G8 powers Tuesday launched a strategy to curb drug trafficking by sharing intelligence particularly targeting west Africa, a major transit region for cocaine from Latin America to Europe

Observers say Qaeda members involved in protecting traffickers despite Islam ban on drugs

At least two tonnes of cocaine with a street value estimated at $1bn has been seized in The Gambia, bound for Europe

Political instability, lawlessness and drug trafficking have combined in a vicious circle to weaken the state.