The wars on drugs and al-Qaeda are being jointly prosecuted in an American courtroom for the first time, following last month’s arrest of three Malians charged with “narco-terrorism” by the US Attorney’s Office.
The term “narco-terrorism” has been used for decades to describe the tactics of drug traffickers in the 1980s – mainly in Latin America. However, the two concepts were merged in Section 960a of Title 21, US Code, which imposes additional charges on drug traffickers who attempt or conspire to traffic drus while “knowing or intending to provide, directly or indirectly, anything of pecuniary value to any person or organization that has engaged or engages in terrorist activity.”
The first such prosecution of accused associates of al-Qaeda was launched last month against three men who allegedly conspired to transport cocaine with the intent of supporting al-Qaeda and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
According to the indictment, the men told an undercover agent that their association with al-Qaeda could ensure secure transport of the cocaine through selected routes controlled by the organisation and that the profits would go towards “the cause”.
"Today's arrests are further proof of the direct link between dangerous terrorist organizations, including Al Qaeda, and international drug trafficking that fuels their violent activities,” said DEA Acting Administrator Michele Leonhart.
The indictment states that the official charge against Oumar Issa, Harouna Toure and Idriss Abelrahman, is “narco-terrorism conspiracy.” The three were arrested in Ghana and transferred to the custody of the US Attorney.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years to life prison.