Pubdate: Mon, 15 Jul 2002
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Dene Moore, Canadian Press

DRUG PROFITS USED TO FINANCE TERRORISTS

VANCOUVER -- A portion of the $20 million US worth of hashish imported into 
Canada annually financed terrorist groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan, 
according to RCMP.

More than 100 tonnes of hashish is brought into Canada every year, 
according to a confidential RCMP report obtained under access to 
information legislation.

Most of it comes from southwest Asia, particularly Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"This means that approximately $20 million US finds its way back to the 
producers in the source countries," says the November 2001 report entitled 
Narco-terrorism and Canada.

"It is likely that terrorist elements in Afghanistan tax producers, thereby 
receiving a portion of the potential proceeds."

U.S. intelligence officials say drug profits have been used to finance 
terrorist activities. Ships in the Arabian Sea have been under intense 
scrutiny since the war began in Afghanistan in the fall, curbing the flow 
of drugs.

In February, the HMCS Toronto, one of five Canadian warships which 
patrolled the Arabian Sea, found 90 wrapped packages of drugs. Each was 
stamped with the words "Freedom for Afghanistan," according to newspaper 
reports.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens