DEPARTMENT OF STATE NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPERS - LATIN AMERICA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100007-0
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 35
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 5, 2002
• Sequence Number: 7
• Content Type: REPORT

State Dept. review completed
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A T TI UNTRY 1\PERS -- LA=N
AMERI A
Argentina ?
The Bahamas
Barbados
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
Jamaica
Mexico
Netherlands Antilles
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela
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BRIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
ARGENTINA
I. Illicit Druq_ Problem
The narcotics problem in Argentina is not so much one
of consumption or cultivation but rather the use of Argentine
territory as a transshipment point for hard narcotics des-
tined for the United States.
Heroin, from European points, and cocaine, from the
Andean area of.South America, is smuggled into Argentina
and then onward to the United States directly or through
intermediate countries. There is no known illicit cultiva-
tion of opium or coca in Argentina, but cocaine may be pro-
duced in the country from smuggled coca paste. Marijuana is
not believed to be produced on a commercial basis in the
country and consumption, while on the increase, does not
appear to be on the scale of usage in the United States.
Cocaine is more abused in Argentina than heroin.
II. Drug Control Efforts
The establishment in January of a new Cabinet-level
coordination committee to deal with narcotics underlines the
recognition by the national authorities of the growing problem.
The commission is designed to operate under the Ministry of Social
Welfare and deal with problems of prevention, education, re-
habilitation, and law enforcement. Few drug seizures have been
made in Argentina.
The GOA has proposed a bilateral USG/GOA commission on
narcotics and has expressed interest in similar cooperation
with some of its neighbors. The GOA has agreed to co-sponsor
our proposed amendments to the Single Convention on Narcotic
Drugs. On January 21, the United States and Argentina signed
a new Extradition Treaty which, for the first time, will oer-
mit extradition for narcotics offenses. The Treaty is exu?ected
to be submitted to the Senate for ratification in the near
future.
III. US Programs
Ranking USG officials have discussed with GOA Cabinet
officials on a number of occasions our determination to
eliminate narcotic smuggling into the United States and our
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ARGENTINA
desire for close cooperation with Argentina. In 1970 a
BNDD office was established in Buenos Aires and is-being
expanded to six agents. The unit has established contacts
with local law enforcement agencies with a view to co-
operating in the apprehension of narcotics traffickers in
Argentina and/or the United States. The BNDD agents have
provided informal-training.to the Federal Police and Customs
authorities.
A number of bilateral and multilateral actions in-
volving US and Argentine cooperation are currently under
intensive review.
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ARGENTINA
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: Has the Argentine Government cooperated with
the United States on narcotics matters?
A: We are pleased with the cooperation being provided
by the Argentine authorities. This includes coordination with
the district offic+-e of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous
Drugs in Buenos Aires.
Q: Is there any involvement of Argentine officials
in the narcotics traffic?
A: We are not aware of any involvement.
Q: What is the United States doing to extradite
fugitives from Argentina who are accused of violations of
US narcotics laws?
A: In January of this year the Secretary and the
Argentine Ambassador signed a new extradition treaty to
replace the existing 1896 Treaty. When the treaty is rati-
fied it will provide for narcotics offense extradition, which
is not provided for under the 1896 Treaty.
Q: Does the United States provide AID assistance to
Argentina?
A: Although a small labor training program continues to
function, the bilateral AID program in Argentina was effec-
tively terminated during FY 1971.
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BRIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
1.' ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
THE BAHAMAS
The principal drug problem in the Bahamas is the illegal
use of marijuana by both American tourists visiting the
Bahamas, who apparently bring in their own supplies, and local
youth who have been using marijuana in growing numbers. The
use of hard drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, is not a signi-
ficant problem. Although the Bahama Islands are being used
as transit points for marijuana smuggling, only one case of
cocaine smuggling has been detected and there have been no
known instances of heroin smuggling.,
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
The Royal Bahamas Police Force includes'a very active
narcotics section. There is excellent communication between
concerned US government agencies, particularly the BNDD's
Miami office and the US Bureau of Customs, and Bahamian law
enforcement and customs officials.
There are no formal bilateral U.S. programs existing
in the narcotics field which directly involve the Bahamas.
We are encouraging the Bahamian Government to send selected
Bahamian Customs officials to the US for training which
would include exposure to US narcotics and drug control
methods.
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E3RIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
BARBADOS
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
Both drug abuse and trafficking in narcotics and
dangerous drugs appear to be minor problems in Barbados
and are mainly associated with young foreign tourists.
Most arrests are for the possession of marijuana which
has been brought in by tourists and seamen. Despite
rumors to the contrary, there is no evidence that mari-
juana is being grown locally. Neither is there evidence
of traffic in or production of harder drugs.
