Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia

This determination certifies that Colombia meets statutory requirements for continued U.S. assistance in drug interdiction operations, specifically the interception of aircraft suspected of illicit drug trafficking in Colombian airspace. It extends a long-standing counter-narcotics security cooperation program originally authorized by the 1995 NDAA.

Federal Register Open PDF 90 FR 40017

Impact dates

Date TBD
Secretary of State to publish in Federal Register and notify Congress

Key directives

Certify Colombia meets statutory criteria for drug interdiction assistance under 22 U.S.C. 2291-4
Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register
Secretary of State to notify Congress of this determination

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Determination takes effect upon signing; authorization for interdiction assistance continues

Near term (90d)

Secretary of State to publish in Federal Register and notify Congress

Long term

Continued bilateral counter-narcotics cooperation contingent on annual or periodic recertification requirements

Risks & tensions

No explicit deadline stated for publication/notification—timing is discretionary
Certification depends on subjective assessment of Colombian procedures to prevent innocent loss of life
Continuity of assistance tied to political conditions in Colombia and U.S. policy priorities