NCJ Number
98255
Journal
Narcotics Control Digest Volume: 15 Issue: 11 Dated: (May 29, 1985) Pages: 1-4
Date Published
1985
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Terrorist tactics used by drug traffickers and the sophistication of terrorist groups appear to define a link between the two groups.
Abstract
The terrorist/insurgent link to drug trafficking and the increasing use of terrorist tactics by drug trafficking< organizations are a matter of serious concern to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Examples based on DEA investigations in the drug-source countries such as Columbia and Burma are discussed. It has been found that certain drug traffickers have adopted terrorist tactics to fight antidrug efforts. While these traffickers are not thought of as terrorists by definition, their use of threats, violence, enforcement policy can be characterized as terroristic. It is concluded by the DEA that the relationship between drug trafficking and terrorism is expanding. Subversive groups are beginning to acquire profits from drug related trafficking which give them the potential to greatly increase the frequency and sophistication of their operations. Drug traffickers with their vast financial resources and power consequently pose a significant threat to drug law enforcement efforts.