Presidential Actions

Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia

SignedAugust 19, 2022
Memorandum·Joe Biden·Drug Policy
Why This Matters

This executive order continues U.S. drug interdiction assistance to Colombia, allowing for the interception of aircraft suspected of drug trafficking in Colombian airspace. It certifies that Colombia has measures to minimize harm to innocent lives during such operations.

The order aims to enhance Colombia's ability to combat drug trafficking, which is a significant threat to its national security.
Colombian authorities and communities affected by drug trafficking are most impacted by this order.
Summary

1. Continues U.S. support for drug interdiction efforts in Colombia. 2. Certifies the necessity of intercepting suspected drug trafficking aircraft. 3. Confirms Colombia's procedures to protect innocent lives during interdiction operations.

Who is affected?

Colombian authorities and communities affected by drug trafficking are most impacted by this order.

Read on Federal Registerfederalregister.gov
Read Full Text
Presidential Determination No. 2022-20 of August 9, 2022

Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia

Memorandum for the Secretary of State [and] the Secretary of Defense

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, and pursuant to the authority vested in me by section 1012 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2291-4), I hereby certify, with respect to Colombia, that: (1) interdiction of aircraft reasonably suspected to be primarily engaged in illicit drug trafficking in that country's airspace is necessary, because of the extraordinary threat posed by illicit drug trafficking to the national security of that country; and (2) Colombia has appropriate procedures in place to protect against innocent loss of life in the air and on the ground in connection with such interdiction, which includes effective means to identify and warn an aircraft before the use of force is directed against the aircraft.

The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register and to notify the Congress of this determination.

[FR Doc. 2022-18116

Filed 8-18-22; 11:15 am]

Billing code 4710-10-P

Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia - PILLARS