Policy, general authorities, coordination, foreign police actions, definitions, and other provisions
Policy and general authorities
Statements of policy
International narcotics trafficking poses an unparalleled transnational threat in today’s world, and its suppression is among the most important foreign policy objectives of the United States.
Under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, and under the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, the parties are required to criminalize certain drug-related activities, provide appropriately severe penalties, and cooperate in the extradition of accused offenders.
International narcotics control programs should include, as priority goals, the suppression of the illicit manufacture of and trafficking in narcotic and psychotropic drugs, money laundering, and precursor chemical diversion, and the progressive elimination of the illicit cultivation of the crops from which narcotic and psychotropic drugs are derived.
International criminal activities, particularly international narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and corruption, endanger political and economic stability and democratic development, and assistance for the prevention and suppression of international criminal activities should be a priority for the United States.
The international community should provide assistance, where appropriate, to those producer and transit countries which require assistance in discharging these primary obligations.
The objective of the United States in dealing with the problem of international money laundering is to ensure that countries adopt comprehensive domestic measures against money laundering and cooperate with each other in narcotics money laundering investigations, prosecutions, and related forfeiture actions.
Effective international cooperation is necessary to control the illicit cultivation, production, and smuggling of, trafficking in, and abuse of narcotic and psychotropic drugs.
In order to promote such cooperation, the President is authorized to conclude agreements, including reciprocal maritime agreements, with other countries to facilitate control of the production, processing, transportation, and distribution of narcotics analgesics, including opium and its derivatives, other narcotic and psychotropic drugs, and other controlled substances.
In order to promote international cooperation in combatting international trafficking in illicit narcotics, it shall be the policy of the United States to use its voice and vote in multilateral development banks to promote the development and implementation in the major illicit drug producing countries of programs for the reduction and eventual eradication of narcotic drugs and other controlled substances, including appropriate assistance in conjunction with effective programs of illicit crop eradication.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President is authorized to furnish assistance to any country or international organization, on such terms and conditions as he may determine, for the control of narcotic and psychotropic drugs and other controlled substances, or for other anticrime purposes.
Coordination of all United States antinarcotics assistance to foreign countries
Responsibility of Secretary of State
Rule of construction
Participation in foreign police actions
Prohibition on effecting an arrest
Participation in arrest actions
Exception for exigent, threatening circumstances
Exception for maritime law enforcement
Interrogations
Exception for Status of Forces arrangements
Use of herbicides for aerial eradication
Monitoring
Annual reports
Report upon determination of harm to environment or health
Definitions
For purposes of this part and other provisions of this chapter relating specifically to international narcotics matters—
the term “legal and law enforcement measures” means—
the enactment and implementation of laws and regulations or the implementation of existing laws and regulations to provide for the progressive control, reduction, and gradual elimination of the illicit cultivation, production, processing, transportation, and distribution of narcotic drugs and other controlled substances; and
the effective organization, staffing, equipping, funding, and activation of those governmental authorities responsible for narcotics control;
the term “major illicit drug producing country” means a country in which—
1,000 hectares or more of illicit opium poppy is cultivated or harvested during a year;
1,000 hectares or more of illicit coca is cultivated or harvested during a year; or
5,000 hectares or more of illicit cannabis is cultivated or harvested during a year, unless the President determines that such illicit cannabis production does not significantly affect the United States;
the term “narcotic and psychotropic drugs and other controlled substances” has the same meaning as is given by any applicable international narcotics control agreement or domestic law of the country or countries concerned;
the term “United States assistance” means—
any assistance under this chapter (and any support under subchapter II of chapter 103 of this title, relating to the United States International Development Finance Corporation), other than—
assistance under this part,
any other narcotics-related assistance under this subchapter (including part IV of subchapter II of this chapter), but any such assistance provided under this clause shall be subject to the prior notification procedures applicable to reprogrammings pursuant to section 2394–1 of this title,
disaster relief assistance, including any assistance under part IX of this subchapter,
assistance which involves the provision of food (including monetization of food) or medicine, and
assistance for refugees;
sales, or financing on any terms, under the Arms Export Control Act [22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.];
the provision of agricultural commodities, other than food, under the Food for Peace Act [7 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.]; and
financing under the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 [12 U.S.C. 635 et seq.];
the term “major drug-transit country” means a country—
that is a significant direct source of illicit narcotic or psychotropic drugs or other controlled substances significantly affecting the United States; or
through which are transported such drugs or substances; and
the term “precursor chemical” has the same meaning as the term “listed chemical” has under paragraph (33) of section 802 of title 21;
the term “major money laundering country” means a country whose financial institutions engage in currency transactions involving significant amounts of proceeds from international narcotics trafficking; and
the term “appropriate congressional committees” means the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
Source
(Pub. L. 87–195, pt. I, § 481, as added Pub. L. 92–352, title V, § 503,Notes
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Prior Provisions
Amendments
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
Effective Date of 1987 Amendment
Effective Date of 1985 Amendment
Prevention of Smuggling of Methamphetamine Into the United States From Mexico
In General.—
The Secretary of State, acting through the Assistant Secretary of the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, shall take such actions as are necessary to prevent the smuggling of methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico.