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
The major problem facing the local police is keeping
out foreign drugs. Therefore, the police,must be trained
in proper methods of identification, detection, and control,,
To improve their capabilities in these areas, Barbados
police officials have been cooperating in training activities
with both British and Canadian authorities.
3. U.S. PROGRAMS
Since drug abuse is a minor problem in Barbados, there
are no U. S. programs there. However, we are thinking in
terms of providing training assistance to Barbados.-to
improve efforts aimed at preventing the illegal importation
of narcotic drugs and marijuana. We are also examining
the feasibility of assisting in the establishment of a
regional specialized drug abuse laboratory in the Eastern
Caribbean.
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BRIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
Domestic consumption of processed drugs is minimal
and is not viewed as a serious threat in Bolivia. However,
the production and'consumption of coca are widespread. It
is not illegal to produce, sell, transport, or chew the
coca leaf. The habit of coca chewing is deeply ingrained
in Indian life and any effective attempt to cut off the
supply could lead to serious social disruption. The narcotics
problem in Bolivia from the US point of view is the transfor-
mation of coca into cocaine for export abroad. It is illegal
in Bolivia to process or extract alkaloid cocaine from the
coca leaf. The cocaine factories in Bolivia are unsophisticated
.and require little knowledge, time, space, or resources to
establish or operate.
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
Since 1963 Bolivian police have discovered and closed some
72 illegal cocaine factories within the country. The Bolivian
Government recently has reorganized and expanded its narcotics
police brigade. It has increased its efforts to curtail the
illicit international trafficking of narcotics, in cooperation
with BNDD and Interpol. The Bolivian Government also has under-
taken experiments in the cultivation and processing of tea
plantations as a possible substitute for cocaine cultivation.
3. US DRUG CONTROL PROGRAiviS
Through the AID Office of the Public Safety Program (which
provides two advisers in Bolivia) Bolivian police officers have
been trained in narcotics detection and enforcement. The US has
also donated five radio-equipped vehicles to the Bolivian narcotic,,-
bureau in order to strengthen its capability to seek out and
destroy illegal cocaine factories. Periodic visits by BNli
agents provide continuing bilateral contact and cooperation.
Because of acute budget limitations the Bolivians have recuest.ed
increased assistance from the US in order to reinforce further
their narcotics law enforcement efforts and we are contemplating
a program of expanded assistance and training to the Bolivians
in thi? field.
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BOLIVIA
QUESTION: How extensive is the traffic of cocaine,from
Bolivia to the US?
AJSWTR: 'T'here are no reliable figures on the amount
of illegal cocaine smuggled out of Bolivia.
According to some estimates the amount may be
several thousand pounds a year, most of which
it is;assumed, finds its way into US markets.
QUESTION: Why do not the Bolivians eradicate coca culti-
vation in accordance with the International
Narcotics Control Board Agreement?
2U-4SWEK; Coca cultivation is relatively easy in Bolivia
and it is an important source of revenue for
thousands of small family farmers engaged in
its production. The habit of coca chewing is
deeply engrained in Indian life and any
effective attempt to cut off the supply could
lead to serious social disruption. Neverthieless,
the Bolivians have undertaken some experimenta-
tion in the cultivation and processing of tea as
a possible substitute for cocaine cultivation.
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E3RIEFINNG PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
The principal Brazilian concern is the significant
and growing drug abuse problem particularly in the
major cities of Rio and Sao Paulo. The GOB is very
worried about this menace and intends to take vigorous
steps to attempt to reduce the danger. The growing
use of marijuana and amphetamines is the principal
problem. In addition, there is some use of cocaine
and heroin but the extent of this usage requires
further investigation. Marijuana is grown in various
parts of Brazil but the type preferred most by users
is grown in Paraguay. The primary source of amphetamines
is, of course, the United States.
On December 1, 1971 a new Brazilian law designed
to strengthen enforcement procedures, stiffen penalties
for drug traffickers and provide treatment for re-
habilitation of addicts went into effect. Despite this
legal basis for action, more remains to be done.
Brazil's borders are extensive and difficult to control.
Brazilian security and police forces, while anxious to
suppress the drug traffic, have little experience or
training with modern control techniques. Treatment
centers for addicts are few and inadequate. Better
information on the true extent of drug movement and use
in Brazil and present and potential use of Brazil as a
transit point to the United States is the first
required step for successful drug control efforts.
3. U.S. PROGRAMS
In mid-February our proposed plan for cooperation
twith the GOB in narcotics control was approved and is
presently being discussed by Embassy representatives
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with GOB officials. The essential feature of the plan
is a cooperative effort by both countries to seek ways
of preventing drug traffickers from using Brazil as a
transit point for shipment of hard drugs to the United
States and our help to Brazilian officials to improve
their own capabilities for reducing their own internal
drug problem. r There is every reason to believe that
U.S. and Brazilian objectives in drug control will
complement each other and we can expect a full measure
of cooperation in helping us with our drug problem to
the extent that we are interested and helpful in providing
assistance for the control of Brazil's drug problem.
