President-elect Donald Trump has said he intends to use US special forces against the cartels.
In recent days, a businessman and special forces veteran, Evan Hafer, was interviewed by host Joe Rogan, to whom he presented an overview of what an armed intervention would look like.
While acknowledging that “the real problem” is that there will always be demand for drugs, both spoke out in favor of legalization and against prohibition, since, as Rogan explained, the mafias in the United States have enriched themselves thanks to the ban on their sale alcohol and then went on to do “a lot of other horrible things within the country.”
Evan Hafer said: “I know these units, I know them very well and if we declare war on the cartels, these guys will not understand what is happening.”
“You are about to enter a world of ultraviolence like you have never experienced before.”
Hafer went on to say that while they are “very capable ultraviolent organizations,” they have no idea whether the United States will organize these elite units against them.
“What I would do if I were over there (talking about Mexico), is get ready to retire and pick up all the shoe boxes hanging on my walls.”
The ex-serviceman noted that if “Delta Force was hunting me, I would be so terrified…”
Rogan interrupts him briefly and asks who proposed it, to which Hafer replied that it was Vice President-elect J.D. Vance or Donald Trump, “we will mobilize the elite units against the cartels.”
The founder of the Black Rifle Coffee Company reiterated his message “the only thing I thought about was retirement, if you (referring to drug traffickers) have money what I would do is leave everything, move, maybe to Jamaica and open a restaurant somewhere, try to act legitimate, because if those guys come after you, you’re finished.”
Joe Rogan in turn responded that it is something strange the way the country’s economy is formed, ”they have so much power and control and it is a criminal organization that is almost entirely financed by us, according to our desire”.
Evan Hafer said that if special forces were given the freedom to operate, they could put an end to the cartels in “about two years.”
How could drug legalization impact the power dynamics of cartels in the U.S.?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Evan Hafer
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Evan Hafer! It’s great to have you with us. Your recent discussion with Joe Rogan about the potential use of U.S. special forces against drug cartels has generated quite a buzz. To kick things off, can you provide us with a brief overview of what an armed intervention against the cartels might entail?
Evan Hafer: Thanks for having me! The idea of using special forces against drug cartels is a complex one. It wouldn’t just involve boots on the ground; it would require a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root issues surrounding drug trafficking. Special forces could potentially target key cartel leaders and infrastructure, but as I mentioned in my discussion with Joe, it’s important to recognize that the demand for drugs will persist, regardless of how many cartels we take down.
Time.news Editor: That raises an important point. You and Joe Rogan discussed the notion of legalization versus prohibition. Can you elaborate on why you both lean towards legalization?
Evan Hafer: Absolutely. Prohibition has historically failed, as we saw during the alcohol ban in the 1920s, which only fueled criminal organizations and violence. Legalization could significantly reduce the power of cartels by removing their monopoly over the drug market. By regulating and taxing drugs, we could also mitigate the dangers associated with unregulated substances – providing safer options for users and reducing the profits that fund violence and corruption.
Time.news Editor: It’s a compelling argument. However, many people remain skeptical about legalization leading to positive outcomes. How do you address those concerns?
Evan Hafer: That skepticism is understandable, and it’s important. There’s a lot of fear around how legalization could affect society, but if we look at examples like Portugal, where the decriminalization of drugs has led to reductions in drug-related deaths and crime, it shows that a different approach can work. It’s about creating an environment where addiction is treated as a health issue rather than a criminal one.
Time.news Editor: Fascinating perspective. Now, considering your background as a special forces veteran, what do you think the military can realistically achieve in the fight against cartels, and what could be the unintended consequences of an armed intervention?
Evan Hafer: The military can conduct targeted operations against high-value targets, but military solutions alone won’t solve the drug problem. There can be serious unintended consequences, like creating power vacuums that rival cartels can exploit or escalating violence. If we don’t address the demand side of the equation, we may find ourselves right back where we started, creating a cycle of violence rather than resolution.
Time.news Editor: That cycle is concerning. Given your insights, what do you think policymakers should focus on instead of military interventions?
Evan Hafer: Policymakers should invest in comprehensive drug policy reform that includes education, harm reduction, treatment options, and economic opportunities in communities affected by the drug trade. Engaging with local stakeholders to build trust and collaboration is essential. It’s not just about breaking up cartels; it’s about creating sustainable change that addresses the issues at their core.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Evan. Your insights into this complex issue are invaluable. Before we wrap up, is there a final thought you would like to share with our readers?
Evan Hafer: I’d encourage everyone to remain open-minded and engage in conversations about drug policy. The conversation is evolving, and it’s crucial to understand that simple solutions won’t work. We need thoughtful discussions and innovative approaches to create real progress.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your time, Evan. We appreciate your expertise and perspective, and we look forward to following the developments in this important conversation.