Record-setting synthetic drug seizures in INTERPOL-coordinated operation

An international operation against drug trafficking has led to massive seizures of synthetic drugs valued at USD 6.5 billion, based on current wholesale values. Authorities intercepted a total of 76 tonnes of drugs, including 51 tonnes of methamphetamine - highlighted by a record 297 million meth pills, known as ‘yaba’ - along with fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and chemical precursors. Operation Lionfish-Mayag III (30 June - 13 July) focused on combating the manufacturing, trafficking and smuggling of synthetic drugs across 18 countries in Asia and North America. The Operational Coordination Unit, based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, brought together specialized officers and international partners to work together in real-time on transnational cases. A total of 386 arrests were made during the two-week operation, including the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice suspected of running a large-scale methamphetamine smuggling operation into Incheon National Airport. He is currently awaiting extradition from Cambodia to the Republic of Korea to face charges. ➡️🔗 https://www.interpol.int/News-and-Events/News/2025/Record-setting-synthetic-drug-seizures-in-INTERPOL-coordinated-operation