NW HIDTA Sponsored Training Courses

Upcoming Training

April

HIGHWAY DRUG INVESTIGATIONS FOR PATROL 3-DAY COURSE

APRIL 13-15, 2026

The primary purposes of Highway Drug Investigations are to detect, interdict, and disrupt the continual flow of illicit drugs on the nation’s highways. It is where the struggle for superiority of the nation’s highways takes place; a contest between uniformed police officers and the most prolific and dangerous illicit drug traffickers in the world (i.e., Transnational Drug Trafficking Organizations). Emphasis is placed on Mexican drug trafficking organizations, the smuggling routes, transportation corridors, and distribution networks in the United States. Confronting the threat to national security, highway drug interdiction operatives stand as the vanguard in the nation’s second line of defense against those who would export illicit activity, lawlessness, violence, and corruption into the country. Moreover, comprehensive post-interdiction investigative methods and techniques are emphasized in order to further identify and debilitate ongoing illicit drug-trafficking schemes that have a nexus to highway drug interdiction stops (e.g., conspiracy investigations, government controlled deliveries of contraband, and other investigative methodologies designed to advance a criminal investigation).

Topics Included

  • Modus operandi of drug trafficking organizations
  • Detection of drug-laden vehicles
  • Floor and Roof compartments
  • Wall Compartments; Includes Engine Bay Firewall and Seats
  • Weapons trafficking
  • Vehicular contraband concealment
  • Gathering of strategic drug intelligence
  • Bulk currency seizures and investigations
  • Effective strategies designed to disrupt the use of the nation’s highway as a delivery/profit gaining system for illicit drugs and weapons

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MCTC FLYER

INTERVIEW & INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES (2-DAY)

APRIL 28-29, 2026

This 2-day training course will focus on cutting-edge, rapport based interview and interrogation techniques, with an emphasis on best practices for drug and violent crime investigations. It will provide investigators with a variety of strategies, tools and skills to obtain the truth from the most difficult, resistant suspects, and to do it in a manner consistent with ethical and legal standards. Live demonstration of the techniques will be offered with short practical exercises interspersed throughout the course. Participants will leave with hands-on, practical techniques they can immediately begin to use within their respective agencies. These proven methods will lead to better communication skills and to increased collection of information, evidence, arrests and successful prosecutions. This is a course you won’t want to miss!

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FULL COURSE DESCRIPTION AND INSTRUCTOR BIO

ADVANCED VEHICLE CONTRABAND CONCEALMENT

APRIL 30 - MAY 1, 2026

This course trains personnel to quickly detect hidden compartments in vehicles used to smuggle drugs, weapons, money, and other illegal commodities through expert-led presentations, videos, and real-life case studies. Attendees will be equipped with the skills to systematically search vehicles to disrupt and hinder criminal organizations’ ability to transport contraband. Participants learn proven techniques and understand counter-measures that are being applied by smugglers to hinder governmental efforts by defeating X-ray equipment, density detection devices, fiber scopes, as well as K-9 units. Topics Include: • Drive-train components - Includes the running engine, transmission, axles and drive shafts • Floor and roof compartments • Wall compartments - Includes engine bay • Firewall • Rocker panels, Seats, Dashboards • Tires, Fuel tanks, containers • Doors • Bumpers • Other components – Battery, radiator, fluid

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May

COUNTER-UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FUNDAMENTALS

MAY 19, 2026

Course Description: This course aims to equip narcotics officers with the crucial knowledge and abilities needed to effectively address the escalating threat posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in drug trafficking and associated criminal activities. Upon completion, participants will possess a thorough understanding of the various ways UAS are being utilized, including their specific capabilities and inherent limitations. They will develop the critical skill of recognizing indicators of UAS activity within their operational environment, comprehend the complex legal and regulatory framework governing UAS operation and the implementation of counter-UAS measures. The course will emphasize the importance of identifying and potentially exploiting vulnerabilities in UAS operations for interdiction purposes. Ultimately, officers will understand how to seamlessly integrate CUAS strategies into their existing narcotics enforcement efforts, enhancing their overall operational effectiveness.   Topics covered in the CUAS Fundamentals course will include:

  • Fundamentals of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) technology
  • UAS types and capabilities
  • Laws and regulations for UAS
  • UAS applications for law enforcement
  • Fundamentals of CUAS technology and processing

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