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Thursday, 19 March 2026

BRAZIL: Police launch anti-gang operations across the country

On 18 March Brazil’s federal police (PF), as well as the state police forces, made arrests and raided properties tied to suspects with connections to the drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and money laundering networks of the country’s powerful organised crime groups. 

Thursday, 19 March 2026

CUBA: Costa Rica cuts diplomatic ties with Havana

On 18 March Costa Rica’s government led by President Rodrigo Chaves announced it was closing its embassy in Cuba and withdrawing diplomatic staff, and had requested that Cuba reciprocate.

Thursday, 19 March 2026

MEXICO: Alleged Los Lobos leader arrested

On 18 March Mexico’s Public Security Minister Omar García Harfuch announced the arrest of an alleged leader of the Ecuadorean criminal gang Los Lobos, who is wanted in relation to the 2023 assassination of Ecuadorean presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.

Thursday, 19 March 2026

PARAGUAY: Peña promulgates controversial pension reform

On 18 March Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña promulgated the reform to the public sector pension law, known as the ‘caja fiscal’ (fiscal fund), the day after the final version was passed by the lower chamber.