The government is also working to lower the supply within the United States through a major campaign of interdiction. Among the actions taken to counter the illegal trade were the creation of the South Florida Task Force headed by the Vice President, the establishment of 12 organized crime and drug enforcement task forces around the country, and the establishment of the national Narcotics Border Interdiction System. Other measures include the increased use of military resources to assist law enforcement agencies and the initiation of a widespread marijuana eradication program involving the aeria spraying of paraquat. Thus, the Government recognizes and is taking action to address the serious threat of illicit drug abuse and trafficking and the associated economic costs and social destruction. Footnotes. (Author abstract modified)