HASTERT FORMS TASK FORCE ON DRUGS

WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Speaker Dennis Hastert has formed a task force to
combat drug trafficking, which he called the financial engine that drives
many terrorist organizations.

"By going after the illegal drug trade, we reduce the ability of these
terrorists to launch attacks against the United States and other
democracies," Hastert, R-Ill., said at a news conference Friday.

The 48-member Speaker's Task Force for a Drug Free America will advise
Hastert on national drug policy and ways to reduce the demand for illegal
drugs. Reps. Rob Portman, R-Ohio; John Mica, R-Fla.; and Mark Souder,
R-Ind., will co-chair the panel.

"The role that we have to play here is to be sure that U.S. money, through
people using illegal drugs in the United States, is not being used to
subsidize terrorism," Portman said.

Afghanistan, the country harboring suspected terrorist Osama Bin Laden, is
the world's largest producer of the opium poppy, which is used to make heroin.

"The illegal drug trade is the financial engine that fuels many terrorist
organizations around the world, including Osama Bin Laden," Hastert said.

After the news conference, Asa Hutchinson, administrator for the Drug
Enforcement Administration, joined task force members for a closed-door
briefing on the connection between drug trafficking and international
terrorism.

A House subcommittee on drug policy plans to hold a hearing on the issue.