Pubdate: Sat, 23 Nov 2002
Source: Deseret News (UT)
Copyright: 2002 Deseret News Publishing Corp.
Contact:  http://www.desnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/124

AMOUNT OF DRUGS SEIZED AT THE BORDER DECLINES

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The amount of drugs seized at the California border fell 
for the first time in four years, reflecting a post-Sept. 11 security 
crackdown and stepped-up enforcement in Colombia and Mexico, authorities 
said Friday.

U.S. Customs Service inspectors have seized 158 tons of heroin, cocaine, 
marijuana and methamphetamines over the past 12 months. A year ago, the 
total was more than 244 tons.

While the amount of drugs seized represents only a fraction of the illegal 
narcotics entering the country from Mexico, it serves as an indicator of 
the success of U.S. interdiction efforts, according to the Drug Enforcement 
Administration.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens