August 28, Manama (BNA): The Kingdom of Bahrain participated in a coordinated international operation by the International Security Alliance that targeted traffickers of narcotics and psychotropic drugs in other nations. Twenty-five nations from around the world participated in the operation, which was carried out in collaboration with the European Law Enforcement Agency (Europol) and the International Police Organization of the Americas (Ameripol).
Interior Minister: Bahrain participates in international security alliance operation seizing over 822 tons of drugs, arresting more than 12,000 suspects
The operation, which took place between June 10 and August 7, led to the arrest of 12,564 people and the recovery of over 822 tons of cocaine valued at over $2.9 billion. The coordinated effort destroyed drug trafficking organizations and their revenue streams, demonstrating how successful international collaboration is at boosting security and safeguarding communities.
Following months of planning, intelligence sharing, and investigations by cooperating nations and organizations, the operation focused on trafficking routes, smuggling routes, and new criminal networks. Additionally, it offered a forum for exchanging knowledge, coordinating activities, and fortifying alliances in the fight against drug trafficking.
The operation demonstrated the value of collaboration and integration among international law enforcement in combating cross-border crime, according to the General Secretariat of the International Security Alliance, which also emphasized the alliance’s dedication to establishing international alliances that promote security and stability.
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, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates were among the participating nations.
“Under its leadership, the UAE continues to protect society from the dangers of narcotics through advanced policies, technologies, and qualified personnel.” Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE National Anti-Narcotics Authority, said the UAE’s leading role in the alliance reflects its commitment to international cooperation.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa praised the operation’s success, saying it demonstrated the alliance’s capacity for coordination and security. He praised the member states’ and partners’ combined efforts and experience sharing for attaining exceptional drug control outcomes. He praised the UAE’s regional role in bolstering security and stability and thanked it for taking the initiative to form the International Security Alliance and for hosting its General Secretariat in Abu Dhabi.
Drug crimes are a worldwide problem, according to Slovakia’s Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok, who also highlighted his nation’s continuous involvement in the alliance’s projects, drills, and upcoming operations meant to strengthen its capacity to counter transnational threats.
The operation’s effectiveness, according to Ameripol’s General Secretariat, showed that a coordinated approach is necessary to eliminate and neutralize drug trafficking risks, characterizing it as a step toward a safer future.
The International Security Alliance was founded in 2017 and already has 11 member states. With an emphasis on topics like joint operations, training, capacity building, information exchange, and fighting organized crime—including drug trafficking, money laundering, cybercrime, human trafficking, and crimes against children—it strengthens collaboration, knowledge sharing, and partnerships to address global security issues.
