Belize has again been named by the United States (US) among 23 countries designated as major drug-transit or major illicit drug-producing countries for Fiscal Year 2027. The designation was included in a presidential determination submitted to the US Congress on September 15th.
The other countries on the list are Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Bolivia, Burma, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
While Belize remains on the list, it was not designated as having “failed demonstrably,” a term indicating significant shortcomings in counternarcotics efforts that can affect international aid and reputation.
The designation represents a change for Venezuela, which remains on the broader list of major drug-transit or illicit drug-producing countries but was removed from the separate “failed demonstrably” category. The US credits increased cooperation from Venezuela’s interim government, highlighting a positive development and fostering hope for continued improvement.
Colombia, meanwhile, remains in the “failed demonstrably” category. The US administration has indicated that the designation could be reconsidered if the country makes substantial progress in coca eradication and dismantling narcotrafficking networks under President Abelardo De La Espriella.
The designation reflects factors like geography and trade routes, which can influence international relations and cooperation, even if a country’s current efforts are ongoing or improving.
The 2027 determination comes one year after Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela were identified as having “failed demonstrably” in the US government’s 2026 designation. Venezuela’s removal from that category leaves four countries with that designation for Fiscal Year 2027.
The US administration has also indicated that it is closely monitoring Colombia’s counternarcotics efforts under its new government, particularly coca eradication and actions against narcotrafficking organizations, emphasizing ongoing US support and engagement to foster trust and confidence.