WAR ON DRUGS AND TERRORISM CLOSELY LINKED

After Sept. 11, 2001, the nation's "war on drugs" dropped out of the
headlines, replaced by a campaign against international terrorists.

That suited many policy makers fine, because of the heat they took
occasionally from the "treatment, not enforcement" crowd. Their
argument for many years has been that government resources ought to
be devoted to helping drug addicts kick their habits, not to
arresting drug pushers.

News last week indicated that the two campaigns -- against terrorists
and drug lords -- are linked.

Federal officials admitted to reporters last week that security at
Fort Huachuca, Ariz., has been stepped up because of credible
information that a terrorist cell is planning to attack the base --
where U.S. intelligence operatives are trained.

The terrorists are receiving help in entering the United States --
from Mexican drug lords, according to reports.

Even while their work was receiving less publicity, U.S. law
enforcement agencies have been continuing an intensive campaign
against the drug lords. Clearly, such an assault is warranted for
more reasons than one. It should be intensified, not allowed to languish.