“However, (I know this is unpopular here) legalization of drugs is the best answer to this problem.... I stand with Bill Buckley Jr on this matter!”
I lean in a different direction. Smuggling becomes a federal crime punishable by life in prison. I don’t care if it’s drugs, people, ivory, whatever. And if you are caught with a weapon it becomes a capital offense.
That doesn't address the substantial domestic production of pot and synthetics.