Smuggled goods and drugs worth $54.5 million seized in Caribbean operation

A major Caribbean anti-crime operation has successfully dismantled significant smuggling networks, seizing contraband and drugs worth an estimated $54.5 million. Dubbed Operation Eclipse, the four-week initiative involved collaboration between the Caribbean Community's Crime and Security Agency (Caricom IMPACS) and regional and international partners, including the United States. The operation monitored 59 vessels and conducted 24 seizures, targeting speedboats, yachts, and cargo ships. Authorities confiscated over 5,200 kilograms of cocaine, valued at more than $44 million, and 1,848 kilograms of marijuana, worth over $6.84 million. Additionally, more than 6,100 cases of illegal alcohol and 191 cartons of cigarettes, totaling over $1.58 million, were seized. The operation also uncovered a growing trend of clandestine aircraft dropping narcotics near borders for maritime collection. During the crackdown, 59 irregular migrants were detained while transiting air and sea corridors. Michael Jones, executive director of IMPACS, stated that the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of combined operational and intelligence capabilities in dismantling transnational crime financing. He emphasized that the Caribbean Sea is not a safe haven for organized crime and that unity among Caricom members is the ultimate weapon against criminal organizations.

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Operation Eclipse demonstrates that when our countries and partners pool our operational and intelligence capabilities, we can effectively dismantle the financial mechanisms that fuel transnational crime.