The UK government has decided to halt intelligence sharing with the US after American strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean. This marks a significant departure from the longstanding practice of collaboration between the two allies. The move is reportedly linked to concerns regarding the legality of lethal US actions off the Latin American coast.
As a key player in the Caribbean with control over multiple islands, the UK has previously assisted the US Coast Guard in tracking down drug smugglers attempting to transport illicit substances to North America. The standard procedure involved boarding suspicious vessels, seizing suspected drugs, and detaining the crew.
Before the recent strikes, the US provided intelligence to the UK that helped in apprehending illegal drug smugglers and traffickers. However, the authorization by President Donald Trump for lethal strikes on multiple vessels near Venezuela has strained relations. British intelligence estimates that these strikes have resulted in the deaths of 76 individuals and breached international laws.
Following the initial strikes in September, the UK reportedly stopped sharing intelligence over a month ago. The Trump administration alleges that the targeted boats were carrying fentanyl, a potent opioid contributing to the US opioid crisis. The administration considers those onboard as “enemy combatants” engaged in “armed conflict” with the US, despite some vessels allegedly attempting to retreat when attacked.
Tensions surrounding the strikes have escalated, leading to confrontations between US Southern Command Admiral Alvin Holsey and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Admiral Holsey has offered to resign and is expected to leave his position in December. Concerns persist over the legality and consequences of the strikes, with questions raised about the identities of those killed and their alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
The US Customs and Border Protection has seized over 4,182kg of fentanyl by mid-2025, primarily along the southern border with Mexico. Opioid-related deaths in the US have been on the rise, with fentanyl overdoses being a major contributor, resulting in 72,776 deaths in 2023.
The Mirror has reached out to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for their input on the matter.