Peru Moves to Join Trump's Anti-Cartel Alliance

Peru has announced plans to join the Shield of the Americas, the regional anti-cartel alliance championed by United States President Donald Trump, as the country's new administration seeks closer security cooperation with Washington in tackling organised crime and drug trafficking. The announcement was made by Peru's Foreign Minister, Elmer Schialer, just days after President Keiko Fujimori assumed office.

The Shield of the Americas is a security initiative launched by the Trump administration to strengthen military, intelligence and law enforcement cooperation among participating countries in the fight against transnational criminal organisations, particularly drug cartels operating across Latin America. Current members include Argentina, Ecuador and El Salvador, with other countries expressing interest in joining the coalition.

According to Schialer, Peru's decision reflects the government's determination to strengthen its capacity to combat organised crime, illegal drug production and cross-border criminal networks. He said discussions are already underway regarding the country's integration into the alliance, stressing that international cooperation remains essential in addressing increasingly sophisticated criminal organisations.

Peru is one of the world's largest producers of coca leaves, the primary raw material used in cocaine production, and has long battled powerful drug trafficking organisations operating in remote regions of the country. The new administration believes closer collaboration with regional partners and the United States will enhance intelligence sharing, joint operations and efforts to dismantle transnational criminal networks.

The move also signals a shift in Peru's foreign and security policy under President Fujimori, who has pledged stronger ties with the United States and a tougher approach to organised crime. Analysts say the country's possible entry into the alliance could reshape regional security cooperation as governments across Latin America seek new strategies to combat cartel violence and drug trafficking.