# Argentine provincial drug trafficking countermeasures > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/argentine-provincial-drug-trafficking-countermeasures > Updated: 2026-08-18T02:45:31.000Z. Sources: 136. Developments: 2. Authorities in Corrientes, Argentina, have launched a strategic plan to combat micro-trafficking by defederalizing drug offenses. This initiative transfers jurisdiction for small-scale drug sales from federal to provincial courts to facilitate more agile local intervention. During a meeting between Corrientes Governor Juan Pablo Valdés and National Justice Minister Juan Bautista Mahiques, officials reaffirmed their commitment to coordinating provincial and federal judicial powers. Provincial Attorney General César Pedro Sotelo described the transition as a “historic step” intended to provide an effective response to local drug distribution and addiction. The program aims to empower provincial judicial and security structures to handle small-scale sales directly. This move follows the implementation of new regulations passed in February, which were designed to provide the legal and structural tools necessary for effective territorial enforcement. The province is committing significant social and institutional resources to address the drug epidemic through this plan. Recent law enforcement operations have expanded to include broader crackdowns on organized crime and drug trafficking. In addition to the ongoing implementation of the micro-trafficking strategy in Corrientes, authorities have conducted various operations resulting in the seizure of cocaine, firearms, and ammunition across several provinces. These efforts coincide with actions targeting diverse criminal activities, including gang violence and the dismantling of illegal networks. ## Claims - Police dismantled an organization dedicated to attacking and threatening Chinese merchants in the AMBA region. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Five people were arrested during the operation. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Thirteen raids were conducted across various locations. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Authorities seized ammunition, thirteen Chinese passports, cell phones, computers, tablets, and storage devices. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The detainees include two men and one woman of Paraguayan nationality, and two Chinese women. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The investigation was triggered by a shooting of a Chinese merchant in Balvanera on July 21, 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources) - A 48-year-old man was arrested in flagrante for attempting to rob a summer home in Las Cruces. (single source) - The suspect in the Las Cruces robbery used electric and hand tools to cut through door protections. (single source) - Joint operations in Magallanes resulted in the arrest of three fugitives. (single source) - One arrested man in Magallanes was evading a five-year sentence for sexual abuse of a minor. (single source) - Two men, aged 30 and 32, were arrested for shooting at the Coquimbo Municipality building. (single source) - The suspects in the Coquimbo shooting have a combined criminal record of more than 22 prior offenses. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-18: Global law enforcement conducts various crime and drug operations Police across several countries have conducted major operations against drug trafficking, theft, and fraud, resulting in numerous arrests and the recovery of stolen goods. 136 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/buenos-aires-police-dismantle-gang-targeting-chinese-merchants ### 2026-07-29: Entre Ríos officials hold III anti‑trafficking congress in Gualeguay Argentina’s Entre Ríos province hosted the III “La Trata Existe” anti‑trafficking congress in Gualeguay, uniting officials and civil‑society leaders to boost prevention, investigation and victim aid. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/entre-ros-officials-hold-iii-antitrafficking-congress-in-gualeguay --- Cite as: Argentine provincial drug trafficking countermeasures. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/argentine-provincial-drug-trafficking-countermeasures