Authorities in Latin America have confiscated cocaine and other illegal drugs worth $5.7 billion in an operation spanning 15 countries that lasted for three weeks, according to Interpol.

Reuters reported that police in Central and South America also confiscated some 8,263 illegal firearms and made 14,260 arrests in the operation, which was coordinated by the International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as Interpol.

Called "Operation Trigger IX," the international effort, conducted between March 12 and April 2, was primarily aimed at fighting the trafficking of illegal firearms.

Interpol said Tuesday that police forces from Mexico in the north to Argentina in the south exchanged information in the operation that resulted in the seizure of 203 tons of cocaine and other illegal drugs together with 372 tons of drug precursors.

The Interpol operation also managed to dismantle a human-trafficking ring in Paraguay, rescuing 11 people in the process. In a statement, Interpol revealed that the European Union funded the operation, involving more than 100 national law enforcement agencies.

The countries that participated in the operation were Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.

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Massive Interpol Operation in Latin America Targeted Gangs Like MS-13 and First Capital Command

BBC reported that law enforcement officers from the participating countries gathered at a center of operations in Foz do Iguacu city on Brazil's border with Argentina and Paraguay, where they exchanged information on the workings of international crime gangs.

According to the outlet, several violent groups like Primeiro Comando da Capital or First Capital Command (PCC) and Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, were targeted in the operation to disrupt the flow of illicit firearms. 

The international police organization has long warned that weapons smuggling has increased the power of these gangs, fueling their criminal activities. The PCC, which largely operates in Brazil and Paraguay, has been involved in large-scale bank robberies and prison breaks.

On the other hand, MS-13 has become very active in Central America, particularly in El Salvador and Honduras. The criminal gang is involved in human trafficking and weapons and drug smuggling.

Members of around 20 criminal groups, including the PCC and MS-13, have been arrested in this massive operation. Several members of European crime organizations, such as the Balkans Cartel, were also among those who were arrested.

Interpol's 'Operation Trigger IX' in Latin America

According to Interpol, the organization gathered firearms experts from the 15 participating countries to "support frontline actions and ensure the swift exchange and cross-checking of intelligence."

In Brazil and neighboring Paraguay, the operation shut down several firearms dealerships after identifying irregular transfers and unlicensed sales.

In cooperation with authorities in Venezuela, police in Colombia captured a Venezuelan national listed on an INTERPOL Red Notice for terrorism and arms trafficking.

The massive operation in Latin America also resulted in some 30 investigations being opened due to actions on the ground.

Authorities also identified 15 new modus operandi for the illegal manufacturing, trafficking, and concealment of firearms, leading to the issuance of INTERPOL's Purple Notice to help alert member countries about these plots.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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