Biden describes Dominican Republic and other countries as major drug transit countries

Washington, USA.- On Sunday, US President Joe Biden said Bolivia and Venezuela had failed to comply with international anti-drug agreements last year. In a memorandum to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Biden identified a total of around 20 countries, mainly in Latin America and the Caribbean, as important transit or production centers for drugs. The countries listed include Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Biden stressed that inclusion on the list does not necessarily reflect a government's efforts in the fight against drugs or its cooperation with the United States. However, Bolivia, Venezuela and Burma were specifically mentioned because they had failed to meet their commitments in the fight against drugs. Despite these shortcomings, Biden stressed how important it is in the interest of the United States to maintain aid programs in these countries.

The memo also highlighted that drug overdose deaths in the U.S. declined in 2023, attributing this to efforts by Biden's administration. He reiterated the need for greater international cooperation, especially with key allies like Mexico, to curb the fentanyl epidemic and dismantle drug trafficking organizations. Biden also praised Colombia and Peru for their continued commitment to reducing cocaine production and mentioned China's role in regulating precursor chemicals used in drug production.

Source: EFE Agency