Colombia-led operation seizes world record 225 tonnes of cocaine, and uncovers new Australia trafficking route
GuardianNOV 2024
Colombian Navy Seizes Record 225-Tons of Cocaine
Above: Colombian Navy seizes tons of cocaine from a semi-submersible carrying 1,885 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride in Narino, Colombia, on Nov. 12, 2023. Image copyright: Colombian Navy/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The unprecedented international cooperation has dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking organizations, preventing thousands of deaths from overdoses and disrupting cartel profits through sophisticated maritime interdiction strategies. This is a big win.
Narrative B
This bust reveals the evolving sophistication of drug trafficking operations, which, coupled with Colombia's record cocaine production and soaring global demand, indicates that cartels are adapting faster than law enforcement can respond, particularly with cocaine potentially overtaking oil as Colombia's main export.