NCJ Number
87802
Date Published
1982
Length
162 pages
Annotation
Witnesses from the Department of Defense (DOD), the Customs Service, the U.S. Navy and Air Force, and law enforcement agencies discussed the use of ongoing military training and operational activities to assist Custom Service's efforts in interdicting drug trafficking in Florida.
Abstract
On February 22, 1982, representatives from the Customs Service and the DOD considered the benefits and costs of using AWACS and naval aircraft with specialized radar to help the Customs Service detect low-flying drug smugglers in southern Florida. The May 19th hearings focused on success obtained by using these military resources and future operational plans. Speakers indicated that the operations were deterring the flow of illicit drugs. The hearings also focused on DOD initiatives in combating drug smuggling in Florida, questions about specific equipment, maintenance problems, future cooperative projects, the Air Force's commitment to expand its low-level radar capacities in the Florida area; and the Army's commitment to allow Customs Service to test the new Black Hawk helicopter. Witnesses detailed the Customs Service's efforts to prevent air and sea smuggling and DOD implementation of Public Law 97-86, which relaxed restrictions on military involvement in drug law enforcement.