A BNDD representative, now in training, will shortly
be assigned to Brazil and should increase our Country
Team's capability for working in this difficult field.
It is too early to determine what joint projects will
arise from our common effort to solve a common problem,
but it is highly likely that significant training costs
for Brazilians in the U.S. and possibly some additional
costs for further technical assistance in Brazil, will
be incurred in FY 73.
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BRIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
Illicit Drug Problem
The principal illicit drug problems in Chile are
illicit cocaine production and trafficking. In addi-
tion, Chile is an increasingly important transit point
for heroin shipments from Europe to the U.S.
The abuse problem involves principally marihuana.
Domestic consumption of heroin is almost non-existent,
while the use of amphetamines is relatively recent but
apparently growing.
Drug Control Efforts
The principal drug control effort is channeled
through the Chilean police. These efforts are also
being pursued through the cooperation of the Chilean
police and the BNDD.
Chile has been an active participant in international
meetings on drug matters.
U.S. Drug_Control Pro rams
U.S. efforts are for the most part still in preliminary
stages. BNDD agents have for some time been going in
and out of Chile, are working with the relevant Chilean
organization, and are responding to that organization's
request for training. Plans for additional U.S. efforts
include additional training both in Chile and the U.S. in
laboratory and advanced enforcement techniques, some
commodity assistance (laboratory equipment), and an educa-
tional public information program.
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Questions and Answers
Q. Has there been any alteration in cooperation between
United States and Chilean authorities as a result of
the change iq: administration there?
A. If anything, that cooperation has grown as we have
increased our efforts and the Chilean police have in
recent months requested training. As I have noted,
we are responding to those requests.
Q. Does it bother you to be cooperating with police under
a Marxist government?
A. Drug abuse is not an ideological or political problem,
and we do not approach it on that basis.
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1. ILLICIT DRUG PROF311 M
Marijuana, the coca leaf and other lesser drugs are consumyd in
Colombia; consumption of hard dructs -- heroin and cocaine -- appears
not to be signific,-,nt at this time. The consumption problem is not
critical by U.S. standards. Sizeable quantities of marijuana are
produced in Colombia and shipped to the United States. The coca
leaf is also groan in Colombia. Opium and heroin are apparently
not produced in Colombia. There is some refining of cocaine, pro-
bably of an inferior quality. Cocaine from other Latin Pxrerican
countries and heroin, probably mostly from Europe, are transshipped
in Colombia enroute to the United States.
2. DRUG CO ]TROL EFFORTSThe Colombian govermmnt is making efforts to counter smuggling
both into and out of the countxv and to get a handle on drug abuse
within Colombia. The government has been cooperative with inter-
national efforts to reduce drug trafficking: The Colombian security
services have rrut recently to discuss coordination of enforcement.
The Ministry of Health has established a working group consisting
of various medical and social scientists. The group's initial assign-
ment includes (1) a diagnostic study of the dimensions of the problem
in Colombia, (2) the design of an education and prevention campaign
and (3) a rehabilitation program.
3. U.S. PrC_GT mS
Through the AID public safety program, Colombians are being train
in narcotics la;: enforcement at the International Police AcadeW. Merry
bers of the public safety staff in Coiorrbia have been ~~oorking with the
various Colombian agencies concerned with narcotics; and both they and
the consular officers have been providing excellent intellicrence to the
U. S. A BNDD agent began a permanent assignment in Colombia in March
1972. In addition, the Colombian Mission has proposed that a full-time
narcotics specialist be assigned to Colombia to provide technical assist-
ance to the National Police, L"?S (PA-u.nistrative Department of Security) ,
the Armed Forces and Custom.
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COLOMBIA
QUESTION : What happened to the form-r Colombian vice consul
who was arrested and indicted in New York in October'
1970 on charges of s; rrggling $5 million vorth of
cocaine in?o the United States?
7NSWCR: Jose Alvaro Corboda Bojassen, who had been ronoved from
his official position several months earlier, juzrped
bail and fled the country. The United States requested
his extradition, but Colombia has not yet cor~,pleted all
the legal processes prerequisite to a decision on his
extradition. Nevertheless, though absent, he was tried
and convicted on two counts on 1'&_pril 16, 1971, and given
two concurrent sentences of 10 years each. ,.
