT and RPOT DTO operating in 

the region. Targeted illegal drugs include methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. 

The task force also targets drug-related assets and associated money-laundering activities. 

The assigned LEA use established investigative methods and associated skills, with 

interdiction referrals and information obtained and developed into useable intelligence, to 

reduce available illicit narcotics entering and transiting the region. Intelligence is shared 

across the region and the nation via the STR Intelligence Subsystem. The task force 

conducts investigations and supports prosecution efforts within the South Texas counties of 

Maverick, Val Verde, Dimmit, Zavala, and Kinney. Operations are coordinated with the 

ISC Deconfliction Center. The initiative works closely with the Western District of Texas 

US Attorney's Office and their OCDETF. 

c. South Texas HIDTA Del Rio Task Force – This multi-agency, collocated, joint task force 

performs counterdrug investigations and associated interdiction efforts. The task force targets 

CPOT and RPOT transportation DTO. Money-laundering and associated illegally obtained 

assets are also targeted with investigations. This STR HIDTA element brings to prosecution 

illicit DTO operating in and or through the Del Rio AOR. The task force disrupts and or 

dismantles those DTO identified and targeted by capitalizing on proven investigative 

methods. The task force uses intelligence-driven interdiction efforts to support investigative 

needs. Operations are coordinated through the ISC Deconfliction Center. Information 

obtained during operations is shared with the South Texas HIDTA Border Patrol Intelligence 

Center, the STR ISC, and LEA nationwide. The target rich environment allows strong 

OCDETF support. 

d. South Texas HIDTA Drug-Related Public Corruption Task Force – This task force has 

been redesigned for 2005 to better support targeting corrupt public officials. The goal is to 
May 15, 2006 

23

investigate and prosecute those public officials who are involved in, support, or who use their 

official position(s) to facilitate illegal drug trafficking, narco-terrorism or alien smuggling 

operations; all closely related illegal activities. Through their actions, the corrupt public 

officials support regional, national, and international CPOT and RPOT transportations 

organizations and or Criminal Enterprise Groups. The task force is a multi-agency, joint task 

force targeting CPOT and RPOT efforts to smuggle their illegal items into the United States 

and particularly the STR. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a participant of 

this task force. The OCDETF is the primary program under which investigations will be 

conducted. The task force will use Title III wire intercepts, undercover operations, and other 

sensitive investigative techniques in conducting complex investigations, which result in 

successful prosecutions. Operations of this task force will involve LEA within the 

Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, and Del Rio, Texas areas. Special emphasis of this task force 

includes the ST counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, Maverick, Webb, and Val Verde; the counties 

with them major Ports of Entry (POE) in the STR. A focus of all investigations will be the 

seizure of illegally obtained assets as a result of the targets drug-related activities. All 

investigative efforts are coordinated with the South Texas ISC. The STR ISC Deconfliction 

Center is coordinated with on all field operations. Intelligence will be contributed and 

exchanged with the ST ISC and subordinate intelligence elements 

e. South Texas HIDTA Laredo Initiative – This initiative identifies, disrupts and or 

dismantles, through intelligence, interdiction and investigation, the area transportation and 

money-laundering DTO affiliated with CPOT and RPOT organizations. Numerous 

international narcotic trafficking and money laundering organizations operating within or 

through the South Texas AOR and Laredo have direct ties to CPOT and RPOT. Two multiagency, collocated, joint task forces, supported by the STR ISC regional Intelligence 

Subsystem element, coordinate counterdrug operations in the STR Laredo, Texas AOR. 

