DRUG PROFITS FINANCE TERRORIST GROUPS: RCMP

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 from the Middle East. There are currently three Canadian ships on
patrol in the area, according to the Department of National Defence.

The Canadian armed forces have apprehended vessels smuggling drugs,
embargoed oil and other illicit materials.

According to the United Nations Drug Control Program, Afghanistan produced
4,600 tonnes of opium in 1999 -- 80 per cent of the world supply. Opium is
used to make heroin.