Agricultural Investigations Law Enforcement Perspective

“Agriculture ranks among the most crucial of our nation’s industries; yet its reliability and productivity are often taken for granted.” President George W. Bush

What is Agroterrorism? The deliberate introduction of an agent, either against livestock, crops or into the food chain, for purposes of undermining stability and generating fear.

Terrorism 28 C.F.R. § 0.85 Title 22 of USC, § 2656f(d) “… the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.” “… premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub- national groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience.”

Criminal Violations Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Statute of 1989, (BWAT) Title 18, USC §175Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Statute of 1989, (BWAT) Title 18, USC §175 Use of Weapons of Mass Destruction Statute Title, 18, USC §2332aUse of Weapons of Mass Destruction Statute Title, 18, USC §2332a Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act of 1998, Title 18, USC §229Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act of 1998, Title 18, USC §229 Prohibited Transactions Involving Nuclear Materials, Title 18, USC §831Prohibited Transactions Involving Nuclear Materials, Title 18, USC §831

Agricultural Vulnerabilities It will be an economic assault on our national security and infrastructure Our ability to produce safe, plentiful, and inexpensive food creates the discretionary spending that drives the American standard of living Early detection and effective intervention is critical

Food and Agriculture Targets LivestockLivestock CropsCrops Water suppliesWater supplies Food in grocery storesFood in grocery stores Food and agriculture transportation systemsFood and agriculture transportation systems Farm workersFarm workers Livestock producersLivestock producers Food processorsFood processors Food handlersFood handlers Processing facilitiesProcessing facilities RestaurantsRestaurants Ultimate target?Ultimate target?

WMD Threat - Current Assessment - We continue to investigate allegations regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction and their illegal useWe continue to investigate allegations regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction and their illegal use –At this time there is no credible intelligence that a Domestic Terrorist Group is either developing or planning to use a sophisticated Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Weapon on U.S. agriculture or food system. –Each WMD threat is thoroughly investigated The vast majority fail to reveal the presence of actual hazardous material, although we have seen Anthrax, Ricin, Shigella, and the use of Industrial Chemicals/Pesticides –There are roughly a dozen formalized International Terrorist Groups, most notably Al-Qaeda, that have an interest in the development of a WMD agricultural program or have used WMD in the past.

Presidential Decision Directive 5 U.S. Policy on Domestic Incidents - signed by President Bush 3/03 Outlines a national approach treating crisis and consequence management as an integrated function. Directs highest priority to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks and major disasters. Designates Homeland Security as the lead Federal Agency for managing the operational federal response.

DHS Presidential Decision Directive 9 U.S. Policy to Protect Agriculture and Food System - signed by President Bush 01/04 Identifying agriculture and food system as critical infrastructure. Developing awareness and early warning capabilities to recognize threats. Mitigating vulnerabilities at critical production and processing areas. Enhancing product screening procedures and response and recovery.

The FBI’s Role (per PDD-15, Annex II) Conduct criminal and intelligence investigations: Investigate terrorist acts planned or carried out by foreign/domestic groups in the U.S. Gather Intelligence: Collect, analyze, and disseminate intelligence on terrorist groups and activities. Serve as the lead for the investigation.

Importance of Response Emergency response to a WMD crime scene requires that each responder perform in a manner that does not jeopardize Life Safety or successful prosecution

DOD USDAFDAHHSDOE EPA FEMA HMRUNCAVCCIRG FBIHQWMDOU Behavioral Operational Technical State/Local Responders Responders LocalFBI Threat Assessment Process ThreatConsultationAssessment Threat DHS

International Symposium on Agroterrorism

Private Industry Government Science/ Academia Law Enforcement Health, Medical, Veterinary Education and Awareness

Hyatt Crown Center Kansas City, Missouri Next: May 2010 Inaugural: May 3 – 5, nd Year: Sept , rd Year: April 22-24, 2008

Presented By:

What Have We Learned? Threats need to be taken seriously Need a framework for response and coordination to handle large incidents Adequate resources and expertise - Determine extent of contamination and any public health implications by testing product, recalling product and alerting consumers - Finding the perpetrator by law enforcement capabilities

QUESTIONS ????????????? SA David Cudmore, FBI WMD Coordinator