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Law enforcement agencies conduct major narcotics and smuggling operations across the Americas
Law enforcement agencies across Latin America and the United States have conducted a series of significant operations targeting narcotics, illegal weapons, and smuggling.
In Bolivia, a reserve colonel of the Air Force was apprehended in Santa Cruz de la Sierra following an international warrant from the United States for alleged involvement in drug and arms trafficking. In Colombia, police in Galapa arrested individuals linked to the ‘Los Pepes’ criminal group, seizing cocaine and ammunition.
In Argentina, multiple operations yielded substantial results: authorities in Mendoza dismantled a synthetic drug circuit, seizing ecstasy, ketamine, and MDMA; Gendarmería in Tucumán seized 186 kilograms of coca leaves; and police in various regions intercepted cocaine, marijuana, and illegal weapons. In the United States, the DEA and NYPD seized approximately 580 pounds of cocaine in Queens, valued at $10 million.
Other notable actions include the seizure of over 9,000 mobile phone accessories in Colombia and the rescue of three teenagers held against their will in Michoacán, Mexico, during an operation that also uncovered methamphetamine and firearms.
Entities
DEA · Escuadrón 55 Tucumán · Federal Court No. 2 of Tucumán · Fuerza Especial de Lucha Contra el Narcotráfico · Gendarmería Nacional · Gendarmería Nacional Argentina · Mercedes Rus · Neuquén · Policía de Mendoza · Policía de la Provincia de Buenos Aires · Secretaría Nacional Antidrogas · Tucumán
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The National Police has recovered 1,066 motorcycles and 760 motor vehicles so far in 2026.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Five individuals linked to the 'Los Lucifer' gang were captured in the Los Mártires locality. periodismopublico.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Vehicle theft has decreased by 8% and motorcycle theft by 5% compared to previous periods.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Seven alleged members of the 'El Mesa' criminal structure were detained in Suba. periodismopublico.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Authorities seized 1,300 doses of drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, and bazuco, during raids in La Favorita. periodismopublico.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Two people were arrested in flagrante for receiving stolen goods in the Engativá locality.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Bogotá recorded 2,837 arrests during August operations. periodismopublico.com