NCJ Number
151602
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This testimony focuses on the results of a review of drug trafficking in Central America.
Abstract
This statement reviews work conducted by the National Security and International Affairs Division regarding drug regulation efforts in Central America. The review focused on efforts by the United States to curb the flow of cocaine to the United States and the obstacles to those efforts, and the capabilities of Central American countries to interdict cocaine shipments and their dependence on assistance from the United States. Results of the study indicate that, despite various interdiction efforts, Central America continues to be a major transshipment point for cocaine shipments to the United States. Available evidence suggests that the supply of drugs entering the United States via Central America remains virtually uninterrupted. Drug traffickers have adjusted their modes of operations to evade interdiction efforts and are increasingly using sea and land transportation to move drugs through Central America and on to the United States. Efforts have centered on intercepting drug trafficking aircraft in the region and on seizing drugs destined for the United States, primarily through Operation Cadence. Evidence indicates that Operation Cadence achievements have had little impact on the flow of drugs to the United States. Interdiction efforts have been severely hampered by the limited resources and institutional capabilities of Central American nations to assist in the efforts of the United States, and reduced funding for interdiction efforts. Ordering information for this and other reports is included.