Each task force coordinates their specific area of investigation efforts with other HIDTA 

LEA to identify and seize illicit funds illegally obtained through the illicit trafficking of 

narcotics. The ISC Deconfliction Center is used on all operations. Task forces participate 

directly and indirectly during Cobija interdiction operations. The initiative's agencies use 

available ISC databases to support HIDTA and LEA with case support and actionable 

intelligence information. The task forces of the Laredo Initiative focus on regional financial 

investigations and highway interdictions, methamphetamine smuggling and follow-up 

investigation on drug seizure referrals, plus international money laundering and narcoterrorism within the region. The DEA, state, and local officers are federally deputized, 

considerably enhancing the initiative's jurisdiction. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement 

Task Force cases receive significant support. 

f. South Texas HIDTA McAllen Initiative – The initiative, through its four task forces, shares 

information for intelligence development then interdicts, investigates, and prosecutes 

identified CPOT DTO operating in and through the McAllen, Texas area. Targets include 

Gulf Cartel members and those CPOT and RPOT trafficking organizations smuggling 

ecstasy, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine. The McAllen initiative focuses 

on international money laundering and narco-terrorism, performing poly-drug and follow-up 

investigations on drug seizure referrals, seizure of illegally obtained drug-related assets, and 

the apprehension of drug-related fugitives within region. Three Texas Department of Public 

Safety pilots provide air support for this initiative and 33 counties across South Texas. The 

initiative works with the US Marshal’s Service in support of their Drug-Related Fugitive 

Apprehension Program. An initiative goal is to identify and classify all AOR DTO. 

Following the identification and classification of the DTO, the initiative uses the specific 
May 15, 2006 

24

skills associated with the participating agencies to disrupt and dismantle the targeted 

organization. All intelligence developed by this initiative concerning drug importation, 

transportation, and distribution is shared through the ISC. All operations are coordinated 

with the ISC Deconfliction Center. In CY 2002, the task forces initiated or worked 22 

different OCDETF cases. The task forces also support, directly and indirectly, Cobija 

operations during those targeted interdiction dates. In keeping with the National Drug 

Control Strategy, the Hidalgo County HIDTA Task Force maintains, at no costs, a drug 

abuse awareness education program within the area 

 

g. South Texas HIDTA San Antonio Initiative – This initiative has been redesigned for FY

04. This initiative consists of four squads. Each squad is a collocated, multi-agency joint 

task force. The collective mission is to disrupt and or dismantle regional, national, and 

international CPOT or RPOT, which include money laundering and drug trafficking 

organizations operating within or through the South Texas area. The initiative uses 

interdiction, intelligence, and investigative techniques. The initiative conducts drug 

investigations with a strategic, organizational approach. The initiative’s focuses on San 

Antonio-based criminal organizations with ties to Mexican and International drug 

transportation organizations, violent street and prison gangs assisting DTO in distribution of 

illicit drugs, narco-terrorism, international and national money-laundering organizations with 

San Antonio ties, movement of drugs and associated illegally obtained assets through 

airports, bus terminals, hotels, motels, and associated transportation methods and areas, 

seizure of illegally obtained drug-related assets, and the movement or placement of currency 

into US or international commerce channels. The initiative shares intelligence obtained with 

the STR ISC and all associated local, state, and federal intelligence centers. All operations 

are coordinated through the ISC Deconfliction Center. The task force’s controlled delivery 

successes across the nation multiply the initiatives counterdrug efforts at removing dangerous 

and illegal drugs from the streets of the country. The controlled deliveries also increase the 

arrest and removal of drug-related criminals from the streets of the nation’s cities. 

h. South Texas HIDTA Starr County Investigative Task Force – This task force addresses an 

area of significant interest across South Texas and the Southwest Border. This STR task 

force is a multi-agency, collocated joint task force operating in a major, illegal drug 

transportation area of Texas on the Mexican border. The task force targets those CPOT, 

RPOT, and, specifically, Gulf Cartel elements, active within the Zapata and Starr County, 

Texas area. Targeted drugs include ecstasy, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and 

methamphetamine. The task force performs limited interdiction and investigative operations 

through some of the least populated areas of the South Texas HIDTA. All intelligence and 

investigative information is exchanged with the STR ISC. All operations are coordinated 

with the STR ISC Deconfliction Center. Limited interdiction efforts are used to develop 

intelligence for more significant illegal drug seizures and seizure of associated monetary 

assets. Though many arrestees are local, most have international ties with significant CPOT. 

