Interpol Operation Nets 206 Arrests, Seizes $1.6B in Illegal Drugs and Chemicals

Post by: Elena Malik

LYON, France — Interpol has reported significant outcomes from its recent crackdown on narcotics trafficking. In Operation Lionfish Hurricane, conducted over two months in April and May, authorities arrested more than 200 individuals and seized approximately $1.6 billion worth of illegal drugs and precursor chemicals across Europe, North America, and Africa.

The international police organization, headquartered in Lyon, France, announced that the operation resulted in the confiscation of 615 tons of illegal substances and chemicals. The seized materials included a record 505 tons of precursor chemicals, which are critical in the production of both illicit drugs and explosives.

In addition to the drug haul, the operation led to the arrest of 206 suspects and the recovery of 65 stolen vehicles. Authorities also intercepted around 30,000 commercial-grade detonators, which had been diverted from military and commercial mining use. Among the notable finds was a "narco-sub" — a makeshift semi-submersible vessel utilized for transporting cocaine through South American waters and across the Atlantic Ocean. This vessel was discovered in the jungle of Guyana.

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Jürgen Stock, Interpol's Secretary-General, highlighted the magnitude of the operation, stating, "The value of drugs seized in this two-month operation surpasses the GDP of some countries, illustrating the enormity of the issue faced by law enforcement." According to World Bank data, fewer than 20 of the world's smallest nations have an economic output less than $1.6 billion.

Operation Lionfish Hurricane was part of a broader series of "Lionfish" initiatives launched since 2013. The operation received funding from the British Home Office and saw participation from 31 countries and various international organizations, reinforcing global cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.

The successful operation underscores the ongoing challenges in combating international narcotics trade and the critical need for continued vigilance and collaboration among global law enforcement agencies.

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