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Drug War: Drug Enforcement Administration Staffing and Reporting in Southeast Asia

NSIAD-93-82 Published: Dec 04, 1992. Publicly Released: Jan 04, 1993.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) staffing and intelligence reporting in Southeast Asia, focusing on: (1) determinants of the size, location, and operation of DEA offices in Southeast Asia; (2) Southeast Asia-based DEA intelligence analysts' contributions and qualifications; (3) the U.S. Pacific Command's (USCINCPAC) analytical support to Southeast Asia DEA intelligence programs; and (4) the adequacy of Southeast Asia DEA intelligence reporting.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Drug Enforcement Administration DEA should conduct a comprehensive assessment of its need for intelligence analysts in Southeast Asia, both from DEA and USCINCPAC.
Closed – Implemented
DEA completed its assessment and determined that it needs more intelligence analysts in southeast Asia (DEA did not prepare a written report for the assessment). DEA cannot implement the assessment's conclusions due to a shortage of resources. DEA continues to use a DOD analyst in its Bangkok office who is assigned there on a long-term (179 days or less) basis with the possibility of an extension.
Drug Enforcement Administration DEA should reevaluate its recruitment selection and training process for intelligence analysts selected for assignment in Southeast Asia.
Closed – Implemented
DEA provided area familiarization training to the three intelligence analysts assigned to southeast Asia in fiscal year 1994. It also provided Thai language training to the analyst on an as-needed basis. DEA judged the area familiarization training as very successful and intends to provide it to all intelligence analysts selected for overseas posts.

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Topics

Drug traffickingEmployee trainingFederal intelligence agenciesInternational cooperationInternational relationsLaw enforcement agenciesLaw enforcement personnelPersonnel managementReporting requirementsKnowledge, skills and abilities