News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2003

Detroit DEA Plays Vital Role In Collecting And Sharing International Intelligence

photo-Assistant Administrator for Intelligence Steven Casteel speaking to audience Detroit, MI- On January 11, 2003, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit Division Office hosted a visit by Assistant Administrator for Intelligence Steven Casteel and Special Agent in Charge of the DEA led El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) James Mavromatis. Both gentlemen focused on DEA's leading role in drug intelligence and how we are assisting in other facets of national security. The U.S. State Department estimates that between one-third and one-half of all terrorist organizations are either partly or wholly financed with narcotics proceeds.

The DEA has become a major force in the intelligence community for information that goes beyond traditional drug trafficking investigations. Mr. Casteel and SAC Mavromatis explained to employees of the Detroit Office the importance and value of DEA intelligence following the September 11 terrorist attacks. EPIC is one of the world's leading sources of drug-related information. The DEA is the worldwide authority on drug trafficking investigations and our information is shared with law enforcement agencies throughout the world. This international cooperation has helped other countries combat drug-related issues in their areas of the globe.

SAC Mike Braun briefs A.A. Casteel and SAC Mavromatis on DEA Detroit enforcement operations affecting the national drug enforcement strategy. The DEA Detroit plays a significant role in these international operations based on the geographic location of our border with Canada. Detroit has the busiest commercial border crossing in the United States, which is the Ambassador Bridge. More than 12,000 commercial vehicles cross this bridge on a daily basis. The Detroit Division enjoys outstanding relationships with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), which has led to significantly enhanced drug enforcement effectiveness throughout the Detroit border region. The Detroit Division and Canadian authorities rely heavily on this long-standing coalition to get their jobs done safely and efficiently.