ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationBiden · D Quiet signal

Presidential Determination

Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Drug Illicit Countries for Fiscal Year 2024

This annual determination identifies 23 countries as major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries for FY2024, including the People's Republic of China for the first time due to a new statutory definition covering precursor chemicals. It designates Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela as having 'failed demonstrably' in counterdrug obligations, while removing Afghanistan from that list based on reported progress in reducing opium cultivation.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 66673

Impact dates

  1. Annual review to reconsider Afghanistan's status

Key directives

  • Identify specified 23 countries as major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries
  • Designate Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela as having failed demonstrably during previous 12 months
  • Determine that U.S. programs supporting Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela are vital to national interests
  • Submit designation and memoranda of justification to Congress under section 706 of FRAA
  • Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Designation of 23 major drug transit/illicit drug producing countries takes effect
  • Bolivia, Burma, Venezuela designated as 'failed demonstrably'
  • Afghanistan removed from 'failed demonstrably' list
  • PRC added due to new precursor chemical statutory definition

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary of State to submit designation and justifications to Congress
  • Federal Register publication of determination

Long term

  • Annual review to reconsider Afghanistan's status based on sustained drug control efforts
  • Ongoing U.S. cooperation with Mexico under Bicentennial Framework
  • Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats operations continue
  • FY2024 budget investments in National Drug Control Program agencies

Risks & tensions

  • PRC designation for precursor chemicals may escalate diplomatic tensions
  • Vague 'unprecedented resources' claim lacks specific operational commitments
  • Afghanistan's removal from 'failed demonstrably' despite ongoing methamphetamine concerns creates tension with stated criteria
  • Bolivia/Venezuela designations may complicate multilateral engagement
  • Effectiveness of 'vital national interest' waiver for sanctioned countries is structurally limited by other statutory restrictions
Presidential Determination: Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Drug Illicit Countries for Fiscal Year 2024 · Executive Orders