Cocaine

Sydney Airport Cocaine Import Plot Foiled; Insiders Jailed

A bold attempt to smuggle 100kg of cocaine through Sydney Airport has been thwarted, resulting in significant jail sentences for three key players. Trusted insiders exploited their airport access, but the AFP’s swift action dismantled the operation. This case underscores the relentless efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect Australia from its devastating consequences.

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CBP Officers Seize $6.2M in Cocaine Hidden in Plastic Rolls

CBP officers seized $6.2 million worth of cocaine hidden in plastic rolls at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility. A routine inspection of a commercial shipment from Mexico uncovered 150 drug-filled packages weighing 470 pounds. Advanced screening technology and a canine team led officers to the narcotics. The driver, along with the seized cargo, was handed over to Texas authorities for investigation. This operation highlights the ongoing battle against drug smuggling at U.S. border crossings and the effectiveness of law enforcement in preventing illegal shipments.

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U.S. Coast Guard Offloads 12,471 Pounds of Cocaine Worth $141M

In a major victory against drug trafficking, the U.S. Coast Guard offloaded 12,471 pounds of cocaine worth over $141 million in Miami Beach. The massive seizure, the result of six coordinated interdictions in the Caribbean, was carried out with the help of international naval forces. Authorities detained 17 suspected smugglers and prevented the illicit cargo from hitting U.S. streets. The bust highlights the relentless pursuit of traffickers using high-speed boats and aerial surveillance.

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Large Cocaine Seizure at Presidio Port: CBP Officers Intercept 27 Pounds

CBP officers at the Presidio Port of Entry thwarted a drug smuggling attempt, seizing 27 pounds of cocaine hidden in a vehicle’s floorboard. The driver, a 24-year-old U.S. citizen, was arrested and handed over to federal authorities. This interception underscores CBP’s unwavering commitment to border security and stopping illegal narcotics from entering the U.S.

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Brazil PCC Cocaine Trade Expands in Australia

The First Capital Command (PCC), Brazil’s most powerful drug cartel, is expanding its cocaine trade into Australia, drawn by soaring market prices. A Brazilian diver’s death in 2022 exposed their smuggling tactics, including hull-attached drug shipments and hidden cargo in frozen goods. Cocaine valued at $3,000 in Colombia sells for up to $200,000 in Australia, making it a lucrative target

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7 tons of cocaine found buried underneath farm in Spain

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 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

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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