US Secretary of State Rubio: Interdiction of drug boats does not work, blowing them up will stop them

US Secretary of State Rubio: Interdiction of drug boats does not work, blowing them up will stop them

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed his frustration with the effectiveness of traditional drug boat interdiction methods, advocating for a more aggressive approach. In an interview with Reuters during his visit to Mexico and Ecuador, Rubio stated that blowing up drug-carrying vessels is a more effective strategy to stop illicit drug trafficking [2].

Rubio's comments come amid strained US-Mexico relations and increased US military operations targeting drug trafficking in the region. The secretary's visit follows a recent US military strike against a drug-carrying vessel operated by the Tren de Aragua gang, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people [3]. The strike was conducted while the vessel was transporting illegal narcotics in international waters.

The US has been increasingly critical of Mexico's role in drug trafficking, with some Mexican cartels labeled as terrorist organizations [2]. Rubio's talks with Mexican officials aim to strengthen security cooperation, manage migration, curb illicit drug flows, and address US-Mexico trade tensions [2].

Rubio's position on drug interdiction is a departure from traditional methods, which have often involved seizing and destroying drug shipments. The secretary argues that blowing up drug boats will send a stronger message to drug traffickers and disrupt their operations more effectively [2].

The US has been stepping up its maritime presence in the region to combat drug trafficking, with plans to boost its maritime force in the waters off Venezuela [3]. However, these efforts have been met with resistance from the Maduro regime, which has deployed troops along Venezuela's coast and border with Colombia [3].

Rubio's visit to Mexico and Ecuador is part of his broader strategy to advance President Trump's priorities on combating illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and countering China's influence in Latin America [2]. The secretary's emphasis on blowing up drug boats reflects a more aggressive stance on drug interdiction, which could have significant implications for US-Mexico relations and regional security.

References:
[1] https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/09/joint-statement-on-security-cooperation-between-the-united-states-and-mexico/
[2] https://theannapurnaexpress.com/story/58206/
[3] https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-venezuela-us-military-strike-on-boat-1.7623576