NCJ Number
170668
Date Published
1998
Length
51 pages
Annotation
This report reviews the status of drug control efforts in Colombia and the impact of the 1996 and 1997 US decisions to decertify Colombia as a drug-fighting ally.
Abstract
Specifically, the report examines the nature of the drug-trafficking threat from Colombia; the political, economic, and operational implications of the decertification decisions; and US efforts to plan and manage counternarcotics activities in Colombia. Principal findings include: (1) drug cultivation and trafficking activities are expanding in Colombia: (2) involvement of insurgent groups in drug-trafficking is increasing; (3) Colombia has taken some actions to address US concerns but has not fulfilled all US counternarcotics objectives; (4) economic sanctions may have hurt US commercial interests; (5) overall operational impact of delays of assistance is unclear; (6) State and the US Embassy were not prepared to manage increases in aerial eradication; and (7) drawdown assistance package was poorly planned. The report recommends that the Secretary of State, in close consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council, take steps to ensure that future assistance is, to the maximum extent possible, compatible with the priority requirements of US counternarcotics programs and that adequate support resources are available to maximize the benefits of the assistance. Tables, figure, appendixes, abbreviations