Bahrain Takes Part in Major Global Anti-Drug Operation

The Kingdom of Bahrain has joined 25 countries in a major international security operation that targeted drug traffickers and smuggling networks worldwide.

The large-scale effort was carried out under the umbrella of the International Security Alliance (ISA), in cooperation with Europol and Ameripol, and took place from June 10 to August 7, 2025.

According to officials, the coordinated operation resulted in the seizure of over 822 tons of drugs worth $2.9 billion and the arrest of 12,564 suspects. Authorities also dismantled the financial networks supporting drug gangs.

The operation followed months of preparations, intelligence sharing, and investigations, focusing on smuggling routes, trafficking methods, and identifying new criminal networks.

Bahrain’s Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, praised the success of the operation, saying it reflected the strong cooperation and coordination among member states. He also thanked the UAE for its leadership in establishing and supporting the International Security Alliance, headquartered in Abu Dhabi.

Officials highlighted that the mission underscored the importance of international collaboration in fighting cross-border crime, which poses a threat to global security and stability.

Countries participating included the UAE, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Italy, Morocco, Bahrain, and several nations from the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

UAE officials stressed that their leadership is committed to using advanced technologies, strict policies, and qualified personnel to combat drug crimes while building stronger international partnerships.

Slovakia’s Interior Minister, Matus Sutaj Estok, said drug crimes are a global problem that require collective international action. Meanwhile, Ameripol emphasized that cooperation between international policing agencies is key to dismantling global trafficking networks.

The International Security Alliance, founded in 2017, currently includes 11 member countries. It focuses on tackling organized crime through joint operations, training, and information exchange, addressing issues such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and human trafficking.