Post by : Maya Rahman

US President Donald Trump has shared a new official list of countries that are either producing or transporting large amounts of illegal drugs. The list was sent to the US Congress and includes 23 countries. Among these nations are India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Burma. Trump said that these countries play a major role in the supply of dangerous drugs that end up in the United States.

Focus On Rising Drug Threats In The US

Trump explained that the growing trade of illegal drugs, especially synthetic ones like fentanyl, has become a serious threat to the health and safety of US citizens. Fentanyl and other similar substances have caused many deaths in the United States, making it a national health crisis. According to Trump, much of the drug production and movement happens in these listed countries, which makes them important in the global drug problem.

Full List Of 23 Countries

The complete list that Trump submitted to Congress includes Afghanistan, the Bahamas, Belize, 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. These countries are either producing drugs in large amounts or are being used as pathways to move drugs into the United States.

Clarification On Inclusion Of Countries

The US State Department explained that being on this list does not always mean a country’s government is not doing enough to fight drugs. Sometimes, a country’s location, business routes, or trade activity make it a transit hub even if the government is working hard to control illegal drugs. The statement clarified that inclusion is more about drug production and transport than about judging a government’s performance.

Countries Criticised For Weak Drug Control

Among the 23 nations, Trump pointed out five that he believes have failed to meet international drug control standards. These countries are Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela. He said that these countries have not done enough to stop drug production and trafficking. Trump strongly criticised Afghanistan, saying that despite public bans, drug production there remains high and is being used to fund dangerous groups.

Taliban’s Link To Drug Trade

Trump stressed that Afghanistan’s drug trade is especially worrying because it provides money to criminal networks and terrorist groups. He mentioned that members of the Taliban continue to make profits from the drug business, which makes the situation more dangerous. According to Trump, this is one reason why Afghanistan is being labelled as a country that has clearly failed in its drug control efforts.

China’s Role In Synthetic Drugs

Another important part of Trump’s statement was about China. He described China as the largest source of chemicals that are used to make synthetic drugs like fentanyl. These chemicals are often shipped to other countries where illegal labs turn them into deadly drugs. Trump urged Chinese authorities to take stronger steps to stop these chemicals from leaving their country and to punish people involved in this trade.

Rising Deaths In The United States

The US government declared that fentanyl and similar drugs are now the top cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 44. This shows how serious the problem has become inside the United States. Trump said that the flow of drugs from these countries is directly linked to the deaths and health crisis in America. He stressed that the US will continue to treat this issue as a national emergency.

International Cooperation Needed

The White House stated that fighting the drug crisis is not something the United States can do alone. Because drug production and transport involve many countries, global cooperation is necessary. The administration called on all 23 listed nations to increase their anti-drug actions, work more closely with the US, and take steps to cut down the flow of dangerous substances.

Importance Of The “Majors List”

Every year, the US government releases what is known as the “Majors List.” This is a list of countries that are either producing or transporting large amounts of illegal drugs. The purpose of this list is to hold countries accountable and push them to act against drug crimes. Trump’s latest version of this list shows how serious the US considers the global drug crisis.

Drug Crisis And Security Concerns

Trump also highlighted how the money made from the drug trade is not only harming people’s health but is also being used to support international crime and terrorism. He linked the revenue from drugs in Afghanistan and other regions directly to global security threats. According to him, tackling the drug problem is not only about saving lives but also about keeping the world safer.

Message To Governments

In his statement, Trump made it clear that the United States expects more action from the governments of the listed nations. He emphasised that every country has a role to play in stopping the global drug crisis. He warned that if nations fail to act strongly against drug production and trafficking, the problem will only get worse and continue to damage societies worldwide.

A Global Responsibility

The release of this new list is also a reminder that drugs are a global problem and not just a US issue. While the US is facing a deadly crisis due to drugs like fentanyl, the production and supply chains stretch across continents. For this reason, the White House urged for international accountability and cooperation. The message is clear: the world must act together to fight the global drug trade.