Specific Actions.—
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
improve bilateral efforts at the United States-Mexico border to prevent the smuggling of methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico;
seek to work with Mexican law enforcement authorities to improve the ability of such authorities to combat the production and trafficking of methamphetamine, including by providing equipment and technical assistance, as appropriate; and
encourage the Government of Mexico to take immediate action to reduce the diversion of pseudoephedrine by drug trafficking organizations for the production and trafficking of methamphetamine.
Report.—
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [
Authorization of Appropriations.—
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $4,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2006 and 2007.”
Reports on Activities in Colombia
Limitation on Counternarcotics Assistance to Colombia
Limitation on provision of assistance.—
Except as provided in paragraph (2), United States counternarcotics assistance may not be provided for the Government of Colombia under this title [see Tables for classification] or under any other provision of law on or after the date of enactment of this Act [
Exception.—
If the Government of Colombia negotiates or permits the establishment of a demilitarized zone described in paragraph (1), United States counternarcotics assistance may be provided for the Government of Colombia for a period of up to 90 consecutive days upon a finding by the President that providing such assistance is in the national interest of the United States.
Notification.—
In each case in which counternarcotics assistance is provided for the Government of Colombia as a result of a finding by the President described in paragraph (2), the President shall notify the Committees on Appropriations and the authorizing committees of jurisdiction of the House of Representatives and the Senate not later than 5 days after such assistance is provided.”
Report on Armed Forces Stationed in Andean Countries
Precursor Chemicals
Negotiations.—
The Attorney General shall enter into negotiations with the appropriate law enforcement and judicial agencies and any other officials of any foreign country with jurisdiction over companies who manufacture, market, sell or purchase certain precursor and/or essential chemicals used in the production of illicit narcotics. The priority of negotiations should be determined based on an assessment by the Attorney General which countries have jurisdiction over companies that may be knowingly or unknowingly supplying chemicals for the illicit manufacture of controlled substances.
The purposes of the negotiations shall be to (a) establish a list of precursor and essential chemicals contributing to the illicit manufacture of controlled substances, as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC 802); (b) reach one or more international agreements on a method for maintaining records of transactions of these listed chemicals; (c) establish a procedure by which such records may be made available to (and kept confidential as necessary by) United States law enforcement authorities for the exclusive purpose of conducting an investigation relative to precursor chemicals, essential chemicals and/or controlled substances contributing to the manufacture of illicit narcotics; and (d) encourage chemical source countries to enact national chemical control legislation which would (i) impose specific record keeping and reporting requirements for domestic transactions involving listed chemicals; (ii) establish a system of permits or declarations for imports and exports of listed chemicals; and (iii) authorize government officials to seize or suspend shipments of listed chemicals based on evidence that they may be destined for the illicit manufacture of controlled substances.
