National Counternarcotics Strategies for the Southwest and Northern Borders

The United States, at the local, state, tribal, and Federal levels, has made a concerted effort to enhance, expand, and codify multiple measures designed to address the serious threats posed by illicit drug trafficking across the Southwest border and violence in Mexico. Despite many successes, improved cooperation, coordination, unity of effort, and information sharing, illicit drug trafficking continues to be a multi-faceted threat to our national security which requires additional focus and effort. Also, the vastness of the 5,225-mile border shared by the United States and Canada as well as ever-changing drug trafficking trends prove challenging for the law enforcement and intelligence entities operating along the Northern border. However, by building upon a strong history of partnership and shared commitment, U.S. and Canadian agencies can find success in reducing the cross-border flow of illicit drugs. The National Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy sets forth the Administration's plan to curtail the illegal trafficking of drugs and drug proceeds across the U.S.-Canada border. In this book, five strategic objectives provide an overview of current efforts and planned actions that will help in the success of the plan.