There are varying methods on collecting intelligence and depending on the operation, one method may yield more information than another. Information is collected through either Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT), Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), or Open-source Intelligence (OSINT). When looking at the U.S. counter-narcotics mission all of these forms of intelligence collection serve a purpose, however, depending on specific operational goals one form of collection may be better suited. I believe that the most information can be collected when utilizing all of these disciplines together. For instance, a HUMINT source can provide you with information on the general area of a cultivation site. That information combined with IMINT can lead U.S. agencies to the precise grid of the cultivation site.
With that being said, I believe HUMINT can provide the most information by itself. Having HUMINT assets within a particular DTO, can provide drug production sites, cultivation sites, routines, drop sites for both money and drugs, trafficking routes, names, dates, and more. Most of that information can only be obtained through HUMINT sources. IMINIT and GEOINT only provide imagery, which although is very useful, its only effective if you know the general area you need to look at. SIGINT is another effective form of intelligence collection, but not all information from DTOs is passed via communication devices. Information such as drop dates and times, is often passed face to face. This is the same problem with OSINT. DTOs understand that information transmitted via communication devices and social media can potentially be intercepted by law enforcement agencies. Overall intelligence collection disciplines work best when used together. However, my personal opinion is that HUMINT, when used properly, can yield the most information by developing a network of informants at different levels within a DTO.
Works Cited
Office of National Drug Control Policy. National Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy. 2011. https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ondcp/policy-and-research/swb_counternarcotics_strategy11.pdf
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