TNAG-1709-FCO40-2384-Hong-Kong-narcotics-offences-and-drug-trafficking-1988 — Page 31

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Summary: Guatemala

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GUATEMALA

The U.S. is now discussing with

with the Government (GOG) an FY 1987 INM program agreement for commodities (vehicles, communications equipment and other support). Additional support for eradication programs is also being requested. Two successful INM-funded aerial eradication programs this year generated considerable publicity, as well as some adverse comment from the GOG Congress and environmental groups,

and unsubstantiated charges of property and environmental damages. End Summary.

Six DEA excess automobiles, whose transport was funded by INM, arrived in Guatemala in February 1987 and are now assigned to the narcotics squad of the National Police. Communications equipment provided by INM will be installed shortly.

Status of eradication efforts: Two eradication campaigns utilizing INM aircraft have been carried out in 1987.

a.

b.

Marijuana: On April 21 and 22, Turbo Thrush aircraft eradicated approximately 150 acres of marijuana cultivation in the Peten Province of Guatemala near the Belize border. The pilots reported having seen numerous recently harvested fields of marijuana.

Opium: Between May 27 and June 21, Thrush aircraft eradicated about 69 acres of opium poppy cultivation in the mountainous northwest region of the country. The aircraft also surveyed a substantial

a substantial portion of the country and reported that many fields, apparently of opium poppy, had been recently planted. A follow-up eradication campaign was recommended for August 1987.

MEXICO

Summary.

Mexico continues to be the major source country for heroin and marijuana entering the United States. The National Narcotics Intelligence

Intelligence Consumers Committee estimates that, in 1986, imports from Mexico were 3,000 to 4,000 metric tons of marijuana and 2.8 metric tons of heroin. Drug traffickers also use Mexico

Mexico as a cocaine transshipment point from refining centers in South America; beginning in 1985, DEA estimated that one-third of the cocaine consumed in the United States (about 30 mt) transited Mexico. End Summary.

Mexico will continue to be a major producer of illicit narcotics for the foreseeable future. In the near term, inflation and recession continue to plague the Mexican economy,