Drug War Chronicle

Comprehensive coverage of the War on Drugs since 1997

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk (Anthony Headley/OHCHR)

US Drug Boat Attacks Violate International Human Rights Law, UN Human Rights Chief Says

The attacks have "no justification under international law," says UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
One of the South American "drug boats" blown out of the water by the US military. The death stands at 43 so far. (DOD)

Do Trump Drug Boat Killings Expose US Servicemembers to Criminal Liability? [FEATURE]

Obeying an order to kill unarmed civilians on the high seas could get American GIs in trouble.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro is confronting the US over its drug boat attacks. (Creative Commons)

US Strikes Another "Drug Boat" in the Caribbean, Colombia-US Feud Heats Up, More... (10/21/25)

For at least the sixth time in as many weeks, the US has blown an alleged boat carrying drugs out of the water in the Caribbean, a Colombian family says the strikes killed one of their members, and more.
Phil receiving the Brecher Award for Journalism, 2013 International Drug Policy Reform conference

Restarting Drug War Chronicle, Continued (donations urgently needed!)

We are pleased to continue with the restarted Drug War Chronicle newsletter. This continuing fundraising drive is vital to bringing the newsletter and our longtime writer Phillip Smith back to full time.
Industrial hemp is coming to Central Asia after Kazakhstan legalized its cultivation. (Pixabay)

US Attacks Another Venezuelan "Drug Boat," CA Gov Signs Bill to Expedite Marijuana, Psychedelic Research, More... (10/15/2025)

The State Department has revoked the visas of dozens of Mexican politicians and government officials over cartel ties, Kazakhstan legalizes industrial hemp, and more.
Pannir Pranthaman. Executed last week in Singapore for less than two ounces of heroin. (Amnesty International)

Senate GOP Blocks Bid to Rein In Trump's Caribbean Military Strikes, Singapore Hangs Another Drug Offender, More... (10/13/25)

Secretary of Defense Hegseth announces a new counternarcotics task force in the Caribbean, Singapore again resorts to the death penalty for a drug offender, and more.
Phil receiving the Brecher Award for Journalism, 2013 International Drug Policy Reform conference

Restarting Drug War Chronicle, Continued (donations urgently needed!)

We are pleased to continue with the restarted Drug War Chronicle newsletter. This continuing fundraising drive is vital to bringing the newsletter and our longtime writer Phillip Smith back to full time.
Jarred Shaw uses cannabis gummies to treat Crohn's Disease. Now, the Indonesians could execute him. (Screengrab/News on 6)

DOJ Tries to Justify Extrajudicial "Drug Boat" Killings, US Basketball Player Faces Possible Death Sentence for Pot Gummies in Indonesia, more... (10/9/25)

The Trump administration continues to claim the right to kill drug suspects on the high seas, yet another poll has strong support for marijuana legalization, and more.
DEA agents have been diverted to chasing migrants, and federal drug prosecutions are dropping. (Creative Commons)

Fed Drug Cases Plummet as DEA Chases Immigrants, US Kills More Venezuelan Sailors in New "Drug Boat" Attack, More... (10/6/25)

A Florida appeals court is the latest to rule that the odor of marijuana is no longer grounds for a vehicle search, Wisconsin Republicans take on their own party as they try again to pass a medical marijuana bill, and more.
Alaska could become the third state to decriminalize and allow therapeutic use of natural psychedelics, after Colorado and Oregon. (Greenoid/Flickr)

Alaska Natural Psychedelics Init Seeks Signatures, Call for WHO to Stand Up for Harm Reduction, More... (9/29/25)

The US Virgin Islands ends vehicle searches based on the smell of weed, the drug czar's office is reviewing Drug Free Community grants to ensure they don't promote "the radical left's agenda," and more.

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