Arrestees from this task force face aggressive prosecutors from Federal, State or local 

offices. Asset forfeitures gained, as a result of investigations, significantly helps in 

improving and continuing counterdrug and law enforcement activities within this 

economically disadvantaged region of the state and nation. Though a new, rudimentary 

small task force, the successes achieved reflect the early STR recognition in achieving 

National HIDTA Program goal attainment. 

i. White Sands Task Force – This task force identifies, dismantles and or disrupts, through 

intelligence, investigation, and interdiction, the most significant international, national, and 
May 15, 2006 

25

regional CPOT related DTO, operating within the jurisdiction and venue of the task force. 

The members of the task force are multi-agency, collocated joint participants on all 

investigations. The task force is in the same building as the two other STR HIDTA 

Brownsville Task Forces. Targets include the Gulf Cartel and associated drug transportation 

cells within the Brownsville, Texas AOR. Targeted drugs include ecstasy, cocaine, 

marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine and other illegal or dangerous drugs. Investigations 

into the illegal drug trafficking and associated money-laundering activities are pursued 

through strong OCDETF support. Various LEA within the region, though not direct 

participants of the STR HIDTA, unify and participate with the task force in its regional 

counterdrug efforts. The task force uses extensive undercover operations. All intelligence is 

shared and exchanged with the STR ISC and associated local, state, and federal LEA. Cobija 

operations are supported indirectly during those periods of interdiction operations. The STR 

ISC Deconfliction Center facilitates deconfliction on all operations. The task force brings to 

prosecution those persons active in the illicit DTO. 

j. McAllen Intelligence Center (MIC) – The MIC provides a wide range of support to federal, 

state, and local LEA within the region and across the nation. The MIC focuses on 

prioritizing intelligence support to joint investigative matters targeting the most significant 

criminal enterprise groups impacting the South Texas region and the nation. Intelligence 

support is geared to assist in the identification, disruption and or dismantlement of these 

CPOT and RPOT groups having local, national, and or international impact through the 

region. Specifically, the MIC provides a full spectrum of intelligence support to the South 

Texas Law enforcement Community, thereby enabling a more effective and efficient use of 

limited intelligence and investigative resources. Its proximity to the Port of Hidalgo, a major 

South Texas POE, insures the development of intelligence resulting from interdiction 

operations associated with illegal drugs and money seized at the Port. Located with the 

South Texas HIDTA Drug-Public Corruption Task Force, the MIC also provides significant 

intelligence support for narco-terrorism related events across the Rio Grande Valley. Cobija 

operations are supported during those periods of interdiction operations. The MIC provides 

electronic interaction with intelligence elements across the region and nation with its 

connectivity with RISSNET and other federal, state, and local communications systems 

k. South Texas HIDTA Border Patrol Intelligence Center (BPIC) – Located in Del Rio, 

Texas, this new addition to the STR ISC and supporting intelligence centers exists in an area 

rich in counter narcotics, narco-terrorism, and alien smuggling activity. The area is a target 

of smuggling by the Gulf and Juarez Cartels. Specifically, targets include the CPOT/RPOT 

Carrillo-Fuentes, Menera Sierra (Michoacanos Smuggling Organization), Calderilla 

smuggling and Torres marijuana distribution organization, Luis Trevino smuggling 

organization, Omar Rubio, Sanchez, Gonzalez-Copado, and Osiel Cardenas organizations. 

The OCDETF cases supported include Hermano Grande, Lucky Charm, Golden Eagle, and 

Gravehaulers. Annually, the Del Rio area continues to improve in its effort to stem the flow 

of illegal narcotics trafficking and related activities. This multi-agency, collocated joint task 

force provides a needed source for an area low in population but high in illegal activities. 

The BPIC participants include the Eagle Pass Drug Enforcement Task Force, National Park 

Service, 63rd Judicial District Narcotics Task, and the USBP. The BPIC staffing consists of 

Federal, State and local LEA focused on a critical need. The BPIC is electronically 

connected to all STR ISC and national HIDTA databases, as well as numerous Federal, State, 

and local LEA. The BPIC provides education to regional LEA on the assets available 

through the STR ISC and its associated elements. Further, it enhances the use of the STR 

ISC Deconfliction Center in an area active with field operations. 
May 15, 2006 

26

l. South Texas HIDTA Intelligence Center (STHIC) - The STHIC is a full service 

Investigative Support Center (ISC), which also provides a subject and event Deconfliction 

