A multinational operation led by Belgium resulted in nearly 500 arrests across 34 countries, targeting drug and human trafficking, document fraud, illegal firearms, and environmental crime.

Law enforcement dismantled what is believed to be Ireland’s first cocaine processing laboratory and uncovered two illegal gold mines in French Guiana.

Officials highlighted that the cocaine seizure is crucial for preventing shipments to major European ports such as Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Dunkirk.

The mission focused on mapping and dismantling the underlying criminal networks, not just intercepting shipments, to cut off financing and organizational structures.

Three Liège federal judicial police officers led the operation, with two coordinating from an international command centre in Trinidad and Tobago.

Authorities seized about 157 tonnes of cocaine, roughly 200 weapons, and $135,000 in cash and cryptocurrency, while 18 victims were rescued.

The operation involved more than 8,600 police officers and magistrates inspecting 110 aircraft, 28 ships, 415 vehicles, and 271 containers at ports, airports, and major routes.

No Belgian arrests or Belgium-based police operations were reported during the operation.