Manama: With the participation of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the International Security Alliance carried out a joint international operation across several countries targeting traffickers of narcotic and psychotropic substances. The operation was conducted in cooperation with the European Law Enforcement Agency (Europol) and the International Police Organisation of the Americas (Ameripol), with the participation of 25 countries worldwide.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the operation, held from June 10 to August 7, resulted in the seizure of more than 822 tons of drugs worth over $2.9 billion and the arrest of 12,564 suspects. The coordinated action dismantled drug trafficking gangs and their sources of income, reflecting the effectiveness of international cooperation in enhancing security and protecting societies.
The operation followed months of preparation, intelligence exchange, and investigations by participating countries and organisations, focusing on smuggling routes, traffickers' methods, and emerging criminal networks. It also provided a platform to share expertise, unify efforts, and strengthen partnerships in combating drug trafficking.
The General Secretariat of the International Security Alliance underlined that the operation exemplified the importance of cooperation and integration among international law enforcement in countering cross border crime, emphasising the alliance's commitment to building global partnerships that support security and stability.
Participating countries included the United Arab Emirates, France, Bahrain, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Italy, Morocco, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Venezuela, Peru, Croatia, Belgium, the Maldives, Jordan, and Nepal.
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE National Anti-Narcotics Authority, noted that the UAE, under its leadership, continues to protect society from the dangers of narcotics through advanced policies, technologies, and qualified personnel, noting that the UAE's leading role in the alliance reflects its commitment to international cooperation.
General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, commended the success of the operation, which he said reflected the security and coordination capabilities of the alliance. He commended the exchange of expertise and unified efforts of member states and partners in achieving outstanding results in drug control. He expressed appreciation to the UAE for its initiative in establishing the International Security Alliance and supporting its General Secretariat in Abu Dhabi, praising its regional role in strengthening security and stability.
Matus Sutaj Estok, Minister of the Interior of Slovakia, said that drug crimes are a global challenge, noting his country's consistent participation in the alliance's initiatives, exercises, and future operations aimed at enhancing its ability to confront transnational threats.
Ameripol's General Secretariat said the success of the operation demonstrated that a joint strategy is essential to dismantle and neutralise drug trafficking threats, describing it as a step toward a safer future.
Established in 2017, the International Security Alliance currently comprises 11 member states. It enhances cooperation, knowledge sharing, and partnerships to address issues of global security, focusing on areas such as joint operations, training, capacity building, information exchange, and combating organised crime, including narcotics, money laundering, cybercrime, human trafficking, and crimes against children.