Center. The STHIC provides near real-time interaction with intelligence elements across the 

region and nation through RISSNET and other federal, state, and local systems. The STHIC 

consists of three elements: a Deconfliction Center; an investigative, operational and threat 

team, and a strategic, counter terrorism and tactical operations team. The ISC provides near 

real-time criminal and open source database query checks and case support, analytical case 

support including telephone toll, link, and event/flow analysis and charting, and forecasting, 

reporting, and assessing drug trends, events, and enforcement. With multi-agency, joint task 

force personnel, the STHIC strives to give near real time responses to LEA queries regarding 

information within its available databases. The center furnishes analytical support by 

collecting, analyzing, reporting, and processing information received into useable 

intelligence relevant to customer needs. Cobija operations receive support during scheduled 

events. The STHIC meets the deconfliction not only for the ST region, but also counties 

across the state. The Deconfliction Center responded to LEA in 72 counties across Texas in 

CY 2003. The SWB HIDTA partnerships and LEA across the nation may access the STHIC 

and its associated databases. Access for the SWB HIDTA is via the RISSNET and TNIS. 

The STHIC performs its mission 14 hours a day, five days a week. Coverage 24-hours a day 

is maintained seven days a week. The STHIC is collocated and commingles with other 

HIDTA elements in the same building. 

m. South Texas HIDTA Laredo Intelligence Support Center (LISC) - The Laredo 

Intelligence Support Center provides intelligence support for federal, state, and local LEA 

within the Laredo, Texas area of operations. With analysts provided by the DHS 

BCBP/USBP and BICE, Laredo Police Department, and Texas National Guard, the task 

force supports tactical and strategic needs primarily for HIDTA but other LEA within the 

region are also supported. The LISC maximizes use of the STR ISC Deconfliction Center 

through actively educating regional LEA of its existence. The LISC closely coordinates and 

shares its resources with numerous LEA within the Laredo, Texas region. Through its active 

participation in the multiple regional LEA coordinating conferences and seminars, the LISC 

maximizes the assets available through their assets. Further, narco-terrorism and alien 

smuggling investigations performed by associated LEA often aid in developing on-going 

investigations. Intelligences is shared, in particularly with the DHS BICE and BCBP 

agencies, due to narco-terrorism concerns. As a major intelligence asset in the Laredo, Texas 

POE location, information obtained from the seizure of illegal drugs and money-laundering 

related activities is developed into useable intelligence. As the largest land POE within the 

United States, the Laredo region and its intelligence sources greatly add to the STR ISC 

informational sources. Investigative support provided by the LISC ensures maximum effort 

is provided in pursuing illegally obtained assets. 

n. Texas Narcotics Information System (TNIS) –The TNIS provides a Narcotics Analysis 

Team (NAT) for case development and assistance; a Post Seizure Analysis Team; Support 

Service Center for training and technical support of HIDTA, Criminal Law Enforcement 

Reporting and Information System (CLERIS), connectivity to the Southwest Border Sates 

Anti-Drug Information System (SWBSADIS); and the Texas Narcotics Information Network 

(TNIN) to facilitate rapid sharing of information via CLERIS, Regional Information Support 

System (RISS), and state or national databases. Objectives of TNIS include encouraging and 

facilitating the rapid exchange and sharing of information pertaining to known or suspected 

criminals and related activity. Special projects provided by TNIS analysts include, but are 
May 15, 2006 

27

not limited to, a Crime Bulletin publication and tools to flag certain data on targets in 

existing databases. The TNIS provides analytical case support, strategic studies, connectivity 

to other databases, input for the Drug Threats of Texas HIDTA, and post seizure analysis. 

These services are available for all HIDTA and appropriate local, state, and federal LEA. 

