drug seizure

Portugal Cocaine Seizure: 6.5 Tons Intercepted at Sea

Cocaine

In a dramatic Atlantic operation, Portuguese authorities, in collaboration with international agencies, have intercepted a semi-submersible vessel packed with 6.5 tons of cocaine. Five crew members were apprehended in this major blow to international drug trafficking. The daring operation, involving air and naval forces, highlights the ongoing battle against sophisticated smuggling operations targeting Europe.

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Sydney Airport Cocaine Import Plot Foiled; Insiders Jailed

Cocaine

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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Turkey seizes nine tons of methamphetamine in two weeks

Methamphetamine

Turkish officials have seized nearly nine tons of methamphetamine, half of it at the Iranian border, in the last two weeks, the interior minister said on Thursday. Ali Yerlikaya said 4.16 tons of methamphetamine were seized during this period, including 3.5 tons in Istanbul and the rest in other cities including Izmir in the west and Hakkari near the border with Iran and Iraq. More than 4.5 tons had been found at the beginning of November in three trucks crossing into Turkey from Iran, according to Turkish customs. Turkish police confiscated nearly 22 tons of methamphetamine last year, a sharp increase over previous years, according to official figures. Methamphetamine is a stimulant whose effects are two to five times more intense and long-lasting than amphetamine, with greater addictive potential, experts say. This synthetic drug, popular in Turkey, is sold in Europe or North America in the form of crystals, powder, capsules or tablets. The European Union Drugs Agency says the increase in methamphetamine seizures in Turkey could be explained by a rise in production in Iran and Afghanistan, where its trade has intensified since the Taliban imposed a ban in 2022 on the cultivation of opium poppies, used to manufacture heroin. 14 November 2024

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$31M of meth concealed in shipment of peppers seized at Texas-Mexico border

Methamphetamine

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered over $31 million worth of methamphetamine hidden within a shipment of serrano peppers at the Pharr International Bridge in Texas on Sunday, November 10. During a routine inspection, officers found more than 1,800 packages of meth, weighing approximately 2,155 pounds, concealed alongside the peppers in a tractor-trailer originating from Mexico. In a statement following the seizure, Carlos Rodriguez, Port Director for Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, commented on the successful interception. “Our CBP officers continue to remain vigilant and intercepted this massive methamphetamine load, preventing it from reaching American streets,” he said. The meth’s total estimated street value is $31,169,000, according to the CBP news release. The discovery came during a physical examination of the vehicle and shipment, revealing bundles of the illegal substance hidden within the produce. Officers immediately seized both the narcotics and the vehicle, with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents launching a criminal investigation. The incident highlights CBP’s ongoing efforts to monitor the U.S.-Mexico border for drug trafficking attempts. The Pharr International Bridge, a major port of entry, continues to be a key checkpoint in combating the illegal drug trade. Authorities report that interceptions like these are critical to preventing large amounts of methamphetamine from entering U.S. communities. This seizure adds to a series of recent high-value interceptions at the Texas-Mexico border, underscoring the vigilance of CBP officers in counteracting smuggling operations. 13 November 2024

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CBP Officers Intercept Chocolate-Concealed Cocaine in Shipment from Guatemala

Cocaine

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted a shipment of cocaine cleverly concealed within chocolate products arriving from Guatemala. The smuggling attempt, uncovered during a routine inspection, highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods traffickers use to bypass detection. Authorities seized the narcotics, preventing the illicit cargo from reaching U.S. streets. As drug cartels continue exploiting global trade routes, CBP remains vigilant in disrupting trafficking networks. This latest bust underscores the critical role of border enforcement in combating international drug smuggling, ensuring that illegal substances do not infiltrate legitimate supply chains. Investigations into the source of the shipment continue.

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$80m worth of illicit drugs caught at Sydney and Melbourne airports in 24 hours

Methamphetamine

In a stunning display of law enforcement prowess, Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have dealt a significant blow to international drug syndicates. In a series of coordinated operations, authorities intercepted over 100 kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding $80 million. The first incident unfolded at Melbourne Airport, where a 20-year-old and a 33-year-old from the UK were apprehended. Within their luggage, authorities discovered 26 kilograms of cocaine, a seizure that could have flooded Australian streets with a substantial amount of the illicit drug. Just a day later, at Sydney Airport, a 38-year-old UK-Northern Ireland dual national was intercepted. Concealed within packages disguised as Chinese tea, authorities uncovered approximately 25 kilograms of methamphetamine, a potent and highly addictive stimulant. In yet another significant bust, also at Sydney Airport, a 21-year-old NSW woman and a 23-year-old New Zealand woman were arrested. The pair had attempted to smuggle 52 packages containing methamphetamine, each weighing approximately one kilogram. The combined weight of the seized drugs underscores the scale of the operations and the potential harm they could have inflicted on Australian communities. Experts estimate that these seizures prevented hundreds of thousands of individual drug deals, significantly reducing the supply of these harmful substances and mitigating their devastating impact. Graeme Campbell, ABF’s acting commander of travel, emphasized the significance of these arrests. “These arrests send a strong message to those involved in drug trafficking,” he said. “Our law enforcement agencies are vigilant and committed to disrupting these criminal networks and protecting our communities.” This series of busts highlights the increasing sophistication of drug trafficking operations and the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies to stay ahead of the curve. By working together, the AFP and ABF have demonstrated their ability to dismantle transnational drug syndicates and prevent harmful drugs from reaching Australian shores. As the war on drugs continues, these agencies remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting the nation. 31 October 2024

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