20/07/2020 – Mexico’s Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection and EUROPOL concluded a formal Working Arrangement to expand their collaboration on security matters.
21/07/2020 – Costa Rican and Honduran authorities seized almost three tonnes of cocaine. Costa Rican authorities seized two tonnes in national waters on board a ship in collaboration with US and Colombian authorities whilst Honduras intercepted a small plane that was transporting 806 kg of cocaine
21/07/2020 – Moroccan authorities seized 4.8 tonnes of cannabis, seized cash and arrested suspects during several operations conducted nationally.
22/07/2020 – The illicit trade in cigarettes is on the rise between Zimbabwe and South Africa since South Africa banned the selling of cigarettes as part of the strategy to contain the spread of COVID-19. Smokers are turning to the illicit cigarette markets where prices are significantly inflated.
22/07/2020 – Organised crime groups across Latin America are increasingly taking control of their operational areas in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. By imposing their own restrictions and measures they seek to avoid losing their members to COVID-19 thus reducing the impact on their activities.
22/07/2020 – The ninth iteration of operation Opson from December 2019 to June 2020 led to the discovery and interception of 17,000 fake COVID-19 testing kits discovered in raids against illicit food and drink products.
24/07/2020 – The European Union has released its new Security Union Strategy 2020-2025. The new strategy includes a new strategy for a more effective fight against online child sexual abuse, a new EU agenda on drugs, and a new action plan against firearms trafficking.