The TNIS uses commingled and collocated analysts across the state working with the 

HIDTA associated elements in Houston, West Texas, ST, and Dallas, as well as the El Paso 

Intelligence Center (EPIC) to enhance its analytical support abilities. The TNIS services all 

Federal, State, and local agencies within the ST area and the SWBSADIS. Jointly, all Texas 

HIDTA elements fund the TNIS effort. The initiative works numerous OCDETF cases 

annually. 

o. Unified Narcotics Intelligence Task Force (UNIT) - The UNIT provides near real-time 

regional local, state, and federal case support from its multi-agency intelligence center. It is 

linked with the STHIC and other intelligence units across the STR and the SWB HIDTA via 

RISSNET. It accesses local, state, and federal criminal justice database systems. It collects, 

analyzes, links, and supports OCDETF cases. Organic local prosecution supports appropriate 

drug cases in the area and provides for increased asset sharing information in the area. The 

UNIT distributes timely narcotic intelligence to support LEA in new target identification, the 

dismantling of targeted organizations, and or the seizure of drug trafficker assets. The UNIT 

collects counterdrug intelligence and adds to its databases for dissemination. It provides 

tactical and operational narcotics intelligence for LEA. Cobija is supported during periods of 

interdiction operations. The UNIT gives direct tactical support, such as audio and visual 

recordings of covert undercover operations and operational intelligence. The information 

provided identifies suspects, vehicles, associates, relatives, criminal history, property 

ownership, etc. The intelligence enables agents to conduct safer operations through case 

preparation. Arrests, asset seizures, and forfeitures increase with accurate information. 

UNIT personnel analyze and link narcotic case information for client agencies and provide a 

finished product for a more effective prosecution of violators. 

p. South Texas HIDTA Director’s Administrative Support Element – As implemented and 

managed by the STR Director, under the guidance of the STR Executive Committee and 

various sub-committees, this task force is responsible for the day-to-day functions of the STR 

Partnership. The National HIDTA Program funds all positions of this task force. The 

Director, with staff, provides support to all elements of the ST Strategy in its support to the 

SWB and National HIDTA Program. As such, the task force is directly involved in the 

reduction of illicit drug availability across the nation, improving the efficiency and 

effectiveness of LEA within the HIDTA, and reducing the harmful consequences of drug 

trafficking. It develops, supports, and maintains automation plus joint programmatic and 

fiscal administration requirements necessary for the budgetary, intelligence, operational, and 

logistical needs for all task forces and initiatives in the STR oversight through the on-site 

inspections required by the HIDTA Program. Further, the task force performs those 

necessary liaison and coordination actions needed to support the SWB HIDTA and National 

HIDTA Program, effort across the Southwest Border of the United States. Equipment needs 

identified during on-site reviews are researched to determine applicability and availability 

between and across HIDTA lines. More than 120 local LEA exist within the STR. On-site 

coordination with the LEA is necessary to better meet the HIDTA Developmental Standards 

of the National HIDTA Program. Briefings identifying resources available to LEA within 

the region are provided to better inform LEA of ONDCP programs. The HIDTA Program 

within the STR strives to make itself available, with appropriate assets, to all LEA within the 

region. The HIDTA Program Policy and Budget Guidance mandates the Management and 
May 15, 2006 

28

Coordination task forces. It directly supports each operational task force or initiative in 

reaching their goals.

q. South Texas Region Training Initiative – The South Texas Region Training initiative 

strives to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of LEA within the HIDTA region through 

enhanced education opportunities. Under the guidance and direction of the STR HIDTA 

Director, as supported by the STR Executive Committee, the Training Coordinator, provided 

by the Texas DPS, facilitates training and coordinates multiple agencies training 

opportunities across the STR. The Training Coordinator insures training assessments are 

executed with appropriate follow-up planning performed to make training needs available. 

Liaison with training coordinators from the BICE, BCBP, DEA, FBI, TX DPS, and other 

Federal, State, and local agencies insures maximum class availability, training is advertised, 

provided as scheduled, and attended by the maximum number of students possible. 
005 SOUTH TEXAS HIDTA PMP MATRIX

OAL 1 - Disrupt the Market for Ilegal Drugs by Dismantling or Disrupting Drug Trafficking Organizations

