DEA CHIEF LINKS DRUG TRADE, GUERRILLAS

WASHINGTON - New evidence shows that rebel and paramilitary groups in
Colombia are ''deeply involved in the cocaine trade from start to finish,''
Drug Enforcement Administration Director Asa Hutchinson said Tuesday.

He added that the United States ''needs to do more'' to help vanquish such
groups as part of the global war on terrorism.

Hutchinson, who just returned from a trip to Colombia, also said that
Carlos Castano, head of Colombia's largest paramilitary organization, is
under U.S. investigation for drug trafficking.

Last month the Department of Justice announced the indictment of three
leaders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

''That was the first time a terrorist organization had been indicted on
drug charges,'' said Hutchinson, who emphasized links between drug
traffickers and terrorists in a speech to the Heritage Foundation, a
conservative think tank.

Colombian military forces that recently have retaken rebel-held territory
are finding drug labs and other ''strong evidence'' of drug processing and
trafficking, Hutchinson said.

The DEA chief said he hoped that Congress soon will approve a Bush
administration request to broaden U.S. support for Colombia's war on
guerrilla groups.

Current restrictions limit most U.S. aid to counter-narcotics efforts. Some
members of Congress warn that direct assistance to the Colombian military
to fight guerrillas -- with more intelligence, training and advice -- could
lead to deeper U.S. involvement in a protracted conflict.

''There's no distinction between terrorists who kidnap presidential
candidates and traffickers who operate the labs,'' Hutchinson said. ``Our
logistical support for the Colombian government should not be restricted.''

Like other Bush officials, Hutchinson tried to redefine the drug war as an
important component in the war on terrorism.

He said that DEA agents in 56 countries were providing ''value-added
intelligence'' on possible terrorism to the FBI and CIA.

''We must seize this moment in history,'' the former U.S. attorney and
Arkansas congressman said. ``The link between drugs and terrorism is a
reality that should compel this nation to action.''

Hutchinson made a pitch for an expanded DEA role in Afghanistan, Pakistan
and Uzbekistan and said U.S. officials were working with the interim Afghan
government to discourage poppy growing and with other countries to shut
down smuggling routes.

Afghanistan became the world's leading opium producer in the 1990s.

In the Western Hemisphere, DEA agents also communicate with the Cuban
government ''on a case-by-case basis'' when drug boats and planes are
spotted in or near Cuban territory, Hutchinson said.

U.S. officials ''are looking at the question of whether there should be a
higher level of cooperation'' between the United States and Cuba on drug
issues, he added.