cocaine

Colombia

Car bomb and attack on a helicopter in Colombia kill at least 17

Colombian President Gustavo Petro attributed both attacks to dissidents of the defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, commonly known as FARC, adding that an alleged member of the group was arrested in the area of the helicopter explosion.

22/08/2025

Indonesia

Australian man arrested for allegedly smuggling cocaine into Bali

The Southeast Asian country has extremely strict drug laws and convicted smugglers are sometimes executed by firing squad.

29/05/2025

Europe in Motion

From cannabis to cocaine: What is the drug use and supply in the EU?

As illegal drug use and supply increases in the EU, member states ramp up efforts to tackle drug trafficking and organised crime.

05/03/2025

Health news

Where in Europe are illegal drugs having the worst health impact?

Cannabis and cocaine are the most commonly used drugs in the EU, but several others pose a threat to public health.

15/02/2025

Colombia

Cocaine is 'no worse than whiskey', says Colombia's president

During a six-hour government meeting that was broadcast live, Colombian President Gustavo Petro said legalised cocaine could be "sold like wine".

06/02/2025

Ireland

Irish police seize €14 million worth of drugs in small town bust

Police announced three men have being arrested over the drug seizure, which they say is a major blow to an organised crime group.

05/02/2025

Europe News

One of Europe's most wanted fugitives 'is hiding out' in Sierra Leone

The Netherlands and Sierra Leone are investigating reports that the Dutch cocaine kingpin Jos Leijdekkers is living in the West African nation.

28/01/2025

Colombia

Colombian navy finds 'narco sub' in new Australia trafficking route

The discovery of a semi-submersible vessel carrying cocaine in the Pacific was part of a global six-week operation against drug smugglers.

28/11/2024

Europe News

Spain seizes record 13 tonnes of cocaine in Ecuadorean banana shipment

Authorities in Spain say the drug bust is the second-largest ever recorded in Europe and one of the biggest worldwide.

07/11/2024

Health news

What is the recreational drug 'pink cocaine'?

The party drug, which doesn't typically contain cocaine, is attracting attention after reports it was found during late musician Liam Payne's autopsy.

23/10/2024

Nature

Why have sharks in Brazil tested positive for cocaine?

The concentration of the drug was up to 100 times higher than previously observed in other marine life.

25/07/2024

Turkey

Turkish police seize third largest cocaine haul in country's history

Groups monitoring organised crime warn that the country is becoming an entry point for drugs reaching Europe.

11/04/2024

Health news

Doctors in Belgium see serious nose lesions amid rising cocaine use

Doctors are treating people in Belgium who present with serious nose problems due to cocaine use.

28/03/2024

World News

Spanish police seize 8 tonnes of cocaine in fake power generator

The eight-tonne cocaine haul is one of the largest ever intercepted in Spain.

13/02/2024

World News

Ecuadorian government seizes and destroys over 20 tonnes of cocaine

Ecuadorian authorities have started the process of destroying some 22 tonnes of cocaine seized in recent days.

26/01/2024

Belgium

Belgian customs seized a record amount of cocaine in 2023

The amount of cocaine seized in Europe continues to rise every year, driven by the growing demand among Europeans.

17/01/2024

Spain

11 tonnes of Albanian mafia cocaine seized in Spain

This was the largest seizure ever made in Galicia, a region that has long served as a gateway to Europe for cocaine from Latin America and highlights the power of the so-called 'Balkan cartel'.

12/12/2023

Spain

Spain seizes 720kg of cocaine as UK announces huge bust

The drugs have been found in vessels coming from South America, and hidden on board hoping to avoid detection.

30/10/2023

Health news

Promising new vaccine offers hope of breaking cocaine addiction

The vaccine is designed to help produce anti-cocaine antibodies in the body of a person who is chemically dependent on the substance.

28/10/2023

Ireland

Two charged after record €150m cocaine seizure off Irish coast

A ship intercepted by the Irish Navy off the Cork coast was found to be carrying the largest shipment of cocaine ever seized by Irish authorities.

29/09/2023