¹The Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI), the INL component of the Andean Regional Initiative, began in FY 2002.
²Regional Law Enforcement Training funding moved to Anticrime Programs in FY 2002. FY 2001 was adjusted accordingly.
³The FY 2003 total for Program Development and Support includes $ 0.713 million for full funding of federal employee retirement costs. The comparable amounts for FY 2002 ($ 0.703 million) and FY 2001 ($ 0.687 million) are included in totals.
⁴The totals do not include FSA and SEED Act funding transfers from USAID, nor PKO funding allocated by State PM. The total for FY 2001 includes a rescission of $ 0.715 million. The INL Programs total minus the ACI subtotal equals the INCLE total.

DoS (INL) Budget by Function ($000)

International Training

International counternarcotics training is managed/funded by INL and carried out by the DEA, U.S. Customs Service, and U.S. Coast Guard. Major objectives are:

• Contributing to the basic infrastructure for carrying out counternarcotics law enforcement activities in countries which cooperate with and are considered significant to U.S. narcotics control efforts; 
•  Improving technical skills of drug law enforcement personnel in these countries; and 
• Increasing cooperation between U.S. and foreign law enforcement officials.  

Over 3,500 persons participated in the United States Government’s international narcotics control training program in FY 2001.

INL training continues to focus on encouraging foreign law enforcement agency self-sufficiency through infrastructure development. The effectiveness of our counternarcotics efforts overseas should be viewed in terms of what has been done to bring about the establishment of effective host country enforcement institutions, thereby taking drugs out of circulation before they begin their journey toward the United States. U.S. law enforcement personnel stationed overseas are increasingly coming to see their prime responsibility as promoting the creation of host government systems that are compatible with and serve the same broad goals as ours.

During FY 2001, law enforcement training continued to devote increased attention to the development and support of infrastructure building in those countries which posed the greatest threat to the U.S. as a result of their role as source or transit countries for narcotics destined for the United States. INL received positive feedback both from U.S. Embassies and foreign governments on the direct benefits gained from this training, including the discovery of illegal narcotics as a result of techniques learned during a program.

INL funding has also been provided for the establishment and operation of International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEA’s) in Budapest and Bangkok. The regional training provided at the ILEA’s consists of both general law enforcement training as well as specialized training for mid-level managers in police and other law enforcement agencies.

INL-funded training will continue to support the major U.S. and international strategies for combating narcotics trafficking worldwide. Emphasis will be placed on contributing to the activities of international organizations, such as the UNDCP and the OAS. Through the meetings of major donors, the Dublin Group, UNDCP and other international fora, we will coordinate with other providers of training, and urge them to shoulder greater responsibility in providing training, which serves their particular strategic interests.

INL will maintain its role of coordinating the activities of U.S. law enforcement agencies in response to requests for assistance from U.S. Embassies. This will avoid duplication of effort and ensure that presentations represent the full range of USG policies and procedures.

Drug Enforcement Administration

The preeminent responsibility of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is to reduce and ultimately minimize the impact posed to our nation by illicit drugs. All cocaine and heroin, as well as some marijuana and other dangerous drugs, are produced outside the United States. These illegal drugs are smuggled from the countries of their source, usually through other countries and ultimately ending in the United States. Thus, the reduction of illicit drug availability in the United States requires a strong international counternarcotics strategy. In cooperation and coordination with other nations, as well as with other U.S. agencies, DEA strives to concurrently suppress illicit drug production; disrupt the availability of these drugs in the distribution chain; arrest and prosecute those involved in any aspect of illegal drug trafficking; and seize their profits and assets.

The primary contribution of DEA in implementing our international counternarcotics strategy is accomplished through the 77 offices in 57 countries worldwide. The DEA overseas mission is as follows:

• Conduct bilateral investigative activities,

• Coordinate intelligence gathering,

• Coordinate training programs for host country police agencies, and

• Assist in the development of host country drug law enforcement institutions and engage in foreign liaisons.

