Peru has agreed to join a US-led regional initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation against drug cartels and organised crime, following a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori confirmed the country's participation in the “Shield of the Americas”, an initiative promoted by US President Donald Trump to coordinate efforts against drug trafficking and other transnational criminal groups.
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The announcement came after Rubio met with Fujimori during his three-country tour of South America, which also included stops in Colombia and Ecuador. Counter-narcotics cooperation, security and regional partnerships were among the key issues discussed during the trip.
Peru is a major producer of coca leaves, the raw material used to manufacture cocaine, making the country an important partner in Washington's efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks in the region. The new cooperation is expected to involve greater coordination between participating governments on security and intelligence.
The initiative has attracted several governments in Latin America that support closer security cooperation with Washington. Colombia and Ecuador are also part of the broader US-backed effort, which seeks to strengthen regional action against powerful criminal organisations.
Rubio's visit comes as the Trump administration increases its focus on counter-narcotics operations across the Western Hemisphere. During his trip, the US also announced plans to seek additional security funding for Ecuador and expanded cooperation with the country's government.
Fujimori's government has made tackling crime a major priority, with Peruvian authorities facing pressure over drug trafficking and wider security concerns. The partnership with Washington is expected to provide additional support for law-enforcement and counter-narcotics efforts.
Peru's decision also signals closer ties between Lima and Washington at a time when the United States is seeking stronger security partnerships across Latin America. The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on how participating countries coordinate their operations while addressing concerns about national sovereignty and regional security.
With Peru now joining the coalition, Washington is seeking to build a broader regional front against drug trafficking and organised crime, making counter-narcotics cooperation an increasingly important part of US relations with Latin American governments.