A multinational law enforcement operation spanning the Caribbean, Central America and South America has resulted in the seizure of more than 3,300 firearms, 56 tonnes of illegal drugs and the arrest of nearly 8,700 people.

Operation Orca XI, coordinated by INTERPOL between October 15 and November 30, 2025, brought together authorities from 20 countries to target firearms trafficking and the organised criminal networks linked to it.

According to INTERPOL, the operation led to the seizure of 3,308 firearms, almost 200,000 rounds of ammunition, US$256,025 in cash and 210 vehicles. Authorities also made 8,701 arrests connected to firearm and drug possession, trafficking and other criminal offences.

Officials said the operation highlighted the close links between firearms trafficking and other forms of organised crime, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, migrant smuggling and cybercrime. Criminal groups often use the same routes and networks to move multiple types of illicit goods across borders.

Among the drugs seized during the operation were 6.9 tonnes of cocaine, 9.3 tonnes of cocaine base paste, 38.5 tonnes of marijuana, two tonnes of methamphetamine and 11 kilogrammes of ketamine. Authorities also confiscated more than 659,000 coca plants.

INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said the operation demonstrated the value of international cooperation in combating organised crime.

“The thousands of firearms removed from circulation thanks to Operation Orca XI and the significant quantities of drugs seized represent real progress in the fight against organised crime,” Urquiza said.

“INTERPOL’s commitment remains to support law enforcement agencies with the intelligence, tools and coordination they need to stay ahead of these evolving threats.”

Organisation of American States (OAS) Secretary General Albert Ramdin described the operation as a successful example of regional collaboration.

“This is what success looks like when hemispheric coordination and world-class technical and operational capacity join forces: thousands of firearms off the streets, drugs seized and safer communities,” Ramdin said.

Several major investigations were carried out during the operation.

In Colombia, authorities arrested 22 people during an investigation into terrorist financing and weapons trafficking. The suspects face charges related to weapons manufacturing, trafficking and possession, as well as offences linked to the financing of terrorism.

In Panama, authorities arrested two individuals accused of smuggling firearms and firearm components through courier and postal services. Investigators recovered a military-style rifle and uncovered what they described as an organised arms trafficking operation.

Brazilian authorities dismantled a criminal network involved in drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession, seizing rifles, pistols, a submachine gun, a grenade, ammunition and drug trafficking records.

Meanwhile, in Chile, authorities arrested three people and seized 580 kilogrammes of illicit drugs, nine handguns and approximately US$5.6 million worth of narcotics. Investigators also froze 11 bank accounts linked to money laundering activities.

Operation Orca XI was conducted in coordination with the Commission of Central American, Mexican, Caribbean and Colombian Police Chiefs and Directors, with support from the OAS.

Participating countries included Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Mexico, Panama, Suriname and several other nations across the region.