Pubdate: Sat, 27 Apr 2002
Source: Frontier Post, The (Pakistan)
Copyright: 2002 The Frontier Publications (Pvt)
Contact:  http://frontierpost.com.pk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/575
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?194 (Hutchinson, Asa)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?203 (Terrorism)

NARCO-TRADERS FUNDING TERRORISTS

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Funding terrorist activity with drug trafficking profits is a 
way of doing business for an increasing number of terrorist groups 
according to testimony presented to a congressional Committee April 24 by 
the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Administrator Asa Hutchison told the house International Relations 
Committee that as many as 10 terrorist groups are involved in the drug 
trade to raise revenue for their activities.

The nexus between drug trafficking and terrorist activity is most 
pronounced in Colombia, the world's most terrorism afflicted nation and 
also the world's greatest source of cocaine.

Hutchison said US and Colombian authorities are gathering increasing 
evidence that the largest terrorist group in the nation, the Revolutionary 
Armed forces of Colombia (FARC) is involved in every aspect of the drug 
trade from cultivation to distribution.

Hutchison said the Islamic extremist groups Hezbollah and Hamas are engaged 
in drug smuggling in the tri-border area of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil.

DEA has also gathered information that Osama bin Laden and his al Qaida 
organization are involved in heroin trafficking.

Hutchison said "DEA will continue to work with our law enforcement partners 
around the world to improve our cooperative enforcement efforts against 
international drug organizations."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Alex