INIA Training Classes

INIA Criminal & Drug Interdiction Seminar – 3 or 4 Days

Airport, Train, Bus, Parcels, Highway, Commercial Vehicles, Motel/Hotel, Storage Units, Asset Forfeiture, K-9 Interdiction Use

This course is designed for those working Interdiction in Airports, Bus Stations, Amtrak Stations, Package and Freight locations, HIghways, Hotel/Motel, Storage Units and for K-9 Handlers. After attending this seminar, an individual officer/agent will be totally prepared to begin work at any interdiction assignment. Also covered in this course are the basics of setting up an office, selecting personnel and organizing a task force. There will be an emphasis placed on Case Law and the legalities of both Consensual Searches and Detentions, Search Warrants, Courier Characteristics, Civil Liability and Interviewing are all topics discussed in depth.

Participants will be able to understand the fundamental and technical tactics, terminology, and problem areas of interdiction stops. Instruction will show the need to understand the relationship of interdiction stops to the fourth amendment. Students will obtain a working knowledge of the case law pertaining to vehicle stops and searches. The investigative procedures involved in suspect/defendant interviews will be emphasized. Vehicle content analysis, hidden compartments, document warrants, controlled deliveries of contraband, asset seizures, case debriefs, preparing reports and court testimony will be accentuated.

Below are Seminars Offered By INIA. INIA can combine/tailor topics and subject matter based on your departments

Airport Consulting

Ensuring a Safe Environment for Airline Passengers: The International Narcotics Interdiction Association (INIA) is concerned with the process of ensuring a safe environment for passengers utilizing International Airports. INIA members are recognized as the leading international experts in identifying both terrorists and narcotic couriers.Experienced / trained officers utilize combinations of computer generated information, civilian witnesses, intelligence sources and known characteristics of drug couriers to differentiate between legitimate passengers and those most likely to be engaged in criminal activity.

This investigative theory evolved from detectives and agents working airport details, formed during the 1970’s, to combat drug couriers. The result of developing these characteristics was instrumental in the setting of national standards, combined with a refinement of investigative techniques and theory. The International Narcotics Interdiction Association (Skynarc) was spawned from these efforts and has continued to be a catalyst for standardized national training. DEA International Training adopted this concept and is teaching it worldwide with great success. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has deployed the INIA”s concepts to combat terrorism.

INIA Capabilities

  • INIA experience, personnel, and innovation place I.N.I.A.. in a singular position.
  • INIA can implement a complete program for International Airports to detect and neutralize terrorist and smugglers.
  • INIA can accomplish this by providing the finest training, equipment, and computer technology.

Airport Interdiction – 2 Days

Airports are a vital part of our transportation system and are utilized out of necessity by the domestic and foreign criminal element. The interdiction units at the nation’s airports have a great opportunity to interfere with the actions of the criminals before and during the commission of crimes. After September 11, 2001, some law enforcement officials bought into the myth that security was so tight at the nation’s airports that narcotics traffickers would no longer use commercial airlines as a means of transporting contraband. INIA will show you why couriers/criminals are still using airports and the methods they are using to transport illegal narcotics and US Currency through airports.

Asset Forfeiture – 1 Day

This practical asset forfeiture course was designed with the interdiction/street officer in mind. The course will instruct students in a practical manner to make asset forfeiture understandable and easy to use. This course will cover in detail the steps necessary for a successful forfeiture case. These methods have been tested and are proven to be successful in the Federal system. In order to achieve a successful asset forfeiture program this course is a must.

Basic Narcotics Investigations – 3 Days

This course of instruction is designed for the veteran narcotics Investigator. This course of instruction is intended to provide veteran narcotics Investigators with information and practical skills utilized to conduct complex narcotics investigations in today’s ever changing environment. Students will be provided with various methods to conduct complex narcotics investigations in a rural and urban setting. Students will be exposed to telephone exploitation methods, pen-registers, mail covers, financial investigation, undercover operations, confidential sources, conspiracy (complex/dry) and other secrets of the trade. This course provides a formal understanding of how to conduct a complex narcotics investigation from the case initiation to the sentencing of the defendant. Students will be exposed to various modern methods of narcotics investigation.

Bus Interdiction – 1 Day

Narcotic couriers use buses that travel all over the US and Mexico to help facilitate their narcotics trafficking network. This is a field of interdiction which has generated much controversy and numerous appellate court decisions. It requires strict adherence to the latest policies and procedures mandated as a result of these decisions.

