Operation Lusitania: Minister Patricia Bullrich seized more than 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) of cocaine

The government of Javier Milei dealt a decisive blow to international drug trafficking with Operation Lusitania, an intelligence and cooperation deployment that enabled the seizure of 510 kilograms (1,124 pounds) of cocaine hidden inside an industrial lathe and the arrest of nine members of a criminal organization with connections in Argentina, Peru, and Spain. The Minister of National Security, Patricia Bullrich, was responsible for announcing the operation in a press conference filled with details and forcefulness.

The investigation, which began in June of this year, detected that an industrial lathe from Peru—which should have weighed 3,500 kilos (7,716 pounds)—was listed in the export documentation as 4,000 kilos (8,818 pounds) declared, a difference that correplied to the 444 bricks of cocaine hidden inside. After meticulous monitoring and coordination among agencies from the three countries, the machinery was inspected in Spain, where the illicit cargo was discovered. Simultaneously, raids carried out on both continents enabled the seizure of money, electronic devices, and key documentation to dismantle the criminal modus operandi.

Bullrich highlighted the impact of the operation and the strength of the international effort: "I want to especially acknowledge our colleagues from the agencies in Spain and also our Peruvian brothers. Together, Argentina, Peru, and Spain achieved a very important result in the fight against criminal organizations that attempt to operate from Latin America and reach the European continent. This investigation began in June and today concludes successfully: 510 kilos (1,124 pounds) of cocaine seized, nine arrested, and a modus operandi dismantled from start to finish", she stated.

The operation was led by the Federal Department of Investigations (DFI) of the Argentine Federal Police, the Revenue and Customs Control Agency (ARCA), and Spanish police forces. Bullrich also emphasized the strategic value of the procedure: "This is a very important achievement for Argentina and for international cooperation."

The Secretary for the Fight against Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime, Martín Verrier, detailed the economic magnitude of the shipment: "The value of this shipment in Europe is around 20 million euros." He also explained the logic behind these increasing trafficking attempts: "We are seeing an increase in attempts to traffic cocaine to southern ports, as a result of increased production in Colombia. President Milei's decision is clear: to establish strong control and a frontal attack on regional drug trafficking."

The official announcement was attended by the Deputy Director of Customs Control, Diego Figueroa; the Director of Drug Trafficking, Diego Pérez Escobar; and Chief Commissioner Marcelo Laures, of the Dangerous Drugs Superintendency of the PFA. Also present were Federal Judge Gustavo Meirovich, head of Economic Criminal Court No. 8, his secretary Verónica García, and Prosecutor Diego Iglesias, head of PROCUNAR.

Virtually joining from Peru were the Director of the Anti-Drug Directorate, Percy Pizarro Ramón, along with the Head of Special Investigations, Hebert Troya Acha. From Spain, Chief Inspector María Dolores González, head of Section 4 of the Central Narcotics Brigade, and Chief Inspector Luis Villabona, of GRECO Málaga, were connected.