Trump's military strikes on drug vessels killed 80, but Coast Guard interdiction led to record cocaine seizures with no deaths.

Trump has asserted that U.S. maritime drug interdiction efforts have failed over 30 years, justifying 20 military strikes that destroyed suspected drug vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean, resulting in 80 deaths. Despite this shift, the Coast Guard reported record cocaine seizures—225 metric tons, nearly 40% above the decade’s average—including a single haul of 38 tons. The Coast Guard maintains that intercepting boats allows for intelligence gathering and prosecution, while missile strikes eliminate that opportunity and are more costly. Critics, including veterans, human rights groups, and some lawmakers, condemn the military approach as extrajudicial and damaging to U.S. credibility. Experts dispute claims that the strikes prevent fentanyl-related deaths, noting most intercepted shipments involve cocaine, not fentanyl. The Coast Guard continues interdiction efforts under Operation Pacific Viper, even during a government shutdown, with no fatalities and a more sustainable, legally sound approach.