Prez blasts Mexico, Colombia as drug war slackers
Published Date: 9/18/2026
Presidential Document
Summary
The President named 26 countries as major drug transit or drug-producing nations for fiscal year 2027, including Afghanistan, Mexico, and Colombia. Four countries—Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, and Colombia—are flagged for not doing enough to fight drug trafficking. This list helps guide U.S. foreign policy and aid decisions starting now and through the next year.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
26 Countries Identified for FY2027
On September 11, 2026 the President identified 26 countries as major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries for Fiscal Year 2027. The countries named are: Afghanistan; The Bahamas; Belize; Bolivia; Burma; the People's Republic of China; Colombia; Costa Rica; the Dominican Republic; Ecuador; El Salvador; Guatemala; Haiti; Honduras; India; Jamaica; Laos; Mexico; Nicaragua; Pakistan; Panama; Peru; and Venezuela. The document says this list is used to guide U.S. foreign policy and aid decisions now and through the next year.
Four Countries Flagged as 'Failed Demonstrably'
The President designated Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, and Colombia as having "failed demonstrably" during the previous 12 months to make substantial counternarcotics efforts, pursuant to section 706(2)(A) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act. That designation is explicitly tied to the previous 12-month performance period referenced in the determination.
U.S. Assistance Declared Vital for Three Countries
The President determined, under section 706(3)(A) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, that United States assistance to Bolivia, Burma, and Colombia is vital to the national interests of the United States. That determination is included alongside the "failed demonstrably" designations.
PRC Identified as Major Precursor Supplier
The determination states that the People's Republic of China is the world's largest producer of many precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other synthetic drugs. It notes China implemented new export licensing requirements in 2025 and calls for China to schedule additional precursor chemicals requested by the United States to enable prosecution of suppliers.
Calls for Canada and Mexico to Increase Counterdrug Actions
The President criticized Canada for clandestine fentanyl labs and urged Canada to dismantle drug labs and strengthen supply chain security. He commended Mexico for recent seizures but said Mexico must take additional action—boost private industry participation, increase inspections at ports of entry, and expand security investments to counter narcoterrorist organizations.
Venezuela Removed from Failed Status
The President determined that Venezuela should no longer be designated as having "failed demonstrably" to fulfill its drug control commitments, citing cooperation from the interim government under President Deley Rodriguez and recent counter-cartel actions.
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