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Drug-trafficking

USA

Trump designates fentanyl as weapon of mass destruction

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Europe News

Belgian drug chief warns of hidden opioids in vapes affecting children

The majority of illegal refillable vape capsules seized in Belgium are laced with synthetic opioids, Belgium's drug commissioner warned. This risks addiction from a young age.

USA

US resumes strikes on narcoboats, killing four in latest operation

US Southern Command resumed lethal strikes on alleged narcoboats, killing four amid bipartisan scrutiny of the Pentagon's anti-drug campaign.

Netherlands

Indonesia to repatriate two convicted Dutch drug traffickers

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime says Indonesia is a major drug smuggling hub despite having some of the strictest drug laws in the world.

USA

Trump hints at ground action in Venezuela to combat drug trafficking

Tensions with Venezuela further escalated earlier this week after Washington designated the so-called Cartel of the Suns as a terrorist organisation.

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Venezuela

US to designate alleged Maduro-led cartel a terrorist organisation

In 2020, near the end of US President Donald Trump’s first term, Washington sanctioned Maduro and others over alleged "narco-terrorism", saying that he had been the co-leader of the Cartel of the Suns since at least 1999. He has denied the charges.

No Comment

Thousands march in Marseille to denounce drug violence after killing of activist's brother

Thousands of people marched Saturday in the French southern port city of Marseille to denounce drug trafficking after the killing last week of an activist's brother shocked the country.

Portugal

Portugal arrests 'Hulk', top Brazilian druglord and gang ringleader

The PCC is the largest criminal organisation in Brazil and has around 20,000 members — with some estimates stating that the total number could be even higher, with the gang consisting of as many as 40,000 lifetime members plus 60,000 contractors.

Venezuela

Venezuela carries out military exercises amid fears of US strikes

The regime of Nicolás Maduro has said it is preparing its armed forces in case of an attack by the US.

Colombia

Colombia to suspend intelligence cooperation with US

Colombia's president Gustavo Petro said Colombia's military must end communications with US security agencies until the US ceases its attacks on speedboats suspected of carrying drugs.

Spain

Spanish police arrest 13 believed to be part of Tren de Aragua gang

The Tren de Aragua gang originated in Venezuela more than a decade ago at an infamously lawless prison with hardened criminals in the central state of Aragua.

Portugal

Portugal intercepts narco-submarine en route to Iberian peninsula

Portuguese authorities intercepted a drug-carrying vessel in the Atlantic Ocean with 1.7 tonnes of cocaine destined for European markets. Four crew members were arrested.

USA

White House says boat strikes do not violate War Powers Resolution

US Congress says Trump’s attacks in the Caribbean Sea against suspected Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats fall under the bounds of the War Powers Resolution, a 1973 law which requires the US president to obtain Congressional approval for military action surpassing 60 days.

World News

US attempted to capture Maduro by bribing his pilot, report claims

A US agent tried to bribe Nicolás Maduro's pilot to divert his plane for capture, part of a 16-month covert operation that ultimately failed to topple the leader.

Georgia

UK teen may get two years in Georgia jail in drug smuggling plea deal

The family of Bella May Culley, 19, paid more than €157,000 in a plea deal that could result in a two-year prison sentence in the former Soviet republic.

USA

US carried out strikes on alleged drug boats in Pacific, Hegseth says

The death toll from the disclosed strikes since early September now stands at 57 and the Trump administration has shown no evidence to support its claims about the boats' links to drug cartels.

USA

US sending aircraft carrier to waters off South America, Pentagon says

Deploying an aircraft carrier is a major escalation of military power in a region that has already seen an unusually large US military buildup in the Caribbean Sea and the waters off Venezuela.

Health news

UK seizes thousands of unlicensed weight loss jabs in major bust

Law enforcement said the unlicensed drugs were ‘potentially deadly’.

USA

Trump lashes out at Colombia's Petro and announces aid withdrawal

Trump's comments come after Petro accused the US government of assassination and demanded answers after the latest American strike in Caribbean waters.

Venezuela

Latest US 'narco boat' strike kills six off Venezuelan coast

The US president confirmed the attack, citing intelligence on narcotics trafficking. This marks the fifth strike since September, totalling 27 deaths.

Europe News

No part of France is free of drugs, anti-narcotic agency warns

The report released by France's anti-narcotics office OFAST said the country witnessed 367 murders or attempted murders linked to the drug trade in 173 cities last year.