NCJ Number
114531
Date Published
1987
Length
28 pages
Annotation
The Drug Enforcement Administration's Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program was designed to ensure a coordinated effort among Federal, State, and local agencies.
Abstract
In 1987, 46 States participated in the program and shared a budget of $3.8 million. Support was also provided for training of law enforcement personnel and 210 flying missions. There was an increase of about 72 percent in the number of sinsemilla plants and 59 percent cultivated plants destroyed. There also were increases in total arrests, greenhouse operations seizures, and weapons and assets seized. The total plants destroyed showed a decrease from 1986 because fewer 'ditch' plants were destroyed. Evidence was found of organized group involvement in a multi-State cannabis production and distribution network. Investigations resulted in the seizure of 82 tons of marijuana at farms in Minnesota and Nebraska and suggested that the organization may be working in other States as well. Overall, the 1987 program has been a great success. Manpower required to accomplish the physical destruction of cannabis plots has been, and continues to be, a primary factor in the difficulty of overall eradication efforts. In 1988, efforts will be made to increase followup investigations and the value of assets seized. 5 figures and 7 tables. (Author abstract modified)