NCJ Number
111631
Date Published
1985
Length
713 pages
Annotation
Testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Government Information, Justice, and Agriculture of the Committee on Government Operations focuses on the progress and deficiencies in the U.S. Customs Service's drug air interdiction program.
Abstract
Testimony notes that the structure and plan for interdicting drugs smuggled from south of U.S. borders is sound, as it provides for detecting (a comprehensive radar system) and interdicting (through the use of high-speed planes on loan from the military) planes smuggling drugs. Deficiencies noted by witnesses are the general lack of intelligence required to target detection and interdiction and the absence of funding to implement existing plans. One witness indicates that although the National Narcotics Border Interdiction System was created in 1983 partially to remedy the failures of overseas intelligence gatherers, the promised intelligence enhancements have not materialized. Many witnesses criticize the Treasury Department for 'playing games' with the Customs budget such that it is inadequate to meet the plan's requirements for drug interdiction. A representative of the Treasury Department defends the Customs budget as adequate to meet drug interdiction needs. Letters, statements, and interagency correspondence.