Brussels, Belgium, 17 March 2025 – The World Customs Organization (WCO) – European Union (EU) COLIBRI Project recently concluded its second international operation leading to significant seizures of narcotics and other contraband.
Called Operation COLIBRI Paramuno, this international effort, coordinated in partnership with the Maritime Analysis Operation Centre Narcotics (MAOC-N), took place from 1 to 16 March 2025. Building on insights gained from Operation COLIBRI Rutilant (2023), Paramuno’s primary objectives were to detect contraband and identify emerging trends, routes, and methods used by criminal networks within the general aviation (GA) sector, and intercept illicit shipments and fiscal fraud and expose unlawful activities.
Over a 16-day period, Operation Paramuno identified 1,897 general aviation controls registered in the WCO geospatial platform (Geoportal). Initial results of the operation indicate that national authorities seized approximately 2.2 tons of drugs, confiscated weapons, uncovered more than a hundred undeclared runways, and impounded around a dozen aircraft for fiscal fraud. In total, 1,897 controls were carried out using the Geoportal. These outcomes underscore the need for continuous control in the general aviation sector. Final results of the operation will be announced in May.
Operation Paramuno brought together 19 partner countries across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and West and Central Africa (WCA), - Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic; Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo. More than 80 national agencies - spanning Customs, Police, Air Force, Civil Aviation, and other relevant law enforcement partners—collaborated, underscoring the critical nature of international cooperation in securing the GA sector.
Ian Saunders, WCO Secretary-General, declared that:
“The COLIBRI Project puts a needed spotlight on General Aviation as a mode of transport widely used by criminal organizations to move illicit goods. Operation Paramuno demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration among WCO Members under the auspices of the project. I commend all participants for their exceptional contributions. When we stand united, we can make a difference”.
Sjoerd Top, Executive Director of MAOC(N):
“The MAOC (N) is delighted to be part of this huge platform where so many countries work together to combat the abuse of General Aviation flights for illegal actions. I am glad to see so many countries supporting each other in their approach in this international phenomenon. A big thanks to all the people doing the checks in several countries and sharing their knowledge and insights with others.”
Maria Rosa Sabbatelli, Head of Unit, Service for Foreign Policy Instruments.1 (Global and Transregional Threats and Challenges), European Commission
“Congratulations to all 19 countries participating in Operation Paramuno! The Operation has shown once again that criminal organisations can be defeated by our joint efforts and commitment. The EU is proud to contribute to disrupting illicit trafficking in general aviation through a long-term partnership with WCO within the COLIBRI project”.
Operation Paramuno confirms that GA is a crucial part of the criminal supply chain. and underscores the need for continued investment in specialized training, coordinated international action and intelligence-driven methodologies to safeguard general aviation against exploitation by criminal networks.
For additional details on the COLIBRI Project, please visit colibri.wcoomd.org.
Media and other inquiries may be directed to: colibri@wcoomd.org.