Counter-narcotics operations consist of a lot of different components. Within these agencies some if not all employ one or all six intelligence disciplines (INTs) in one way or another. These INTs enhance counter-narcotics operations. When it comes to maritime counter-narcotic operations the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force South (JIATF-South) employs several methods to catch cocaine smuggling into the U.S. via southeastern waters. The JIATF-South works closely with the National Security Agency (NSA), National Reconnaissance Office, and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, who have been instrumental in providing imagery intelligence (IMINT) as well as Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT). These two INTs are extremely crucial to the mission. They provide aerial reconnaissance of incoming nautical traffic. Through Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT) the JIATF-South is able to operate radars to intercept the location of incoming vessels and submerge-vessels. Even though the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), NSA, National Reconnaissance Office, and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency have allocated funds and technology for JIATF-South to test (Munsing and Lamb 2011, 35), they are not completely equipped to intercept submarines without completely sinking them (Freedberg 2013).
Counter-narcotics operations on the southwestern border use the same disciplines. IMINT is used to detect the capability of “anomalous cargo container contents such as stowaways, hidden compartments, and contraband. DHS continues to develop imagery technology associated with anomaly detection and reliable target recognition” (White House 2011, 45). MASINT is developed through the use of Portable Ground Penetrating Radar. This technology helps detect subterranean structures like the tunnels Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) are building (White House 2011, 62). Radar efforts will continue to improve as technology advances. The National Guard State Plans program provides support to counter-narcotics operations by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. One of their main missions is to aid in reconnaissance which “provides surface and aerial support. Surface support includes unattended sensor support, listening posts and observation posts using military equipment and ground surveillance radar. Aerial support is performed using both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft as well as use of unmanned aerial vehicles” (White House 2011, 68). A combination of IMINT and MASINT prove to be extremely essential in counter-narcotic operations.
Reference List
Freedberg, Sydney J. Jr. 2013. Sequester Means $1 Billion More Of Cocaine Floods Into US: Coast Guard. breakingdefense.com, (May 22) http://breakingdefense.com/2013/05/sequester-cuts-will-let-1-million-more-of-cocaine-into-us-coast-guard/ (accessed October 6, 2016)
Munsing, Evan and Christopher J. Lamb. 2011. Joint Interagency Task Force–South: The Best Known, Least Understood Interagency Success. Institute for National Strategic StudiesStrategic Perspectives 5, National Defense University Press Washington, D.C. (June) https://www.ciaonet.org/attachments/18659/uploads(accessed October 6, 2016)
The White House. 2011. National Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy. Office of National Drug Control Policy. https://edge.apus.edu/access/content/group/security-and-global-studies-common/Intelligence%20Studies/INTL446/Content/Week%205/SWB_CN_Strategy2011.pdf(accessed October 6, 2016)
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