Thousands of British nationals face drug smuggling charges abroad each year. Many, often young women, are exploited as drug mules and face long sentences. This article explores who becomes a drug mule, why they do it, and why harsh penalties fail to deter them.
Why people become drug mules Read More »
Four men convicted in Guinea-Bissau for smuggling 2.63 metric tons of cocaine have been extradited for a cocaine trafficking trial in U.S. federal court. The suspects, from Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, and the U.S., now face charges in Florida. Their prosecution highlights cross-border cooperation and a shift in Guinea-Bissau’s approach to organized drug crime. If convicted, they face up to life in prison.
Cocaine Trafficking Trial in U.S. 4 Extradited from Guinea-Bissau Read More »
Europol-led investigation dismantles a major Ecuadorian criminal organization involved in supplying large quantities of cocaine to the EU. The operation, with international collaboration, targeted the entire supply chain, from South America to European ports, resulting in significant seizures and arrests.
Europol Busts Ecuador Cocaine Ring Supplying EU Read More »
An Australian Border Force officer and an alleged crime figure have been charged with bribery and drug smuggling in a case that has rocked law enforcement. Authorities say the officer, exploiting her position, bypassed security checks in exchange for cash and luxury goods to help smuggle 6.9 kilograms of cocaine into Australia. The arrests, part of Operation Proctor, highlight the growing threat of insider corruption. Facing serious charges, including potential life imprisonment, the suspects now await legal proceedings.
ABF Officer Charged in Cocaine Smuggling and Bribery Scandal Read More »
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
Brazil PCC Cocaine Trade Expands in Australia Read More »
A large-scale international drug network has been dismantled by Europol and Spanish authorities, leading to the seizure of 7.2 tonnes of cocaine and EUR 6 million in cash. The criminal syndicate, operating across Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, trafficked cocaine shipments via air and maritime containers.
7.2 Tonnes of Cocaine Seized in Europol-Led Drug Trafficking Sting Read More »
Two drug smugglers have been jailed for attempting to import £42 million worth of cocaine into the UK via a small boat. Daniel Livingstone received seven years and nine months, while Mark Moran was sentenced to 15 years. The operation was disrupted by the National Crime Agency with support from local police and Border Force.
Gang guilty of importing over half a tonne of cocaine Read More »
Cartels are leveraging advanced technologies, including supercomputers, weaponized drones, and narco subs, to expand their illicit operations globally. A recent interception of six narco subs en route from Colombia to Australia underscored the increasing sophistication of these criminal enterprises.
Narco Subs and ‘GTA 5 Guns’: How Cartels are Winning the Tech War Read More »
In a historic judgment, 18 members of an international organised crime group (OCG) have been convicted in the UK’s largest-ever drugs investigation. The network, responsible for smuggling billions of pounds worth of drugs into the country, has been dismantled following a multi-agency operation led by the National Crime Agency (NCA).
The criminal network trafficked an estimated 50 tonnes of heroin, cocaine, and cannabis into the UK over three years. From southeastern England to Scotland, the OCG supplied drugs to crime gangs across the nation, devastating communities and fueling violent street crime.
18 Convicted in the UK’s Largest-Ever Drugs Conspiracy Read More »
The AFP has charged 11 men and two juveniles following an investigation into a transnational organised crime syndicate accused of conspiring to import 2.34 tonnes of cocaine into Australia by sea.
The men, including the crew of a vessel allegedly attempting to import the illicit drugs into Queensland and multiple parties waiting on shore to collect the cocaine, were arrested on Saturday (30 November, 2024) night and in the early hours of yesterday (Sunday, 1 December, 2024), following a joint investigation between the AFP and Queensland Police Service (QPS).
13 people charged over the largest cocaine seizure in Australia Read More »
