DEA Says 67 Boat Strikes Failed to Cut U.S. Cocaine Flow, Killing 221
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 27
DEA Says 67 Boat Strikes Failed to Cut U.S. Cocaine Flow, Killing 221
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 27
Summary
A previously unreported DEA assessment found Operation Southern Spear did not reduce the amount of cocaine entering the United States despite 67 military strikes on suspected trafficking boats.
The review said the campaign instead pushed criminal groups to adapt—shifting tactics and routes—and undermined traditional investigative methods used by U.S. authorities.
The findings, echoed in a closed-door congressional briefing and interviews with U.S. and foreign officials, conflict with President Donald Trump's claim that maritime drug trafficking had been virtually ended.
Cocaine supply indicators also failed to show lasting disruption: earlier reporting said U.S. prices returned to prior levels while purity stayed high, even after 221 deaths in the strikes.