Operation Snow Cap 

   Below is information from CIABASE on another earlier counter-drug 
operation in Latin America. This information assumes more relevancy now 
in light of efforts to fund massive counter-drug operations primarily in
Colombia. Other recent information indicates that the U.S. might
be planning on extending the drug war and the fumigation of drug 
plants to the Golden Crescent in and around Afghanistan and Pakistan 
(can Burma's Golden Triangle be far behind?)

   Rather than fight and fumigate around the world why not institute 
prevention and treatment here at home?  Studies show such efforts to be
far more productive at a fraction of the cost -- especially in human
lives.

   What is demonstrated by all of these past and current operations,
is that as drug eradication efforts succeed -- the trafficking simply 
moves to adjoining areas.

   In the past the United States was an accomplice to massive
drug operations in Southeast Asia, Afghanistan/Pakistan, and 
Nicaragua in order to fight communism.  Now we fight drugs -- 
a problem we, to a large extent, created. As we fight the drug 
traffic with planes, personnel, and other systems  -- we facilitate 
the movement of drugs to the United States.  So as we "win" the 
drug war overseas, we promote drug useage in the United States.

Ralph McGehee
http://come.to/CIABASE

  Peru,  89-90  the battle of third world which emphasizes value of small
  units, light equipment, guerrilla-style tactics and an indirect role for
  u.s.  During Reagan Adm the pentagon's center on low-intensity conflict
  worked with DEA in op Snowcap--op included anti drug acts in 12 latin
  american countries since  87  NACLA (magazine re Latin America) 4/90 10

  Peru,  87-94  DEA plane, 5 agents missing in Peru's jungle. Agents part of
  "op Snowcap," program aimed at stemming cocaine traffic from Peru and
  Bolivia. program began in 87, to allow DEA agents help law enforcement in
  Peru and Bolivia. About 10 DEA agents in Peru and 12 assigned to Bolivia.
  Peru source of 60% of world's coca, from which cocaine manufactured.
  Washington Times 8/29/94 a5

  Peru,  94  bodies of 5 DEA agents killed in air crash in Peru recovered -
  there no signs plane shot down or sabotaged. Agents were assigned to op
  snowcap, a 7-year-old DEA mission in Peru and Bolivia to work with local
  military and police to stop coca leaf production and distribution.
  Washington Times 8/30/94 a5