Trump has another reason to intervene in South America
An internal DEA assessment says Operation Southern Spear has not significantly reduced the flow of cocaine into the United States. Drug cartels have quickly adapted by switching to larger vessels, aircraft, and new trafficking routes. Cocaine prices, purity, and availability in the U.S. remain largely unchanged.
If this assessment gains wider acceptance, the political implications could be significant. If maritime interdiction fails to achieve its objective, Washington will have a stronger argument that tackling the problem at its source requires greater pressure on coca-producing countries and territories controlled by drug cartels.
This follows the same logic the Trump administration has already applied to Mexico, elevating the cartel issue from organized crime to a national security threat. If that approach expands further, America’s anti-drug strategy may no longer stop at intercepting shipments. It could move closer to the source of production itself.
In other words, if Operation Southern Spear is judged ineffective, it could provide political justification for Washington to pursue stronger intervention across South America.
#USA #Trump #Cartel #SouthAmerica
Control Threat | Strategic Risk Analysis