FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Texas Department of Public Safety, Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division

Intelligence Bulletin
2010–02–0011 (February 10, 2010)

Reemerging Tactics Utilized by Smugglers

Summary

Law enforcement has recently reported an increase in scout vehicles and countersurveillance tactics
being used by criminal organizations for the transporting of drugs and humans. Though these strategies
are not new, the criminal organizations using them have progressively become more aggressive in nature
in their attempts to evade law enforcement. Criminal elements are in constant communication with one
another via cell phone or radio for staging loads and identifying any threats by law enforcement.

Details

Law enforcement has received intelligence regarding progressively aggressive evasive tactics being used
against law enforcement officers by criminal organizations, as well as the use of highly organized
surveillance. Successful criminal organizations are extremely organized and specialized in their
maneuvers.

• The Caravan: Drug and human smugglers have commonly used a caravan system with 2-3 scout
vehicles driving behind and ahead of the load vehicles. Upon encountering law enforcement, scout
vehicles are instructed to deter the officers at all cost. Tactics used by scouts include erratic and
aggressive driving, the use of caltrops, and striking law enforcement with their vehicles during pursuit.
Traffickers typically use large trucks (i.e., F250, 2500), SUVs, and, occasionally, larger sedans.
Vehicles are usually borrowed, stolen, or rented, and may sometimes be older-model vehicles that
are considered easily disposable.

• Countersurveillance: Lookouts, scouts, “campanas,” and hawks or “halcones” are responsible for
the surveillance of travel areas for loads prior to, during, and after the transporting of contraband to
the stash house or designation. Lookouts may utilize high-rise vantage points, travel the same roads
repeatedly, serve as decoys, hide in bushes, and, in one case, used horses in their efforts to locate
and identify law enforcement.

Conclusion

Although the use of one of these tactics may not signify the presence of organized criminal activity, one or
more of these elements may assist in developing reasonable suspicion. All officers are highly encouraged
to utilize extreme caution when encountering possible smugglers and are reminded to remain vigilant of their
surroundings whether on or off duty.

Anyone with comments or questions regarding this bulletin, or with additional information regarding these
reemerging tactics, should contact the DPS Texas Intelligence Center at 1-866-786-5972 or by e-mail at
txdpsintelcenter@txdps.state.tx.us.

Sources
Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division, Drug Unit.