Reports.—
Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act [
Penalties.—
After consulting with the Attorney General and the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the President shall impose penalties or sanctions including temporarily or permanently prohibiting any corporation, partnership, individual or business association (i) refusing to maintain records for the purpose of monitoring and regulating transactions of listed precursor chemicals, or (ii) refusing to make such records available to United States law enforcement authorities for investigative purposes (in coordination with the local law enforcement agency in which such corporation, partnership, individual, or business association resides, is created or has its principal place of business) from engaging in any or all transactions, in goods or services, within the commerce of the United States.
Definitions.—
A record under subsection (a) shall be retrievable and include the date of the transaction, the identity of each party to the transaction, including the ultimate consignee, and accounting of the quantity and form of listed chemical(s) and a description of the method of transfer.
This section shall not apply to the manufacture, distribution, sale, import or export of any drug which may, under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] be lawfully sold over-the-counter without prescription.”
Linkage of Debt Reduction Loans to Reduction in Drug Trafficking; Report to Congress
Findings.—
The Congress finds that—
the Brady Initiative is a positive step, recognizing as it does the need for reducing the debt and debt service burdens of the indebted developing countries;
the multilateral development banks should, as part of this debt reduction process, encourage such countries to further reform their economies by reducing their dependence on production and trafficking of illicit narcotics; and
reduction of debt should relieve some of the financial burden on these countries, and thereby enable them to rely on legal income-generating activities.
Instruction of United States Executive Directors.—
The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States Executive Director of each multilateral development bank that, in voting with respect to loans from the multilateral development bank to reduce the debt and debt burden of borrowing countries which are major producers, processors, traffickers, or exporters of illegal drugs to the United States, the Executive Director shall give preference to those countries which show marked improvement in reducing the volume of cultivation, processing, trafficking, and export to the United States of illegal drugs. In making a determination under the preceding sentence with respect to a country’s improvement, the Secretary of the Treasury shall consult with the heads of the relevant agencies.
Report to Congress.—
The Secretary of the Treasury shall include, in the detailed accounting required by section 2018(c) of the International Narcotics Control Act of 1986 (22 U.S.C. 2191 [2291] note) [section 2018(c) of Pub. L. 99–570 set out below], relating to multilateral development bank assistance for drug eradication and crop substitution programs, an additional discussion of the steps taken and the progress made in implementing the goals set forth in subsection (b) of this section, and further steps needed to secure the achievement of these goals.
Definitions.—
As used in this section—
the term ‘multilateral development bank’ includes the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Development Association, the International Finance Corporation, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Inter-American Investment Corporation, the Asian Development Bank, the African Development Bank, and the African Development Fund; and
the term ‘illegal drugs’ means ‘narcotic and psychotropic drugs and other controlled substances’, as defined in section 481(i)(3) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2291(i)(3)).”
Debt-for-Drugs Exchanges
Authority.—
The President may release Bolivia, Colombia, or Peru from its obligation to make payments to the United States Government of principal and interest on account of a loan made to that country under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 and following; relating to foreign assistance programs) or credits extended for that country under section 23 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2763; relating to foreign military sales credits) if the President determines that that country is implementing programs to reduce the flow of cocaine to the United States in accordance with a formal bilateral or multilateral agreement, to which the United States is a party, that contains specific, quantitative and qualitative, performance criteria with respect to those programs.
Congressional Review of Agreements.—
The President shall submit any such agreement with Bolivia, Colombia, or Peru to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate at least 15 days before exercising the authority of [sub]section (a) with respect to that country.
Coordination with Multilateral Debt Relief Activities.—
The authority provided in subsection (a) shall be exercised in coordination with multilateral debt relief activities.
