Summary
President Donald Trump stated that U.S. military strikes on boats near Venezuela were justified because they were involved in drug trafficking to the United States. Senator Rand Paul argued that not all boats suspected of carrying drugs actually have them. Coast Guard data shows that about 27% of boats they board do not have drugs.
Key Facts
- President Trump ordered strikes on boats near Venezuela, claiming they carried drugs to the U.S.
- Senator Rand Paul stated that many boats suspected of drug carrying don't end up having drugs.
- Coast Guard data indicates that about 27% of the boats they board are drug-free.
- More than 30 people have died in these military strikes.
- The U.S. Coast Guard reports a 73% drug interception rate in fiscal year 2024.
- The Coast Guard's data showed an increase in interception rates over the past few years.
- It is unclear how the Coast Guard defines a "drug disruption."
- The Coast Guard did not provide details on how it collects data on drug interceptions.
