Summary: The steep rise in federal drug interdiction activity during the 1980s generated demand for better communication among drug enforcement agencies. Consequently, Congress directed the Defense Department to integrate U.S. command, control, communications, and technical intelligence assets used for drug interdiction into an effective communications network. DOD has contributed significant technical and financial support toward implementing the National Telecommunications Master Plan for Drug Enforcement and, by doing so, has made progress toward integrating an effective interdiction communications network. However, it is unclear when the network will be finished. Neither the master plan nor implementation plan specify a schedule or time goal for acquiring network equipment, most of the equipment required by the plans has not been procured, budget constraints leave future funding for equipment uncertain, and equipment requirements have not been fully determined. GAO calculated that at current equipment funding rates, it will take until fiscal year 2000 to complete the network. Furthermore, budget constraints and additional requirements could extend the completion time. DOD's Anti-Drug Network has enhanced communications among interdiction and intelligence organizations, and planned system improvements should further enhance the situation.
