The World Customs Organization (WCO) warned of the growing risk of incidents linked to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Americas, in line with the threat analysis of the Global Shield Program (PGS). This initiative monitors the legitimate movement of 13 chemical precursors and other materials commonly used to manufacture explosives, with the aim of preventing their trafficking and diversion. Created in conjunction with INTERPOL and the UNODC, the Global Gateway Program (GGP) has become a permanent commitment of the World Anti-Drug Organization (WCO) and is backed by the United Nations, which has urged countries to actively participate. The warning comes from a statement released this Tuesday (December 2, 2025), following the conclusion of Operation GLOBAL GATEWAY, considered the most successful operation since the program's launch in 2010.
The main contents of the official WCO statement are reproduced below:
Results of the operation: 475 seizures in 93 customs administrations
According to the WCO, during the four-week operation, 93 customs administrations intensified their border controls, resulting in 475 seizures related to explosive precursors and additional components used in the illicit manufacture of IEDs.
The seized materials —legal in the market but susceptible to diversion— They included:
- 54,05 metric tons of explosive precursors
- 76.110 pieces of IED components (dynamite, detonators, parts)
- 17.252 meters of detonating cords
- 1.550 meters of safety fuses
- 3.014 pieces of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
In addition, drugs, weapons, and illicit currency were seized, demonstrating the prevalence of illicit trade and associated concealment methods.
An urgent appeal from the WCO
Given this situation, it is worth emphasizing the urgent call of WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, who highlighted: “Current security challenges demand that customs remain vigilant to prevent the illicit diversion of potential components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These findings demonstrate that customs are vital to securing global supply chains and mitigating IED threats. Coordinated multinational operations not only target the movement of illicit goods but also weaken those who attempt to exploit legitimate trade to create some of the most harmful weapons.”
Significant seizures in South America
The WCO stated that maritime and land routes were widely exploited, including in South America, through concealment in mixed cargo and passenger vehicles. The following are some of the most notable cases:
- Peru seized more than 20.000 kg of ammonium nitrate on a ship that had been improperly declared.
- The differences with the documentation and the route suggest a illicit diversion for criminal purposes.
- Beyond South America, in Burkina Faso—in the Sahel region (Africa— Dynamite, safety fuses, and detonating cords hidden in vehicles were seized, gr
Risk increases in the Americas
Based on the above, the WCO stressed that the results of Operation GLOBAL GATEWAY are consistent with its threat analysis, which reveals that the Americas have become an area of growing concern due to incidents associated with improvised explosive devices.
This includes diversion attempts, misdeclared cargo, exploitation of trade routes, and sophisticated concealment methods, especially in sectors such as miningwhere dual-use materials are legally available.
Therefore, the WCO observes that this shift in risk poses operational and strategic challenges that require: Strengthening border controls, intelligence-based risk management, and cooperation between customs, police forces, and international institutions
Other seizures recorded
One additional detail: although they were not the main focus of the operation, as indicated, drugs, weapons and illicit currency were also seized:
- 4,715 metric tons of cocaine
- 4,222 metric tons dand cannabis
- 96 small and light weapons
- 1.302 weapon parts
- 8.368 ammunition cartridges
- 1.668.358 euros
- 474.416 dollars in cash
Towards 2026: strengthening regional capacities
Therefore, the WCO will continue to promote the Global Shield Programme to prevent, detect, and disrupt the illicit movement of materials intended for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices. In this context, A PGS instructor training workshop will be held in the Americas in early 2026. as part of the effort to strengthen regional capacities.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.