Operation Pangea XVI
INTERPOL’s Operation Pangea is an annual week-long operation which relies on the efforts of police, customs, regulatory bodies, and private sector companies to to dismantle the illegal networks that contribute to the sale of illegal and counterfeit drugs. This year’s operation spanned from October 3 to 10, taking place throughout 89 of INTERPOL’s member countries, allowing law enforcement to target counterfeit drugs that had been taken out of legal supply chains to be sold without regulation.
INTERPOL’s Operation Pangea XVI led to significant outcomes, including 72 arrests, 325 new investigations, the seizure of illicit drugs worth over 7 million USD, and the shutting down of over 1,300 websites.
INTERPOL’s Methods of Communication
As the orchestrator of Operation Pangea, INTERPOL likely utilized its global communications system, I-24/7 to facilitate the exchange of information across participating countries. I-24/7 is the network that allows law enforcement across INTERPOL’s member countries to communicate effectively across the world. This network was likely a key aspect of the operation, ensuring information was shared promptly, allowing for swift and targeted action against criminal networks.
Effect on Red Notice Subjects
When considering INTERPOL’s Operation Pangea, many Red Notice subjects (or potential Red Notice subjects) are unaware of how the operation affects them. Red Notice subjects, some of whom are actually law-abiding citizens, are most commonly found through international travel, immigration proceedings requiring background checks, and contact with domestic law enforcement officials. Operations like this one create risk as they bring an influx of law enforcement with the power to detain Red Notice subjects to INTERPOL member countries. Additionally, INTERPOL has 196 member countries, and with such a massive operation involving 89 of those countries, the inevitable presence of corrupt countries brings heightened risk to Red Notice subjects.
The next posts in this series will delve into the specific findings of the operation, and INTERPOL’s findings on how the illicit drugs were being sold.
As always, thoughts and comments are welcomed.
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