W

hile it is difficult to determine how widely terrorist groups are involved in the illicit drug trade, or the breadth and nature of cooperation between drug cartels and terrorist groups, the magnitude of the numbers involved make the relationship worrisome.

According to the UNODC’s World Drug Report 2007, the total potential value of Afghanistan’s 2006 opium harvest accruing to farmers, laboratory owners and Afghan traffickers reached about US$3.1 billion.

In addition, it is reported that in 2004, some 400 tons of cocaine was exported from one Latin American country, with an estimated domestic value of $2 billion. How much of this money is used for perpetrating acts of terrorism?

Estimates vary. But even a small percentage would be more than sufficient for some individuals or groups to plan, finance and carry out terrorist acts.

Indeed, drug trafficking has provided funding for insurgency and those who use terrorist violence in various regions throughout the world, including in transit regions. In some cases, drugs have even been the currency used in the commission of terrorist attacks, as was the case in the Madrid bombings.

Moroccan police captured 34 Moroccans in Casablanca trying to move 1,300 pounds of cocaine through the country. It has been revealed that the smugglers were aided by and in league with a terrorist group linked to al-Qaeda, as well as Latin American drug cartels.

Though it was a huge drug bust in itself, the emphasis of the authorities appears to be on the links between the drug smugglers and terrorism.

“We are dealing with an apparent coordination and collaboration between drug traffickers and terrorists linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb,” said Moroccan Interior Minister Taieb Cherquaoui after the arrests.

This is not the first time Latin American drug cartels and terrorists have been connected.

In June 2009 it was widely reported that cartels had been smuggling terrorists across the Mexican border into the United States. Morocco has in recent years been praised for its control of terrorism within the country and the region. The curtailing of terrorist activity is considered to be the main factor for the country’s stability.

Terrorists do not believe in the use of the drugs. But, it is a way to make money. The punishment should be equal.

Lemo
Jakarta