AUTHORITIES have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession in 2024, with an impressive haul of narcotics, weapons, and ammunition.

A total of 5,094.59 kilogrammes of cocaine valued at $2,547,293,250 and 1,598.80 kilogrammes of cannabis worth $479,640,360, were seized, marking a major success for law enforcement agencies. Additionally, 0.056 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, valued at $28,000, were also recovered in the operation—bringing the value to $3,026,961,610.

The authorities also uncovered a disturbing array of firearms, including two shotguns, 10 pistols, three submachine guns, and eight rifles, bringing the total to 23 weapons seized.

In addition, 290 rounds of ammunition were confiscated, consisting of various calibers such as 112 rounds of 9mm, one round of .223, six rounds of 12-gauge, six rounds of .45, 10 rounds of .40, 45 rounds of 7.62, 25 rounds of 5.56, 35 rounds of 2.2, and 50 rounds of 5.7 ammunition.

The success of 2024 follows a year of similarly significant seizures in 2023.
That year, authorities confiscated 75.1718 kilogrammes of cocaine, valued at $37,585,900, along with 1288.28 kilogrammes of cannabis, worth $386,484,330. Additionally, 123.9 grams of ecstasy, valued at $61,950, and 101.5 grammes of hashish were seized.

Firearms seized in 2023 included three shotguns and five pistols, totalling eight weapons.

The authorities also confiscated 1,511 rounds of ammunition, including 600 rounds of .40, 330 rounds of .380, 33 rounds of .45, 107 rounds of .22, 160 rounds of .32, 44 rounds of .38, 20 rounds of .223, and 217 rounds of 9mm.

This impressive record of seizures over the past two years has significantly disrupted the operations of illegal drug and weapons trafficking organisations. Authorities continue to investigate these operations, aiming to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for trafficking and illegal possession of firearms and drugs in the region.