Latin America and the Caribbean: Illicit Drug Trafficking and U.S. Counterdrug Programs
Date of Publication
1-1-2023 12:00 AM
Security Theme
Transnational Organized Crime
Keywords
Drug trafficking, latin america, mexican drug organization, Congress, prevention, traffickers, latin american criminal organization, congress, human rights, TOC
Description
Drug trafficking remains a significant concern in Latin America and the Caribbean, posing threats to citizen security and U.S. interests, despite longstanding efforts by the U.S. and partner nations. The multi-billion-dollar illicit drug industry, encompassing cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and methamphetamine, empowers Latin American criminal and terrorist entities. These groups undermine governments that can be susceptible to corruption. Mexican drug organizations largely dominate the U.S. drug market, with the U.S. Department of Justice recognizing them as a major organized crime threat. The increase in drug-related violence has heightened U.S. foreign policy attention. Since the 1970s, the U.S. has channeled billions into anti-drug programs in Latin America. While these efforts often target drug supply reduction, outcomes have been mixed. Traffickers adapt by changing their operations, resulting in a persistent availability of drugs in the U.S. Some U.S. strategies, like aerial drug crop spraying, have had unintentional societal impacts. The Obama Administration has continued and expanded upon past initiatives, such as Plan Colombia and the Mérida Initiative, to encompass broader goals like citizen security and institutional strengthening. New programs emphasize rule of law and community development. The administration acknowledges the U.S. drug demand's role in driving the drug trade and has called for enhanced prevention and treatment funding. Congress plays a key role by shaping funding for these programs and tying assistance to human rights and other criteria. Congress also pushes for these efforts to be paired with judicial, anti-corruption, and human rights initiatives. This report aims to provide a comprehensive view of drug trafficking in the Americas, U.S. intervention efforts, and policy considerations for Congressional oversight.
Latin America and the Caribbean: Illicit Drug Trafficking and U.S. Counterdrug Programs
Drug trafficking remains a significant concern in Latin America and the Caribbean, posing threats to citizen security and U.S. interests, despite longstanding efforts by the U.S. and partner nations. The multi-billion-dollar illicit drug industry, encompassing cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and methamphetamine, empowers Latin American criminal and terrorist entities. These groups undermine governments that can be susceptible to corruption. Mexican drug organizations largely dominate the U.S. drug market, with the U.S. Department of Justice recognizing them as a major organized crime threat. The increase in drug-related violence has heightened U.S. foreign policy attention. Since the 1970s, the U.S. has channeled billions into anti-drug programs in Latin America. While these efforts often target drug supply reduction, outcomes have been mixed. Traffickers adapt by changing their operations, resulting in a persistent availability of drugs in the U.S. Some U.S. strategies, like aerial drug crop spraying, have had unintentional societal impacts. The Obama Administration has continued and expanded upon past initiatives, such as Plan Colombia and the Mérida Initiative, to encompass broader goals like citizen security and institutional strengthening. New programs emphasize rule of law and community development. The administration acknowledges the U.S. drug demand's role in driving the drug trade and has called for enhanced prevention and treatment funding. Congress plays a key role by shaping funding for these programs and tying assistance to human rights and other criteria. Congress also pushes for these efforts to be paired with judicial, anti-corruption, and human rights initiatives. This report aims to provide a comprehensive view of drug trafficking in the Americas, U.S. intervention efforts, and policy considerations for Congressional oversight.