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 BRIEF=ING PAPER
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NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM-2
Understanding and concern about the nature and extent of
the narcotics problem in Ecuador is of fairly recent origin
and therefore little precise information is available. The
widest form of illegal drug use is that of marijuana, which is
grown locally in coastal areas and is readily available through-
out the country. The use of hard drugs, previously confined to
small numbers of opium users, is growing with cocaine being
produced in clandestine laboratories in Guayaquil. Coca has
been grown and used in its natural state for many years in
Ecuador, so that the raw material for cocaine production is
available. Cultivations of opium poppies have been discovered
in the mountainous areas of the Sierra, but opium production
appears to be a new stage of the drug problem. Finally, it
is widely known that shipments of hard narcotics from other
countries pass through Guayaquil on their way to the United
States. The extent of these transshipments is not known.
Ecuador passed a new Drug Control Law in late 1970. This
action marked the beginning of a much more vigorous Ecuadorean
effort in the field of drug control. The Law established a
National Department of Narcotics Control in the Ministry of
Public Health and charged the new department with wide responsi-
bilities, including strict accounting controls on licit drugs
in chemical plants and pharmacies, prevention programs, investi-
gation of drug abuse, supervision of police activities in enforce-
ment and rehabilitation of addicts. Much emphasis has been given
to control of licit drugs and public education to prevent drug
abuse. A small-scale rehabilitation program has been started,
primarily for the benefit of the handful of registered addicts.
Ecuador has subscribed to most of the international con-
ventions related to drug control, including the 1953 Protocol
for Limiting and Regulating the Cultivation of the Poppy Plant,
the Production of International and Wholesale Trade in, and
Use Of Opium, and also the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic
Drugs.
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-2- . ECUADOR
3. U.S. PROGRAMS
The United States and Ecuador have agreed to cooperate
in the field of drug control. Our two governments exchanged
diplomatic notes to this effect in November 1971. Two BNDD
personnel were ass-i.gned to Ecuador on February 1, 1972 to
enhance this cooperation. The Country Team, including the
BNDD personnel, are,-currently engaged in detailed planning
of an action program designed to assist the National Department
of Narcotics Control to upgrade and expand its activites. The
program will include training, equipment, and technical guidance,
and primary emphasis placed on curtailing the flow of illicit
drugs through Ecuador to the United States.
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BRIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
GUYANA
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
No serious illicit-drug problem exists in Guyana.
The country neither produces narcotics nor contributes
(via transshipment) to the international drug traffic.
Law enforcement is adequate, crop substitution is
unnecessary and narcotics treatment is not a serious
problem as there are virtually no addicts in the country.
Marijuana use is traditional but limited to a small
segment of the East Indian community.
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
In the absence of a serious narcotics problem,
Guyana's drug control efforts are directed toward preventing
one from developing. The Guyanese government is aware
of the growing international traffic in narcotics and
enforcement of narcotics laws is relatively strict.
3. U. S. PROGRAMS
We have no U. S. programs since no serious drug problem
exists in Guyana. Our Embassy at Georgetown continues
to keep the Guyanese government informed on international
narcotics matters and is in close touch with appropriate
GOG officials regarding Guyana's support for multi-lateral
efforts at suppressing the narcotics traffic.
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BRIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
JAMAICA
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
The principal drug abuse problem in Jamaica involves
production, use and export of marijuana. U0S. and
Jamaican estimates of marijuana exports range between
250,000 and 600,000 pounds per year to the U.S. Jamaica
is the world's second largest supplier of marijuana.
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
As yet, police have no narcotics unit, Jamaican
Customs has no investigative unit,-coastal defense is
limited, laboratory services are minimal, drug laws
outdated, unenforceable and inadequate. Information
from U.S. BNDD and Customs shows increased use of
Jamaica as narcotics entry point from Latin America.
3. U. S. PROGRAMS
The U.S. with the assistance of U.S. agencies such
as BNDD and Customs is using the USAID Public Safety
Program in Jamaica for the purpose of drug control.
The USAID Public Safety Program works with the local
constabulary and Customs officials to reduce the flow
of marijuana and hard drugs to the U.S. Cooperation
from the Jamaican Government has been excellent,and
we are examining with the Jamaicans specific measures
through which more effective narcotic control activities
kcan be implemented.
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BRIEFING PAPER
MEXICO
1. Illicit Drug Problem
About 10 percent of the heroin consumed in the
United States is produced from opium poppies grown
clandestinely in Mexico, and some 90 percent of the
high quality marijuana.used in the United States
is grown in and imported from Mexico. In addition
Mexico, with increasing importance, continues to be
used as a transshipment point for narcotics produced
in other parts of the world, notably Europe. Despite
the efforts of the Mexican Government, the quantity
of illegal substances reaching the United States has
drastically increased in recent years.
2. Drug Control Efforts
The Mexican Government is a party to the United
Nations Single Narcotics Convention, and has annually
undertaken programs of eradication of marijuana and
opium poppies. The 1970-71 Mexican eradication pro-
gram was the most comprehensive in history, and
utilized some 10,000 army troops plus about 300
Federal Judicial Police, operating in 13 states. Our
interest in a successful Mexican program is vital.
