Ohio delegation visits DEA border facility

VW independent/submitted information

On December 12, 2017, law enforcement officials from Ohio and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrived in Texas to visit the DEA’s El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC). Housed on the grounds of Fort Bliss, EPIC coordinates the collection, analysis, and dissemination of drug-related intelligence with federal, state, local, and foreign law enforcement organizations.

The DEA intelligence program helps law enforcement initiate investigations of drug organizations, strengthens ongoing ones, and develops information that leads to seizures and arrests.

During the trip, Ohio’s delegation had the opportunity to take an aerial tour of the international boundary with Mexico and discuss operations with members of the Border Patrol. From there, the delegation traveled to the one of the largest international ports of entry: the Bridge of the Americas. While there, delegation members observed agents from Customs and Border Protection screen commercial vehicles, cargo, and passenger cars using x-ray technology. The delegation also observed the process of screening pedestrians.

At EPIC, Ohio officials received an overview on the heroin and opiate drug trade, as well as narcotics trafficking and trends. The delegation learned that nearly 90 percent of all heroin, fentanyl, and opiate drugs are trafficked across the southwestern border. Once the drugs arrive in this country, cartels break down the drugs into smaller amounts to be shipped across the country for sale. EPIC shares information and intelligence gathered at the border and nationwide to help law enforcement officials identify and arrest drug couriers.

EPIC also provides many services to law enforcement agencies, including analytical support, investigatory support, and training. These shared services are tailored to an agency’s needs and frees up local resources to be used in other capacities.

Ohio’s delegation consisted of Preble County Sheriff Michael L. Simpson, Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach, Allen County Sheriff Matthew Treglia, Hardin County Sheriff Keith A. Everhart, DEA Resident Agent in Charge Keith Martin and DEA Assistant Agent in Charge James Goodwin. Representing the Ohio State Highway Patrol were Patrol Superintendent Colonel Paul A. Pride, Lieutenant Colonel Michael D. Black, Major B. Gene Smith, and Captain Michael D. Kemmer.