This study assesses the Colombian opium and heroin production threat to the U.S. since it was first perceived in about l990. It compares and contrasts the production of heroin to that of cocaine, including the cultivation, processing and distribution systems and the profit differentials of the drugs. This study discusses the demand and supply factors involved ranging from the streets of U.S. cities to the peasant farmers in the producer countries. It also covers U.S. Government efforts and policies to reduce the supply of Colombian heroin to the U.S. and intergovernmental cooperation and difficulties. The findings reveal that since the heroin trafficking methods are so closely tied to those of the cocaine trade, and current interdiction methods and technologies are as effective for heroin as for cocaine, complete reevaluation of the U.S. supply side of drug control strategy is not necessary. The study concludes that reduction of the supply of illicit drugs will be realized from intergovernmental cooperation and the stiffening of international will and laws against illicit drug trafficking, and in the synergistic effect of a multiangle or total suppression approach to drug enforcement efforts, which includes the demand side of tactics.

ADA 312434 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)