Canine Seminars For Interdiction and Narcotic Investigations – 2 or 3 Days

This training class is designed for canine handlers and unit supervisors. The classroom subjects include instruction in canine case law, court room testimony, handling techniques, training aid handling and storage, obtaining training aids, necessary equipment, canine and handler selection, unit supervision an how to use your canine effectively in interdiction and narcotic investigations.  Problem solving is stressed and discussed. On-site training will also be conducted at transportation centers.

Car Carrier Investigations – 1 Day

Narcotics trafficking organizations are continuously trying new methods of concealing shipments of contraband. Commercial auto shipping and freight companies and private aircraft continue to be utilized to conceal and transport narcotics. This class will discuss identifiable characteristics of these methods.

Chemicals of Concern and Common Sense – 1 Day

Drug use is prevalent in the US. Some of the deadliest drugs are the legal ones, from prescription painkillers to tobacco and alcohol. Legal doesn’t mean safe. Technically, fentanyl is medically used to ease pain; but abuse has recently surged on the street. It is potent and fatal. People can no longer experiment or try just once, as one pill can kill. Many drugs are cut with fentanyl and other chemicals. Marijuana is synthetically altered with butane to give it the wax like look. The butane alone can cause psychosis. Diamonds are the new marijuana with almost 100% THC concentration. It looks like methamphetamine but even Crystal Meth has evolved as it has an entirely new recipe resulting in mental deterioration immediately. Vaping among our youth and young adults continues to be on the rise and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are flavorful, hard to detect and can be used with all the chemicals discussed above. Most vaping use begins because it tastes good. Nicotine is cherries, bubble gum, Oreos and ice cream these days, while the liquid nicotine is a much higher concentration causing quick onset addiction. Drug use is NOT a normal behavior. This deadly epidemic is killing many and impacting all. It is not a youth problem; it is a community problem. Attend this class to learn the facts and trends. Take home resources and information that can be lifesaving.

Commercial Cannabis Investigations – 1 Day

The majority of states in the United States have legalized medicinal marijuana use, more have decriminalized possession of marijuana and a steadily increasing number of states have legalized recreational use. The legalization of marijuana has created and will continue to create challenges for law enforcement. This course was developed to assist law enforcement officers who are, or soon will be responsible for enforcing marijuana laws in jurisdictions that have legalized commercial cultivation, distribution, manufacturing, and sale. This class will provide an overview of investigative methodology, distinguishing between lawful and unlawful commercial cannabis operations, the influence and involvement of organized criminal enterprises, associated violent crime, human trafficking (sex and labor trafficking at cultivation locations), and environmental damage caused by water diversion and the use of dangerous, illegal pesticides at cultivation sites. The course will also address asset forfeiture, tax evasion, public corruption, and the difficulties of obtaining prosecution in cannabis related cases.

Commercial Motor Vehicle Interdiction – 2 Days

This training is designed to assist law enforcement officers in the interdiction of criminals using a commercial motor vehicle.  It will provide the skills needed to make a rapid assessment of a commercial motor vehicle traffic stop.  This training will also show common concealment methods used by criminals to transport illegal items while in transit.

Fentanyl Dangers

This class will discuss the rise of the opioid epidemic in the U.S., particularly the rise of Fentanyl and the distribution of counterfeit M-30 pills containing Fentanyl. The class will review various case studies to learn how to safely respond and investigate the scene of an overdose whether or not a fatality occurred. This class will prepare you to act in an undercover roll by using social media to identify and arrest the suspected distributors of Fentanyl pills and powder. Finally, the class will review various federal charges related to overdoses and overdose deaths, and prepare investigators for successful prosecution related to Fentanyl overdoses and overdose deaths. This class is beneficial for detectives, patrol officers, and supervisors.

Financial Investigations In Narcotic Cases – 2 Days

Every narcotics investigation is inherently tied to a financial investigation.  In this class you will learn how the investigations should be linked to not only bolster the financial case and your seizures, but also your narcotics case.

Fraudulent Credit Cards to Fund Drug Trafficking – 1 Day

A discussion of several recent and ongoing investigation in which the use of fraudulently manufactured credit cards, embossed and encoded with stolen credit card numbers utilized to purchase easily transferable items, gift cards and fuel which in turn is utilized to purchase, traffic and transport narcotics in what can only be defined as organized criminal activity.

Freight Investigations – 1 Day

Large quantities of drugs and money are routinely shipped cross country via truck through freight companies.  This course identifies the characteristics and methods utilized by drug traffickers who pay freight forwarding companies to transport their goods under the cover of legitimate shipments, thereby enabling successful proactive interdiction efforts.