As early as 1961 the United States offered assistance
to the Mexican Government for its narcotics control
program.
Since the conversion of the friction produced
by "Operation Intercept" into the productive spirit
of "Operation Cooperation," the United States and
Mexico have held several informal consultative
meetings on narcotics and a comprehensive set of
recommendations for improved cooperation has been
adopted and implemented. Spearheading the joint
efforts have been the Attorneys General and Deputy
Attorneys General of the two countries, who estab-
lished a cordial working rapport.
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 MEXICO
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For its part the Mexican Government, in addition
to the eradication efforts described above, has
enacted legislative changes in the Mexican Sanitary
Code which provide a legal basis for applying to
hallucinogens the same procedures of prohibition,
and control, and the same legal sanctions, as those
which apply to narcotics. The changes also provide
the legal basis for the control of other psycho-
tropic substances. By means of specific provisions
in the new Agrarian Reform Law, the Mexican Govern-
ment has established penalties, including the
confiscation of land and livestock, for persons who
permit or induce the planting of opium poppy and
marijuana.
In control efforts, the Mexican narcotics
authorities, often acting in liaison with our own
narcotics agents, have markedly increased the
number and importance of seizures. Inspection
procedures at the border and in the interior have
been tightened and the Mexican Government is en-
gaged in a program of continuous narcotics infor-
mation exchange with the United States. In
addition, the Mexican authorities are studying the
implementation of a system to monitor suspicious
aircraft and water traffic in their territory.
3. U. S. PROGRAMS
One important feature of this cooperation was
an assistance grant of $1 million from the United
States to finance material used in the Mexican
eradication programs. As a result of this grant,
in 1970 Mexico took possession of five helicopters
and three light aircraft to be used in detection
and eradication work. At their March 19, 1971
meeting in Washington, the two Attorneys General
agreed that the United States would make up to
$200,000 of the unused grant funds available on a
matching basis to the Mexican Government for the
purchase of three additional Bell helicopters.
These aircraft were turned over to Mexico early
in August 1971. In addition, the United States
Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs and the
Mexican Federal Judicial Police have begun a
series of joint training seminars. The most recent,
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in January this year, involved a group of 152
Mexican enforcement agents. In October 1971 the
United. States, Mexican, and Canadian Deputy Attorneys
General held a tripartite meeting in Washington.'at
which accomplishments were reviewed and problems
underlined.
The Mexican Government remains short of trained
personnel and equipment to use in the anti-narcotics
effort, and a material and technical. assistance
package amounting to about $2-3 million has been
proposed. With these-additional funds for training,
communications equipment, vehicles, and aircraft,
the Mexican authorities should be able-to mount an
even more successful effort.
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QUESTTONS AND 'ANSWERS
1. Q. How effective has "Operation Cooperation"
been in gaining the support of the Mexican
Government?
A. Since the initiation of "Operation Coopera-
tion" and the establishment of cordial
relations between the Attorneys General,
the atmosphere.of cooperation within the
Mexican Government has been outstanding.
Q.
A. The greatest Mexican need in the area of
narcotics control is for more and better
trained personnel, and for material to
support them. We.currently conduct train-
ing seminars with Mexican.narcotics
enforcement personnel.
.In view of the Mexican Government's will-
ingness to cooperate, what more can we do
to assist them in carrying out an effective
control program?
3. Q. Has any effort been made to improve de-
tection methods along our border with Mexico?
A. Border inspection procedures are fairly
adequate and effective but private aircraft
and water traffic continue to bulk large
as the carriers of illicit narcotics. We
must, together with the Mexican authorities,
devise an agreed-upon system for the rapid
reporting and identification of suspect
aircraft and watercraft.
4. Q. How effective have the Mexican efforts been
to control the production of, and traffic in,
drugs?
A.' In October 1971 the Mexican Government
reported the following cumulative results
of the Mexican drug control. effort, dating
from the October 1969=initiation of
"Operation Cooperation:" Over 11,000 separate
planting areas of poppies containing over
313 million plants have been destroyed. In
addition, officials confiscated over 180
pounds of cocaine,. and 25 pounds of morphine.
About 120 tons of marijuana have been
collected and/or destroyed.
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BRIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
NETHERLANDS ANTILLES
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
We believe that the Netherlands Antilles are becoming
a major transit point for the shipment of heroin and cocaine
to the US. Hard evidence is difficult to obtain, but there
are growing indications that a considerable volume of
narcotics is being transferred from ship to ship in the busy
ports of Curacao and Aruba where more than 6,000 ships from
Europe and South America call annually. Antillean police
also suspect that narcotics are being shipped through the
airport on St. Maarten island, a free port without customs
controls. The drug problem in the.Antilles is confined to
transshipment. Although marijuana use is becoming widespread
in the Antilles, the islands neither produce nor consume hard
drugs.
