THREAT OF DRUG TRAFFICKING OVER RAILWAYS CAUSING CONCERN IN NORTHERN TEXAS

DALLAS - The threat of railroad-based drug trafficking has become a major
concern for law-enforcement officials in northern Texas, according to a
report by a multiagency drug control task force.

The report by the North Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program
says the area is an ideal hub for drug trafficking because of its central
location and easy access to transportation. And it said Amtrak's plans to
start a Dallas-to-New York route next year will expand smuggling opportunities.

"Drug dealers are very dynamic, and they use any means they can," said John
Brown, special agent in charge at the Drug Enforcement Administration's
Dallas office. "So if Amtrak has a route from a good transportation hub
like Dallas to anyplace in the Northeast, they'll jump on the opportunity."

Officials with Amtrak and other railroads argued that trains are an
inconvenient method of smuggling, and that railroad police can handle
drug-smuggling threats.

"With any service expansion, Amtrak will continue to be vigilant and
diligent in its efforts to stop the flow of illegal drugs at our facilities
or our trains," said Kevin Johnson, spokesman for Amtrak.

The North Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force is one of
28 regional programs that coordinate federal, local and state drug control
efforts.