A groundbreaking international anti-narcotics effort has made history with the biggest drug bust to date. Operation Orion, a six-week crackdown involving 62 countries, has disrupted a major drug trafficking network, seizing staggering quantities of illicit substances and rewriting the playbook on the global war on drugs.
Pooling together resources from nations including Colombia, Australia, the United States, and multiple European countries, authorities utilised warships, aircraft, and advanced intelligence-sharing systems to thwart the operations of drug cartels. The result? The interception of six semi-submersible vessels, often referred to as Narco Subs, which were used to covertly ship drugs across oceans. These vessels, designed to skim low over the water to evade detection, were discovered carrying a total haul of 1,400 tons of drugs valued at $85 billion.
Operation Orion, a cooperative effort involving 62 countries, marked a significant milestone in the global fight against drug trafficking. The operation led to the interception of six semi-submersible vessels, known as Narco Subs, carrying a total of 1,400 tons of drugs valued at $85 billion. Captain Manuel Rodríguez, director of the Colombian navy’s anti-narcotics unit, highlighted the impact, stating, “This is an important chunk of the cocaine trade, even when you consider the high amounts of the drug leaving the region. This will prevent thousands of deaths from overdoses and $8.5bn from reaching the cartels which definitely makes a hole in the profits of these criminal organisations” (The Guardian). Colombian President Gustavo Petro also remarked, “This is perhaps the largest seizure of cocaine in transit made by Colombia in history” (CBS News). These statements underscore the operation’s success in disrupting drug cartels and uncovering new trafficking routes.
The record-breaking seizure included over 1,000 tons of marijuana and 225 tons of cocaine. Among the significant finds was a Narco Sub en route from Colombia to Australia. The vessel, intercepted near an uninhabited French coral reef, was attempting to bypass traditional anti-narcotics checks with an audacious 4,000-mile maritime route. This newly discovered trafficking lane represents a worrying innovation by drug cartels, aiming to exploit Australia’s soaring demand for cocaine, where prices can reach up to six times the average in the United States.
Operation Orion also resulted in the arrests of more than 400 individuals linked to various trafficking networks. The international cooperation demonstrated by the operation showcases the growing solidarity among nations in combating drug cartels, whose evolving tactics continue to challenge law enforcement agencies worldwide.
By disrupting drug shipments and cutting deeply into the finances of criminal organisations, Operation Orion stands as a definitive turning point in global anti-narcotics efforts. With this success, authorities have sent a clear message: the game of cat and mouse with the drug cartels has entered a new era.
Operation Orion demonstrates the power of countries working together to take on global challenges like drug trafficking. By using smart strategies and cutting-edge technology, it proves how united efforts can bring about real change.
Source: Youtube
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