NCJ Number
159759
Date Published
1988
Length
144 pages
Annotation
This hearing held in Phoenix, Ariz., involves testimony from local, State, and Federal law enforcement officials regarding trends in drug trafficking and drug abuse in Arizona along the Southwest border with Mexico, together with the operations and needs of drug law enforcement operations.
Abstract
The hearing focuses on drug law enforcement, as testimony is received from local, State, and Federal officials responsible for drug law enforcement along the southwest border. All witnesses testify to the flood of drugs -- including marijuana, heroin, and cocaine -- coming across the border from Mexico. This has led to an increase in drug abuse among Arizona citizens. A local law enforcement official in Tucson and Pima County reports an estimate that as much as 70 percent of all crime in his jurisdiction is either directly or indirectly related to drugs. He further notes that increased narcotics smuggling along the Arizona-Mexico border has resulted in large increases in drug- related violence in local communities. Witnesses support the multiagency structure for addressing the drug problem along the southwest border, as local, State, and Federal law enforcement officials work under coordinated plans and operations. Witnesses complain, however, that although significant interdiction of drugs has occurred, it is insufficient to make an impressive impact on drug abuse and drug-related crime. They argue for more Federal funding for personnel and resources as well as the development and expansion of demand-reduction (prevention) programs. Cooperative endeavors with the Mexican government are also discussed.