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
The Antillean government is aware of the magnitude of
the narcotics problem and is taking steps to tighten controls
over drug traffic, but inadequate customs procedures, insuf-
ficient numbers of trained personnel and still undeveloped
intelligence capabilities complicate efforts at solving the
problem. At present, the government has only two full-time
narcotics officers and there are plans to expand this small
force. A drug information clearing house has been establishe'
to aid law enforcement efforts and our Consul General in
Curacao believes that the Antillean government would be
.,receptive to joint action proposals'from the USG to take
further steps to suppress the drug traffic.
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-2.-
3. U. S. PROGRAMS
We have no programs to aid the Antillean Government
combat the narcotics traffic but ww;e are exploring ways
to increase cooperation, including specifically training
in the U.S. for Antillean customs officials,. police and
medical personnel: The Latin American Inter-Agency
Narcotics Control Committee has asked our Consul General
to provide additional data on drug seizures and related
questions and the Antilles have been included on the
itinerary of the inter-agency survey team.
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 DEPARTMENT OF STA-'-
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BRIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
PANAMA
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
Because of its geographic location and role as a trans-
portation crossroad?, Panama has traditionally served as a
transshipment point for contraband. Contraband from the US
goes through Panama to Central and South America. In recent
years international narcotics traffickers have increasingly
used Panan ?s established contraband infrastructure as a
transshipment point in smuggling narcotics into the US.
There is no production of coca plants or opium poppy in Panama,
but there is some production of marijuana. Drug abuse among
Panamanians is not a significant problem. Among Americans in
the Canal Zone, drug consumption, especially of marijuana,
is reportedly slightly higher than it is in the Continental
US; however, the use of narcotics by US servicemen in Panama
is low in relation to such usage elsewhere. The Panamanian
press charges that the Canal Zone is the source of narcotics
brought into the Republic.
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
The Panamanians have publicly stated that they wish to
cooperate fully with the US in eliminating the flow of illicit
drugs through Panama. For this purpose they invited BNDD
Director John Ingersoll to Panama last September. The Pana-
manian National Guard has cooperated with US Canal Zone
authorities in countering drug traffic between the Zone and
the Republic. The National Guard and Panamanian Customs
officials have cooperated with US agencies in training pro-
grams. The National Guard has set up a narcotics enforcement
unit of approximately ten men and has arrested a number of
people on narcotics charges in recent months. The penalty
under Panamanian law for the sale, possession, or use of
illegal drugs, including marijuana, is a maximum of three
years imprisonment, mandatory for second offenders.
."Other Panamanian drug control actions include the recent
burn of approximately 110,000 pounds of marijuana which was
being illegally cultivated in 198 separate fields in Panama.
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An estimated 75% of this crop would have been destined for
US consumers and would have had a street value of $10-15
million. The Panamanian Government is sponsoring seminars
on drug hazards at the University of Panama. Panama is co-
sponsoring US-supported amendments to toughen the Single
Convention on Narcotics Drugs.
3. U.S. PROGRAMS
A two-man liaison office was established by the I3NDD
in 1970 as the result of an agreement with the Government
of Panama; this office was expanded to three men in 1971.
During 1971 BNDD Director, John Ingersoll, visited Panama
twice to discuss cooperative narcotics control arrangements
with high level Panamanian officials. As a result of these
visits a program of cooperation was agreed upon. The Public
Safety Division of AID, the BNDD and the Bureau of Customs
.have cooperated in training Panamanian officials.
Canal Zone authorities are making strenuous efforts
to deal with drug abuse in areas of education, therapy,
recreation, administration and law enforcement.
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 QUESTION: Approved For le se 2ed6/0 1 7 : ,k- bp~k- Oo 66?Z0b&10f6iO r-c6Dtics smug-
gled into the US?
ANSWER: Panama is not a source of "hard drugs," although it
does grow some marijuana. It is one of several
transshipment points in Latin America from which
illicit=drugs are smuggled to the US.
QUESTION: How serious is the illicit drug problem in Panama?
ANSWER: Drug abuse is not considered a serious problem among
Panamanians. With respect to the Canal Zone, we
have been informed by the Defense Department that
the use of narcotics and dangerous drugs by US
servicemen in Panama is low in comparison to usage
by US soldiers elsewhere. The use of drugs by US
civilian youth in the Canal Zone is estimated to
be about the same as in the US.
QUESTION: What are Canal Zone officials doing to control drug
abuse and traffic?
ANSWER: Canal Zone authorities are cooperating closely with
the Panamanian National Guard and have a many-
faceted education and therapy program to remove the
motives and the ignorance behind drug abuse, and to
deal with the problem through medical treatment
as,well as law'enforcement.
