The UK government has reportedly halted intelligence sharing with the US after strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean. This decision marks a significant departure from the longstanding practice of collaboration between the UK and the US. The UK’s move is believed to be driven by concerns over the legality of lethal US strikes near Latin America.
The UK, which oversees several Caribbean islands, had previously assisted the US Coast Guard in tracking down drug smugglers aiming to transport narcotics to North America. Typically, suspicious vessels would be intercepted, drugs confiscated, and crew members detained.
Before the controversial strikes, the US had provided intelligence to the UK that led to the apprehension of illegal drug smugglers. However, President Donald Trump authorized lethal strikes on multiple vessels off the coast of Venezuela, prompting British intelligence to raise concerns about potential violations of international law.
According to CNN, British intelligence estimates that the strikes resulted in the deaths of 76 individuals. The UK reportedly suspended intelligence sharing over a month ago following the initial strikes in September. The Trump administration asserts that the targeted boats were carrying fentanyl, a substance linked to the opioid crisis in the US, labeling those onboard as “enemy combatants” engaged in conflict with the US.
Tensions have escalated over the strikes, leading to confrontations between US Southern Command Admiral Alvin Holsey and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Admiral Holsey has offered to resign, with reports indicating his departure from the post in December after just a year in the role.
As of mid-2025, US Customs and Border Protection had seized over 4,182kg of fentanyl, with the majority intercepted at the southern border with Mexico. Opioid-related deaths in the US reached 72,776 in 2023, predominantly due to fentanyl overdoses.
The Mirror has reached out to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for a response regarding this matter.