EOGRAPHIC 

AREA SOURCE PERFORMANCE TARGETS BROWNSVILLE TEXAS 

T/F

EAGLE PASS SWB T/F

STX DEL RIO T/F

STX HIDTA Laredo 

Financial Narcotics 

Enforcement Team

STX HIDTA Laredo 

Multi-Agency Border 

Task Force

STX HIDTA McALLEN 

INITIATIVE

STX HIDTA SAN 

There are 94 international multi-drug DTOs identified TARGET 50% OF IDENTIFIED INTERNATIONAL DTOs AND DISMANTLE 10% OR DISRUPT 30% OF THOSE TARGETED x x xx xx 

There are 9 multi-state multi-drug DTOs identified TARGET 50% OF IDENTIFIED MULTI-STATE DTOs AND DISMANTLE 15% OR DISRUPT 40 % OF THOSE TARGETED x x xx xx 

There are 57 local multi-drug DTOs identified TARGET 50% OF IDENTIFIED LOCAL DTOs AND DISMANTLE 20% AND DISRUPT 50% OF THOSE TARGETED x x xx xx 

Multi-kilogram quantities of illegal drugs are trafficked within and 

throughout the South Texas HIDTA region ROI OF $30 FOR DRUGS SEIZED x x xx xx 

Millions of dollars of illegal dangerous drug money flows through the 

South Texas HIDTA Region ROI OF $5 FOR ASSETS SEIZED x x xx xx 

Multi-kilogram quantities of illegal drugs and millions of dollars of 

assets are trafficked within and through the South Texas HIDTA region ROI OF $35 FOR DRUGS AND ASSETS SEIZED x x xx xx 

22 DRUG MONEY LAUNDERING DTOs IDENTIFIED TARGET 50% OF IDENTIFIED DRUG MONEY LAUNDERING DTOs AND DISMANTLE OR DISRUPT 50% OF THOSE IDENTIFIED x x xx xx 

NARCO-TERRORISM IN THE REGION ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG 

TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATIONS

IDENTIFY 5 DTOs WITH NARCO-TERRORISM CONNECTIONS AND 

DISMANTLE 5 % OR DISRUPT 10 % OF THOSE TARGETED x x xx xx 

DRUG-RELATED PUBLIC CORRUPTION BY FEDERAL, STATE AND 

LOCAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE OFFICIALS AND PUBLIC OFFICE HOLDER

IDENTIFY AND ARREST 10 PUBLIC OFFICIALS TIED TO DRUG 

TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATIONS x x xx xx 

100 DRUG TRAFFICKING FUGITIVES ARE SUSPECTED TO RESIDE IN 

THE REGION ARREST 35 VIOLENT FELONY DRUG TRAFFICKING FUGITIVES x 

ILLEGAL ALIENS SMUGGLING ILLICIT DRUGS BETWEEN THE POEs 

OVER 5 BILLION DOLLARS IN SUSPICIOUS DRUG RELATED BANKING 

TRANSACTIONS OCCUR ANNUALLY 

 STREET GANGS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR A DISPROPORTIONATE 

AMOUNT OF DRUG RELATED VIOLENT CRIME IN THE REGION

PROLIFERATION OF DRUG RELATED AND VIOLENT GANGS 

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH METH LAB CLEAN UP 

PHARMACEUTICAL DRUG DIVERSION AND THE SMUGGLING OF 

PHARMACEUTICALS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES 

REFER FOR PROSECUTION CHILD ENDANGERMENT CHARGES IN ALL 

APPROPRIATE CASES

HEALTH HAZARDS AFFECTING CHILDREN PRESENT IN AND ABOUT 

METH LABS 

MULTI-KILOGRAM QUANTITIES OF THE ILLEGAL DRUGS ARE 

SMUGGLED AND TRANSPORTED VIA COASTAL MARITIME 

CONVEYANCES 

MULTI-KILOGRAM QUANTITIES OF THE ILLEGAL DRUGS ARE 

SMUGGLED AND TRANSPORTED VIA RAILROADS

THREAT ASSESSMENT STRATEGY & 

SOUTH TEXAS HIDTA REGION

HIDTA- TARGETED THREAT

THREAT DESCRIPTION

NON HIDTA- TARGETED THREAT CURRENTLY HANDLED BY A NON-HIDTA GROUP 

INVESTIGATIVE/INT

DTO 

REPORT

THREAT 

ASSESSMENT

2

G

G