QUE9'9TION: What are the Panamanian officials doing about drug
traffic and drug abuse?
ANSWER: The Panamanian Government has made public its deter-
mination to stamp out the narcotics traffic and its
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 Appro\" -~;r$eMsses2d1/ . 'cC1A P $ AOV2$,pbo470( ID6 mcnt
efforts. It has created a narcotics unit in the
National Guard and cooperated in providing police
and customs officers for participation in narcotics
control training programs. Seminars on drug abuse
and identification are being conducted by the Pana-
manian Government at the University of Panama. Also,
the Panamanians are cooperating with the US by
being co-sponsors of amendments to toughen the Single
Convention on Narcotics Drugs.
What is the US Government doing to assist efforts
of the Panamanians and the Canal Zone Government?
The Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs has
established a Regional Liaison'Office in the Canal
Zone, staffed by three special agents who are also
accredited to the.American Embassy in Panama as
attaches. Among their other duties, these agents
effect liaison with the National Guard on narcotics
matters. For the area of training, liaison is
effected with these law enforcement agencies through
the Public Safety Advisor of the AID Mission. For
two years, the Public Safety Division has trained.
Panamanian police officers in narcotics control.
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E3RIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
Changing world drug trafficking routes have put drugs into
the local smuggli-hg pattern in Paraguay in recent years.
Some of the traditional smuggling cliques with foreign ties
are trafficking in narcotics and dangerous drugs, and in
Paraguay they have found an advantageous warehouse, safe
haven, and transfer point from which to move their merchan-
dise in or through the continent. Their major advantages
are: Paraguay's countless remote airstrips; its central
location in South America; and the lack of criminal sanctions
against drug traffickers. Drugs involved in the traffic
include heroin, usually moving from Europe to the U.S.
market through intermediate countries, and cocaine, moving
from the Andean countries toward the U.S. or other countries.
Drug abuse within Paraguay is as yet minimal, probably
limited to marihuana use in the capital by a very small
circle of people, and abuse of cocaine or amphetamines by
even smaller groups.
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
The first criminal drug legislation in Paraguay, drafted in
August 1971, is now before the appropriate committee of the
Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies. Enactment is expected by
mid-1972. The bill contains criminal sanctions against
producers and traffickers dealing in a comprehensive list of
narcotics and dangerous drugs, and creates systems for control
of import and sale of these drugs. Paraguay has recently
signed and ratified the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic
Drugs, as well as the U.N. Convention on Psychotropic.Sub-
stances. Also, in July 1971, Paraguay signed with Brazil a
general health agreement in which provisions relating to.
control of narcotics and hallucinogens were included at
Paraguayan initiative. The Paraguayan Ministry of Interior
lo as tentatively selected an Assistant' Secretary-level official
to head a new specialized narcotics investigation unit within
that Ministry. k?
The U.S. is encouraging the Paraguayans to organize rapidly
and train the specialized drug investigation unit within the
Ministry of Interior which they envision. We expect to
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PARAGUAY
provide training for Paraguayan personnel for this unit,
with training underway by mid-1972. After this unit is
organized and trained, we propose to make available certain
useful equipment.
Following passage of the criminal drug bill now in Congress,
we will be in contact with the Ministry of Health concerning
possible aid which the U.S. might provide in the implementa-
tion of the registration,. prescription and other control
measures contained in the law. Paraguay has welcomed the
establishment, in October 1971, of a two-agent office of the
U.S. Bureau of_Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs in Asuncion.
We will also refine and intensify our current educational
efforts on drugs with the public media. Embassy efforts
along these lines have and will continue to orient top
Government leaders, as well as the public at large, to the
drug problem in general.
In May 1971, the U.S. Embassy in Asuncion formally requested
the extradition of international narcotics trafficker Auguste
Ricord, a French citizen previously arrested at our request
pending the arrival of supporting documentation. Both in
Asuncion and in Washington, the State and Justice Departments
have devoted considerable effort to this case;. Although a
lower court rejected the U.S. request in December 1971, the
Paraguayan Solicitor General, representing the U.S., is in
the process of filing an appeal. Bail has been set at over
$315,000, an unprecedented high figure in Paraguay. The
case itself and the accompanying publicity could make
Paraguay less attractive as a transit area and safe haven.
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QUESTION: Has the Paraguayan Government been cooperating
with the U.S. on narcotics matters?
ANSWER: We are pleased with cooperation to date. This
includes the proceedings on the current U.S.
request for the-extradition of narcotics trafficker
Auguste Ricord, close coordination with the Bureau
of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs on the investiga-
tion of drug movements in Paraguay, and action in
the area of local laws and international agreements.
QUESTION: Are officials of the Paraguayan Government involved
in drug trafficking?
