COLOMBIAN REBELS LINKED TO DRUG TRADE, OFFICIAL SAYS

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

He added that the United States needs to do more to help vanquish such
groups as part of the 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 on suspicion of drug trafficking.

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

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

Restrictions limit most U.S. aid to counternarcotics efforts. Some members
of Congress warn that direct assistance to the Colombian military to fight
the 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 DEA agents in 56
countries were providing "value-added intelligence" on possible terrorism
to the FBI and CIA.

Hutchinson urged expanding the DEA's role in Afghanistan, Pakistan and
Uzbekistan.