Cape Verde Seizes 1.6 Tons of Cocaine in International Interpol Operation

An operation coordinated by Interpol to reinforce border security in West Africa has resulted in the arrest of 45 people and the seizure of drugs, counterfeit medicines and stolen vehicles worth millions of dollars.

Operation Screen West Africa was carried out between October 21 and November.

The West Africa Screen Operation, carried out between October 21 and November 24 last year, saw the participation of 12 countries, including Cape Verde. During the action, the security forces carried out more than 1.3 million checks on Interpol databases, identifying stolen documents and internationally wanted individuals.

Interpol's database was used to identify stolen documents and internationally wanted individuals.

One of the highlights of the operation was the seizure of 1.6 tons of cocaine in Cape Verde, valued at more than 50 million dollars. The country, due to its strategic geographical position, has been a transit point for drug trafficking, making these seizures essential in the fight against organized crime.

Other important results of the operation included the arrest of 11 suspects wanted internationally, the seizure of 10 tons of amphetamines in Burkina Faso and the recovery of more than 100 luxury vehicles stolen in Europe and Canada, which were trafficked to West Africa.

Interpol has highlighted the importance of the operation in the fight against organized crime.

Interpol pointed out that the profits made from vehicle and drug trafficking often finance criminal networks involved in arms trafficking and terrorism. International cooperation was essential in disrupting these activities, according to Mohamed Moussa, the operation's coordinator.

Operation Screen reinforced the importance of collaboration between African countries to fight transnational crime and strengthen regional security.