Drug trafficking funds 18 of the 42 groups considered terrorist organizations by the U.S. government, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) says.

The AFP reported Sept. 9 that DEA chief of operations Michael Braun said that terrorist groups turn to drug revenues because most states have ceased funding their activities, and because drug trafficking is so profitable.

The United Nations estimates that drug trafficking worldwide represents a $322-billion annual market. Braun said the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia alone bring in $500 million to $1 billion annually from drugs. "That's what the Taliban are doing now in Afghanistan," Braun said. "They are taxing farmers, but we have indications that they started providing security. That's what happened to the FARC 15 years ago."

"We'll have to deal with more and more hybrid" organizations in the future, Braun said. "When your job takes you to the swamps to hunt snakes, you can end up taking crocs too -- they live in the same place."