Prior to the FBI and DEA consolidation in early 1982, the FBI had only a few specific drug investigations underway. As of the first of March 1983, the FBI was involved in over 1,200 investigations, with more than a fourth being conducted jointly with DEA. With the FBI's help, DEA has expanded its law enforcement techniques, notably in the use of court-authorized electronic surveillance. Joint investigations have thus far yielded convictions of top drug figures in various parts of the country. Recently, the White House created a drug interdiction group, which will coordinate the resources of U.S. Customs, the Coast Guard, and the military in defending against illicit substances entering the United States. This group will not operate within the jurisdictions of the 50 States, where the organized crime task forces are operating. The Justice Department's 1984 budget request would add $447 million to the Department's resources to meet the needs for more investigators, more prosecutors, and more prison space. Crime legislation submitted by the President to Congress in March 1983 would make it more difficult for dangerous defendants to be released on bail; more difficult to exclude evidence obtained in a reasonable, 'good-faith' manner; easier to confiscate the assets and profits of criminal enterprises; and penalties for drug trafficking would be substantially increased, while the regulatory authority of the DEA with respect to the diversion of legitimate drugs into illegal channels will be strengthened.