Effective Date.—
Subsection (a) takes effect on
Additional Assistance to Countries Meeting Drug Eradication Targets or Taking Significant Steps Against Drug Production or Trafficking
If any funds made available for any fiscal year for security assistance are not used for assistance for the country for which those funds were allocated because of any provision of law requiring the withholding of assistance for countries that have not taken adequate steps to halt illicit drug production of [or] trafficking, the President shall use those funds for additional assistance for those countries which have met their illicit drug eradication targets or have otherwise taken significant steps to halt illicit drug production or trafficking, as follows:
Those funds may be transferred to and consolidated with the funds made available to carry out section 481 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 [22 U.S.C. 2291] in order to provide additional narcotics control assistance for those countries. Funds transferred under this paragraph may only be used to provide increased funds for activities previously justified to the Congress. Transfers may be made under this paragraph without regard to the 20-percent increase limitation contained in section 610 of the Foreign Assistance Act [22 U.S.C. 2360].
Any such funds not used under subparagraph (A) shall be reprogrammed within the account for which they were appropriated (subject to the regular reprogramming procedures of the Committees on Appropriations) in order to provide additional security assistance for those countries.
As used in this section, the term ‘security assistance’ means economic support fund assistance, foreign military financing, and international military education and training.”
Definition of Terms Used in International Narcotics Control Act of 1988
Regional Anti-Narcotics Forces
Determining Major Drug-Transit Countries With Respect to Fiscal Year 1989
Bilateral Narcotics Agreements Required for Certifications for Fiscal Year 1989 and Thereafter
Review of Effectiveness of International Narcotics Control Assistance Program
Multilateral Development Bank Assistance for Drug Eradication and Crop Substitution Programs
MDB Assistance for Development and Implementation of Drug Eradication Program.—
The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States Executive Directors of the multilateral development banks to initiate discussions with other Directors of their respective banks and to propose that all possible assistance be provided to each major illicit drug producing country for the development and implementation of a drug eradication program, including technical assistance, assistance in conducting feasibility studies and economic analyses, and assistance for alternate economic activities.
Increases in Multilateral Development Bank Lending for Crop Substitution Projects.—
The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States Executive Directors of the multilateral development banks to initiate discussions with other Directors of their respective banks and to propose that each such bank increase the amount of lending by such bank for crop substitution programs which will provide an economic alternative for the cultivation or production of illicit narcotic drugs or other controlled substances in major illicit drug producing countries, to the extent such countries develop and maintain adequate drug eradication programs.
National Advisory Council Report.—
The Secretary of the Treasury shall include in the annual report to the Congress by the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies a detailed accounting of the manner in which and the extent to which the provisions of this section have been carried out.
Definitions.—
For purposes of this section—
Multilateral development bank.—
The term ‘multilateral development bank’ means the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Development Association, the Inter-American Development Bank, the African Development Bank, and the Asian Development Bank.
Major illicit drug producing country.—
The term ‘major illicit drug producing country’ has the meaning provided in section 481(i)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2291(i)(2)).
Narcotic drug and controlled substance.—
The terms ‘narcotic drug’ and ‘controlled substance’ have the meanings given to such terms in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802).”
Reports to Congress on Drug Education Programs Abroad
United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control
Agency contributions for employees whose salaries are disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate from the appropriations account ‘Expenses of the United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control’ under the heading ‘Congressional Operations’ shall be paid from the Senate appropriations account for ‘Salaries, Officers and Employees’.
This section shall apply to pay periods beginning on or after
Establishment.—
There is established the United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control (hereafter in this section referred to as the ‘Caucus’).
Duties.—
The Caucus is authorized and directed—
to monitor and promote international compliance with narcotics control treaties, including eradication and other relevant issues; and
to monitor and encourage United States Government and private programs seeking to expand international cooperation against drug abuse and narcotics trafficking.
Membership.—
The Caucus shall be composed of 12 members as follows:
7 Members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, 4 of whom (including the member designated as Chairman) shall be selected from the majority party of the Senate, after consultation with the majority leader, and 3 of whom (including the member designated as Cochairman) shall be selected from the minority party of the Senate, after consultation with the minority leader.
5 members of the public to be appointed by the President after consultation with the members of the appropriate congressional committees.
There shall be a Chairman and a Cochairman of the Caucus.
