The Defense Department's Section 1033-funded riverine counter-drug program seeks to improve the Colombian Navy's ability to control river traffic mainly in the Amazon basin area of southern Colombia, a region where rivers abound, coca is grown and guerrillas are present.

The program pays for spare parts, infrastructure improvements, and training for Riverine Combat Elements (RCEs) in the Colombian Navy. The program has also helped the navy create a new Riverine Brigade.

2002, estimate:¹

2000:²

1998-1999:

In 1998, Section 1033 funds for Colombia totaled either $1.82 million or $2.172 million, depending on the Defense Department source consulted. These funds mostly paid for spare parts and equipment.³

In 1999, the program expects to spend $4.8 million on boats and equipment, $2.5 million on infrastructure development, and $2 million on training, according to a May 1999 Defense Department estimate. This adds up to $9.3 million, significantly lower than a $12.623 million estimate cited in March 1999.⁴

"A major milestone" was achieved in August 1999, according to U.S. Southern Command chief Gen. Charles Wilhelm, "when President [Andrés] Pastrana personally activated the new Riverine Brigade and its five battalions."⁵

Sources:

¹ United States, Department of Defense, "DoD Andean Initiative FY02 - Colombia", Washington, Document obtained September 19, 2001.

² United States, Department of Defense, "Report on Department of Defense Expenditures To Support Foreign Counterdrug Activities", Washington, December 29, 2000.

³ Walter B. Slocombe, undersecretary of defense for policy, United States Department of Defense, letter in response to congressional inquiry, April 1, 1999.

Ana Maria Salazar, deputy assistant secretary of defense for drug enforcement policy and support, United States Department of Defense, letter in response to congressional inquiry, Mar. 19, 1999.

⁴ Slocombe.

Gen. Charles E. Wilhelm, commander in chief, U.S. Southern Command, Statement before the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, September 21, 1999 <http://www.ciponline.org/colombia/wilhelm.htm> or <http://www.usia.gov/regional/ar/colombia/wilhelm21.htm>.

Salazar.

⁵ Wilhelm, September 1999.