The United States continues military operations against alleged drug smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in significant casualties and disruption to legitimate maritime industries. Since the campaign began, 126 people have been killed in these attacks, creating fear and uncertainty among Colombian fishermen who depend on offshore fishing for their livelihoods.
President Trump claims these military actions have been effective, stating they have stopped 97% of illegal drugs entering the U.S. by water. However, official data contradicts this assertion, showing a nearly 34% increase in border seizures of cocaine. This discrepancy suggests smugglers continue to transport drugs while adapting their entry methods into the United States.
Legal and security experts question the effectiveness of the military approach. Ben Stechschulte, a Florida board-certified criminal trial lawyer, stated in an interview with NPR that the bombing campaign lacks deterrent value. "I don't think it has any deterrent effect," said Stechschulte, founder and lead attorney of StechLaw Criminal Defense. "The drug cartels understand it's the cost of doing business."
Stechschulte explained that traffickers simply replace lost vessels and establish new routes when disrupted. Adam Isacson, a defense and security expert at the Washington Office on Latin America, reinforced this assessment, noting that most drug boats unload in South America before drugs are transported overland into the U.S.
The continued military operations despite mounting casualties and evidence of ineffectiveness raise questions about strategic priorities. President Trump has shown no intention of ceasing the bombing attacks, even as they disrupt legitimate fishing industries and fail to achieve their stated objectives. The situation highlights the complex challenges of combating international drug trafficking through military means while balancing humanitarian concerns and economic impacts on regional communities.
