UAE joins global forces in $2.9billion drug bust

The UAE has played a key role in a major anti-drug operation coordinated by the International Security Alliance (ISA), targeting transnational criminal networks involved in drug trafficking worth $2.9 billion.

The two-month operation, conducted by air, land and sea, involved 25 countries and several global police organisations.

It resulted in the seizure of over 822 tonnes of illegal drugs and the arrest of more than 12,500 suspects worldwide.

Participating nations included the UAE, Bahrain, Spain, Morocco, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and others from Europe, Latin America and Asia, working alongside organisations like Europol and Ameripol.

This marks the second joint field operation by the ISA and is seen as a major success in disrupting cross-border drug trafficking.

It also contributed to intelligence gathering on emerging criminal networks and strengthened international cooperation between law enforcement agencies.

Established in 2017 by the UAE and France, the ISA aims to unify efforts and build strong partnerships to confront shared global security threats.

With the participation of the UAE, the International Security Alliance carried out a joint operation that resulted in the seizure of more than 822 tons of various cross-border drugs, valued at $2.9 billion US Dollars.

With the participation of the United Arab Emirates, the… pic.twitter.com/aBP2SE7aer

— وزارة الداخلية (@moiuae) August 28, 2025