NCJ Number
171346
Date Published
1996
Length
51 pages
Annotation
The efforts of agencies of Colombia and the United States to conduct drug law enforcement efforts in Colombia were examined with respect to the drug-trafficking threat from Colombia; the political, economic, and operational implications of the United States decisions to decertify Colombia as a drug-control ally; and United States efforts.
Abstract
The analysis noted that Colombia is the world's leading producer and distributor of cocaine and a major source of heroin consumed in the United States. Since fiscal year 1990, the United States has programmed approximately $731 million in assistance and equipment to support Colombian police and military units involved in counternarcotics activities. The narcotics threat from Colombia remains and may be growing. United States efforts in Colombia continue to face major challenges that are similar to those of the past 10 years. These include the lack of political will in the Colombia government and inadequate coordination among United States agencies. Colombia has taken some actions to address United States concerns since the initial decertification decision in 1996. The mandatory economic sanctions may have hurt some United States businesses. The impact of the assistance cutoff on the counternarcotics program is unclear, however. Finally, the United States counternarcotics effort in Colombia has continued to experience planning and management problems. It is recommended that the government take steps to ensure that future authorized assistance is compatible with the priority requirements defined in counternarcotics programs and that adequate support resources are available to achieve the maximum possible benefits of the assistance. Tables, map, and appended agency comments