In a landmark move for global environmental law enforcement, the UAE Ministry of Interior has successfully led Operation Green Shield through the International Initiative of Law Enforcement for Climate (I2LEC), targeting transnational criminal networks operating in the Amazon Basin. The operation resulted in 94 arrests and the seizure of illicit assets worth over US$64 million.
The two-week international campaign, conducted across Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, involved more than 350 coordinated field operations and the deployment of over 1,500 law enforcement officers. It was strategically overseen from a command centre in Bogotá, under the direction of the UAE Ministry of Interior.
Key outcomes included the confiscation of 310 tonnes of illegally mined minerals, 61 tonnes of calcium oxide, 3,800 cubic metres of illegal timber, and over 39,000 gallons of smuggled fuel. In a major win against wildlife trafficking, over 2,100 live animals were rescued and 6,350 deceased specimens were confiscated.
Authorities also impounded 530 heavy machinery units used in environmental crimes. Notably, the Peruvian police dismantled the “Los Depredadores del Oriente” gang, rescuing 1,400 animals, while Colombian authorities disrupted three organised crime groups and a cell linked to the notorious Clan del Golfo.
Lieutenant Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director-General of the International Affairs Bureau at the UAE Ministry of Interior and I2LEC Coordinator, praised the unprecedented results of the operation. “Operation Green Shield stands as a landmark achievement in climate-focused law enforcement,” she said. “These outcomes demonstrate the power of coordinated action and the global commitment to treat environmental crimes as top-tier security threats.”
Advanced technology played a critical role, with Esri’s ArcGIS Mission tool enabling real-time tracking and seamless communication between field teams in remote areas. The I2LEC Centre facilitated the campaign by aligning strategies between countries, analysing data, and providing essential support for synchronised enforcement.
This operation builds on the success of 2024’s Operation Green Justice, reflecting deepened cooperation and intelligence sharing between nations. Authorities in all four countries confirmed that further arrests and seizures are expected as investigations continue.
Senior law enforcement officials from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru praised the UAE’s leadership in supporting climate-focused security. They emphasized that the operation strengthens both environmental governance and international cooperation, and sets a precedent for future joint actions.
Launched in 2023 by the UAE Ministry of Interior in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), I2LEC aims to enhance global enforcement efforts against environmental crimes, promote international collaboration, and protect ecosystems under threat.
Since its inception, I2LEC has trained over 2,000 officers worldwide and continues to serve as a powerful platform for uniting countries in the fight against environmental degradation.
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