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President Donald Trump has issued a significant report on drug trafficking and production. He has identified a total of 23 countries as major producers or transit points for illegal drugs. This report, known as the Presidential Determination, was submitted to Congress. Trump stated that the production and trafficking of illicit substances continue to pose a significant threat to the safety and security of the United States and its citizens. The list includes countries from Asia such as Afghanistan, Burma, China, India, and Pakistan. Also included are the Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. Trump specifically singled out Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela, labeling them as failures in combating the drug trade. He particularly criticized Afghanistan for the open trafficking of opium and other narcotics despite existing prohibitions. Trump directly targeted China in the report, accusing it of being the world’s largest source of precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. He further stated that China plays a substantial role in the distribution of methamphetamine and newer, dangerous drugs such as nitazenes. Trump called on the Chinese government to take stricter measures to curb chemical trafficking and prosecute those responsible. The U.S. State Department notes that a country’s inclusion in the list does not necessarily indicate a lack of cooperation, as geographical location, trade routes, and economic conditions can hinder governments’ ability to completely halt drug trafficking. Meanwhile, India has recently taken strong action, with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) uncovering an international drug syndicate. This gang was utilizing digital platforms, drop shipping, and cryptocurrency to smuggle drugs to the United States, Australia, and Europe. The entire network was exposed following a routine vehicle check near Bengali Market in Delhi. The successful operation led to an international drug racket being busted, which was praised by the United States. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi thanked the NCB, highlighting the significant assistance provided by Indian agencies in protecting American citizens from illegal drugs.
