The Least Surprising Headline Ever: 'Blowing Up Boats Hasn't Slowed Cocaine Traffic to U.S.'
The Trump administration's strategy of attacking suspected cocaine smugglers has not proven effective in reducing cocaine traffic to the U.S. Despite claims of preventing drug-related deaths, evidence shows that cocaine seizures have increased since the military operations began. Overall, there is no indication that the new tactics have had a positive impact on the drug supply or related fatalities.
- ▪The U.S. military has attacked suspected drug boats 59 times, resulting in 196 deaths.
- ▪Cocaine seizures at the border increased from 43,300 pounds to 47,800 pounds after the military strikes began.
- ▪Street prices for cocaine have remained stable, indicating no significant reduction in supply.
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War on Drugs The Least Surprising Headline Ever: 'Blowing Up Boats Hasn't Slowed Cocaine Traffic to U.S.' After nine months of murdering suspected cocaine smugglers, the Trump administration has no evidence that the strategy is working as advertised. Jacob Sullum | 5.29.2026 2:45 PM Share on FacebookShare on XShare on RedditShare by emailPrint friendly versionCopy page URL Add Reason to Google Media Contact & Reprint Requests <img src="https://d2eehagpk5cl65.cloudfront.net/img/c800x450-w800-q80/uploads/2026/05/burning-drug-boat-800x450.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto" width="1200" height="675" title="a suspected drug boat burning after it was attacked by the U.S. military" alt="a suspected drug boat burning after it was attacked by the U.S. military | U.S.
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