In a sweeping operation across nine South American countries, law enforcement agencies have successfully seized over 3,400 homemade bombs and 28 metric tons of bomb-making materials. This coordinated effort was organized by Interpol, highlighting the alarming rise of violence associated with terror groups, organized crime, and gangs utilizing explosives for various criminal activities.

Valdecy Urquiza, secretary general of Interpol, commented on the operation, stating, “We’re seeing a disturbing rise in terror groups, organized crime and gangs using explosives — from violent attacks to illegal mining operations.” He emphasized the gravity of the threat, describing it as both real and global, while acknowledging the meaningful progress made through this operation.

Conducted from mid-August to mid-October, the operation led to the arrest of 45 individuals across multiple countries, revealing a significant crackdown on the explosive black market in the region. In Ecuador, where violence from armed groups is escalating, authorities uncovered a storehouse used by a criminal gang, recovering an array of dangerous materials including eight explosive demolition blocks, 30,000 rounds of ammunition, 620 magazines, 15 hand grenades, and 750 cylinders of heroin. A woman linked to the storage site was taken into custody during the raid.

Colombian police made one of the most significant discoveries, seizing more than 3,000 improvised explosive devices primarily made from metal drinking flasks, along with five tons of explosives found at a bomb-making factory. Among the arrests were two suspects, including a bombmaker affiliated with organized crime.

In Brazil, authorities found 900 kilograms of explosive emulsion, 240 detonators, and 100 meters of fuse concealed in a truck’s cargo. The illicit materials were creatively hidden within air filters designated for trucks and within large plastic containers labeled for car wash soap.

Interpol has highlighted an unusually high illegal flow of chemicals and components in South America that can be used for producing explosives. This illicit activity poses serious threats to public safety, as evidenced by recent violent incidents related to criminal organizations in the region.

Ecuador has experienced a series of fatal attacks between rival criminal factions, with explosives being regularly deployed. Just last month, authorities in the country successfully disrupted an attempted drone attack aimed at a prison where an ex-president is held on corruption charges, underlining the ongoing security challenges.

In Colombia, bomb attacks targeting security forces have been reported, attributed to dissident factions of the FARC guerrilla group, further illustrating the severity of the situation. The extensive operation by police forces and Interpol underscores the pressing need for continued vigilance and action against organized crime and terrorism in South America.