DPS STILL HOT ON DRUG TRAIL

Drug seizures by DPS troopers increased in 2003 - making it the third
highest dollar total in DPS history.

According to 2003 statistics released recently by the Texas Highway
Patrol, DPS troopers confiscated illegal drugs valued at $156.6
million while on routine patrol duty. That ranks third all-time
behind 1994 ($196 million) and 2001 ($169 million).

Texas troopers have led the nation in highway drug seizures for the
last several years.

The 2003 totals represent a 15 percent increase from the year before
when more than $136 million in controlled substances were taken off
the streets. Cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine seizures were all
up over 2002.

Some of the highlights in 2003:

Methamphetamine seizures of 145 pounds were a record for DPS
troopers.

The 2,118 drug arrests are the highest in DPS history.

Troopers also confiscated more than 37 tons (74,299 pounds) of
marijuana.

Cocaine seizures topped one ton (2,356 pounds) worth an estimated
$105 million-fourth best in DPS history.

"Intercepting drugs intended for Texas neighborhoods is just one
positive byproduct of our normal patrol activities," said DPS Director
Col. Thomas A. Davis Jr.