# International cocaine trafficking operations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/international-cocaine-trafficking-operations
> Updated: 2026-09-12T15:00:27.000Z. Sources: 64. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Uruguay and Portugal have conducted significant operations targeting international cocaine trafficking networks.

In Uruguay, law enforcement executed ‘Operation Polux’ in the Artigas department, intercepting 408 kilograms of narcotics—comprising 305 kilograms of cocaine and 103 kilograms of base paste—dropped from an aircraft over a rural property. The seizure, valued at approximately USD 14 million in the European market, led to the detention of seven men and the confiscation of vehicles, a firearm, and aviation fuel. Investigators are working to dismantle the network, which may have utilized a Bolivian-registered aircraft to transport drugs potentially originating in Peru.

In Portugal, the Judiciary Police launched ‘Operation Falcão’ at Lisbon Airport, resulting in the detention of two Portuguese airport service workers, aged 46 and 48. The suspects are believed to be part of a criminal network smuggling large quantities of cocaine into Europe via commercial flights from Latin America. During this operation, officials seized approximately 110 kilograms of cocaine and 200,000 euros in cash, along with several vehicles and documents linked to the activity. The suspects have undergone their first judicial interrogation to determine necessary legal measures, with the investigation being led by the Lisbon Department of Criminal Investigation and Prosecution (DIAP).

## Claims

- The PJ detained two airport workers in Lisbon on suspicion of drug trafficking. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Approximately 110 kilograms of cocaine were seized during the operation. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Authorities seized approximately 200,000 euros in cash. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The suspects are suspected of belonging to a criminal organization that smuggles cocaine into Europe via commercial flights from Latin America. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Law enforcement agencies conduct major drug and crime operations in Brazil and Portugal

Police in Brazil and Portugal have conducted major operations, including a massive 3.6-ton drug seizure in Rondônia and the arrest of airport workers in Lisbon for cocaine trafficking.

58 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-grosso-police-arrest-man-for-transporting-46-drug-tablets

### 2026-09-08: Uruguay police seize 408kg of drugs dropped from aircraft

Uruguayan police seized 408kg of cocaine and base paste after an aircraft dropped the shipment in Artigas. Seven men were detained during ‘Operation Polux’ as part of an international drug trafficking probe.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-police-seize-408kg-of-drugs-dropped-from-aircraft

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Cite as: International cocaine trafficking operations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/international-cocaine-trafficking-operations