NCJ Number
90278
Date Published
1983
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The 12 task forces formed through the administration's program to combat organized drug trafficking are investigating a total of 260 high-level drug trafficking enterprises.
Abstract
These criminal enterprises include organizations formed exclusively to traffic in drugs as well as many traditional and emerging organized crime groups. Nearly all of these investigations involve the coordinated efforts of many Federal agencies. The majority also entail joint operations with State and local officials. The program has a budget of $127.5 million for the fiscal year and operates under guidelines adopted by the Attorney General in January. Of the 1,219 attorney and agent positions allocated, 801 are now filled by full-time attorneys and agents. The remaining personnel should be in place by September 1. One-fifth of the investigations involve drug enterprises linked to traditional organized crime figures and entailing significant trafficking in heroin and cocaine. One-tenth of the investigations focus on motorcycle gangs, which are particularly active traffickers of methamphetamines. Other targets are street gangs, prison gangs, physicians, and pharmacists. The program's implementation represents real progress toward the goal of incapacitation of organized criminal groups engaged in drug trafficking.