Iowa (Radio Iowa)– Sheriffs in all of Iowa’s 99 counties are being asked to report local crimes that may be tied to international cartels ranging from illegal drugs to human trafficking.

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says he is sending letters to each county law enforcement leader for input.

Senator Grassley says cartel-driven crimes are “soaring” across the country noting local impact often remains unclear because there isn’t comprehensive data.

Having major highways like Interstates 35 and 80 crossing the state, Grassley says Iowa is at an intestection of major smuggling routes. He blames the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration for repatedly stonewalling requests for records and hampering congressional oversight.