The size of these seizures, one over 1,200 kgs, are indications that Guatemala is still a major transshipment country for the Colombian traffickers. Diversion of precursor chemicals passing through Guatemala is a rising problem. There is currently no law in Guatemala that regulates chemical imports for drug production or re-export. The GOG, however, has requested and will receive USG technical assistance on how to combat this illicit trafficking. The government introduced legislation into the Congress in late 1996 to consolidate police training of the National and Treasury Police, and to unify the two public security forces, as required by the peace accords.
Corruption is endemic in Guatemala and permeates all levels of government.
A large contraband ring was dismantled in September. It reached many parts of the military, National Police, Customs, and Immigration. Though Guatemala's counternarcotics programs were not directly involved, they were affected by the fall-out from the case through the dismissal of Vice Minister of Government Mario Rene Cifuentes and the third in command at the Treasury Police. Neither has been charged in connection with the case. The GOG does not, as a matter of government policy, encourage or facilitate illicit production or distribution of narcotic or psychotropic drugs or controlled substances, or the laundering of proceeds from illegal drug transactions.