(2006-0948-F) Drugs

The materials in FOIA 2006-0948-F are a selective, not necessarily all inclusive, body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about related materials. FOIA request 2006-0948-F contains records on a November 9, 1998, incident of a Colombian Air Force plane that landed in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and discovered to contain over 700 separate packets of cocaine. United States Customs inspectors noticed that several pallets in the cargo bay had unusual rivets and smelled of fresh glue. After drilling the pallets and extracting the white powder that tested positive for cocaine, inspectors dismantled the pallets and soon found the drug packets on the government plane. Over 1,600 pounds of cocaine on the C-130 Hercules were seized, with an estimated wholesale value of over $12 million. A shipment of approximately 13 pounds of heroin was also found on the same plane. Soon after this discovery, the Colombian Air Force Commander sent a letter of resignation to President Andres Pastrana and was immediately accepted. The Colombian press attacked the corruption in the armed forces and officially dubbed the Colombia Air Force, the “Blue Cartel.” Clinton Presidential Library’s web site 2006-0948-F http://www.clintonlibrary.gov The NSC Cable, Email, and Records Management Systems contain emails and cables on the incident and reports of the aftermath. For instance, there are many cables that summarize Colombian newspaper articles and television reports about the discovery of drugs on the plane and the reaction by the Colombian government.