DEA CHIEF TOUTS DRUG-FIGHTING TOOLS

KENDALLVILLE - U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration head Asa Hutchinson
learned about the growth of methamphetamine production in northeast Indiana
and marijuana plants growing between corn rows at a conference Monday in
Kendallville.

The administrator spoke of the growing connection between drugs and
terrorism and federal anti-narcotic efforts at a Counterdrug Technology
Assessment Center meeting with about 50 representatives from 30 local law
enforcement agencies.

Hutchinson said local police chiefs and county sheriffs told him about
several pharmacy robberies involving OxyContin.

"I heard information that I can use to further educate the public on this
problem as well as reinforce our regulatory efforts," Hutchinson said.

Al Brandenstein, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy's
technology center, demonstrated surveillance and detection equipment
available to law enforcement agencies. Brandenstein developed thermal
imaging and trace detection technology distributed to agencies for the last
four or five years.

The Office of National Drug Policy's Technology Transfer Program allows
agencies to receive federal money to purchase surveillance systems and
handheld devices. Director Rafael Anton said the majority of applications
come from cities with populations of less than 50,000.

"We target groups who don't have extra money to help with drug
investigations," Anton said. "(The equipment) makes a difference."

Rep. Mark Souder, R-4th, said Whitley County has used the most equipment in
the area, and the county's drug arrests have increased over the last three
years.

In Indiana, about 1,300 agencies have applied for devices so far this year,
Anton said.

As drug transactions are completed using cloned cell phones and encrypted
e-mail, he said, police officers need sophisticated tools to catch dealers.

Technology used by drug runners on local city streets isn't as advanced as
that of a Colombian drug cartel, for example, but officers must be equipped
to handle increasingly high-tech toys, Souder said.

"I'm concerned if we don't stay ahead, we'll fall behind," he said. "(Local
drug dealers') equipment is not as sophisticated, but it's always improved.
If they have better technology, we're at a disadvantage.

"We can never eliminate drug abuse, but we can manage it," Souder said.

Agencies in smaller communities are usually encouraged by city governments
and constituents to spend any extra money on more police officers rather
than on gear, Anton said.

Brandenstein demonstrated thermal imaging cameras that don't require a
light source to detect body heat. He showed a device that can detect
objects through walls, such as hidden bundles of cocaine or cash.

Hutchinson lauded community coalitions that reduce the demand for drugs
through education and treatment.

"Drug problems are not unique to urban America, but they're found in rural
areas as well," said Hutchinson, who is from rural Arkansas. "(Fort
Wayne-area) law enforcement works closely together to support each other.
Anti-drug efforts are very strong in the Fort Wayne area, and I applaud
their close cooperation with the DEA."