In exchange for access to its booking system, the skilled negotiators at Amtrak s New Mexico operation negotiated a 10 percent cut of any money seized. Since Amtrak s deal was first reported in the Albuquerque Journal , the railroad has been on the defensive. For its part, the DEA, sees nothing wrong with the arrangement. An agency spokesperson, Rogene Waite, says the agency has similar deals with bus companies and airlines but won t discuss them, citing the need for law enforcement secrecy. Waite s also mum on whether the DEA s infiltration of Amtrak s reservation system is nationwide or limited to New Mexico.
Evidence suggests the former.
In keeping with the real job of government public affairs people, DEA spokesperson Waite refused to comment on the source of funds for the helicopter. Vranich has compiled numerous news stories of train station drug busts, and it s clear that the cops must have access to inside information. The Star-Ledger explains how investigators in Washington, D.C. know who to target. Getting a sleeper car but not checking any luggage is on the list. Still, sometimes they target the wrong minorities.