Counter-Narcoterrorism Operations in the Eastern Pacific and Carribean Operations Areas from 1970 Through 1990

The United States declared drugs to be a clear and present danger to the country and proceeded to wage a war on them that was both justified and temporarily successful from 1970 through 1990. Although not prepared for this mission at first, the United States Coast Guard would soon spearhead the efforts to prevent drugs from being shipped over water. Later, the entrance of the participation of the U.S. Military, especially the Navy, allowed the Coast Guard to shut down this smuggling route. The thesis also argues that the support of Latin American countries, which used American money to fight their own war, measurably contributed to success. This study examines the efforts of those involved with interdicting the flow of drugs to the U.S. during that time.