CTAC heads the Interagency Working Group for Technology (IAWG-T)
that is composed of technology representatives from each of the Federal
drug control agencies. This forum is used to oversee and coordinate
counterdrug technology development initiatives that transcend Federal
agency lines of responsibility. Supporting activities include a variety
of regional one-day workshops at the State and local level, technical
symposia, interagency working group meetings and ad hoc studies to
promote the exchange of relevant information throughout the entire
scientific and technical community. These outreach activities serve
to reduce unnecessary duplication of effort and provide the mechanism
for CTAC to oversee and coordinate counterdrug technology initiatives
with other Government agencies.
The fifth International Counterdrug Technology Symposium, held March
8-10, 1999 in Washington, DC provides an example of the coordination
and oversight efforts provided by CTAC. Over 100 technical papers
were presented with an attendance of 400 medical research scientists,
engineers and law enforcement professionals from academic, Federal,
State and local organizations.
