President Donald Trump recently announced new 25 percent tariffs against Canada and Mexico, citing rampant drug smuggling as a primary reason for the policy. However, federal data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection reveal that Canada is not a significant player in the smuggling of deadly street drugs into the U.S. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged to enhance border security with measures such as deploying new helicopters, drones, and surveillance tools.

In contrast, fentanyl smuggling from Mexico has significantly decreased over the past year, with seizures down 50 percent in January 2025 compared to the previous year. This has resulted in a notable drop in overdose deaths related to street drugs, with total deaths decreasing by nearly a quarter in the last year. Dr. Nora Volkow of the National Institute on Drug Abuse praised the substantial reduction in fentanyl-related deaths, emphasizing a 30.6 percent drop in just one year.

Despite these positive developments in combating the addiction crisis, President Trump continues to highlight drug smuggling as a rationale for imposing tariffs. He has also granted pardons to individuals facing federal drug charges, including Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the Silk Road dark web market. Additionally, the U.S. Justice Department has extended pardons to January 6 riot defendants facing drug-related charges.

While the U.S. has made significant progress in addressing drug-related issues, the political debate surrounding drug policy and enforcement remains contentious. President Trump’s focus on drug smuggling and tariffs underscores the complex intersection of public health, international relations, and criminal justice in tackling the drug epidemic.