News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2001

DEA Administrator Underscores Commitment to Fighting Drugs in the Caribbean

DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson will visit the Bahamas on Sunday, October 21, to meet with government and law enforcement officials. According to Administrator Hutchinson, “I want to take this opportunity to underscore DEA’s commitment to the Caribbean region. Our dedication to fighting drugs in the Caribbean and the Bahamas has not been diminished by the tragic and unthinkable events of September 11. It has become even more critical that we work together with our allies throughout this vital corridor.”

Mr. Hutchinson is making this visit to the Bahamas his first official trip outside of the United States as DEA Administrator. “The Government of the Bahamas has been instrumental in cementing regional cooperatioin and operational effectiveness. Drug traffickers should not doubt the commitment of our two countries to bring justice to the region,” Mr. Hutchinson added.

The visit to the Bahamas is part of a regional tour for Administrator Hutchinson. On Friday he visited DEA’s Miami Field Division and the Joint Interagency Task Force in Key West, FL. On Monday he will return to Miami to visit the United States Southern Command.