In an operation coordinated by the international police organization Interpol, the security authorities in Latin America have struck a heavy blow against organized crime. In March and April, 203 tons of cocaine and other drugs worth $5.7 billion (€5.2 billion) were seized, Interpol said. In addition, 14,260 suspects were arrested and 8,263 illegal weapons and 305,000 rounds of ammunition were confiscated.
It was the largest action against illegal firearms ever coordinated by Interpol. During the operation, Interpol gathered weapons experts from the countries involved in the border town of Foz do Iguaçu in the border triangle between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay to manage the operation.
Overall, the forces took action against 20 criminal organizations, including the Brazilian crime syndicate Primeiro Comando da Capital, the Salvadoran youth gang Mara Salvatrucha and the Balkan cartel, which is also active in South America. “The fact that an operation targeting illegal firearms led to such massive drug seizures is further evidence that these crimes are intertwined,” said Interpol Secretary General Juergen Stock.
