WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) — Law enforcement agencies across 20 countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of illicit drugs during a major multinational operation led by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) with support from the Organisation of American States (OAS).

The operation, dubbed Orca XI, was conducted between October 15 and November 30, 2025. Interpol oversaw operational coordination efforts, while the OAS worked to strengthen regional cooperation. Funding for the initiative was provided by the European Union.

“These efforts reflect priorities currently being advanced by OAS, within the framework of the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials (CIFTA), which is placing renewed emphasis on strengthening criminal investigations into the origin, diversion and trafficking of firearms, ammunition and explosives, as a strategy to dismantle criminal organisations and disrupt organised crime,” the OAS said.

Operation Orca XI resulted in 8,701 arrests linked to firearms and drug possession, trafficking offences and other criminal activities.

Authorities also confiscated nearly 200,000 rounds of ammunition, US$256,025 in cash and 210 vehicles.

“Firearms trafficking in the region is inextricably linked to other forms of criminal activity, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and cybercrime,” the OAS said. “The organised criminal groups and gangs behind these crimes frequently use the same trafficking routes for multiple illicit commodities.”

The operation highlighted these links, with participating countries reporting substantial drug seizures. These included 6.9 tonnes of cocaine, 659,403 coca plants, 9.3 tonnes of cocaine base paste, 38.5 tonnes of marijuana, two tonnes of methamphetamine, and 11 kilograms of ketamine.

“This is what success looks like when hemispheric coordination and world-class technical and operational capacity join forces: thousands of firearms off the streets, drugs seized and safer communities,” said OAS Secretary General Albert R Ramdin.

“Operation Orca XI proves that international cooperation and information sharing get results—and our security frameworks must continue delivering,” he added. “The OAS stands ready to continue supporting member states with partners like Interpol for the benefit of the Americas.”

Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza described the operation as a significant achievement in the fight against organised crime.

“Interpol’s commitment remains to support law enforcement agencies with the intelligence, tools and coordination they need to stay ahead of these evolving threats,” Urquiza said.

The OAS said the operation was carried out in coordination with the Commission of Central American, Mexican, Caribbean, and Colombian Police Chiefs and Directors.

Participating countries included Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Uruguay.