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Drug Control: Impact of DOD's Detection and Monitoring on Cocaine Flow

NSIAD-91-297 Published: Sep 19, 1991. Publicly Released: Sep 30, 1991.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request and a legislative requirement, GAO reviewed: (1) how the Department of Defense (DOD) implemented its mission as the lead agency for detecting and monitoring air and maritime drug traffic; and (2) the DOD contribution to reducing the supply of drugs entering the United States.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Changing DOD authority to control the assets and direct the operations of civilian law enforcement agencies for detection and monitoring is unlikely to significantly reduce the flow of cocaine entering the country. Therefore, if Congress plans to increase funding for supply reduction initiatives, it may wish to consider other alternatives discussed in the National Drug Control Strategy, such as research and development for technology to aid law enforcement agencies in finding concealed cocaine.
Closed – Implemented
In April 1991, DOD developed a counter-drug technology development plan which is currently being implemented. ONDCP recently established its Counter-drug Technology Assessment Center. These two efforts should address the intent of the recommendation.

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Topics

ContrabandControlled substancesDefense operationsDrug traffickingInteragency relationsLaw enforcementNarcoticsSearch and seizureDrugsAircraft