03-24815. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested

ACTION:

60-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review: National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure Report.

The Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed information collection is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted for “sixty days” until December 1, 2003. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10.

If you have comments especially on the estimated public burden or associated response time, suggestions, or need a copy of the proposed information collection instrument with instructions or additional information, please contact Clark R. Fleming, Field Division Counsel, El Paso Intelligence Center, 11339 SSG Sims Blvd., El Paso, TX 79908.

Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Your comments should address one or more of the following four points:

(1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

Overview of this information collection:

(1) Type of Information Collection: New Collection.

(2) Title of the Form/Collection: National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure Report.

(3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: Form Number: EPIC Form 143, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of Justice.

(4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies. Other: None. Records in this system are used to provide clandestine laboratory seizure information for the El Paso Intelligence Center, Drug Enforcement Administration, and other law enforcement agencies, in the discharge of their law enforcement duties and responsibilities. It is a criminal offense under Title 21, United States Code, to illegally manufacture controlled substances and their counterfeits. 21 U.S.C. 873(a) authorizes the Attorney General to, among other things, “arrange for the exchange of information between governmental officials concerning the use and abuse of controlled substances”. This form provides a consistent method by which state and local authorities can report incidents relating to the seizure of clandestine laboratories for illegal drug manufacturing or of materials evidencing clandestine laboratory operations.

(5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: It is estimated that 10,000 respondents will complete the information within 1 hour.

(6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: There are an estimated 10,000 total annual burden hours associated with this collection.

If additional information is required contact: Brenda E. Dyer, Deputy Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, Justice Management Division, Policy and Planning Staff, Patrick Henry Building, Suite 1600, 601 D Street NW., Washington, DC 20530.

Dated: September 25, 2003.

Brenda E. Dyer,

Deputy Clearance Officer, Department of Justice.