In a broader effort to enhance international collaboration on drug control, the United States has taken Venezuela off its list of countries that have not met international counternarcotics commitments. Meanwhile, Colombia remains under scrutiny but has the potential for removal next year, contingent on its progress in tackling drug trafficking issues.

The decision to delist Venezuela comes as the U.S. acknowledges the progress made under interim President Delcy Rodríguez in combating drug-trafficking organizations. Previously, Venezuela had been categorized by the U.S. as failing in its obligations, but recent actions have prompted a reassessment of its status.

Colombia, in contrast, is still on the list, along with three other countries, as identified by the White House for failing demonstrably to meet international counternarcotics obligations over the past year. President Donald Trump has indicated that Colombia could be removed from this list if it shows significant advancements in reducing coca cultivation, cocaine production, and the disruption of drug-trafficking networks.

Colombian authorities have expressed a commitment to addressing every aspect of the drug trade, from the cultivation of illicit crops to the dismantling of production facilities and trafficking routes. This holistic approach aims to tackle the complex web of drug-related activities affecting the country.

The developments in U.S. policy underscore Washington’s ongoing focus on fostering counternarcotics cooperation with Latin American nations. Both Venezuela and Colombia are still identified as major drug-transit or illicit drug-producing countries for fiscal year 2027. However, Venezuela’s removal from the list of non-compliant countries marks a significant shift in the region’s counternarcotics landscape.