International drug busts and cocaine seizures

The coordinated anti‑drug drive that intensified in early July 2026 continued to expand across Latin America and Europe through the week of 22 July. In addition to the previously reported arrests and confiscations in Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay and Spain, Colombian National Police intercepted a tractor‑trailer on the Mediacanoa–La Virginia corridor, uncovering roughly 2,500 kg of cocaine hidden in compressed‑gas cylinders. Spanish Guardia Civil reopened the “Operation Spider” case in Valencia, detaining two alleged gang leaders and seizing an additional 348 kg of cocaine, while the Salamanca raid that seized more than 12 kg of cocaine and two firearms was confirmed. Dominican Republic agents reported a sweep that led to 68 arrests and the seizure of over 14 kg of assorted narcotics in three provinces. Smaller incidents included a Mexican operation that seized hundreds of doses of marijuana and crystal meth in the La Romana area, and an Ecuadorian patrol that arrested a teenager with minor drug parcels. These actions underline a sustained, multilateral effort to disrupt large‑scale trafficking routes and dismantle criminal cells throughout the region.