The United States has removed Venezuela from its list of countries failing to meet international counternarcotics commitments, marking a significant shift in Washington’s approach to Venezuela’s efforts against drug trafficking. This decision comes as President Donald Trump praised what he described as progress made by Venezuela under interim President Delcy Rodríguez in combating drug-trafficking organizations.
Previously, Venezuela was listed among nations not meeting their obligations in the fight against narcotics. However, recent developments have led to its removal from the list, signaling improved cooperation or performance in this area. Despite Venezuela’s removal, Colombia remains on the list of countries that have “failed demonstrably” to fulfill their international counternarcotics obligations over the past year. The White House identified Colombia as one of four countries that have not made substantial efforts to address issues related to drug trafficking.
President Trump indicated that Colombia could be removed from the list in the future if it continues to make progress in reducing coca cultivation and cocaine production, as well as in dismantling drug-trafficking networks. Colombian officials have expressed a commitment to addressing the entire drug-trafficking chain, targeting everything from illicit crops and production facilities to trafficking routes and criminal finances.
The U.S. decision underscores its ongoing focus on enhancing counternarcotics cooperation with Latin American nations. Both Venezuela and Colombia are recognized by the U.S. as major drug-transit or illicit drug-producing countries for fiscal year 2027. However, Venezuela’s new status reflects an acknowledgment of its efforts to meet international commitments in combating drug-related activities.
