Trump bombs smugglers' boats - and cocaine only gets cheaper

An investigation reveals that despite the destruction of over 70 boats and the killing of about 240 crew members in Trump's operation against drug smugglers, the global cocaine market is actually thriving. Prices have dropped, purity levels have risen, and the cartels have adapted to new smuggling methods, exploiting the enormous economic incentives that continue to drive the trade.

A new investigation reveals that Donald Trump's war on drug smugglers is not achieving its goals. Despite the destruction of over 70 boats and the killing of about 240 crew members, the global cocaine market is only thriving. Prices have plummeted: in Miami, the wholesale price per kilogram dropped to around $16,500 compared to a historical average of up to $25,000, and in Europe prices have crashed from $45,000 to just $16,000 in some cities. The purity of the drug sometimes reaches 98 percent in Europe, as dealers no longer need to dilute it. In France, authorities seized a record 92 tons of cocaine in 2025, a 204 percent increase compared to 2022. The smugglers have adapted: they hug the coastline, embed drugs in legitimate cargo, and use the Amazon river network. Colombia, responsible for 70% of global cocaine production, produces over 3,300 tons per year – a historic record. According to researchers, as long as the economic incentive remains enormous, the boats will keep setting sail.