News Release
February 19, 2004

SAC John Gilbride Hosts Intelligence Symposium for Michigan State Police

SAC John Gilbride welcomes Michigan Drug Czar Yvonne Blackmond to the Law Enforcement Intelligence Symposium

FEB 19—Detroit, MI - On February 10, 2004, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge John P. Gilbride hosted an intelligence symposium with the Michigan State Police that focused on current domestic drug trafficking trends. Attendees from the Michigan State Police included Commanders, Lieutenants, Detectives and Intelligence Analysts. SAC Gilbride opened the program with welcoming remarks that focused on the importance of intelligence sharing and the benefits that both local law enforcement and DEA can derive from the sharing of information and mutual cooperation.

DEA personnel conducted multiple presentations during the day. The presentations included a briefing regarding the coordination of multi-jurisdictional investigations by Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Arvanitis; an update on DEA’s renewed commitment to money laundering investigations by Special Agent Steve Bowler; and an overview of Michigan drug trafficking trends by Intelligence Analyst Tony Los.

Ms. Yvonne Blackmond, Director of Michigan’s Office of Drug Control Policy, was the special guest speaker at the event. Ms. Blackmond also spoke about the value of sharing resources and intelligence between the State of Michigan and the DEA, and commended SAC Gilbride and the DEA for their commitment to that cause.

SAC Gilbride hopes to regularly host these types of seminars with local law enforcement agencies with the emphasis being on continued mutual cooperation.