Drugs have been linked to special operations in two main ways: 

performance enhancement and counter-narcotics operations. Historically, stimulants like amphetamines were used to enhance performance, while today, drugs like Modafinil are used for fatigue management. Special operations forces have also been heavily involved in counter-narcotics missions, such as the large-scale Operation Snowcap, which targeted drug trafficking in Latin America. 

Performance enhancement

• Historical use: Militaries have historically used drugs like cocaine and amphetamines to increase alertness and reduce the need for sleep in soldiers.
• Modern use: The U.S. Air Force, for example, has replaced dextroamphetamine with Modafinil as a “go pill” to manage fatigue in pilots. Other countries are also researching and testing Modafinil for similar purposes. 

Counter-narcotics operations

• DEA and military partnerships: The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has partnered with special operations units and other military/police forces for counter-narcotics missions.
• Examples:
  • Operation Snowcap: This large-scale operation (1987–1995) involved the DEA, U.S. Border Patrol’s BORTAC, and local forces in nine Latin American countries.
  • Operation Blast Furnace: A precursor to Snowcap, this operation deployed U.S. Army personnel to assist Bolivia in operations against cocaine laboratories.
• Role of special forces: These operations often involve training for both the special operations forces and partner nation forces in tactics, aviation, and other specialized skills needed to combat drug trafficking organizations. 
• 
  The topic of drugs and special operations is multifaceted, encompassing both the 
  official involvement of military special operations forces (SOF) in counter-narcotics efforts and recent issues regarding illicit drug use and trafficking within SOF ranks. 
  
  SOF in Counter-Narcotics Operations
  U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is Congressionally chartered to support counter-drug activities both domestically and in foreign nations. SOF are often used due to their specialized tactics and ability to operate in austere environments. 
  Training and Assistance: SOF personnel train domestic law enforcement agencies and assist foreign governments in their efforts to combat the production and distribution of illegal drugs.
  Interdiction: They conduct detection, monitoring, and interdiction operations along U.S. borders and in regions like the Caribbean Basin and the Andean Ridge.
  Agency Collaboration: The DEA and the Pentagon have a close partnership, with the DEA operating its own special forces squads in some foreign countries and the military supporting law enforcement activities.
  Focus Areas: Current efforts target the entire supply chain, from precursor chemical trafficking (often from China and India) to final distribution, with a recent emphasis on the fentanyl epidemic. 
  
  Drug Use and Trafficking Within SOF
  Despite the counter-narcotics mission, a concerning culture of drug use and instances of drug trafficking have been reported within certain elite units, leading to recent crackdowns and policy changes. 
  Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs): There has been significant discussion and investigation into the use of steroids and other PEDs among special operations personnel to enhance physical and cognitive performance, which is officially prohibited but an area of ongoing research for safety and effectiveness.
  Illicit Substance Use: Reports have highlighted cases of active-duty Navy SEALs testing positive for substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin.
  Investigations and Policy Changes: High-profile incidents, including the death of a SEAL trainee and a major drug trafficking probe at Fort Bragg involving special operations soldiers, prompted the military to begin random testing for steroids and other illicit drugs in special warfare units starting in late 2023.
  Drug Trafficking Rings: Investigations have uncovered criminal conspiracies within the ranks, including cases where special operations soldiers were involved in drug trafficking, which some attribute partly to a lack of oversight caused by the rapid growth and high demand for SOF personnel. 
  
  Performance-Enhancing Substances (Legal and Otherwise)
  The military has long explored substances to improve performance, distinct from illicit drug abuse. 
  Approved Stimulants: The U.S. Air Force has openly issued modafinil (Provigil), a controlled substance used to promote wakefulness, to pilots on certain missions.
  Research: USSOCOM is actively researching a range of supplements and potential pharmaceutical solutions to improve operator performance safely.