NCJ Number
93352
Date Published
1984
Length
138 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the first year of operations of the 12 Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces. President Reagan announced the Task Force Program and other drug enforcement initiatives on Oct. 14, 1982.
Abstract
Resources for the Task Force Program were provided by Public Law 97-377. A total of 467 cases were developed nationwide during this first year. The principal defendants are from the highest levels of narcotics trafficking organizations and include physicians, bankers, public employees, drug financiers, smugglers, and distributors. The cases are comprehensive in their exploitation of all criminal aspects of an investigation. A total of 264 indictments involving 1,232 defendants have so far been produced. Ninety of these defendants have been charged under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. Through Dec. 31, 1983, fines, seizures, and forfeitures of cash and property exceeded $50 million. Tons of narcotics and dangerous drugs were removed from the illegal marketplace and destroyed. Narrative sections of the report present a current review of drug trafficking organizations and the progress of the Task Forces in four areas of special emphasis: intervention at high levels of criminal organizations; coordination and cooperation between Federal agencies; participation by State and local agencies; and financial investigations, seizures, and forfeitures. Tables and exhibits are included. Appendixes present the case monitoring system, research methodology, budget for FY 1983, personnel allocations, and members of Task Force working groups. (Author summary modified)