185 arrested in organized crime sting

LYON, France, May 30 (UPI) -- A multinational operation targeting transnational organized crime in South America has led to the arrests of 185 suspected criminals.

Operation Jupiter, led by Interpol, targeted the threat of organized crime at ports in Chile and Uruguay along with criminal network distribution channels through Bolivia, Paraguay and Peru into Brazil and elsewhere.

Officials say 185 arrests were made during a three-month operation. Additionally, an estimated $115 million worth of counterfeit and pirated goods were confiscated, along with illicit firearms and drugs, Interpol reported.

"The determination of law enforcement authorities in all five countries to work together and share intelligence has improved communication, cooperation and the effectiveness of the interventions into criminal networks that generate massive profits without any regard for the safety of innocent consumers," Ronald Noble, Interpol secretary-general, said in a statement.