In most countries where DEA maintains offices, DEA carries out all of the above functions. However, the emphasis on each function is determined by the existing conditions in the host nation. For example, in some countries where the drug enforcement system is advanced, a DEA Country Office may limit its role to selected activities instead of the full range of programs. The following sections highlight the assistance that DEA provided during 2001 to host nation counterparts in support of the four function areas.

DEA’S Country Offices work with elements of the host nation law enforcement agencies to investigate activities of drug traffickers that lead to indictments and prosecutions in either the host country, the United States, or a third nation. When appropriate and feasible, DEA shares intelligence information on major traffickers operating in host countries with foreign counterparts to enhance their investigative knowledge. The examples that follow accentuate DEA’s role in bilateral investigations.

In May 2001, Oded Tuito, a fugitive from the United States, was arrested in Barcelona, Spain. Tuito had been the target of numerous ecstasy and cocaine trafficking investigations by DEA offices in the United States, England, France, Germany, Israel, The Netherlands, and Spain. As a result of the investigation, 39 individuals were arrested and 1,022,648 MDMA tablets were seized.

Operation TIGER TRAP fugitive YANG Wan Hsuan was extradited from Thailand to face prosecution in the Eastern District of New York for attempted heroin importation, distribution, and conspiracy. TIGER TRAP was a 1994 multi-agency international operation that disrupted the trafficking activities of the world’s largest heroin trafficking organization, the Shan United Army. To date, YANG is the highest level trafficker ever extradited from Southeast Asia to face prosecution in the United States.

The Brasilia and Bogota Country Offices conducted a multilateral investigation in collaboration with Brazilian, Colombian, and Paraguayan counterparts. The investigation led to the arrest of Luis Da Costa, head of the international multi-ton cocaine trafficking organization with close ties to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) leadership. Da Costa was subsequently expelled to Brazil.

DEA Paraguay, in conjunction with the host nation counterparts, coordinated the follow- up investigation into the Luis Fernando Da Costa international drug trafficking organization. Leomar De Oliveira-Barbosa was identified as an associate of Da Costa and the lieutenant in charge of conducting drug and firearm trafficking in Paraguay. Barbosa had been arrested and sentenced to 14 years in a Brazilian prison in 1999. However, on February 21, 2001, Barbosa escaped and fled to Paraguay. During October 2001, he was apprehended and deported to Brazil to face drug, homicide, and escape charges. The Madrid, Nicosia, and Ottawa Country Offices, in conjunction with their counterparts, conducted a multilateral investigation into one of the most significant cocaine smuggling organizations in Europe. This year-long investigation resulted in seven arrests on a vessel carrying 4.5 tons of cocaine. Simultaneously, Spanish law enforcement arrested Jose Ramon PRADO-BUGALLO and five other associates. Spanish authorities believe that PRADO-BUGALLO is the most significant cocaine trafficker in Spain.

DEA in Russia, in coordination with Russian and Colombian authorities, concluded a successful delivery of 2.6 kilograms of cocaine from Colombia to Russia. This successful operation, followed by a second DEA-coordinated controlled delivery from Ecuador to Russia, led to the dismantling of a Russian-based polydrug trafficking organization. This organization was responsible for smuggling multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine from South America to Europe and Russia, and Southeast and Southwest Asian heroin from the Far East to Russia, Europe, and the United States. The leader and 12 criminal associates were arrested or detained in Russia and Belarus.

Collaboration between German and Dutch authorities and DEA Germany and The Hague led to the seizure of 1.6 million MDMA tablets and the arrest of three defendants. When intelligence information revealed that the tablets had been destined for Australia, the head of the organization, along with several other high-level officers, was arrested in Australia. It is believed that this group was responsible for the distribution of tens of millions of MDMA tablets worldwide. The investigation also included domestic DEA offices in New York, Houston, and Gainesville.

Arturo Paez-Martinez, a DEA fugitive and top lieutenant for the Arellano-Felix Organization, was flown to the United States after being surrendered to U.S. authorities in Mexico. He was arraigned in San Diego on a six-count federal indictment charging him with Operating a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Money Laundering, and the Distribution of Narcotics.

