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Trump targeting drug boats has no “impact on flow of drugs”

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The Trump administration's myopic focus on intercepting drug boats has proven to be a futile endeavor in the fight against drug trafficking, according to Michael Vigil, a former DEA Chief of International Operations. This misguided approach fails to tackle the systemic issues that perpetuate the dru...

The Trump administration's myopic focus on intercepting drug boats has proven to be a futile endeavor in the fight against drug trafficking, according to Michael Vigil, a former DEA Chief of International Operations. This misguided approach fails to tackle the systemic issues that perpetuate the drug trade and its devastating impact on marginalized communities.

By prioritizing interdiction efforts, the administration has ignored the root causes of drug addiction and the socioeconomic factors that drive individuals to participate in the illicit drug trade. Poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and limited economic opportunities are the real culprits that must be addressed through comprehensive social programs and equitable policies.

Moreover, the war on drugs has historically been used as a tool to criminalize and oppress communities of color, leading to mass incarceration and the perpetuation of racial injustice. The administration's emphasis on law enforcement tactics disproportionately targets low-level offenders while allowing high-level traffickers and the corporations that enable them to operate with impunity.

The government's failure to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the opioid epidemic further highlights the systemic nature of the drug crisis. These corporations have prioritized profits over public health, aggressively marketing highly addictive prescription drugs while downplaying their risks.

Furthermore, the environmental impact of drug production and trafficking cannot be ignored. The destruction of ecosystems, deforestation, and the use of toxic chemicals in drug manufacturing contribute to the global climate crisis and threaten the well-being of local communities.

It is time for a paradigm shift in the approach to drug policy. Instead of relying on ineffective and punitive measures, the government must invest in evidence-based harm reduction strategies, addiction treatment, and social programs that address the underlying causes of drug use. Only by prioritizing social justice, corporate accountability, and environmental sustainability can we hope to make meaningful progress in the fight against drug trafficking and its devastating consequences.

Based on original article:

Trump targeting drug boats has no “impact on flow of drugs” - Al Jazeera →
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