Gang Investigations – 3 Days

This training class is designed to assist law enforcement personnel assigned to investigative or gang suppression units. The identification, investigation and prosecution of gang related criminal activity will be stressed. This course will cover gang sociology, structures and history. Black gangs, Hispanic, Asian, and white supremacists will be discussed in depth. The criminal activities of these gangs will be examined with emphasis on drug sales and violence. This course will allow the individual investigator to detect gang activity, identify the membership and have a comprehensive plan to address the threats posed by these organizations.

Highway Interdiction – 2 or 3 Days

This is an advanced course in highway drug and criminal interdiction. It is designed for patrol officers at all levels of experience. It will be invaluable for narcotics investigators assigned responsibilities for post seizure/arrests initiated by patrol officers. Participants will be able to understand the fundamental and technical tactics, terminology, and problem areas of interdiction stops. They will be taught to comprehend the five elements of a successful interdiction strategy. Instruction will show the need to understand the relationship of interdiction stops to the fourth amendment. Students will obtain a working knowledge of the case law pertaining to vehicle stops and searches. The investigative procedures involved in suspect/defendant interviews will be emphasized. Vehicle content analysis, document warrants, controlled deliveries of contraband, locating hidden compartments, currency seizures, case debriefs, preparing reports and court testimony will be accentuated. Officers will also be taught interdiction techniques concerning commercial motor vehicles, focusing on an efficient strategy to approach and interview drivers of commercial vehicles to identify those operators who are transporting contraband and bulk currency.

Hotel/Motel Knock & Talk Investigations – 1 Day

Couriers traveling by mass transit and other means often stay at hotels and    motels near major transportation terminals. They tend to display certain characteristics as guests that are identifiable to the trained professional.

Human Trafficking – 1 Day

There are approximately 400,000 human trafficking victims in the US alone. Human trafficking illicit profits are estimated to be more than $150 billion annually. Nationally, law enforcement usually only receives the bare minimum of human trafficking training. Most training only concentrates on the “force, fraud coercion” portions of human trafficking, and not real-world examples of what it looks like in the field and or how to successfully investigate these cases.

Human trafficking (HT) investigations are unique in nature since the preferred response with victims during sting-type operations is to not arrest. And this is often a hard pill for law enforcement to grasp without some discussions and more in-depth training on HT. And most human trafficking victims don’t identify themselves as “victims” due to trauma bonding and rarely cooperate with law enforcement. This one-day course will show real examples of what human trafficking looks like in the field from sex trafficking, forced labor, interdiction, gang, and drug investigations.

This one-day course covers the following:

  • What the “real face” of human trafficking looks like.
  • What to do and whom to include in proactive human trafficking investigations.
  • Educating/working with prosecutors.
  • Non-governmental organizations.
  • Undercover selections/decoys.
  • Electronic surveillance equipment.
  • Proactively doing in-call & outcall prostitution/human trafficking operations (manpower, money, locations, electronic evidence, etc.).
  • Illicit massage parlor investigations/OSINT.
  • Forced labor investigations.

Informant Management – 2 Days

This course is a comprehensive approach to informant management. Course topics include:

  • Determining informants motivation
  • The concept of reliability and timeliness
  • Meeting with the informant
  • Interviewing informants
  • Paying of informants
  • Documentation of informants and their contacts
  • Utilizing informants in undercover operations
  • Red flags
  • Disclosure rules and strategies
  • Special problems

Mexican Drug Cartels and Border Violence – 1 or 2 Days

This presentation will provide an updated account of the Mexico Drug Cartels and their utilization of gangs to further their mission of controlling their territories through the practice of Narco-Terrorism. Each year, for the past 7years the murder count has Mexico exceeded the previous years. From 17,000 murders in 2015, Mexico had over 30,000 murders in 2020 and it continues to rise in 2023.  Northern Baja California, Mexico has been one of the most violent states in the world. Mexican Cartels have fractured, and crime rate is out of control. Innovative techniques and ideas will be discussed to combat the escalating violence in Mexico, along the Southwest Border and the U.S.

Non-Drug Evidence:  More Valuable than the Drugs to Obtain a Conviction – 1 Day

Narcotic investigators and prosecutors face four defenses which are raised time and time again by the defense bar at trial:  1.) I didn’t have anything to do with it; 2) I didn’t know about it; 3) That’s not mine; and 4) It’s mine but I don’t distribute it.  Armed with the knowledge of these recurring defenses, investigators can focus on the non-drug evidence which establishes knowing and intentional criminal drug conduct.  This course is designed to help you identify this critical evidence and provide you with the most recent case law to make sure the court will allow your prosecutor to use this evidence at trial.

