What is Narcoterrorism? Definition, History, and Global Implications
London, 5 January 2026 – Narcoterrorism is a term that merges drug trafficking with acts of terrorism, where criminal organisations use violence to influence governments or fund extremist activities. Coined in the 1980s, it has evolved to encompass groups like drug cartels and terrorist networks that exploit illicit drug trade for financial and ideological gains.
Definition of Narcoterrorism
Narcoterrorism refers to the use of violence by narcotics traffickers to intimidate governments, hinder anti-drug enforcement, or fund terrorist operations. In its original sense, as described by former Peruvian President Fernando Belaúnde Terry in 1983, it involved attacks on police forces by drug lords. Today, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) defines it as groups participating in drug trafficking to support terrorism, such as taxing drug routes or providing security for traffickers.
According to Merriam-Webster, narcoterrorism is “terrorism financed by profits from illegal drug trafficking.” This broadens the concept to include organisations like the Taliban, Hamas, and ISIS, which have been labelled as narcoterrorists for using drug revenues to fund attacks.
Brief History
The term “narcoterrorism” emerged in the 1980s during violent clashes in Latin America. In 1983, Belaúnde Terry used it to describe attacks by drug traffickers on Peru’s anti-narcotics police. A prominent example is Pablo Escobar’s Medellín cartel in Colombia, which waged a campaign of bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings against the government to protect its cocaine trade.
In the 21st century, the definition expanded. The 2004 Madrid train bombings, claimed by Al Qaeda and partly financed through drug sales, exemplified this shift. By 2025, a US executive order designated foreign drug cartels as terrorist organisations, granting military authority to target their leaders.
Key Facts and Examples
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Origins | Coined in 1983 by Peruvian President Fernando Belaúnde Terry to describe violence against anti-drug police. |
| Famous Case | Pablo Escobar’s attacks on the Colombian government in the 1980s and 1990s. |
| Modern Examples | Groups like Hezbollah collaborating with Latin American cartels; US designations of Mexican cartels (e.g., Sinaloa, Jalisco New Generation) as foreign terrorist organisations in 2025. |
| Global Impact | Links to organisations such as the Taliban, Hamas, ISIS, and FARC dissidents; involves drug routes in Latin America, Middle East, and Asia. |
| US Response | Executive order in 2025 expanded counter-drug campaigns to include military force against cartels. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes narcoterrorism from regular terrorism?
Narcoterrorism specifically involves a nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism, where profits from illegal drugs fund violent acts or where traffickers use terrorist tactics to influence policies. Regular terrorism may not involve drugs at all.
Are drug cartels considered terrorists?
Under US law since 2025, certain foreign drug cartels have been designated as foreign terrorist organisations, allowing for sanctions and military action. This includes groups like the Sinaloa Cartel and Tren de Aragua.
How does narcoterrorism affect international security?
It destabilises regions by funding insurgencies, corrupting governments, and enabling cross-border crime. Examples include Hezbollah’s ties to Latin American cartels and the Taliban’s opium trade in Afghanistan.