Under the umbrella of its general mission of developing policies and programs to combat international narcotics and crime, INL plays an important role in the training of partner nation security forces.

The bureau's programs have 4 main objectives; 1) disrupt and reduce illicit drug markets and transnational crime, 2) combat corruption and illicit financing to strengthen democratic institutions and advance rule of law, 3) strengthen criminal justice systems to support stable, rights respecting partners, and 4) leverage learning, data, and resources to advance the mission.

Counternarcotics and anticrime programs also complement counterterrorism efforts, both directly and indirectly, by promoting modernization of and supporting operations by foreign criminal justice systems and law enforcement agencies charged with the counter-terrorism mission.

The head of the Bureau is the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Todd D.

[4][5] INL operations focused on dismantling fentanyl supply chains in Mexico were shut down in February 2025 due to budget cuts by the Trump administration.