SENTINEL INTELLIGENCE SERVICES, LLC
LYLE J. RAPACKI, Ph.D.
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CONSULTANT AT:
Protective Intelligence and Assessment
Behavioral Analysis and Threat Assessment
Independent Intelligence and Information Warfare
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RESTRICTED INTELLIGENCE BRIEFING - - -
EMBARGOED - - - NOT FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION PI: 110:10
INTELLIGENCE BRIEFING: REDACTED
SUBJECT OF BRIEFING: Mexican Drug Gangs taking Over National Parks
Wednesday –
March the 10th, 2010
NOTICE OF RESTRICTED INTELLIGENCE COMMUNICATION:
The contents of this briefing contain information that is law enforcement sensitive. The materials herein submitted to the individual(s) named above are for their use only and are proprietary. If you are not the intended recipient, or have not personally received this briefing from the author of this report, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, copying or distribution of the herein stated material is strictly prohibited. Failure to abide by this admonishment may lead to a legal action taken against you. Notify sender immediately if you have received this communication in error.
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Statement of Purpose:
The content of this RESTRICTED INTELLIGENCE BRIEFING is deliberately intended to stimulate thought and discussion. Informational analysis comprising global security, national security of the United States of America and the State of Arizona, socio-political-economic forces as a dimension to national security, culture, and freedom in human rights, defense and the rule of law are considered within the framework of this treatise.
Overview:
Mexico drug cartels stealthily and steadily are moving into the western National Parks of the United States. The absolute intention is to develop sophisticated areas for the growing of highly potent marijuana in farms that are heavily financed, and set-up as armed fortresses.
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Marijuana has been cultivated on public lands in the United States for years, and even decades. What is different this time around is the level of sophistication employed by Mexican traffickers and drug cartels. Well-armed guards with AK-47s patrolling the perimeters of these farms, trip wires, kill-zones, land mines and crude IEDS just inside the cartel’s designated perimeter, “spotters” with improved radio communications sitting atop high trees or rock formations, are now becoming common place, and a factor law enforcement must consider when interdicting.
RESTRICTED INTELLIGENCE BRIEFING
TO: REDACTED
March the 10th, 2010
Continued – page two PI: 110:10
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Another factor contributing to the difference from decades past and current operations is location of these sophisticated farms. The Mexican drug cartels have moved into selected National Parks within the United States, and intend to continue their migration into these locales. Sequoia National Forest; Yosemite; Redwood National Forest; Wenatchee National Forest in eastern Washington; Sierra Nevada Mountains, and in many remote barren lands across Texas are examples of this new trend. There is movement also occurring into park lands of Wisconsin and Michigan for greater ease in distribution to eastern corridors.
These “farms” are becoming more sophisticated, and are worked by illegal aliens traveling from the MexicanState of Michoacán. Many of the growers sleep a mile away so as not to be caught, leaving “soldiers” who wear camouflage to guard the farms. Some farms grow more than 75,000 plants, are concealed by thick forests, and are far from hiking paths and any public access. Drug cartels hire marijuana experts who assist with irrigation systems, soil development, harvesting and distribution. Illegal fertilizers are employed which make more robust plants, but contaminate the soil. Growing marijuana within the borders of the United States allows for easier transportation of the crops not having to cross borders, thereby, evading Border Patrol and Homeland Security.
Budget constraints, manpower shortages for law enforcement are serious factors inhibiting law enforcement, and cartels are aware of this and are capitalizing on these factors. Harsh terrain and vast wilderness also are contributing challenges for law enforcement.
Mexican cartels are intending to take over the entire marijuana industry within America, similarly to what they have with the methamphetamine business.
(END OF REPORT)
LYLE J. RAPACKI, Ph.D.
Protective Intelligence and Assessment Specialist
Consultant at Behavioral Analysis and Threat Assessment
Independent Intelligence and Information Warfare Analyst
1300Hrs m.s.t..