Cocaine

7 tons of cocaine found buried underneath farm in Spain

Cocaine

Spanish authorities announced on Monday the confiscation of seven tons of cocaine concealed in shipping containers buried beneath a rural farm. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the bust.

The Civil Guard shared footage of the operation, which revealed officers digging up the ground to uncover dozens of packages containing the illicit substances.

The raid began on Friday after police spotted two suspicious speedboats at the Guadalquivir River’s mouth. Tracking the vessels led them to a property in Coria del Río, a rural area south of Seville, where the suspects had hidden the drugs in underground containers.

According to the Civil Guard, this represents the largest cocaine haul smuggled into southern Spain via speedboats. Alongside the drugs, officers seized three weapons, including an AK-47 assault rifle, and two stolen vehicles.

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Sharp Decline in Antwerp Drug Seizures Amid Latin America Crackdowns

Cocaine

Cocaine seizures at Belgium’s Antwerp port plummeted by
nearly 62% in 2024, dropping from a record 116 tonnes in 2023 to 44 tonnes. Belgian authorities credit intensified drug enforcement in Latin American countries, particularly Ecuador, where anti-cartel measures disrupted trafficking networks. Smugglers have adapted by fragmenting shipments, leading to more but smaller seizures. Meanwhile, Africa’s role as a transit hub grows, with Sierra Leone emerging as a surprising contributor. Enhanced international collaboration and advanced port security are pivotal in combating the evolving drug trade.

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French cocaine use nearly doubles over one year

Cocaine

A recent study has revealed that over 1.1 million people in France consumed cocaine at least once in 2023, signaling a sharp rise in drug use. This alarming trend has prompted French authorities to propose tougher measures against traffickers and drug-related crimes. Cocaine consumption in France has nearly doubled since 2022 when the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT) reported an estimated 600,000 users. The country now ranks seventh in Europe for cocaine use. Key Factors Behind the Surge The rise in cocaine use is attributed to multiple factors: Purity and Price Trends Although cocaine prices have remained stable—66 euros per gram in 2023 compared to 60 euros in 2011—the drug’s purity has surged. Testing revealed a purity increase from 46% in 2011 to 73% in 2023. Law Enforcement’s Response Drug-related crime continues to disrupt daily life across France. In 2023, authorities seized 23.5 tonnes of cocaine, a significant jump from 4.1 tonnes in 2010. By November 2024, seizures had nearly doubled to 47 tonnes. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has committed to ramping up efforts to combat the drug trade. 15 January 2025

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IB Enforcement Team makes 189 kg cocaine bust at Coutts port of entry

Cocaine

On November 13, 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Integrated Border Enforcement Team in Alberta seized 189 kg of cocaine, valued at approximately $2 million, during a secondary examination of a commercial truck at the Coutts port of entry. The operation was a collaborative effort among the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region, CBSA, and Calgary Police Service. The IBET aims to enhance border security by investigating and interdicting criminal activities across the shared border. A criminal investigation is ongoing.

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Colombia-Led Operation Breaks Record with 225 Tonnes of Cocaine Seized, Unveils New Drug Route to Australia

Cocaine

A global anti-narcotics operation, Operation Orion, led by Colombia and involving 62 nations, seized 225 tonnes of cocaine within six weeks. This operation revealed a new smuggling route to Australia, using “narco submarines.” Six semi-submersible vessels were intercepted, disrupting significant trafficking tactics that usually involved smaller shipments. The operation thwarted $8.5 billion in cartel profits and averted numerous overdose deaths. Authorities also seized over 1,400 tonnes of various drugs and arrested 400 individuals, enhancing international cooperation in combating drug trafficking.

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Quarter-ton of cocaine seized in Holbrook traffic stop

Cocaine

Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers seized nearly 554 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $16.6 million to $22.1 million from a tractor-trailer in Holbrook. The drugs, hidden in boxes labeled with luxury car logos, were smuggled from California to Canada and discovered during a traffic stop for civil violations. Amarjeet Singh Matharu, the truck driver, was arrested for possession and transportation of narcotic drugs for sale. Since August, DPS has confiscated 6,498 pounds of illegal drugs, highlighting their commitment to combating drug trafficking in communities.

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Swiss national charged after 25kg of cocaine allegedly seized from luggage

Cocaine

A 21-year-old Swiss man is set to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today, charged with importing 25kg of cocaine concealed in his luggage from Los Angeles. Detected by Australian Border Force officers, the cocaine is valued at approximately $8 million, with law enforcement committed to combating drug syndicates at airports.

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