Posted on 04/03/2002 2:31:15 AM PST by JohnHuang2
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 Castaño, 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.
Thank you for the pings, your highness! ; )
LOL! Now you're beginning to sound like my boss!
Bump!
I know we can't trust Castro as a partner against drugs and terrorism. The idea is ludicrous.
Its as if, and follow me closely here, he's doing job justification on a large scale. This is no more news than if the head of Homeland Security announced that he saw threats to the security of the Homeland. DOH!
Bump.
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