Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), headed by Assistant Secretary David T. Johnson, advises the President, Secretary of State, other bureaus in the Department of State, and other departments and agencies within the U.S. Government on the development of policies and programs to combat international narcotics and crime. INL programs support two of the Department's strategic goals: (1) to reduce the entry of illegal drugs into the United States; and (2) to minimize the impact of international crime on the United States and its citizens. Counternarcotics and anticrime programs also complement the war on terrorism, both directly and indirectly, by promoting modernization of and supporting operations by foreign criminal justice systems and law enforcement agencies charged with the counter-terrorism mission.
Major INL Publications
- International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR)
- Narcotics Certification Process
- Program and Budget Guide
Hot Topics
State Magazine Features the Public-Private Partnership
Launched in December 2007, the Department’s Public-Private Partnership for Justice Reform in Afghanistan is an innovative initiative of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, which leads U.S. justice-sector reform efforts in Afghanistan...The partnership is a nonpartisan initiative that seeks to involve American judges, lawyers and representatives of business and academia in U.S. efforts to develop the rule of law in Afghanistan. Full Text
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Secretary Clinton Travels to Mexico; Discusses Merida Initiative
Secretary Clinton (Mar. 25): "With bold leadership from President Calderon, we are working together to provide the people of our nations with the security they deserve. Under the Merida Initiative, a program conceived by Mexico and embraced by the United States, we have now committed hundreds of millions of dollars to training and equipping Mexican law enforcement, and strengthening Mexico’s judicial system and democratic institutions." Full Text | More Trip Information
Target of the Month: Luis Albeiro Pena-Pena
Also Known As: “B Supervisor,” “B hijodel Zapatero,” “B Senor de lasTunas,” “B Mono de Antioquia”
Luis Pena-Pena is the head of a well-organized money laundering and drug trafficking organization based in Colombia with different cells throughout the Lesser Antilles and the Caribbean. Learn More | Find Others
Agreement With Dominican Republic
The U.S. and the Dominican Republic signed the first letter of agreement implementing the Merida Initiative, a multi-year regional effort to combat organized crime, gangs and the trafficking of narcotics and firearms. More
Fact Sheets: The Merida Initiative
The multi-year initiative complements broader efforts by Mexico, the Central American nations, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic to fight criminal organizations and drug trafficking. Full Text | Myths Vs. Facts
Merida Initiative: Letter of Agreement Signed With Costa Rica![Date: 06/17/2009 Description: Ambassador Peter Cianchette [signing]; Foreign Minister Stagno [seated at left]; Justice Minister Viviana Martin [standing, middle]. © State Dept Image](/img/09/32884/Merida_CR_signing_68_1.jpg "Date: 06/17/2009 Description: Ambassador Peter Cianchette [signing]; Foreign Minister Stagno [seated at left]; Justice Minister Viviana Martin [standing, middle]. © State Dept Image"){kind=small}
U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica Peter Cianchette and Minister of Public Security Janina del Vecchio signed on June 17, the first letter of agreement between the United States and the Government of Costa Rica implementing the Mérida Initiative. Full Text | Photos
Afghanistan Awarded for Efforts To Eliminate Poppy Cultivation
U.S. Deputy Ambassador to Afghanistan Francis J. Ricciardone and Afghan Minister of Counter Narcotics Colonel-General Khodaidad signed a memorandum of agreement on May 28, 2009 awarding approximately $6,437,000 to seven provinces in Afghanistan, to recognize their efforts to eliminate or significantly-reduce poppy cultivation. Full Text
Threat Convergence: Subversion, Destabilization and Insecurity
Director David Luna spoke at the George Mason University, School of Public Policy. Full Text
Merida Initiative: Letter of Agreement with Nicaragua Signed
U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua Robert J. Callahan signed an agreement with the Government of Nicaragua implementing the Merida Initiative. Full Text
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