Interpol has reported a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking across Europe, North America, and Africa, resulting in the arrest of over 200 individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs and precursor chemicals worth approximately $1.6 billion. The operation, known as Operation Lionfish Hurricane, conducted over a span of two months in April and May, led to the confiscation of a staggering 615 tons of illicit drugs and chemicals.
Among the items seized were 65 stolen cars, 30,000 commercial-grade detonators diverted from military or commercial mining activities, and a 'narco-sub' - a homemade semi-submersible vessel used for transporting cocaine through South American waterways and across the Atlantic - discovered in the jungles of Guyana.
Interpol's Secretary-General highlighted the magnitude of the operation, stating that the value of the seized drugs surpassed the GDP of some countries, underscoring the immense challenge faced by law enforcement agencies. The World Bank's data indicates that fewer than 20 of the world's smallest nations have an economic output lower than $1.6 billion.
Notably, a record 505 tons of precursor chemicals, essential for the production of drugs and explosives, were also confiscated during the operation. Operation Lionfish Hurricane, part of a series of similar initiatives under the 'Lionfish' umbrella since 2013, received funding from the British Home Office and involved the collaboration of 31 countries alongside various international organizations.
