ORGANISED crime, drug abuse, domestic violence and corruption are the most serious non-political threat to the political stability of nations, United Nations under secretary-general Pino Arlacchi said in Pretoria on Monday. Arlacchi, who is on a five-day visit to South Africa, said in a speech in Pretoria that these problems threaten to undermine nation-building and reconciliation and reconstruction and development. He added that many organised crime syndicates are using South Africa as a base because of the country’s well developed banking, financial and telecommunications systems and air links. He said criminals are trying to exploit South Africa as a transit point for their money-laundering operations. Arlacchi has been meeting cabinet ministers since his arrival in the country on Saturday. He also signed a memorandum of understanding with Southern African Development Community executive secretary Kaire Mbuende on technical and financial support to SADC in the field of drug control.