Briefing by DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson regarding travel to Colombia, March 22, 2002

Briefing by DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson regarding travel to Colombia, March 22, 2002

MR. HUTCHINSON: Thank you. Good morning. And thank you for joining me today for this announcement.

I am pleased to announce that I will be making my first trip to Colombia as head of the Drug Enforcement Administration. I will be making this trip to Bogota next Monday. I will have a two-day visit there in Colombia. I'm excited about this opportunity to go there to visit not just with President Pastrana and his leadership there, but also with the head of the Colombia National Police as well as other officials on the operations that are ongoing in Colombia, as well as our activity in meeting with our ambassador.

This trip comes at a very important juncture in both Colombia history and our relationship with Colombia. Obviously, coming on the heels of the indictment earlier of Tomas Molina, the head of the 16th Front of the FARC, the fact that that indictment is the first time that a leader of a terrorist organization has been indicted for drug trafficking, that was a very important step not just to make a statement about someone who is engaged in drug trafficking and also to pursue it through the court system, but also it clearly makes the historic connection that we in law enforcement have been talking about for some time of the relationship between drug trafficking and the support that it yields for terrorist organizations.

It also is an important juncture in light of the current state of U.S. policy toward Colombia and the current reviews that are being debated on Capitol Hill.

And so the purpose, clearly, is to engage in fact-findings, meet with the operational individuals, meet with my counterparts in Colombia, but also express extraordinary thanks to the people of Colombia for their courageous participation in this antidrug effort that impacts both of our nations and the sacrifices that they're making; but also to express thanks to the brave police officers who are out on the front line every day and those that are engaged in military operations that are carrying on the operations from a front- line standpoint and express my deep thanks for their sacrifice and for their commitment that is significant to both nations.

And so I'm looking forward to the trip. I have been to Colombia twice before, as a member of Congress. This is the first time, though, as head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and I'm looking forward to engaging in those issues that are so critical.

So with that, I'll be happy to respond to any questions.

Q Thank you. Good morning. My name is Sandra (sp). I work with our RCN TV from Colombia.

My question is, yesterday the USA government sent to the Congress the supplemental request to help Colombia against terrorism and drugs. I wanted to know, can you tell us more details about what is that USA government wants to do in Colombia with these new requests?

MR. HUTCHINSON: Well, I don't want to comment on all the specifics of the request. But clearly, the position with Congress is that Colombia is an important democracy in the western hemisphere, has been an important ally to the United States. And they're on the front line of a national issue, drugs, that impacts our country deeply.

And so the administration efforts with Colombia has been focused on counternarcotics. And certainly, that impacts terrorism, as reflected by the recent indictment. But there are other security issues that will be addressed in the package that's sent to Congress. Being from Congress, I know their prerogative in reviewing that, and that's something I'll have more comments on and discussions on in Colombia. But clearly, it shows an increased support for Colombia and the important work they're doing.

Q I'm Jose Puertas (sp) from France Presse.

One of the reasons cited for this authority being sought by President Bush to expand military aid for Colombia is that the insurgents are actually using drug trafficking for funding their terrorist activities. And this has been an old claim made by governments of both Colombia and the United States.

My question is if this is so evident and so widespread, can we maybe -- or are you gathering evidence to indict others maybe more senior members of the FARC and the ELN for drug trafficking?

MR. HUTCHINSON: Thank you. I will certainly say that the investigation is ongoing. We have made the connection, in previous testimony that I have given to Congress, between the drug trafficking support of the FARC but also the paramilitary group. And so it's one thing to make a connection that is sufficient for me to testify in Congress, it's another thing to establish sufficient evidence to indict some of the leadership and some of the members of the FARC organization, as well as to make a case that is sustainable in court. And that's the level that we are at now.

The investigation is ongoing to see if the proof gets to that level in reference to other leadership members or other organizations that may be engaged in drug trafficking. This is not a matter that we set a goal that we want to indict particular people. That's not how we work in law enforcement. Evidence comes to us, we pursue those leads, and we see where they go and where they take us. In this case, they led us to Tomas Molina and other members of the FARC. We will see if they take us to any others.

Q Sergio Gomez (sp) from El Tiempo (sp) of Colombia. I have two questions. The first one is that I've been hearing that the DEA, along with the general attorney's (sic) office is preparing a list of narcotics organizations in which FARC and paramilitaries will be included. I would like to know if you have anything on that.

And the second one is --

MR. HUTCHINSON: A list of what kind of organizations?

Q Narcotics organizations, that would include FARC and AUC as a narcotic organization also as a terrorist one, and they are already a terrorist organization.

And the second one is, it's clear that this shift in the policy that President Bush is intending, giving the ability for the resources in Colombia to be used also in terrorism has an impact -- or would have an impact precisely on the three terrorist organizations that work in Colombia, ACU, ELN and FARC.

