The Drug War: Colombia Is Implementing Antidrug Efforts, but Impact Is Uncertain

GAO discussed U.S. efforts to assist Colombia in interdicting drug production and trafficking activities, focusing on U.S. and Colombia agencies' progress in implementing U.S. antidrug programs. GAO noted that: (1) the United States believes its antidrug efforts in Colombia are effective; (2) Colombia has demonstrated its commitment to participate in counternarcotic activities and disrupt drug-trafficking activities in Colombia; (3) the United States cannot adequately measure the effectiveness of its antidrug programs because it lacks sufficient drug-trafficking data; (4) obstacles that hinder U.S. antidrug program implementation and effectiveness include Colombian agency planning and implementation problems, the increase of narco-terrorist activities, the expansion of drug trafficking activities, Colombian government corruption, and the lack of effective antidrug programs in neighboring countries; (5) the Department of State could not predict how reduced Colombian military and law enforcement program funding would impact U.S. antidrug objectives; (6) budgetary constraints and poor U.S. financial management, inventory control, and agency coordination hinder the implementation of Colombian antidrug programs; (7) U.S. Embassy officials could not ensure that U.S. policies regarding aid and human rights are being met; and (8) the United States needs to reevaluate antidrug programs in Colombia and the Andean region and improve management and oversight of U.S.-provided aid.