N. Korean Increased Drug Trafficking

According to an ABC News Online report:

North Korea has shifted its focus to drug trafficking from dwindling missile exports as a major revenue source to cover its huge trade deficit, senior US administration officials say.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Robert Charles, who is responsible for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs, noted a significant difference in North Korea's exports of $650 million compared to imports of $1 billion.

"Fifty per cent of the imports are paid for through sources of revenue that are not legitimate or legal and that the majority of the illegitimate revenue is likely to be directly tied to drugs," he said.

"We ... have a very strong view that illegal drugs, in particular heroin and methamphetamine stimulants, are probably the biggest illegal revenue generator in terms of the overall net revenue that is used to make external purchases."

So, it appears the NORKS are doing a little dealing to help pay the bills. Just great.