DRUG MONEY LINKED TO TERRORISM

SPRINGFIELD -- An effort to raise public awareness about ties between
illegal drugs and terrorist groups, and about the dangers of "club drugs"
was launched nationally yesterday by the National Foundation of Women
Legislators and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

State Rep. Mary S. Rogeness, R-Longmeadow, the state co-chairman of the
legislators' group, announced the initiative locally with state Rep. Gale
D. Candaras, D-Wilbraham, Hampden County District Attorney William M.
Bennett, and DEA Special Agent Rodney Benson.

At a press conference in Bennett's office, Benson said there is often a
close connection between drug trafficking and terrorism. Money from sales
of heroin, cocaine and other drugs sold in Massachusetts and across the
United States can -- and does -- wind up in the pockets of
terrorist groups in Colombia or Afghanistan.

"We want to educate Americans, community by community," Benson said. "Drugs
sold on the streets of the U.S. are financing terrorism overseas."

Bennett said that illegal drugs are often at the center of other crimes
that threaten health and safety. Candaras said that women legislators and
the Drug Enforcement Administration also want to warn parents about the
dangers of "club drugs" consumed at "rave" dance parties. Often, no alcohol
is served at raves, lulling parents into a false sense of security about
allowing children to attend. "We want all the parents in Western
Massachusetts to pay careful attention to this," she said. "We have to be
vigilant about these parties."

Benson said that "club drugs," such as Ecstasy are manufactured in the
Netherlands and Bulgaria, and that as the drugs grow in popularity, so do
the number of related deaths.

Rogeness said that while DEA often works behind the scenes, legislators can
use their public roles to raise awareness about drugs and terrorism, and
about the hazards of club drugs.