But what about the ELN, that it's now in the middle of a peace process with -- or at least negotiating a peace process with the government? Don't you worry that this might have a negative impact on that process?

MR. HUTCHINSON: Well, in reference to whether they're terrorist organizations or drug trafficking organizations, I believe what the evidence shows is that they are organizations with a historic purpose of influencing the politics in Colombia or their particular philosophy. But what we have seen is that they have drifted into an extraordinary high level of terrorism, as referenced by the State Department's designation of the AUC and the FARC as terrorist groups.

But at the same time, we've seen them move into drug trafficking activities that have supported their terrorist activities. That is the unique role that the DEA looks at these organizations. And of course that impacts their terrorism. We have to get at their funding flow.

In this case the investigations have led us to certain members that were engaged in drug trafficking to the point that they required an indictment from the United States of America. But they are designated as terrorist organizations and now we know that there's evidence that links them to a significant amount of drug trafficking as a portion of their revenues. And this includes the FARC and that certain leaders have got to the point that we can actually indict them. I've also referenced the paramilitary groups that have engaged in drug trafficking as well in my previous testimony to Congress.

Finally, in reference to our current consideration of involvement there, the purpose is stability in Colombia; the purpose of this administration's objectives is to reduce the drug flow that affects the United States but also supports terrorism.

Q Henry Raymont, El Panama America. I have two questions. One is quite parochial having to do with -- the word "supplemental" evokes hopes for the different governments engaged in anti-drug activities. And in the case of Panama, I believe Panama just received a gunboat to supplement their very meager military capabilities. They don't have any military drug-interdiction capabilities. And I wonder if in this supplemental monies recently -- or if the administration is considering expanding the counternarcotics assistance to Panama. That's one question.

The other question also has to do with a word, and that is "historical." And I wonder if you could -- care to reflect on the history of violence that has afflicted Colombia for the last 40 or 50 years, and if you could give us your thoughts of the social and political impact that that background has and how it affects current thinking.

MR. HUTCHINSON: Okay. Well, I wouldn't pretend to be an expert on Colombian history, but obviously I'm aware of the history of violence. And I'm also aware of the extraordinary, devastating impact on society there that this violence wrecks (sic), that most recently has been supported by the drug trafficking, and the last time I was down there, being aware of a radio show in which children of kidnap victims broadcast their messages to their loved ones who are in -- under control of the terrorist organizations. That's an extraordinary toll on society, day by day, heart-rendering (sic).

What I am encouraged by is the progress that has been made in the criminal justice sector in Colombia. I think this is the undervalued victory of Plan Colombia and the Andean Ridge Initiative. When we see successes, in a very difficult time in Colombia, of their criminal justice system that is working, working to the extent that Fabio Ochoa was extradited, despite enormous opposition and pressure and concerns of violence, bribery, and corruption, and yet despite those concerns he was extradited, the criminal justice system worked in that instance. And so I think that should be an encouragement and a hallmark of victory for what Colombia has done and what we have been able to support.

Going back to Panama, Panama is in a crucial arena in our counternarcotics effort. The DEA maintains a high level of commitment in our support of Panama. I have met with some of the Panamanian police myself, both in my recent trip to Bolivia at the International Drug Enforcement Conference and also during the training programs at the DEA training facility in Quantico. And so our relationship is critical. I see that support continuing. I think that the indication that the next IDEC conference will be in Panama is reflective of the crucial nature of that region and the international support for the leadership of Panama.

Q Jesus Esquivel from the Mexican News Agency. I have two questions for you, sir, one on Colombia and one on Mexico.

With the indictment of the Colombians (called as ?) terrorists in narcotics, the history of the DEA actions in Latin America shows that besides the president says there is no plan for military intervention in Colombia, that DEA agents go and arrest this kind of narco- traffickers. I'm talking about the case of Mexicans, narco- traffickers, arrested outside Mexico, in Costa Rica, with the case of the assassination of Enrique Camarena. So my question to you is, the DEA is planning to act alone in Colombia to arrest these people or just waiting to be the Colombians to do that?

And the question on Mexico: With the arrest of Benjamin Arellano Felix and the supposed-to-be-dead of Ramon (Arellano Felix), do you consider the Arellano Felix cartel dead?

MR. HUTCHINSON: I'll take the first one -- or the last one first. I consider the leadership of the Arellano Felix organization dismantled.

And I believe that the entire structure of the organization is in a fractured state that has potential of being totally dismantled. But the responsibility of law enforcement, both in Mexico and obviously, hopefully, with the support of the DEA -- we cannot let new leadership be formed of this organization or the organization to be restructured with new mid-level managers, as well as new leadership at the top. That's our responsibility, and we are aggressively taking advantage of this opportunity with the death of one leader, Ramon, and the arrest of Benjamin, that we move in, we dismantle the remaining parts of the organization and make sure new leadership is not formed.

