DRUGS AID TERROR

Imported Hashish Helped Finance Extremists: Cops

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.

PATROLLING SHIPS

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.

In February, the HMCS Toronto, one of five Canadian warships patrolling the
Arabian Sea at the time, found 90 wrapped packages of drugs.

Each was stamped with the words "Freedom for Afghanistan," according to
newspaper reports.

One to two tonnes of heroin is brought into Canada annually, an amount
worth $10- to $20-million US, says the RCMP criminal intelligence brief.

Most comes from southeast Asia, particularly Burma.

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

Despite a poppy ban by the former Taliban government, the country produced
3,300 tonnes in 2000 -- 70% of world production.