Thai authorities arrested two significant drug traffickers in an operation based upon months of close coordination between the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, Royal Thai Armed Forces, the U.S. Intelligence Community, and DEA offices in Thailand. Approximately 125 kilograms of heroin and approximately 7.8 million methamphetamine tablets were seized, making this is the largest Thai seizure to date. DEA’s Sensitive Investigative Unit Program played an integral role in the technical information gathering aspect of the operation.

DEA in Argentina, in conjunction with host nation counterparts and several domestic offices, conducted an investigation into an international heroin trafficking organization headed by Dina Gloria Dercan. The investigation yielded the arrest of 20 members of the organization, including Dercan and her Colombian source of supply as well as the seizure of 71 kilograms of heroin bound for the U.S. market.

Following a bilateral investigation involving the Government of Mexico and the DEA Merida Resident Office, authorities arrested Mario Villanueva Madrid, a fugitive who formerly served as the Governor of the State of Quintana Roo. He was charged for his significant involvement in the cocaine trafficking activities of Alcides Ramon Magana, a former member of the Amado Carrillo-Fuentes drug trafficking organization.

As a result of a bilateral investigation by Mexican authorities and the Mexico City Country Office, authorities arrested fugitive Alcides Ramon Magana. In recent years Magana has emerged as a significant trafficker heading his own cocaine trafficking organization.

DEA offices in Hong Kong and the Philippines coordinated efforts against major Southeast Asian crystal methamphetamine traffickers. Through bilateral investigative efforts, approximately 850 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine were seized in the Philippines.

The Fiji National Police, supported by DEA in Australia and Singapore, arrested DEA fugitive Philip Hastings. Hastings and 21 co-conspirators were indicted for their involvement in a conspiracy to import and distribute 18,000 lbs. of marijuana from Thailand to the United States. To date, 18 of the 21 conspirators are in custody. Hastings had been a fugitive since 1996.

DEA in Islamabad and Pakistani law enforcement officials raided a stash house and seized 96 kilograms of morphine base. The seizure was the result of intelligence gathered by the Islamabad Country Office on the movement of heroin from Afghanistan into Pakistan by a trafficking organization with connections to the Taliban regime.

DEA in Bolivia coordinated a joint initiative with counterparts to disrupt the flow of drugs/chemicals in the Chapare region. At the conclusion of the 41-day operation, more than 22 metric tons of precursor chemicals were seized and 31 individuals were arrested. Additionally, more than 222 cocaine base laboratories and 276 maceration pits were destroyed.

DEA in Mexico, Panama, Bogota, and Florida, assisted by other U.S. law enforcement agencies, undertook an initiative targeting Colombian cocaine traffickers utilizing maritime smuggling methods in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Due to close coordination among the agencies, 80 tons of cocaine and 25 vessels were seized and 155 defendants were arrested.

The DEA offices in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, along with their host nation counterparts, participated in a five day intensive multinational drug enforcement effort along the Pan American Highway. This highway has served as the primary conduit for land-based trafficking headed for the United States. As a result of this operation, 6,754 vehicles were searched and 40 vehicles were seized; in addition, 130 kilograms of cocaine, 543 grams of heroin, and 14.5 tons of marijuana were confiscated. There were also 35 drug-related arrests.

Based on information provided by DEA in Mexico and Miami, 9,343 kilograms of cocaine were seized from a fishing vessel and 19 Mexican crewmembers were arrested.

DEA in the Dominican Republic, in coordination with Dominican authorities, seized 186 kilograms of cocaine and arrested two Dominican nationals. This was the result of an investigation into an international drug trafficking organization responsible for the distribution of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine to the United States.

A total of 1,237 kilograms of cocaine were seized in Jamaica from a go-fast boat travelling from Colombia. This seizure was the result of a joint investigation between DEA Jamaica and Colombian law enforcement agencies.

DEA in Greece, in conjunction with Hellenic authorities, seized 25 kilograms of heroin and arrested one defendant. The seizure resulted from a joint investigation between Hellenic and Albanian authorities who were targeting a group of Albanian traffickers responsible for the delivery of multi-kilograms of cocaine and heroin throughout Western Europe.