ANSWER: There have been accusations against certain
officials. In June 1971, as part.,of a Paraguayan
Government investigation of drug trafficking, some
officials were apparently implicated, including a
former Paraguayan diplomat.
QUESTION: Will the U.S. request for the extradition of
Auguste Ricord be granted? When is a decision
expected?
ANSWER: We are hopeful that the request will he granted.
We anticipate a decision by the Appeals Court
before the end of April..
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
Peru is~ a major producer of coca. An estimated
90 percent of the crop is consumed locally in leaf
form, primarily by the Andean Indian population. The
coca is grown chiefly on small family farms because
of the low value of the unprocessed leaf and the
labor intensity of the cultivation. Of the estimated
10 percent of coca production not consumed locally,
a large part is legally exported. Some is processed
into cocaine for the illegal international market.
Cocaine consumption in Peru is considered to be rela-
tively small.
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
Increased anti-narcotics activity by the police
in Peru indicates that Peruvian officials are inter-
ested in curtailing narcotics production and traffic.
However, this is a difficult task particularly with
respect to cocaine. Because coca is legally exported,
domestic consumption provides income to some of the
poorest sectors of the economy; and the habit of coca
chewing is deeply ingrained in Indian life. Also,
because the extraction of cocaine is relatively
simple and inexpensive, clandestine laboratories which
conduct first-stage refining are difficult to locate..
and eliminate in the remote areas of cultivation in
the Andes.
3. U.S. PROGRAMS
The U.S. is in the process of discussing with the
Peruvian Government the establishment of a program for
cooperation between our two countries.
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Uruguay is believed to he a transshipment point for narcotics,
but the extent of hard drugs passing through the country is
unknown. In any" event its proximity to other countries in
southern South America makes it a likely site for a staging
area. No narcotics are produced in the country, nor is drug
use a significant problem.
I Illicit Drug Problem
II Drug Control Efforts
At many levels Uruguayan Government officials have stated
their willingness to cooperate in narcotics control. One
manifestation of such cooperation is the Uruguayan Govern-
ment's co-sponsorship at a Geneva Conference this March of
a U.S. proposal to strengthen the Single Convention on
Narcotic Drugs. The Uruguayan police have shown a readiness
to cooperate with U.S. officials on narcotics matters. They
have been receptive to U.S. advice and training offers and
have begun to train dogs in narcotics detection.
III U.S. Programs
The major U.S. objective at this time is to obtain, with the
cooperation of the Uruguayan Government, improved intelligence
and enforcement with regard to drug trafficking through
Uruguay. This entails representations to appropriate
Uruguayan officials on the existence of the drug trans-
shipment problem and encouraging the adoption of stiffer
penalties for narcotics traffickers. Training and equipment
assistance, estimated at $7,800 in FY-1972 and $10,600 in
FY-1973 is being provided as part of the AID Public Safety
program.
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
E3RIEFING .PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
Available information does not yet show Venezuela
as an important production or processing center for
hard"drugs,.but a small amount of marijuana is probably
grown. Geographically Venezuela lends itself as a
possible transshipment point for narcotics to and from
all of South and Central America, as well as the
United States, Canada and Europe.
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
The Venezuelan Government is making a strong effort
to control its drug problem. The,-Chamber of Deputies
and the Cabinet have named commissions to investigate
the consumption and trafficking of drugs, and to study
plans and programs designed to rehabilitate those
addicted to their use. In addition, there has been
increased activity by Venezuelan police which has
accounted for increased arrest for use and possession
of dangerous drugs.
3. U. S. ' PROGRAMS
United States involvement in the Venezuelan
narcotics problem has been low key in order not to
overshadow local efforts. Contacts and liaison,
however, have been established in order to assist
interested groups. USIS has provided pertinent
material to the Chamber of Deputies Special Commission
and disseminated A.I.D. files on LSD and marijuana.
The Public Safety Division has provided information
to police officials on anti-narcotics assistance
available through bilateral and multilateral channels;
and representatives of the Bureau of Narcotics and
Dangerous Drugs have been assigned to Venezuela.
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VENEZUELA
Question: What is the scope of the narcotics
problem in Venezuela?
Answer: The extent of drug abuse in Venezuela
is not too well known..' Analysis of available
records from 1968-1971, however, indicate an
increase in the number of narcotics arrests, i.e.,
391 arrests in 1971 compared to 228 arrests in 1968.
In addition, the amount of narcotics confiscated
during this time also increased from 102 pounds of
marijuana and 5 1/2 grams of cocaine in 1968 to
254 pounds of marijuana, 813 grams of cocaine, and
512 LSD pills in 1970. These statistics 8-hould
not, however, be interpreted as an increase in the
use and/or trafficking during this period, but
rather as an indication of the increased emphasis
being placed on the narcotics problem by the
police.
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