London Suspends Sharing Caribbean Drug Trafficking Intelligence With U.S.

The U.K. has stopped sharing intelligence on ships suspected of transporting drugs in the Caribbean with the U.S., citing concerns that Washington’s actions may violate international law.

CNN reported this, citing government sources.

The decision is a significant break in cooperation with one of London’s closest allies and intelligence partners, reflecting growing British doubts over the legality of U.S. military operations in Latin America.

For years, the U.K., which maintains several territories in the Caribbean along with intelligence units there, has helped Washington track ships suspected of carrying drugs.

Intelligence provided by London was passed to the Joint Interagency Task Force in Florida, which coordinates multi-state anti-drug efforts. This cooperation enabled the U.S. Coast Guard to intercept ships, inspect cargo, seize drugs, and detain crews.

However, after the U.S. began conducting deadly strikes on ships in September, British officials grew concerned that American forces could be using U.K. intelligence to select targets.

CNN reported that at least 76 people died in these operations. London views such actions as violations of international law, leading to the suspension of intelligence sharing.

Previously, anti-drug efforts relied on law enforcement and the Coast Guard, treating suspected smugglers as criminals entitled to trial — a model the U.K. actively supported.

British officials state that military force is now being used against civilians, and even designating certain groups as foreign terrorist organizations does not automatically justify lethal action.

Canada has taken a similar stance. For nearly two decades, Ottawa helped the U.S. intercept drug traffickers in the Caribbean but has also distanced itself from the new American strategy, citing legal concerns.