The U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) is devoted to combating crime and international narcotics trafficking. INL seeks to minimize the impact of international crime on the United States and reduce the entry of illegal drugs. INL's projects include efforts to modernize law enforcement and criminal justice systems overseas. Currently, the bulk of INL operations focus on Iraq, Afghanistan, Mexico, and Central America, though the agency maintains a lesser presence on all continents.

The INL, originally called the Bureau of International Narcotics Matters, was created by Congress in October 1, 1978, with the passage of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for fiscal year 1979. With the creation of the INL, its bureau chief, the Assistant Secretary of State for International ...