Interpol operation seizes $1.6B in drugs, over 200 arrested
Operational Coordination Unit (OCU) at Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport in Brazil with the support of INTERCOPS project of the Brazil Federal Police (Picture via Interpol)
Interpol has arrested over 200 individuals and seized approximately $1.6 billion worth of illegal drugs and precursor chemicals across Europe, North America and Africa.
Operation lionfish hurricane
Dubbed “Operation Lionfish Hurricane,” the international police effort took place in April and May, resulting in the confiscation of 615 tons of illegal drugs and chemicals.
This marks one of the most significant operations conducted by Interpol to date.
Interpol announced the arrest of 206 individuals and the seizure of 65 stolen cars, around 30,000 commercial-grade detonators diverted from military or commercial mining and a “narco-sub” – a homemade semi-submersible vessel used to transport drugs – in the jungles of Guyana.
A record 505 tons of precursor chemicals, used in manufacturing both drugs and explosives, were also confiscated during the operation.
“The value of drugs seized in this two-month operation is higher than the gross domestic product (GDP) of some countries, which clearly shows the scale of the problem facing law enforcement,” said Jürgen Stock, Interpol’s Secretary-General.
According to World Bank statistics, fewer than 20 of the world’s smallest countries have an economic output of less than $1.6 billion.
International cooperation, funding
Operation Lionfish Hurricane is part of a series of “Lionfish” operations initiated in 2013.
The British Home Office and involved 31 countries, along with other international organizations funded this latest effort, showcasing a robust collaboration in the fight against narcotics trafficking.
