Fact Check: Have U.S. strikes on cartel boats destroyed 97% of drugs coming by sea?

Media Bias Fact Check (MBFC) publishes daily vetted fact checks from verified IFCN-approved sources. Each claim is independently reviewed for accuracy and context.


Claimant: Donald Trump (R)


Claim: U.S. strikes on cartel drug boats have destroyed “97% of the drugs coming into the ocean and sea.”


Rating: BLATANT LIE


Explanation: There is no reliable way to calculate such a percentage because authorities cannot know the total amount of drugs that successfully evade detection. Drug seizure and interdiction figures measure what authorities catch, not the entire volume being trafficked, so they cannot establish that 97% of maritime drug shipments were destroyed.


View Full Fact Check


Date: 09/26/2026


★ SUPPORT OUR MISSION

MBFC relies entirely on readers like you.

No corporate or political donors. Your support keeps our 10,000+ ratings 100% independent.

Starting at $3 /month — ad-free + exclusive content
  • Remove all ads instantly
  • Members only content and ratings
  • Support independent ratings
  • Cancel any time — no strings

★ Go Ad-Free — from $3/mo ❤ One-Time Donation Data API Access

Membership removes ads • Donations do not


Last Updated on September 26, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check