Operation Lionfish-Mayag III Targets Drug Trafficking Across Asia and North America
The Interpol recently announced a massive drug seizure operation, known as Lionfish-Mayag III, which took place across 18 countries in Asia and North America, including Mexico. This international effort resulted in the confiscation of drugs valued at $6.5 billion, with a record-breaking 297 million methamphetamine pills, also known as “yaba,” being seized. The operation led to the arrest of 386 individuals and the seizure of a total of 76 tons of drugs, including 51 tons of liquid and solid methamphetamine.
Key Drugs Seized During the Operation
- Methamphetamine (297 million pills, including “yaba”)
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Ketamine
- Chemical precursors
The drug traffickers displayed remarkable ingenuity in concealing their substances, hiding them in unusual places such as surfboards, pineapples, coffee makers, tea bags, and cat food sacks. The previous record for seized pills was around 190 million, according to Interpol, citing the latest report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Significant Seizures by Country
- Laos: 3.9 tons of methamphetamine
- Myanmar: 9.25 million “yaba” pills
- Mexico: 1.7 tons of methamphetamine and over 190,000 fentanyl pills
Mexico’s Efforts Against Fentanyl and Irregular Migration
In response to the growing fentanyl issue, the Mexican government has intensified its efforts to combat this powerful opoid and irregular migration to the United States under pressure from President Donald Trump. Trump has threatened to impose high tariffs on Mexican exports if the country does not address these problems.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the operation called? Operation Lionfish-Mayag III
- How many countries were involved in the operation? 18 countries in Asia and North America, including Mexico
- What types of drugs were seized? Methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, ketamine, and chemical precursors
- What was the total value of the seized drugs? $6.5 billion
- How many people were arrested during the operation? 386 individuals
- What is the significance of the methamphetamine seizure record? The previous record was around 190 million pills, and this operation surpassed that with 297 million methamphetamine pills seized.
- Why is Mexico focusing on fentanyl and irregular migration? To address the growing concerns of President Donald Trump, who has threatened tariffs on Mexican exports if the country does not tackle these issues.
