Interpol says more than 200 people have been arrested and some $1.6 billion worth of illegal drugs and precursor chemicals seized as part of a two-month operation against narcotics trafficking across Europe, North America and Africa
LYON, France — Interpol says more than 200 people have been arrested and some $1.6 billion worth of illegal drugs and precursor chemicals seized as part of a two-month operation against narcotics trafficking across Europe, North America and Africa.
The international police organization, based in Lyon, France, said Operation Lionfish Hurricane in April and May led to the seizure of 615 tons of illegal drugs and chemicals.
In addition, the operation led to the arrest of 206 people and the seizure of 65 stolen cars, some 30,000 commercial-grade detonators diverted from military or commercial mining, and a “narco-sub” — a homemade semi-submersible vessel that’s used to transport cocaine through South American waterways and across the Atlantic — in the jungle of Guyana, Interpol said.
“The value of drugs seized in this two-month operation is higher than the GDP of some countries, which clearly shows the scale of the problem facing law enforcement,” said Jürgen Stock, head of the 196 member-country organization, in a statement. Statistics from the World Bank show fewer than 20 of the world’s smallest countries have economic output of less that $1.6 billion.
Interpol said a record 505 tons of precursor chemicals, used for manufacturing both drugs and explosives, were seized.
The operation, part of a series of “Lionfish” operations since 2013, was funded by the British Home Office and involved 31 countries in addition to other international organizations.
Interpol recently announced the successful conclusion of Operation Lionfish, a massive international effort that resulted in 206 arrests and the seizure of $1.6 billion worth of illegal drugs and chemicals. The operation, which spanned multiple countries and involved cooperation between law enforcement agencies around the world, targeted drug trafficking networks responsible for the production and distribution of illicit substances.
According to Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock, Operation Lionfish was a significant blow to organized crime groups that profit from the illegal drug trade. “This operation demonstrates the power of international cooperation in tackling transnational crime,” Stock said in a statement. “By working together, we can disrupt criminal networks and prevent the flow of illegal drugs into our communities.”
During the operation, law enforcement agencies conducted raids on drug labs, warehouses, and distribution centers in countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In addition to seizing large quantities of drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, authorities also confiscated precursor chemicals used in the production of these substances.
The success of Operation Lionfish highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime. By sharing intelligence, resources, and expertise, law enforcement agencies can more effectively disrupt criminal networks and prevent the flow of illegal drugs into communities around the world.
In addition to the arrests and seizures made during Operation Lionfish, Interpol also provided training and support to law enforcement agencies in participating countries to help them better combat drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime in the future. This collaborative approach is essential in the ongoing fight against transnational criminal networks that pose a threat to global security and public safety.
As Interpol continues to work with its member countries to combat drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime, Operation Lionfish serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that international cooperation can have in disrupting criminal networks and keeping communities safe. By working together, law enforcement agencies can make significant strides in the fight against illicit drugs and the criminal organizations that profit from their sale.
