Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Rafael Lemaitre: 202–395–6618
October 22, 2003
DRUG SUPPLY REDUCTION EXPERTS HIGHLIGHT DRUG INTERDICTION SUCCESSES DURING ANTI-DRUG SUMMIT
Federal Officials Cite Substantial Drop in Colombian Coca Cultivation; Set Goal of Interdicting 45 percent of Cocaine Shipments to the U.S. from South America
(Washington, DC)—John Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and federal officials from the law enforcement and intelligence communities today discussed key drug supply successes during the United States Interdiction Summit held at Fort McNair. During the conference, representatives from federal anti-drug agencies also set a goal of raising the removal of cocaine shipments destined for the U.S. from approximately 35 percent to 45 percent.
John Walters stated, "We know that progress against the illicit drug business is possible. We have already seen a 15 percent drop in overall coca cultivation in Colombia and an increase in cocaine seizures from South America. Every kilo of cocaine seized is a kilo that fails to reach our children and communities. When we tighten the mesh at our borders we reduce the threats from both drugs and terrorism to our citizens."
The United States Coast Guard has seized over 136,000 pounds of cocaine this year—their second highest seizure total ever. Recently, Customs and Border Protection officers from the Department of Homeland Security executed the largest ever private aircraft seizure of Ecstasy in Portland, Oregon. The seizure consisted of over 100,000 tablets worth $2.5 million.
Other key speakers at the United States Interdiction Summit included Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, Congressman Mark Souder (R-IN), DEA Administrator Karen Tandy, and Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Robert Charles.
