Interpol Arrests 62, Confiscates 136 Stolen Vehicles, Drugs, and Other Items

Interpol has announced the arrest of 62 suspects in a coordinated operation to enhance border security.

The effort brought together law enforcement agencies from 12 West African countries to bolster border security, identify individuals linked to terrorism, and dismantle transnational organized crime networks.

Frontline officers utilized INTERPOL Mobile Devices and other systems to access the Organisation’s extensive global databases, conducting a total of 1.7 million real-time checks, up from 1.3 million in 2024.

The operation, which took place between July and October 2025, resulted in the seizure of 17 caches of ammunition and explosives, firearms, 731 kg of cannabis, counterfeit medicines, and 136 stolen vehicles.

It is suspected that the proceeds from these items may be used to finance terrorism or fund organized crime activities.

Notable successes of the operation included the arrests in Burkina Faso of two individuals wanted by law enforcement authorities, subject to Blue Notices issued by Côte d’Ivoire, for their involvement in terrorist attacks by the Al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist group JNIM that resulted in the deaths of over ten security personnel in Côte d’Ivoire in 2020.

Moreover, officers in Burkina Faso arrested a third individual known to have connections to terrorism, who was also the subject of a Blue Notice issued by Togo in 2024.

In Ghana, officers successfully rescued 21 victims of human trafficking, who had been held in Nigeria and exploited in connection with fraudulent schemes.

INTERPOL Executive Director Police Services pro tempore Cyril Gout expressed determination to counter threats and strengthen global security in a comment.

“These cases illustrate the effectiveness of the operational support we offer member countries and our unique specialist tools in identifying suspected terrorists and disrupting their attempts to create fear and endanger communities.”