Connection between drug trafficking and terrorism (Research Paper Sample)

Connection between drug trafficking and terrorism
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Organized crime around the world is fast emerging as a major issue as far as security and development aspects are concerned. The illegal business of drug trafficking has taken centre-stage as a problem to most nations. In fact, it has reached such heights that it is capable of influencing financial flows globally, affect domestic economies as well as contribute to political volatility. In addition, traffic in drugs has emerged a significant source of friction between what are referred to as consumer and producer countries. It has effects for national security plus international harmony. Nevertheless, for many, a growth which has contributed immensely to drug trafficking concerns is the emerging links between drug traffickers and different sorts of insurgent organizations. On its part, terrorism can be seen as the definitive form of organized crime. Indeed, it incorporates virtually all sorts of criminality. Worryingly, terrorism tends to have political implications. A major telling difference between ordinary and organized crime is that the latter seeks bring about ideological or political changes though use of violent means. This means that they are often operated like an army and insurgent organizations need what can be referred to as three Ms (munitions, men and money). On the whole, traffic of drugs plus terrorism represent a world on itself.
On the face of it, the two (terrorism and drug trafficking) are totally different forms of organized crime. However, a closer look would reveal a symbiotic association and the two over and over again exist in combination. It is this conjunction which has been viewed as more frightening leading to emergence of a catchphrase narcoterrorism. In the beginning, the guerillas and the terrorists may have been mortal foes of drug traders and producers. Indeed, on an ideological stage, the revolutionaries not only opposed any kind or association with drugs but also punished those who violated the rule. Over time, however, the production plus smuggling of drugs was practiced by both groups including national-separatist. As mentioned earlier, operation of terrorist groups requires munitions, men plus money. The need for both munitions and men is evident. Money, nonetheless, has various uses apart from providing for the remaining two elements. A strong link between drug trafficking and terrorism emerges, and depending on the form of a terrorist organization money may provide for an entire infrastructure of support including the so-called humanitarian relief such as assisting the relatives of suicide bombers. Worth noting is that terrorist’s unrelenting need for large money amounts is met in part through fundraising using legal and illegal means. Insurgent organizations are known to welcome voluntary donations from sympathizers including state sponsorship. Worth noting is that some of these voluntary donations are directly related to drug trafficking activities. In essence, state and individual sponsors engage in trafficking of drugs and hide their dirty in terrorism for benefits such as protection. Insurgent groups have been known to liaise with drug traffickers for mutual benefits including protection.
Nevertheless, most money meant for insurgency is accumulated via illegal means including drug trafficking and other serious crimes. Some terrorist organizations have been found to carry out fundraising campaigns in which they embark on illegal forms of extortion. Some of such activities include the prevalent extortion of money from community members and others. However, insurgents are also known for their leniency in extorting funds from drug traffickers. In essence, they allow traffickers of drugs to operate their illegal business given that they share a considerable amount of their profit. Worth noting is that at present, the illegal drugs trade remains one of the world’s profitable forms of organized crime. In fact, it is quite profitable that even insurgent groups find it difficult to ignore. Terrorist organizations and drug trafficking cartels are groups which are well organized and have the required manpower, influence as well as means to undertake their rogue activities as well as pay criminals to act on their part. All in all, the two are quite linked to one another and their success is to some part dependent on each other.
A closer look at some of the well-known features of most insurgent organizations reveals why they are well-placed to take advantage of drug trafficking as a source of income. In general, a bonus for criminals is that terrorist organizations are not a direct participant on the drug trafficking market. An addition bonus for them is that insurgents are quite security conscious, and therefore leaving little or no room for potential police action in recruiting informants. One can conclude that for drug traffickers, insurgent groups represent trustful associates to deal with. In fact, insurgents offer drug traffickers a trafficking network provided that they give them funds. As an example, the ultimate link between insurgency and drug trafficking may be found in South America. A terrorist referred to as FARC is virtually dependent on funds accumulated from the export and or production of cocaine. Some studies have pointed out that various insurgent organizations deliver illegal drugs in exchange for munitions. Often, terrorist organizations find it difficult to acquire weapons and know that using drug trafficking networks they can manage to cheat their way. Nevertheless, terrorist activities of this group are approximated to extend virtually the entire of Colombia. In this regard, other regions around the world have also emerged as areas of concern including Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Interestingly, most of insurgent groups (such as Afghanistan’s Sunni Taliban and Lebanon’s extreme Shiite organizations) from these regions tend to maintain that consumption of drugs is illegal, but fail to forbid the production plus trade of drugs. This offers a leeway for persons engaging in drug trafficking. Indeed, the users of drugs are often severely punished but producers or sellers are hailed. Altogether, terrorist organizations do not denounce trafficking of drugs and at time seem to encourage the practice through offering a proper ground for such activities to be carried out.
In history, Afghanistan has been cited as a major supply of heroin all over the globe. This can illustrate a clear relationship between insurgency (rampant in the country) and drug trafficking. In recent times, Sunni extremists and Al-Qaida insurgents have been linked to drug trafficking in a number of investigations. The FBI (Federal Board of Investigators) has observed characteristics of the Taliban trading illegal drugs into America and other parts of the world. indeed, joint efforts from FBI and other stakeholders has contributed to the arrests of several Pakistani and Afghan subjects over involvement in drug ring which is possibly linked to insurgent groups. Studies have determined that heroin (and other types of drugs) grown and processed in Pakistan and Afghanistan has been shipped to America, and profits laundered via Pakistani and Afghan owned businesses. In turn, the funds have been sent back to strengthen terrorist groups. On the whole, various insurgent groups across the world have been identified to...