President Donald Trump’s recent military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats have killed 80 people in the Pacific and Caribbean, claiming the measure is necessary to stop narco-terrorists. Trump has argued that traditional interdiction efforts have “been totally ineffective” over the past 30 years, prompting a shift toward more aggressive Pentagon-led operations.
However, experts and veterans of the drug war say evidence tells a different story. The U.S. Coast Guard recently set a record by seizing 225 metric tons of cocaine in the past year almost 40% higher than the annual average over the past decade. These interdictions, carried out as part of Operation Pacific Viper, have successfully brought smugglers to the U.S. for prosecution while gathering intelligence on trafficking networks all without loss of life.
Law enforcement officials point out that the crews targeted by Trump’s strikes are typically low-paid laborers or fishermen, not cartel kingpins. Many are paid around $500 per trip to transport drugs, contradicting claims that the military operations are hitting “narco-terrorists.” Analysts warn that destroying vessels not only kills these individuals but also eliminates valuable intelligence that could help dismantle trafficking networks.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended the strikes, claiming interdictions alone do not deter traffickers. While cocaine demand remains high and supplies robust, experts note that the Coast Guard’s approach is legal, sustainable, and far more cost-effective than missile strikes. Each strike is likely more expensive than the value of the drugs on board.
Cocaine, unlike fentanyl, is primarily trafficked via small boats from South America, while fentanyl typically comes overland from Mexico. Experts say military strikes targeting cocaine vessels have little effect on the U.S. overdose crisis, which is driven largely by synthetic opioids.
In conclusion, while Trump’s aggressive approach has drawn attention, evidence shows that traditional interdiction remains a safer and more effective strategy for limiting drug flows into the U.S. without unnecessary loss of life.
