HEROIN TRAFFIC HAS DIRECT LINK TO TERRORISM

Re Michael C. Kenney's Dec. 11 column, Counterterrorism: Lessons from the
war on drugs:

Kenney is correct that there are several lessons to be learned.
Drug-prevention specialists say one of the most important lessons is
dedicating law-enforcement resources to interdicting the flow of heroin into
this country. Terrorists such as Osama bin Laden are known to import heroin
into European markets. Heroin not only makes its way into our country but
endangers the lives of our youth and increases crime. It is likely that
drug-trafficking funded the Sept. 11 attacks.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, Afghan opium production
produced 70 percent of the world's opium crop -- more than 3,600 metric tons
- -- under Taliban rule last year.

The Taliban, bin Laden and the al Qaeda network may have been sharing more
than $50 million a year in revenues over the past decade, providing a cash
flow for evil intent. With production increasing, it is not surprising that
heroin use and its deadly consequences are on the rise in the United States
and, in particular, South Florida, where more people are experimenting with
it due to its current purity and low price. Heroin, according to a 33-year
UCLA study, claims the lives of nearly half of its addicts.

This is a serious issue that demands serious action. The link from drugs to
terrorism is clear, and we must invest our resources to help prevent
additional damage in this country.

Bernie Diaz, Director of Communications

The Miami Coalition For a Safe and Drug-Free Community

Miami