At a conference in Argentina, high-ranking officials from the armed forces and security participated to address the problem of illegal airstrips used by drug trafficking mafias in the country. It is estimated that around 1,500 of these airstrips operate, through which more than 120 small aircraft enter daily. The recent implementation of the Tostado radar promises to significantly increase the detection of these clandestine routes.
In a joint air and ground operation, considered the most significant in Argentina, the Armed Forces managed to intercept a Cessna 206 aircraft 20 kilometers from Rosario, loaded with 475 kilograms of cocaine valued at 7 million dollars. The Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, praised the rapid response of the forces and emphasized the importance of continuing the fight against drug trafficking on all fronts.
These illegal airstrips are mainly scattered in provinces such as Salta, Chaco, Formosa, Santa Fe, Buenos Aires, Córdoba, among others, facilitating the trafficking of illegal substances from the northern border. The Minister of Defense, Luis Petri, highlighted the importance of this operation as part of the national strategy against drug trafficking promoted by President Javier Milei.
The operation, in which the Argentine Air Force, the Aerospace Joint Command, and the National Gendarmerie participated, was deployed following the detection of the Bolivian aircraft that entered Argentine airspace without authorization. These clandestine airstrips allow the entry into the country of aircraft loaded with different types of drugs.
In the pursuit and subsequent interception of the aircraft, two Tucano planes participated. The details of the operation were provided at a press conference by presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni, accompanied by Ministers of Security, Patricia Bullrich, and Defense, Luis Petri.
