Speech #970051163

This title emphasizes my strong conviction that international drug trafficking. organized crime and violent crime are as real a threat to our national security as the threats we face abroad from hostile powers. Combating this crime must be as real a national priority as strengthening our military forces. International drug trafficking and organized crime is a multibillion dollar a year business which distorts legitimate business operations. affects our international relations. compromises our border security and can even impact on our military readiness. It is also the source of much of the violent crime in America. The revenues from illicit drug traffic alone in the United States are now estimated at $64 billion a yearmore than twice the 1980 sales of IBM. the Nations eighth largest corporation.