NCJ Number
158588
Date Published
1981
Length
634 pages
Annotation
Hearings before the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations focus on the effectiveness of current U.S. drug interdiction efforts and promising strategies for countering international drug trafficking.
Abstract
Subcommittee investigators trace the path of cocaine and other drugs from South America and Asia to the United States. Convicted narcotics traffickers explain how they conducted their smuggling operations and were able for so long to elude the enforcement net; they also assess the effectiveness of U.S. drug law enforcement efforts. Witnesses also discuss the role of the military in detecting and interdicting planes and ships that are carrying illegal drugs. Diplomats discuss how the State Department intends to cope with the dilemma posed by countries that argue the United States must wipe out its own marijuana crops if we expect them to eradicate their marijuana and cocaine fields. The diplomats also testify about offshore banking that provides a means for drug traffickers to launder the illicit profits made by the organizations involved in drug trafficking. A Justice Department representative profiles Operation Gateway, which uses the Internal Revenue Service to analyze the tax returns of drug traffickers. It also uses conspiracy statutes to seize the assets of drug runners and organized crime figures who profit from illegal drugs. Overall, the testimony focuses on what is currently being done by the executive branch to stem the tide of illegal drugs, what tools are lacking, and what can be done in the future to reduce illicit drug supply and demand. 12 exhibits and appended written witness' statements