The Bern Country Office, in conjunction with the Swiss Police, arrested the source of supply for an MDMA organization suspected of shipping over one million tablets to the United States.

DEA coordinates intelligence worldwide on the cultivation and manufacture of illicit substances, the sale of precursor chemicals for making illegal drugs, and the transportation routes of these drugs into the United States. The following activities demonstrate the breadth of DEA involvement worldwide.

The Lima Country Office, in conjunction with host nation counterparts, has established a Riverine Interdiction Program. This program serves to target organizations using the Amazon fluvial rivers to transport drugs and/or precursor chemicals to Peru. Close coordination has produced significant results in stemming the flow of drugs and chemicals through the established river commercial traffic. The Riverine Program also serves as an intelligence collection initiative to support the Sensitive Investigative Unit.

The Curacao Country Office and the Korps Politie Suriname Vetted Unit have conducted several intelligence gathering operations targeting international narcotic trafficking organizations operating in Suriname. Intelligence from these operations led to numerous arrests and the seizure of a total of 775 kilograms of cocaine from two separate operations. Additionally, the operations have provided investigative leads to several DEA foreign and domestic offices.

The Bogota Country Office, in conjunction with Colombian authorities and DEA domestic offices, culminated an 11-month operation that focused on the money laundering activities of a Colombian national. The success of this operation was due largely to the sharing of intelligence between Colombian and U.S. authorities. The Colombian phase of this operation resulted in the arrest of eight principal targets and the seizure of numerous documents related to money laundering.

The Buenos Aires Country Office and host nation counterparts have been gathering intelligence to combat the dramatic increase of heroin trafficking cells based in Argentina. As a result of intelligence provided by DEA in Bogota, investigations have resulted in the identification of cell heads and couriers, as well as the arrest of 20 people and the seizure of over 32 kilograms of heroin.

The Brasilia Country Office has been instrumental in assisting Brazilian counterparts in establishing a regional intelligence fusion center in Brazil. This center was established to enhance communication between countries in the Southern Cone region and to assist them in coordinating drug-related investigations. The center is staffed by representatives of neighboring countries, including Peru and Colombia.

The acquisition and submission of authentic narcotics samples to DEA’s Special Testing and Research Laboratory (STRL) is an ongoing initiative in Southeast Asia. Heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and other dangerous drug samples are routinely acquired and submitted to the STRL. For the first time, narcotics samples were provided to DEA by host nation counterparts in the Peoples Republic of China and Vietnam.

Based on intelligence provided by DEA, Australian authorities seized approximately 1,000 kilograms of cocaine. This was the largest cocaine seizure in Australia to date.

Due to intelligence leads and an intensive three-month training course on container inspections by the Islamabad Country Office, Pakistani law enforcement officials seized 113 kilograms of heroin from 266 paint cans in a container shipment.

Based on intelligence provided by DEA in Turkey, the Turkish National Police seized 103 kilograms of heroin and arrested ten Turkish/Iranian nationals. The Iranian source of supply was one of the arrested defendants.

Intelligence was provided by DEA in Paris about a vessel suspected of smuggling cocaine from Venezuela to Spain. This intelligence led to the seizure of 450 kilograms of cocaine.

Based on the sharing of information, DEA in Nicaragua arranged for lookouts on two suspect vessels. Search of one vessel uncovered 8 metric tons of cocaine; 13 metric tons of cocaine, concealed in a diesel fuel tank, were discovered in the other vessel. Twenty members of both crews, including the captains, were arrested.

DEA’s international training activities are conducted in coordination with DEA’s foreign office, U.S. Missions, and the Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. The full range of the international antinarcotics training program is addressed in the International Training Section.

DEA Agents establish close relationships and networks with their counterparts that foster cooperation in international drug law enforcement. DEA Agents meet with their counterparts to discuss policy and legislative issues and provide assistance in developing drug control laws and regulations. DEA also provides training and material support to foreign law enforcement partners to help them combat major drug trafficking organizations and the production and transportation of illicit drugs. The activities described below are representative of DEA’s efforts in foreign liaison and institution building activities.

