NARCO-TRADERS FUNDING TERRORISTS

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Funding terrorist activity with drug trafficking profits is a
way of doing business for an increasing number of terrorist groups
according to testimony presented to a congressional Committee April 24 by
the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Administrator Asa Hutchison told the house International Relations
Committee that as many as 10 terrorist groups are involved in the drug
trade to raise revenue for their activities.

The nexus between drug trafficking and terrorist activity is most
pronounced in Colombia, the world's most terrorism afflicted nation and
also the world's greatest source of cocaine.

Hutchison said US and Colombian authorities are gathering increasing
evidence that the largest terrorist group in the nation, the Revolutionary
Armed forces of Colombia (FARC) is involved in every aspect of the drug
trade from cultivation to distribution.

Hutchison said the Islamic extremist groups Hezbollah and Hamas are engaged
in drug smuggling in the tri-border area of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil.

DEA has also gathered information that Osama bin Laden and his al Qaida
organization are involved in heroin trafficking.

Hutchison said "DEA will continue to work with our law enforcement partners
around the world to improve our cooperative enforcement efforts against
international drug organizations."