ILLICIT NARCOTICS AND MONIES
VIGNETTE
During JUST CAUSE, large quantities of illicit narcotics and monies were discovered by soldiers. A maneuver element from the 193d Inf Bde (L) found approximately $6 million in cash and 280 kilograms of cocaine. As a result, proper handling and chain of custody had to be assured. The Bde S2 was notified, took control of the contraband, and safeguarded the material until it could be relinquished to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID).
KEY POINTS
Inherent in peacetime contingency operations is the possibility of capturing large quantities of contraband, illegal narcotics, monies and other materials. Potential adversaries may often align themselves with those involved in the production of illicit narcotics. Accurate reporting of such seizures is invaluable in determining different facets of the groups involved. Analysts need to understand the narcotics trade in the AO and the groups involved. Soldiers need to be trained in handling procedures such as chain of custody, securing, and storing. These events should be replicated in unit training.
LESSONS LEARNED
- Soldiers involved in searches must know proper custodial procedures for contraband. The CID must be available to assist and relieve the unit of the material as soon as possible.
- MP/MI search teams need to assist in the proper disposal/safeguarding of captured contraband when CID is not available.
- Intelligence analysts and unit S2s must know the narcotic organization/apparatus. Include these organizations in data bases and the IPB process.
- Unit S2s, as well as MI commanders, will benefit from a liaison with drug and law enforcement agencies when illegal narcotics and monies are a factor. These agencies can provide valuable assistance.
Table
of Contents, Volume III
Human
Intelligence (HUMINT)
Lessons
Learned - Intelligence: Captured Weapons
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