NCJ Number
84326
Date Published
1981
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Tracking large-scale drug smuggling involves the identification of suspects through information networks, the timely dissemination of information, detection of suspect activity, the interdiction of suspect activity, and the apprehension of violators.
Abstract
One of the most effective methods used in customs is the development of informants knowledgeable about a smuggling activity. A second type of information provided by the field officer is circumstantial, or tending to prove the involvement of the principal by inference. Documentary information is also useful and consists of such items as official records, contracts, deeds, letters, memorandums, and books and records of private persons and organizations. The combining of data from various law enforcement agencies is also important in gaining a complete package of information. An accurate and prompt communications system is needed to compile and relay data to achieve deployment of resources as quickly as possible. The Treasury Enforcement Communications System, which serves a variety of Federal agencies, has information on suspect persons, businesses, vehicles, aircraft, and vessels. The surveillance tools used include airborne night vision systems, telescopes, remote photographic surveillance systems, tagging beeper, radio frequency scanners, modified air traffic control transponder, radar systems, and sonar tracking devices. Narcotics cases fall across many jurisdictional areas and under the aegis of many government agencies. The three primary Federal agencies given the tasks of narcotics interdiction are the U.S. Customs Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Coast Guard.