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.