Mapping the Flow of International Crime: Gen. Doug Fraser Discusses the Threats from South and Central America #geoint2011
Transnational organized crime is the signature issue facing U.S. national security from the South and Central American region says General Douglas Fraser, commander of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Narco terrorism, drug cartels, and urban gangs, many with links to U.S. prison and street gangs pose a significant threat from this region.
Drug and human trafficking, weapons smuggling and money laundering are global industries estimated at nearly $400 billion per year from the southern hemisphere. Cocaine is the #1 product with an estimated $88 billion sold annually with $38 billion in US alone. Ninety percent of cocaine destined from the U.S. moves through Central America. From a U.S. military standpoint this is where we need help and assistance said Fraser. The kinds of groups operating these cartels are well organized some operating semi-submersible vessels are hard to catch. Fraser noted that SOUTHCOM has good understanding of maritime traffic and surveillance but once it hits land it becomes a black hole.
Geospatial technology is useful to SOUTHCOM in helping to monitor drug trafficking. It is a technology for which sharing of information is key in order to build trust with regional partners. SOUTHCOM's problem is that the telecommunication infrastructure is poor over most of the region and the ability to get data into the hands of U.S. forces and partners remains difficult.
See the video of his presentation at the GEOINT conference below (video courtesy of the USGIF)
by Joe Francica on 10/18 at 06:49 PM |
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