Parcel Interdiction – 2 Days

The presentation will outline the characteristics and indicators common to parcels containing illegal narcotics. The course outlines methods utilized to assist the officer in developing partnerships with the main parcel companies to identify violators who use private carriers to facilitate narcotic and currency trafficking. The instruction includes case law issues, investigative techniques and safety issues to be concerned with in working parcel interdiction. The course will also detail methods of conducting controlled deliveries of parcels.

  1. Understand the mission of a Parcel Narcotics Interdiction Program
  2. Understand how to initiate a Parcel Narcotics Interdiction Program
  3. Cooperation with Parcel Company Management and Staff
  4. Review indicators and characteristics utilized by drug traffickers using parcels to ship drugs and currency
  5. Gain knowledge of drug smuggling trends and methods
  6. Understanding officer safety methods, in regard to conducting controlled deliveries
  7. Review of case law concerning drug parcel interdiction

Red Flags/Surveillance and Officer Safety – 1 Day

Dur­ing the class, the stu­dents will be exposed to video recre­ations and actual video footage of under­cover oper­a­tions that resulted in the death, injury and rob­bery of the under­cover offi­cer.  The class will dis­cuss what “Red Flags” were present and over­looked which played a fac­tor in each inci­dent. The stu­dent will learn how to stop prob­lems before they take place. Some of the high­lights include: money flashes, weapon acces­si­bil­ity, com­pla­cency, super­vi­sors’ respon­si­bil­ity, case agent respon­si­bil­ity, under­cover offi­cer devel­op­ment, case plan­ning and briefing/debriefing. Some other impor­tant points cov­ered will be “red flags”, how to detect them and avoid dis­as­ter. Tac­ti­cal plan­ning involv­ing lethal attacks on the U.C. and run­ning the field oper­a­tion are also dis­cussed.

Small Aircraft Investigations – 1 or 2 Days

Since September 11th the Transportation Security Administration and US Customs has hardened the target at the major airports throughout the country.  This has caused narcotics traffickers and terrorists to look for alternative ways to accomplish their goals. Law enforcement has reacted to the threat by training officers/agents on how to detect and interdict these threats everywhere except small airports. The size of the problem is another concern.  There are hundreds of thousands of small airports and clandestine landing strips throughout the country. This course will provide an officer with the tools to successfully combat narcotics traffickers using small aircraft to traffic narcotics

Social Media and Internet Investigations – 1 or 2 Days

Social Media and Internet Investigations (for the Narcotics Enforcement Detective)
Many of the criminal suspects today do not remember a world without the internet. This course will train officers to investigate illegal activity conducted on the internet through the use of Facebook, SnapChat, Craigslist  and more. Many suspects have strayed from the use of cell phones to conduct their drug sales and have begun to use different internet methods to communicate with customers. Also officers will learn to gather information and valuable intelligence on gang members and drug suspects through the internet. As an investigator, the internet can be a valuable resource that is not utilized to its potential. During this course of instruction you will discover the many ways criminals are visible on the Web. Students will learn how the Internet is used to sell illegal drugs, stolen property, and prostitution through various web sites. During this course you will also be given instruction on running sting operations on the internet and the tools you will need to complete the undercover operations. You will also be instructed how to capture photographs and discover the location the photographs were taken to
help identify suspects and their residences. Instruction will be given on the different methods to capture web sites, videos and images from internet sites that will aid you in the prosecution of criminal cases. You will be given instruction, resource information, and online tools to begin these types of investigations and to give you the edge you need to be more successful.

Training will include:
• Introduction to Social Networking and Media
• Psychology of social networking users
• Criminals and social media
• Using YouTube to your advantage
• Active social media investigations techniques
• Setting up your own covert undercover account
• Maintaining covert accounts

Spirituality in Drug Trafficking

Law enforcement around the United States has recognized that Mexican Drug Traffickers use religion, mythical figures, and religious icons to further their drug dealing enterprise. The use of legitimate and illegitimate saints, as well as the corresponding items, and shrines are very prevalent amongst narco-traffickers. There are often physical indicators of narco-spirituality present for investigators to observe. This class will provide a foundation for the recognition of spiritual icons, as it introduces many of the common patron saints, their histories, and reasons for their usefulness among drug traffickers.

Train Interdiction – 1 Day

Train Interdiction is one of the many strategies used to combat the flow of drugs and bulk currency to and through our communities.  There are many techniques used to start and maintain a successful Train Interdiction Program.  This presentation will expose the attendee to these techniques which will assist in starting a Train Interdiction Program, or give the attendee another tool to use in an already successful program