U.S. Military Quietly Builds Anti-Drug Presence in Latin America

War and prohibition all rolled up in one government-friendly package

The U.S. isn't just shoveling cash to stem the tide of narcotics in Mexico and Colombia. Quietly, it's built up its drug war in Central America, too — spending nearly $100 million over four years on advanced gear for local forces. Not that Washington has any idea what it's gotten for its money.

A new report from the Government Accountability Office provides a rare glimpse into the Central American war on drugs. Between 2008 and 2011, the report finds, the government spent $97 million for gear and training for its Central American partners. On the plus side, it's laughably low compared to the more than $640 billion (and rising) the U.S. has spent on the war in Afghanistan.