NCJ Number
146752
Date Published
1993
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses available intelligence on efforts being made by South American heroin traffickers to increase the availability of their heroin in the United States.
Abstract
According to available intelligence, South American heroin smugglers operate on a small scale, using numerous couriers to transport small amounts of heroin. Currently, the Colombian cocaine cartel does not control these operations. It is independent Colombian traffickers that appear to be in control. There is evidence that efforts have been made over the last two years to increase the availability of South American heroin in the United States. This is of particular concern because it is likely that as the production and distribution of heroin become more developed, the Colombian cartels, with their established smuggling channels, will take more of an interest in controlling these activities. This paper discusses the strategies being employed by South American heroin smugglers to increase the demand for their product and identifies parts of the United States in which they appear to be concentrating their efforts.