ExecutiveOrdersEO
Det 9323--DeterminationObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Determination 9323--

Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2016

This annual determination identifies 22 countries as major drug transit or illicit drug producing countries for FY 2016, including Afghanistan, Mexico, and Colombia. It designates Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela as having 'failed demonstrably' to meet international counternarcotics obligations, but exempts Burma and Venezuela from sanctions based on national interest determinations. The document outlines ongoing U.S. counternarcotics partnerships and programs across multiple regions.

Federal Register Open PDF 80 FR 57063

Impact dates

  1. UNGASS (UN General Assembly Special Session on drugs)

  2. Determination effective/signed

Key directives

  • Identify 22 countries as major drug transit/illicit drug producing countries
  • Designate Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela as failing demonstrably to adhere to international counternarcotics obligations
  • Determine that support for programs aiding Burma and Venezuela are vital to U.S. national interests
  • Submit report with memoranda of justification to Congress under section 706 of FRAA
  • Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Designation of 22 major drug transit/producing countries takes effect for FY 2016
  • Bolivia, Burma, Venezuela designated as failing demonstrably
  • National interest waiver applied to Burma and Venezuela

Near term (90d)

  • Congressional submission of report with justifications
  • Federal Register publication
  • UNGASS preparation (April 2016 mentioned)

Long term

  • Continuation of Merida Initiative with Mexico
  • Afghan National Drug Action Plan implementation
  • Peru 5-year counternarcotics strategy execution
  • Colombia security expertise export programs

Risks & tensions

  • National interest waiver for Burma and Venezuela may create tension with congressional hawks seeking stricter enforcement
  • Reversal in Colombian coca cultivation in 2014 threatens prior progress
  • Afghanistan opium production increase (15% over 2013) challenges stabilization efforts
  • Vague 'national interest' standard for waivers lacks transparent criteria in text
Presidential Determination 9323--: Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2016 · Executive Orders