www.ijird.com November, 2014 Vol 3 Issue 11 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Page 116 Nexus between Narcotic Drugs Trafficking Syndication and other Associated Crimes 1. Introduction In recent years and in many parts of the world, there has been a notable escalation of illegal trafficking of narcotics and weapons and other related crime. These constitute a source of concern and increase the need for pragmatic action by national and international organizations/government to curtail the extent of proliferation by implementing more stringent laws that will eventually nib the situation. The growing demand for hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine influences mass movement of people either through voluntary migration or trafficking and has increasingly made difficult security at transnational borders; encouraging corruptions and illegal possession and use of firearms. There is a web of interconnectivity in international crime making it difficult for both national and international agencies to effectively curb the situations as desired. This is a syndicate crime because both narcotics and arms sales are driven by demand for it. It was noted that the movement of these commodities are often connected and overlapping. The pattern may differ greatly depending on the needs and structures of the criminal groups. However, it is important to note that people who are involved in drugs are often the same people who deal with other crimes. 1 Amado Philip, commenting on the scourge of the crime in Africa, states that criminals are now using West Africa as a hub for their illicit trade. Countries like Guinea Bissau are off most people’s radar screens. He emphasised that most African countries affected by poverty are easily prone to drug trafficking as the drug money becomes a major source of income in an atmosphere of fragile 1 Phil Williams “Drug and Guns”, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, 55, no, 1 (January – February 1999). http://www.bullatomsci.org. ISSN 2278 – 0211 (Online) Rachael O. Iyanda Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Michael I. Ogu Ogun State, Nigeria Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria Bukola Alao Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria Abstract: Is there a nexus among drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms trafficking and money laundering? Over the years, and especially since the end of the cold war and the dawn of the new millennium, the concerns for security globally have a major paradigm shift. The current nature of security includes such contemporary issues as illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, trafficking in narcotic drugs and persons, money laundering and its other economic implications, among others. This study attempts to establish a relationship among these variables. The study is qualitative, and concludes that trafficking in the recent past has become an organized crime. Trafficking in arms and narcotics, including money laundering are a multifaceted, multi-dimensional, and multidirectional cooperation. Hence, it concludes that more dynamic international, regional and national efforts be made to curtail this challenge; support for law enforcement agencies, improved and dynamic police operations, regular training and sensitization opportunities, among other. Keywords: Drug Trafficking, Arms, Narcotic, Money Laundering