The term narco-terrorism has evolved since early 1980s. It was used to symbolize the violence utilized by Latin American cocaine cartels in an attempt to extract the government's political concession. The term has emerged as a subject of controversy mainly because of its applicability in discussing violent opposition to the US government. It is increasingly utilized for recognized terrorist organizations that participate in drug trafficking activities, to fund their entire operations while gaining recruits and expertise. Examples of such organizations include ELN, FARC, Hamas, AUC, Taliban and PCP-SL in Peru.

In 2000, the government of the U.S. initiated funding aimed at eradicating drug crops while acting against drug lords. These drug curtails were accused of engaging in narco-terrorism. They included leaders of Marxist FARC and AUC Paramilitary forces. The US government has been funding large-scale drug eradication initiatives while supporting military operations in Columbia. The extradition of commanders such as Manuel Marulanda Velez had been sought. Reports had it that Al-Qaida financing came from drug trafficking (Hendin, 2010). The organization receives donations mainly from wealthy Saudi individuals.

The war against drug lords is bound to continue in the Obama administration with close focus on Mexico. Gangs of drug traffickers have turned to beheading their rivals in the last two years or so. However, the global war on terror attack has changed. The state sponsorship of terrorism has declined. Drugs fuel terrorism and support organizations economically. As a result, the confluence of the war on drugs with the war on terror has culminated in the war on narco-terror. Narco-terrorism is currently the most hazardous national security threat facing the US. Moreover, it has been noted to involve the third world countries such as Kenya. Notably, the third world countries act as a gateway to the shipping of drugs circulating across the globe.