California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement

The Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE) is a sub-agency of the California Office of the Attorney General. Started in 1927, the BNE is the oldest narcotic enforcement bureau in the U.S.

The BNE targets major drug dealers and violent career criminals. It is dedicated to the eradication of clandestine drug manufacturers and the violation of prescription drug laws.

As the premier agency for statewide anti-drug operations, the BNE enforces state and federal laws within California. The BNE operates nine regional offices throughout the major cities of California as well as 48 regional narcotic task forces.

In 2006 the BNE seized almost $1.4 million worth of methamphetamines, $35 million worth of cocaine, $1.1 million worth of heroin, over $700,000 worth of ecstasy, and$500,000 worth of PCP.

Various divisions within the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement include:

Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (C.A.M.P.). This division was started in 1983 and has grown to become the largest law enforcement task force in the U.S., with over 110 law enforcement agencies participating. The program's primary mission is the eradication of marijuana crop sites.

Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Program (C.L.E.P.) which shuts down illegally operated and clandestine drug-producing operations throughout California.

The Crackdown Program has been coordinating law enforcement efforts against Colombian drug cartels and street gangs in the business of trafficking cocaine and laundering money earned through the illicit sale of cocaine since 1989.

The Diversion program investigates members of the health care community, to include doctors and nurses, who are engaged in the practice of diverting controlled substances from their legitimate destinations to illegitimate black markets.

The Financial Investigations Program provides assistance, training, and support to other law enforcement agencies investigating matters of money laundering and asset forfeitures. This program is also responsible for investigating and conducting audits of cash transactions in excess of $10,000 as reported by banks and other financial institutions. The Financial Investigations Program also coordinates efforts with other state and federal law enforcement agencies with similar missions.

The Special Operations Units of the BNE handle the most dangerous and high risk operations of the agency. Highly trained and specially equipped, the Special Operations team conducts undercover operations and dangerous raids of suspected drug related facilities.

Sources:

Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. Office of the Attorney General. State of California.