Life is strange, the past resurfacing, reminding us what remains undone. Once upon a time, I ran multi-billion-dollar counter-narcotics programs, downsizing, forcing accountability, delivering results – all needed again.
In those days, decades back, I often testified before Congress with progress, showing the downsizing, accountability, and results achieved.
On one occasion, June 17, 2004, Congress was concerned about drug trafficking and how we were beating drugs and terror in Colombia.
My words then were hopeful, almost ironic, as we struggle again with the drug-terror menace, from California to New York, Florida to Maine. The words echo, reading them again.
“Mr. Chairman, and distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the invitation to discuss Plan Colombia …” a pathbreaking approach.
That counternarcotics effort was “a significant investment by the American people … to fight the flow of drugs responsible for ending thousands of young lives each year in America, to fight powerful and entrenched terrorists in this hemisphere …”
“The success in Colombia … would not have been possible without the strong leadership” of Colombia, their “aggressive stand against narco-terrorism… This investment in our national security is paying off.”
“Congress has a right to look not only for sound policy and well-managed implementation, but also for a measurable return on the American people’s investment. While measuring the shift of tectonic plates can be difficult, I believe we are seeing real – and one may hope lasting – change.”
Reading those 20-year-old words as US states today struggle under the weight of overwhelming drug trafficking, addiction, overdoses, and death, one wonders how we could have done it – and lost it.
Back then, I could testify: “In short, your investment is paying off in numerous ways … drug cultivation in Colombia is down … violent crime and terrorist acts are down and falling …respect for the rule of law is expanding and measurably putting down tap roots in new places …”
We were working – in the US and abroad – to undercut drug trafficking and terror. “It is our robust effort … to wipe out narco-terrorists, help Colombia seize their assets, strengthen Colombia’s institutions, and increase legitimate economic opportunities,” that was the aim.
We did that – so successfully that within a few years, Colombia became a tourist destination, its president winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
“What is the endgame? A hemisphere in which drug-funded terrorism, and corruption of struggling democracies by drug traffickers, drug violence, and drug abuse from the streets of Bogotá to the streets of Baltimore, are reduced dramatically.”
On accountability, I testified: “As Assistant Secretary … I have put a premium on management … to ensure that accountability is front-and-center; that American taxpayer dollars are well and consistently husbanded.”
We implemented “accurate outcome measures … aim to make our programs models of performance-based management. As custodian of these dollars, I have also been methodically pursuing a top-to-bottom program review …”
“Within the last nine months, our initiatives have included putting sizable penalties in government contracts, moving from cost-plus to performance contracts, tying contract bonus justifications to performance, and adding new performance measures.”
Moreover, “we have worked toward a strategic plan for and proper capitalization of” the largest US airwing outside the Pentagon. “Added oversight is intended to ensure that tax dollars directed to Colombia, a total of $463 million … are focused, well-administered, and effective.”
“They must be … palpably helping to stop drug production and drug-funded terrorism before those twin menaces arrive on U.S. soil, before they can do violence in our schools, communities, states, or nation.”
Back then, I reported: “The bird’s eye view … is encouraging. The commitment of Congress and the effective implementation of our programs are paying off. Drug production is down in Colombia; traffickers are being arrested and extradited, and their proceeds are being taken; drug seizures are up; legitimate jobs are being created; Colombian institutions are stronger; and the rule of law expanded.”
Concluding, I offered: “We all know the facts, but they bear repeating … Drugs, violence, and crime undermine democracy, rule of law, and the stability required for economic development. The drug trade continues to kill our citizens … most of whom are unwitting children.”
“The bulk of the drugs arriving in the United States comes from Colombia. Let me be bold, unforgivingly clear, and unambiguous on another point – the drug trade funds terrorists and violent criminal groups in the hemisphere and elsewhere. If we want these evils to stop, we must be resolved to halt them now …”
Bottom line: Live long enough, and you see old problems return, old dragons rising. Today, with conviction, President Trump is after narco-terrorism, hoping to end it. He cannot do it alone. This time, we must work within the US – in every single state – also to end this scourge. Once again, much is undone. To save our kids, it needs to be done now.
Robert Charles is a former Assistant Secretary of State under Colin Powell, former Reagan and Bush 41 White House staffer, Maine attorney, ten-year naval intelligence officer (USNR), and 25-year businessman. He wrote “Narcotics and Terrorism” (2003), “Eagles and Evergreens” (North Country Press, 2018), and “Cherish America: Stories of Courage, Character, and Kindness” (Tower Publishing, 2024). He is the National Spokesman for AMAC. Today, he is running to be Maine’s next Governor (please visit BobbyforMaine.com to learn more)!
