Interpol seizes 460 mln USD in cash, weapons in counter-smuggling operation

In coordination with World Customs Organization (WCO), Interpol seized more than 460 million U.S. dollars in cash in addition to some 300 weapons in a global counter-smuggling operation, the world police body based in Lyon, France said Tuesday.

Coded Chimera, "the operation targeted the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, cash and BNIs such as cheques, traveller's cheques, bearer bonds and postal orders," an Interpol statement said.

Involving 70 countries, the operation focused on express courier and mail services that helped to seize a record interception of 450 million U.S. dollars in Toluca, Mexico.

"This operation has taken millions of dollars and hundreds of weapons out of the hands of organized crime and potentially terrorist groups as well," said Jurgen Stock, secretary general of the world police body. Endit