CHANGES EXPECTED IN DRUG-TRAFFICKING FIGHT

The Clinton administration's point man on drug policy was expected today to
propose changes in the nation's strategy to stem narcotics
trafficking,including deploying a new corps of federal officials to
coordinate drug interdiction along the U.S.-Mexican border.

Barry MaCaffrey,who heads the White House Office of National Drug Control
Policy,is expected to unveil the plan in El Paso,Texas,where he begins a
two day tour of facilities and meets with federal,state and local officials
involved in the drug war.

Saying the United States needs "a coherent,coordinated effort to stem the
flow of drugs," he will press for a federal official at each of the two
dozen land ports to manage resources and suppress rivalries among law
enforcement agencies on the Southwest border.

McCaffrey also wants a federal officer at all 39 crossing points on the
U.S.-Mexican border to coordinate efforts of the U.S. Customs
Service,Border Patrol,state and local agencies.

McCaffrey concedes the current federal effort lacks the cohesion and
coordination to stop drugs from entering the country.