Abu Dhabi, UAE – Operation Green Shield 2026, led by the UAE Ministry of Interior through the International Law Enforcement Initiative for Climate (I2LEC), was a success. In uniting the efforts of law enforcement agencies in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. To carry out one of the largest coordinated international police operations to combat environmental crimes across the Amazon.
The operation was coordinated from a command center in the Colombian capital, Bogota, with the participation of representatives from participating countries. Green Shield 2026 combined intelligence-based investigations. Cross-border planning, real-time information exchange. To target criminal networks involved in illegal mining, illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and fuel smuggling. Illicit land grabbing and other crimes that threaten biodiversity, local communities and regional stability.
Simultaneous security operations
The operation witnessed the implementation of simultaneous security operations in remote river and border areas across the Amazon Basin countries. It aimed to dismantle criminal networks involved in environmental crimes. Including illegal mining, illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, fuel smuggling, and illegal land grabbing.
The operation included the deployment of more than 3,600 police personnel. It resulted in the arrest of 839 people during 1,045 field operations, and the seizure of 280,450 cubic meters of illegally harvested timber. More than 195 tons of minerals were confiscated and 800 incidents of illegal fishing were monitored. More than 3,079 live animals were also rescued, and at least 1,136 dead animals linked to wildlife trafficking crimes were recovered. In addition, 32,000 pieces of equipment used in illegal mining activities were confiscated, and more than 550 gallons of fuel were seized.
Achieving tangible operational results
The total value of the seized items exceeded 280 million US dollars. In confirmation of the success of the operation in achieving tangible operational results. And consolidating its position as an effective international platform for enhancing security cooperation in confronting environmental crimes.
Operation Green Shield 2026 is part of a series of global operations implemented by the International Law Enforcement Initiative for Climate (I2LEC). Launched by the UAE in 2023 in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). With the aim of enabling law enforcement agencies to combat environmental and climate-related crimes through capacity building. Strengthening operational coordination, exchanging intelligence information, and implementing joint enforcement operations at the international level.
