The testimony indicated the distribution of illegal drugs in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area is directly influenced by leaders of foreign drug syndicates. Several major drug trafficking organizations operate in the metropolitan area that have direct ties to foreign sources in South America, Central America, Africa, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. Wholesale drug traffickers who act as surrogates for foreign drug syndicates are usually composed of family members and lifelong associates of local residents, and the city's drug trade is driven by the existence of a large consumer population residing in the metropolitan area. Popular drugs of abuse include crack cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and marijuana. The MPD and DEA have a long history of cooperation in countering the drug threat in the Washington area. The focus of this cooperation has shifted in response to changing dynamics of the drug trade. The MPD and DEA established a drug-related homicide task force known as REDRUM in January 1991. The evolution of the Metropolitan Area Task Force and the formation of the Baltimore/Washington High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area in 1994 created a true partnership of Federal, State, and local drug law enforcement. The DEA also pursues a variety of joint operations on a case-by- case basis with the MPD as part of the task force approach to attacking drug-related issues. The DEA and the MPD's Narcotics and Special Investigations Division have conducted several "Local Impact Cases" that target violent drug distribution organizations. In addition, the DEA actively trains MPD narcotic officers in all aspects of drug investigations. The importance of a strong drug demand reduction program is emphasized, and efforts by the MPD and DEA to link schools and communities in drug and crime prevention initiatives are noted.