RUSSIAN-COLOMBIAN CRIME CONNECTION.

Publication: Monitor Volume: 3 Issue: 181

Law enforcement officials from the U.S., Europe, and Latin America are sounding the alarm over what they say are increasingly close contacts between organized crime groups from Russia and Colombian drug traffickers. The Russian groups are reportedly acquiring cocaine for sale in Europe, and, in what officials see as a particularly dangerous development, are providing sophisticated weaponry to Latin American mafias. Recent undercover operations are said to have revealed efforts by the Russian groups to sell a submarine, helicopters, and surface-to-air missiles. (The Washington Post, September 29)

Uzbekistan Replaces Defense Minister.