Belgium-Led Operation ATLAS NEXUS Targets Transnational Criminal Networks Across Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean

              In September 2026, European, Latin American, and Caribbean law enforcement authorities concluded Operation ATLAS NEXUS, a large-scale transnational enforcement initiative targeting organized criminal networks operating across both sides of the Atlantic.  According to participating authorities, the operation involved more than 8,680 officers from 34 countries, resulted in over 490 arrests, and led to the seizure of approximately 156.9 tons of illicit drugs.  The European Union's Delegation to Costa Rica described the operation as the largest joint EU-Latin America-Caribbean enforcement action conducted to date.