Pubdate: Fri, 21 Sep 2001
Source: Associated Press (Wire)
Copyright: 2001 Associated Press
Author: Malia Rulon

HASTERT FORMS TASK FORCE ON DRUGS

WASHINGTON (AP) - House Speaker Dennis Hastert has formed a task force to 
combat drug trafficking, which he called the financial engine that drives 
many terrorist organizations.

"By going after the illegal drug trade, we reduce the ability of these 
terrorists to launch attacks against the United States and other 
democracies," Hastert, R-Ill., said at a news conference Friday.

The 48-member Speaker's Task Force for a Drug Free America will advise 
Hastert on national drug policy and ways to reduce the demand for illegal 
drugs. Reps. Rob Portman, R-Ohio; John Mica, R-Fla.; and Mark Souder, 
R-Ind., will co-chair the panel.

"The role that we have to play here is to be sure that U.S. money, through 
people using illegal drugs in the United States, is not being used to 
subsidize terrorism," Portman said.

Afghanistan, the country harboring suspected terrorist Osama Bin Laden, is 
the world's largest producer of the opium poppy, which is used to make heroin.

"The illegal drug trade is the financial engine that fuels many terrorist 
organizations around the world, including Osama Bin Laden," Hastert said.

After the news conference, Asa Hutchinson, administrator for the Drug 
Enforcement Administration, joined task force members for a closed-door 
briefing on the connection between drug trafficking and international 
terrorism.

A House subcommittee on drug policy plans to hold a hearing on the issue.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth