The Nation - News from July 31, 1988

National Guard troops will be deployed alongside U.S. Customs Service agents in three states in an experimental program to slow the flow of illegal drugs into the United States, officials said. About 150 volunteers from military police guard units in Texas, Arizona and Florida will be involved in the 30-day exercise through August. The guardsmen will assist customs agents in searching commercial cargo for drugs. A spokesman for Texas Gov. Bill Clements said Texas was chosen because drug smugglers have taken advantage of the state’s 700 miles of coastline and 1,284-mile border with Mexico. A spokesman for the Florida National Guard said its operation will involve about 30 volunteers who will be assigned to marine and aviation commercial cargo areas in the southern part of the state. A spokesman for the Arizona Guard refused to elaborate on its role.