Description
Narco-terror is a term that describes the connection between narcotics and terrorist organizations. There is a nexus between terrorist organizations and drug traffickers (organized crime) because of a symbiotic relationship that allows the two groups to benefit from the facilitation and trafficking of drugs for profit. Terrorists can offer drug traffickers military protection in controlled areas, weapons, and clandestine communication in return for revenue and assistance in corrupting officials to obtain false documents and take advantage of poorly regulated banking structures to launder money. Both groups also rely on compartmentalized cells to accomplish day-to-day operations while protecting the leaders.
Find a recent case from 2017-2019 (or create on based on a recent incident) in which narcotics were smuggled by organized crime from Mexico, South America, or Central America in conjunction with a terrorist group (from any location).
Task 1: Identify the criminals (which organized crime group and which terrorist group) and describe how they attempted to smuggle drugs (e.g., on plane, cargo ship, human mules). Specify which other associated activities were involved (e.g., laundered money, bribing officials). [Use 4 of these 6 sources: Hesterman, 2013a, 2013b, 2013c; Novakoff, 2015; United Nations, 2017; Warner, 2011]
Task 2: What security was in place to prevent drug smuggling for that port of entry/method of transportation? Why did it not work? [Use 3 of these 6 sources: Hesterman, 2013a, 2013b, 2013c; Novakoff, 2015; United Nations, 2017; Warner, 2011]
Task 3: What would you need to do to improve the detection of drug smuggling and its associated criminal activity. [Use 3 of these 6 sources: Hesterman, 2013a, 2013b, 2013c; Novakoff, 2015; United Nations, 2017; Warner, 2011]