Drug Control: U.S. Counternarcotics Efforts in Colombia Face Continuing Challenges
NSIAD-98-60
Published: Feb 12, 1998. Publicly Released: Feb 25, 1998.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the status of drug control efforts in Colombia and the impact of the 1996 and 1997 U.S. decisions to decertify Colombia as a drug-fighting ally, focusing on: (1) the nature of the drug-trafficking threat from Colombia; (2) the political, economic, and operational implications of the decertification decisions; and (3) U.S. efforts to plan and manage counternarcotics activities in Colombia.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of State | The Secretary of State, in close consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council, should take steps to ensure that future assistance authorized under section 506(a)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is, to the maximum extent possible, compatible with the priority requirements identified in U.S. counternarcotics programs and that adequate support resources are available to maximize the benefits of the assistance. |
In concurring with the GAO recommendation, the Department of State said that it is working to improve staff and interagency coordination to form assistance packages that provide aid that most appropriately fits Colombia's needs. In communications with the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, State has emphasized the importance of setting priorities on prospective requests for assistance and has proactively anticipated maintenance and training equipment to ensure the optimal use of the assistance.
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AircraftDrug traffickingFederal aid to foreign countriesForeign governmentsForeign policiesInternational cooperationInternational economic relationsLaw enforcementNarcoticsPolitical corruption