In April 2001, DEA sponsored the 19th annual International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC). At the conference, senior drug law enforcement officials from 32 member countries throughout the Western Hemisphere and observers from Europe, Asia, and Australia met to discuss and exchange insights on counternarcotics enforcement activities. Presenters described their counternarcotics law enforcement strategies and shared lessons learned from multilateral investigations and operations. Members adopted initiatives pertaining to the development of regional multinational enforcement investigations and operations targeting major drug traffickers in the hemisphere. The conference provided a forum for the delegates to exchange information and build personal relationships that are key to enhancing closer coordination among law enforcement agencies.

DEA Country Offices in Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Argentina played a leadership role in supporting two regional operations. One operation targeted trafficking organizations in South America that transport heroin to the United States. The other operation targeted illicit precursor and essential chemical trafficking throughout South America. Although both operations have yielded very high statistical results, the operations best serve to foster and enhance relations between and amongst the South American countries. By initiating and supporting these programs, DEA promotes positive working relationships among the participating countries.

The Nicosia Country Office and Special Agents from the New York Field Division participated with the Israeli National Police in executing the arrests without incident of three Israeli nationals in Tel Aviv. This is the first time a mutual legal assistance treaty involving the United States and Israel has allowed for the search of the defendants’ property and the questioning of the defendants in accordance with U.S. laws. In addition, representatives from DEA were allowed to participate in the proceedings. The three were charged with conspiracy to distribute more than one million MDMA tablets in the United States.

The Panama Country Office continued its airport interdiction program, which includes DEA and three Panamanian national law enforcement agencies. The program targets airport passengers transiting from Colombia to Panama with onward destinations worldwide. Since October 1, 2000, the operation has been responsible for the seizure of 141 kilograms of heroin, 245 kilograms of cocaine, and the arrest of 110 traffickers.

DEA Bolivia has worked extensively with host nation counterparts to train police officers, prosecutors, and judges in implementing the new Bolivian counternarcotics legislation. Bolivian Law 1008 contains strict guidelines for both law enforcement and judicial officials, including trials by jury and provisions for police officers to work undercover.

DEA offices in Thailand are playing an integral role in a U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand initiative to provide expertise in the development of a Thai military and law enforcement task force to combat the security threat posed by drug trafficking organizations operating along the Thai/Burma border. DEA has provided operational support, promoted intelligence fusion and sharing, and provided training and organizational support in the creation of the task force. Additionally, DEA has identified necessary legal tools for police and judges to use in combating sophisticated drug trafficking organizations.

DEA has supported the development of an intelligence center network, provided expertise in the establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering Office, and sponsored the Sensitive Investigative Unit Program in Thailand. The success of these initiatives has resulted in the seizure of approximately $24 million USD.

DEA in Hong Kong hosted a "Far East Regional Precursor Chemical Conference." Representatives from Hong Kong, the Peoples Republic of China, Thailand, Burma, Australia, Japan, Laos, Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam attended. The primary goal of the conference was to develop a tracking initiative within the Far East Region that would concentrate on precursor chemicals used in the production of amphetamine-type stimulants. All participants agreed on an initiative to track ephedrine, which is the primary precursor in the production of methamphetamine.

DEA Summary of International Asset Forfeiture Sharing

The Coast Guard’s multiyear campaign plan to combat the dynamic maritime drug trafficking threat Campaign Steel Web – is currently being revised to reflect changes in drug trafficking trends.

Strategic Goals. Steel Web 2002 is fully aligned with Goal 4 (Shield America’s air, land and sea frontiers from the drug threat) and Goal 5 (Break foreign and domestic drug sources of supply) of the National Drug Control Strategy (NDCS), and complements the contributions of our law enforcement (Customs, DEA, local LEAs) and DoD partners in this effort.

Strategic Framework. Three pillars form the foundation of Steel Web 2002 for operations planning, cooperative efforts and regional engagement activities to combat drug smuggling in the transit and arrival zones:

• Denial of maritime drug smuggling routes by developing a dynamic interdiction presence in the transit and arrival zones, and applying intelligence information to focus limited resources on maximizing the rate of removal of cocaine being smuggled via three major smuggling vectors: Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, and Eastern Pacific.