Powers.—
In carrying out this section, the Caucus may require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, and documents as it deems necessary. Subpoenas may be issued over the signature of the Chairman of the Caucus or any member designated by him, and may be served by any person designated by the Chairman or such member. The Chairman of the Caucus, or any member designated by him, may administer oaths to any witness.
Report by President to Caucus.—
In order to assist the Caucus in carrying out its duties, the President shall submit to the Caucus a copy of the report required by section 481(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2991(e)) [22 U.S.C. 2291(e)].
Report to Senate.—
The Caucus is authorized and directed to report to the Senate with respect to the matters covered by this section on a periodic basis and to provide information to Members of the Senate as requested. For each fiscal year for which an appropriation is made the Caucus shall submit to the Congress a report on its expenditures under such appropriation.
Authorization of Appropriations.—
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Caucus $370,000 for each fiscal year, to remain available until expended, to assist in meeting the expenses of the Caucus for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this section.
For purposes of section 502(b) of the Mutual Security Act of 1954 (22 U.S.C. 1754(b)), the Caucus shall be deemed to be a standing committee of the Senate and shall be entitled to the use of funds in accordance with such section.
Staff.—
The Caucus may appoint and fix the pay of such staff personnel as it deems desirable, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.
Termination.—
The Caucus shall cease to exist on
Notwithstanding the provisions of this or any other Act, the United States International Narcotics Control Commission, established by section 814 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987 [section 814 of Pub. L. 99–93, set out as a note above], is hereby redesignated and shall hereafter be known as the United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control.
Any reference to the United States International Narcotics Control Commission in any law, regulation, document, record, or other official paper of the United States shall be deemed to be a reference to the United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control.”
Drug Trafficking and Problem of Total Confidentiality of Certain Foreign Bank Accounts
Findings.—
The Congress finds that—
several banks in Latin America and the Caribbean are used by narcotics traffickers as depositories for money obtained in providing illicit drugs to the United States and other countries of the region;
offshore banks which provide total confidentiality provide a service which materially assists the operations of illicit drug traffickers; and
cooperation in gaining access to the bank accounts of such narcotics traffickers would materially assist United States authorities in controlling the activities of such traffickers.
Policy.—
The Congress—
requests the President to negotiate treaties or appropriate international agreements with all countries providing confidential banking services (giving high priority to countries in the Caribbean region) to provide disclosure to the United States Government of information contained in official records, and in records of bank accounts, concerning persons under investigation for violations of United States law, in particular those regarding international drug trafficking;
directs the President to include reports on the results of such efforts in the annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report; and
reaffirms its intention to obtain maximum cooperation on the part of all governments for the purpose of halting international drug trafficking, and constantly to evaluate the cooperation of those governments receiving assistance from the United States.”
Use of Funds Appropriated Prior to December 29, 1981, for Herbicide Eradication of Marihuana and Colombian Anti-Narcotics Enforcement Program
Assistance provided from funds appropriated, before the enactment of this Act [
Funds appropriated for the fiscal year 1980 to carry out section 481 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 [this section] which were obligated for assistance for the Republic of Colombia may be used for purposes other than those set forth in section 482(a)(2) of that Act [22 U.S.C. 2291a] as in effect immediately before the enactment of the International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1980 [
Paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection shall apply only to the extent provided in advance in an appropriations Act. For such purpose, the funds described in those paragraphs are authorized to be made available for the purposes specified in those paragraphs.”
United States Citizens Imprisoned in Mexico
The Congress, while sharing the concern of the President over the urgent need for international cooperation to restrict traffic in dangerous drugs, is convinced that such efforts must be consistent with respect for fundamental human rights. The Congress, therefore, calls upon the President to take steps to insure that United States efforts to secure stringent international law enforcement measures are combined with efforts to secure fair and humane treatment for citizens of all countries.
The Congress requests that the President communicate directly to the President and Government of the Republic of Mexico, a nation with which we have friendly and cooperative relations, the continuing desire of the United States for such relations between our two countries and the concern of the United States over treatment of United States citizens arrested in Mexico.”