National Drug Intelligence Center Remains Source of Debate; Roles May Be Unknown to Public

The National Drug Intelligence Center, or NDIC, has been a source of debate about the agency's effectiveness and whether or not its programs are accomplishing their outcomes for several years. The agency recently entered the spotlight again when Mary Bono Mack, Congresswoman (C-45), brought forth legislation to close the NDIC, which receives most of its funding from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Critics of the NDIC say the organization's programs already exist in other outlets in many communities, and have a high price tag. Some have said many agencies do similar work toward drug control and prevention, including the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice, who is responsible for overseeing the center.

NDIC debates may have been fueled by recent challenges. A former director, Michael Horn, was released after investigations from the U.S. Department of Justice. Staff members at the NDIC have said they experienced inefficient management, over-spending and a negative atmosphere, among other complaints. A 2005 article explored several other challenges faced by the NDIC in U.S. News & World Report, citing problems from its inception.

Bono Mack, the House chairman for the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, says the NDIC has worked at a price tag of $658 million but has not produced effective results, and suggests that its work be passed over to federal entities. Under H.R. 566, Bono Mack proposes that no further funding be given to the NDIC and that its roles be transferred. Critics of the NDIC have also said that its location is too far from the nation's borders where most drug activity occurs.

However, those who support the NDIC say many people may not be aware of the agency's role in fighting drug activity and also in anti-terrorism initiatives.

The NDIC was formed in 1983 for the purpose of coordinating the nation's drug intelligence program, using information from all national security agencies and law enforcement centers. The center is also responsible for exploring drug distribution globally and providing information to help make sure drug traffickers are apprehended, including producing briefs about areas of drug concern.

The NDIC also completes drug assessments each year and numerous drug-related projects, such as assisting with homeland security issues and assisting with drug-related investigational work. Together with staff from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the NDIC helps educate and train several thousand members of law enforcement agencies.

According to the NDIC web site, the center's customers include the Office of National Drug Control Policy, national High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, the Department of State, U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the U.S. Coast Guard. A category for "Testaments" related to the center's contributions and value includes links to several documents prepared from 2008 to 2010, and several quarterly reports and newsletters are also available regarding drug activity and the nation's efforts to intervene.