He said the results of this effort have brought about intensified efforts by nations to improve their anti-drug record. Countries not certified or given a waiver want to improve their standing and international image, and some countries act because they are worried that they might be denied certification. The certification process has become a very effective tool. Those nations demonstrating a commitment to deal with the drug problem have received help from U.S. agencies, particularly in the destruction of drug crops. The administrations's emphasis on crop reduction is more effective and less costly than broad, constantly expanding interdiction operations, he said.
Interdiction takes more money and technology.
We had to defend all places at all times and in the end interdiction is not going to have a long-term effect. The opium plant, which is the basis for heroin, is produced across the globe and involves many more criminal groups than cocaine does. An official noted that many countries remain reluctant to go after the drug trade. They see drugs as a consumer-driven product used mainly in the United States and Western Europe. He said that international cooperation against drug trafficking has made slow progress.