I've read criticism that it was illegal based on examples like a Nazi U-boat captain killing survivors of a torpedoed vessel, but the Allies routinely straffed Japanese troops after sinking their ships. So what's the deal?

It was wrong then and it is wrong now.

America should be looking at why its people require drugs in the first place, why do they want to ruin their lives, why do parents fail to educate their children about the harm of drugs. Stopping the supply will not stop the despair.

It's not up to us to decide whether or not it was justified. We have no say in what Donald Trump does. We have enough problems with Albanese.

But, if you want an in-passing reply, my answer is yes. Drug runners are absolute scum, whose activities put them beyond the law and decency. Just because such summary justice hasn't occurred before, doesn't mean it is not right.

The US, any country, has the right to protect itself from any outsiders intending to do harm to its citizens. The now corrupt, weak and ineffectual legal system in most Western countries means that tougher measures need to be employed.

Snivelling about rough and ready dealing with criminals is just another Western weakness.

America should be looking at why its people require drugs in the first place,
Yuyutsu,
That applies particularly to Australia the Number one country per capita of drug abuse.
And, yes the shooting is justified !
Also, medical support for overdoses should only be provided if private health insurance pays for it.