Terrorism and drug trafficking : Problems with the international legal framework on drug control

Recently, the links between terrorism and organised criminal activity have become stronger, and although the relationship between them has attracted considerable interest in the social sciences, the legal linkages are less well articulated. At present, an international drug control system has been established with the involvement of United Nations agencies and other organisations, centering on the three Conventions. They have, thus far, focused on the ‘criminal’ aspects of drug trafficking and have strengthened their response. However, this response, which has linked crime with drug trafficking, is currently under worldwide criticism. To enable a more comprehensive approach to all illegal activity, a detailed analysis of the characteristics of international terrorism and transnational organised crime must be undertaken, as well as an examination of the cross-sectoral applicability of present legal frameworks.