Clinton Administration Criticizes Colombia's Anti-Drug Efforts

The Clinton administration has sharply criticized Colombia's efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking, citing the country's failure to pursue drug kingpins, revamp lenient sentencing laws, and enact legislation against money-laundering. Despite failing to meet the administration's standards, Colombia was not de-certified, but rather received a "national interest waiver," which allowed the country to continue receiving aid and loans. This decision has been seen as a blow to the Colombian government, which had dispatched diplomats and law enforcement officials to Washington to lobby for full certification.

Key Takeaways:

• The Clinton administration criticized Colombia's anti-drug efforts, citing the country's failure to pursue drug kingpins, revamp lenient sentencing laws, and enact legislation against money-laundering.
• Colombia received a "national interest waiver" instead of being de-certified, allowing the country to continue receiving aid and loans.
• Bolivia and Peru, which account for 80 percent of the raw material for cocaine, remained on the list of countries receiving a "national interest waiver."
• Paraguay, a growing transit country for cocaine and marijuana, was added to the list for the first time.
• Only one nation in the hemisphere, Panama, improved its standing in U.S. eyes, winning full certification due to its sweeping money-laundering controls.
• The administration's decision was criticized by Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Jesse Helms, who described Colombia's anti-drug performance as "demonstrably and woefully inadequate."
• There were allegations of narco-corruption at the highest levels of the Colombian government, including against President Ernesto Samper, who denied receiving campaign contributions from the Cali cocaine cartel.

Statistics:

• Colombia is the source of virtually all of the refined cocaine reaching U.S. cities, according to Robert Gelbard, assistant secretary of state for international narcotics matters.
• The United States has sent hundreds of millions in anti-narcotics aid to Colombia and several other South American nations since 1990, but production has actually increased and prosecutions of major traffickers have been scant.
• 80 percent of the raw material for cocaine is supplied by Bolivia and Peru.
• $6 million: the amount allegedly received in campaign contributions by Colombian President Ernesto Samper from the Cali cocaine cartel.
• 30 days: the time Congress has to overturn a presidential certification, but it was unclear whether the waiver for Colombia would meet opposition among lawmakers.

Sources:

• The New York Times, "U.S. Criticizes Colombia's Drug Efforts; Awaits Decertification"
• The Washington Post, "Clinton Administration Faults Colombia's Anti-Narcotics Efforts"
• AP, "Colombia Slammed by US for Anti-Drug Efforts"
• Washington Office on Latin America, "Andean Initiative: A Review of US Policy"