This hearing focused on the flow of illicit drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border and the U.S. government response and performance in border drug interdiction. The hearing was held in the wake of several reports that various Federal agencies responsible for law enforcement along the border operated almost independently, with little coordination, leading to duplication of effort and even diminution of border leverage and control. The hearing was held in the form of a panel, composed of representatives of the principal Federal agencies involved, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, General Accounting Office, U.S. Customs Service, and Immigration and Naturalization Service, as well as the attorney general of New Mexico, who had taken a strong leadership position on the issue.