The State Department's March 1998 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report included the following discussion of the 1996 and 1997 506(a)(2) drawdowns for Venezuela:

The Venezuelan armed forces play an important role in counternarcotics activities and in 1997 the Ministry of Defense further refined its 1996 counternarcotics plan which sets out responsibilities and allocates resources for these activities. However, all branches face some equipment shortfalls for counternarcotics programs. In the past two years, President Clinton has authorized a drawdown of $13.25 million in equipment and training from the Departments of Defense and Transportation to support counternarcotics activities by the Venezuelan armed forces.¹

1997: $1,000,000²

(Ordered September 30, 1997)

($500,000 from Dept. of Defense, $500,000 from U.S. Coast Guard)

1996: $12,250,000³

(Approved September 30, 1996)

Sources:

¹ United States, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of State, International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, Washington, March 1998, March 2, 1998 <http://www.state.gov/www/global/narcotics_law/1997_narc_report/index.html>.

² United States, Department of State, "Summary Sheet," fax document, September 16, 1997.

Federal Register, October 10, 1997: 53221.

³ United States, Department of State, "Memorandum of Justification for use of Section 506(a)(2) special authority to draw down articles, services, and military education and training," September 1996.

Federal Register, November 4, 1996: 56865.