• Strengthening ties with source and transit zone nations to increase their capabilities in maritime law enforcement, reduce drug-related activities and enhance legitimate commerce within their territorial limits.

• Support of interagency efforts to combat drug smuggling through coordination operations planning and execution.

The key to success of Steel Web 2002 is adherence to the concept of centralized planning and decentralized execution. Pursuit of international engagement opportunities is also necessary and will be coordinated by the Coast Guard International Affairs department. Partnering with law enforcement officials of other nations helps develop indigenous interdiction forces, and enhances the cumulative impact of interdiction efforts directed at drug traffickers in the region.

The Coast Guard conducted Operation Caribe Venture, operation Rip Tide, and Operation Seguridad during 2001.

Operation Caribe Venture: International effort to deny smugglers the use of maritime routes along the islands of the eastern Caribbean. The U.S., France, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominican Republic and Antigua/Barbuda participate. During 2001, The second of two scheduled operations was cancelled due to the terrorist attacks and the resultant focus on maritime homeland security. Operation Rip Tide: A combined U.S./Jamaica/Grand Caymans (UK) effort to deny smugglers the use of maritime smuggling routes into Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Rip Tide is coordinated by the 7th Coast Guard District in Miami and was conducted twice in 2001.

The Coast Guard also participates in several JIATF East and JIAFT West combined operations in Central America. During 2001 Coast Guard assets took part in Operation Mayan Jaguar (U.S./Guatemala) and Operation Chokehold (U.S./Costa Rica).

Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT): A Memorandum of Understanding with the UK, the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos to combat trafficking in the Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas. USCG contributes aircraft and aircrew on a steady-state basis. Also referred to as the TRIPART agreement, the U.S. is a signatory to the MOU, signed in JUL 90. USCG does not provide law enforcement personnel to OPBAT. Law enforcement is carried out by Tripart Team Members (TTMs), who are either Bahamian or Turks and Caicos law enforcement authorities. The DEA provides LE officers, but they operate only to assist the TTMs and do not have law enforcement jurisdiction. In 2001 OPBAT forces, with Coast Guard support, Seized 6,026 pounds of cocaine, 24,159 pounds of marijuana, arrested 105 persons ans seized 24 vessels.

The U.S./Mexico Interdiction Working Group (IWG grew from the bilateral cooperation experienced during maritime interdictions in 1999 and is based on a November 1999 Mexican proposal accepted by HLCG. USIC leads the U.S. side of JIATF-East, JIATF-West, Customs, CGD8, CGD11, DEA and the U.S. Embassy Narcotics Affairs Section. Mexican representation includes FEADS (DEA equivalent), CENDRO-6 (national counterdrug unit), SRE (foreign ministry), PFP (Federal Preventative Police), DEFENSA (Army), MARINA (Navy) and SCT (Captain of the Port/Merchant Marine). The IWG has significantly enhanced CD cooperation efforts by facilitating initiatives such as the U.S./MEX Communications Plan for use in law enforcement interdiction operations and Post Seizure Analysis Training/Exercise with the MEXNAV and the FEADS. IWG efforts have also led to coincidental operations with the Coast Guard and the Mexical Navy in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Eastern Pacific to assist the MXNAV in their counterdrug efforts. In 2001, the Coast Guard provided direct support to MEXNAV in 4 cases resulting in the seizure of 23,096 pounds of cocaine. Among the most significant of these seizures were the F/V Tolteca I with 8,529 pounds, and two go-fasts totaling 10,719 pounds.

In 2001, the Coast Guard continued to enjoy exceptional cooperation from the Government of Colombia in maritime interdiction resulting in the seizure of over 29,000 pounds of cocaine. The U.S.-Colombian Ship boarding Agreement allows the U.S. to exercise jurisdiction over CO flagged vessels located outside the CO EEZ, if the U.S. has initiated an ongoing investigation. The Colombians have authorized all 90 request for USCG boardings of Colombian flagged vessels since October 2000. Successful cocaine seizures as a result of the agreement include F/V RECUERDO (17,177 lbs), and four go-fast vessels (12,045).