Human Intelligence Analysis

HUMINT 2
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HUMINT 2
Human Intelligence (HUMINT) refers to all data collected directly from human sources. This intelligence-gathering strategy can range from the use of spies to direct reconnaissance to the use of informants to even observation. HUMINT is an excellent method of gathering relevant data in anti-drug trafficking activities. Human sources have access to data that other ways cannot obtain. For instance, HUMINT can provide information about malicious intent and plans and adversarial decisions and developments before any undesirable action is even taken. Using individuals as a source of data requires a particular ability. While it is not efficient as other intelligence approaches, HUMINT provides access to data that might be useful. Due to the covert nature of the Sinaloa Cartel’s operations, the war on drugs, for example, may substantially benefit from the use of HUMINT gathering. The Sinaloa Cartel hires people from within the United States, making gathering collection through other intelligence approaches more challenging. The DEA may later exploit these infiltrations by generating new in-roads into the Cartel’s supply chain. HUMINT gathering can therefore be a helpful instrument in the battle against narcotics. The thesis of this paper is: HUMINT is the best intelligence source, although it requires active collaboration between intelligence agencies and rigorous training of operatives to collect information of DTO intentions, organizational structure, and activities safely and legitimately.
[Todd Gleghorn and Derek Johnson, “How Internal Human Intelligence Networks (HUMINT) Develop External Pr…,” Aurora WDC, May 1, 2014, /IntelCollab/how-internal-human-networks-humint.]
Problem Scenario
HUMINT might help the US fight drug trafficking. The Sinaloa in Mexico, in particular, is the earliest and most developed of the DTOs that the US is confronting in the drug war. Even though Joaquin “El Chapo” has been caught and incarcerated in the US, the Sinaloa Cartel still maintains its position as the main DTO, regardless of internal difficulties and management pressure.[McDermott, W. T. DEA State Reciprocity. 2020]
DTOs from Mexico, such as the Sinaloa Cartel, have significant clout in several US cities, including Phoenix, Los Angeles, Denver, and Chicago. The Sinaloa Cartel uses intimidation, bribery, and other forms of coercion to influence people. Because of the developed corporation and networks on both sides of the Mexican-American border, narcotics can still be transported more readily into these US hub cities. The majority of these narcotics are transported across the border through border crossing points and complex underground networks that are difficult to detect.
Why the Particular Problem?
Due to the secretive nature of DTO activities and organizational arrangement, the drug war would benefit from HUMINT deployment. Using HUMINT, it may be feasible to expose corrupt government officials and learn more quickly about entry points to underground tunnels. While other intelligence regulations are used, HUMINT would provide up-to-date and actionable intelligence.[Ibid 1]
Historical Background in Rel...