In reference to the DEA intention to arrest individuals under indictment in Colombia or other countries, DEA does not go out and make arrests in foreign countries. Well, I'm -- in my leadership, the way we work at the DEA is that, if we have an indictment in Colombia, we will certainly share information and intelligence. We will support the law enforcement, in terms of training and in cooperation at every level. But the arrest responsibility comes with the host government.

Q (Off mike) -- El Universal, Mexico City.

Just a precision, if I may: Can you identify the drug organizations that either you believe or you have established that FARC has a relation with?

MR. HUTCHINSON: The organizations -- the trafficking organizations -- they have a relationship with?

Q Yes.

MR. HUTCHINSON: Well, the indictment sets forth that Tomas Molina and others that are mentioned in the indictment have a relationship with Brazilian traffickers. And so it's that connection in which the indictment alleges that there was planes that landed in the controlled area in Colombia, where they received cocaine in exchange for weapons, in exchange for money, and then the cocaine then left with the Brazilian trafficking organization to other points.

Q Then, two questions, if I may -- follow-ups: Are the Brazilian organizations so large, then, that they can do this trafficking? And B, do you know if nay of the Mexican cartels have had any relation with the FARC?

MR. HUTCHINSON: The Mexican cartels? Well, I believe -- well -- I could not speak to the latter point. We may have information on that, but I'm not prepared to answer it at this present time.

Certainly if you are transporting cocaine out of Colombia, they're in this instance are using a Brazilian trafficking, which is a different route than going through Mexico. But the investigation will be ongoing, and certainly that is another trafficking route to get cocaine out of Colombia, which would be through Mexico, which is where the largest percent winds up going. That's something that the investigation will reveal as we continue it.

MODERATOR: A couple of more -- (off mike).

Q Yes, my name is -- (name inaudible) -- from Venezuela. And I just want to know, in the case of Venezuela, what about the cooperation against the fight against drugs, is Venezuela a trusted partner for the United States?

MR. HUTCHINSON: Yes. When it comes to fighting drugs, Venezuela has been a historic partner with us. I have been there in Venezuela myself. I have met with the Venezuelan law enforcement in the recent conference in Bolivia. And particularly with the critical area that Venezuela is located in reference to what's happening in Colombia, the spillover impact, the trafficking routes that go through there, it's essential that we continue cooperating with our partners in Venezuela and that we continue to have leadership there, which is very, very important.

MODERATOR: (Off mike.)

Q I am -- (name inaudible) -- with the Colombian media. My question has to do with history. In Colombia we had the experience -- we had the Cali and the Medellin cartel. Now we have the FARC, ELN, AUC dealing with drugs. So one is gone, but now there is another organization. What is the United States doing to prevent the next cartel to come up after the FARC, ELN, AUC are disbanded?

MR. HUTCHINSON: Well, I think the greatest answer there is what Colombia is doing, and the fact that their Colombia National Police is so engaged in the anti-narcotics effort. I'm grateful for the leadership of President Pastrana, and hopefully his successor will have the same level of commitment. And so that's where the success lies.

And I think what we've seen is a shift in patterns. Even though you had the cartels of the past -- the Escobars, you've had the huge cartels there -- now you have splintered into a number of different trafficking organizations.

And I think that what we have done, what Colombia has done is to increase the risk. I think is becoming increasingly difficult, I think it is becoming increasingly risky not just of arrest in Colombia but also of extradition to the United States. So I believe that law is beginning to triumph over lawlessness.

We have a long ways to go, but we've had successes to point to, and I think that success builds upon success. Whenever you look at ultimately what we want to do, the eradication part is important as well as creating the risk to the traffickers and disbanding those organizations. We have a response, the United States, on demand side, but that equation in our partnership with Colombia has proven successful and I think it will continue to.

MODERATOR: I think this is the last question.

Q Anthony Boadle of Reuters. Until now, the strategy has been, to fight the drug war in Colombia, to deprive the guerrillas of their funding. Now you see to be going after the armed groups by providing counterterrorism assistance to Colombia. My question is, what impact will this have on the drug war, which hasn't been going that well? The latest figures show increase in the surface of coca plantations. What impact do you expect to have on the drug war by providing counterterrorism assistance to Colombia?

MR. HUTCHINSON: Well, I fully expect that Congress will set restrictions and parameters in cooperation with the administration on the assistance that is provided to Colombia. We will certainly abide by the restrictions that are placed.

In reference to the counternarcotics area, which is my arena of concern, we've had sufficient latitude. Now, as to what impact any future change in policy will have, I think that they complement each other. The stability in the country is important to furthering our law enforcement objectives, and so anything that will enhance stability in Colombia will ultimately help us to be more capable in fighting the trafficking organizations and in the eradication effort.

MODERATOR: Thank you all very much.

MR. HUTCHINSON: Thank you.