SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador-A coordinated police operation targeting illegal gun smuggling and related crimes has seized 3,308 firearms and 56 tons of illegal drugs.

Operation Killer Whale XI (October 15, 2025-November 30, 2025) was conducted in 20 countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean, with the coordination and support of Interpol.

In preparation for the operation, INTERPOL assisted participating countries in analyzing intelligence on gun smuggling, developing national threat assessments, coordinating cross-border information exchange, and supported by the Organization of American States (OAS) to promote regional cooperation.

In addition to firearms seizures, participating authorities reported 8,701 arrests related to firearms and drug possession or trafficking, as well as various other crimes and offences. Officers also seized nearly 200000 rounds of ammunition, $256,025 in cash and 210 vehicles.

Gun smuggling in the region is inextricably linked to other criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, migrant smuggling and cybercrime. The organized criminal gangs and gangs behind these crimes often use the same smuggling channels to traffic in multiple illicit commodities. This link was highlighted by Operation Killer Whale XI, with ten participating countries also reporting significant drug seizures, including:

• 6.9 tons of cocaine
• 659,403 units of coca plant
• 9.3 tons of cocaine base paste
• 38.5 tons of cannabis
• 2 tons of methamphetamine
• 11kg of ketamine

Interpol Secretary General Valdessa Urjisa said:

"The removal of thousands of firearms from circulation and the seizure of large quantities of drugs through 'Operation Killer Whale XI' represents substantial progress in the fight against organized crime. INTERPOL remains committed to supporting law enforcement agencies in providing the intelligence, tools and coordination capabilities to stay ahead of these evolving threats."

Albert R. Ramdin, Secretary General of the Organization of American States, stated:

"This is the success of hemispheric coordination working hand in hand with world-class technology and operational capabilities: thousands of guns seized on the streets, drugs seized, and communities safer. Operation Killer Whale proves that international cooperation and information sharing can deliver results-our security framework must continue to work. The OAS is ready to support member states with partners such as Interpol for the benefit of the Americas."

Gun smuggling in the region is linked to other criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, migrant smuggling and cybercrime.

In Panama, authorities arrested two people for smuggling guns and spare parts by courier.

In another case in Panama, the illegal guns were seized from a security company.

In one case in Chile, more than a ton of marijuana, seven firearms, cash and six vehicles were seized.

Operation Killer Whale XI covers countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Chile is one of 20 countries participating in Operation Killer Whale XI.

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Operational Highlights: How Illegal Guns Fueled Other Serious Crimes

In a major case in Colombia, authorities arrested 22 people in an investigation into terrorist financing and arms smuggling. The suspects face charges including manufacturing, trafficking and possession of weapons, restricted ammunition and explosives. They were also charged with offences related to terrorist financing, suggesting that targeting illegal firearms can be an entry point to a range of serious crimes.

In Panama, authorities arrested a man and a woman in connection with the smuggling of firearms and their parts. During the arrest, investigators found a military-style rifle inside a vehicle. The suspects were found to be involved in an organized arms smuggling operation, using courier and postal systems to transport prohibited firearms across borders.

An inter-agency operation in Brazil, as part of Operation "ORCA XI", dismantled a criminal network involved in drug trafficking and illegal gun ownership. Authorities seized two rifles, a submachine gun, two pistols, a grenade, illegal drugs, ammunition, communications equipment and notebooks containing drug smuggling records.

A major investigation in Chile led to the arrest of three people, the seizure of 580 kilograms of illegal drugs-the equivalent of 3.5 million doses, worth about $5.6 million-and the seizure of nine handguns. Authorities have also frozen 11 bank accounts linked to money laundering. The operation targeted a criminal network that transported drugs from northern Chile to central markets.