European Union agencies said on Friday that the continent is slowly becoming a prime location for the production and distribution of cocaine. According to Reuters, the EU agencies expressed concern about the current situation and also warned about the expanding methamphetamine industry.

A joint EU report by law enforcement agency Europol and drugs agency EMCDDA pointed out that cocaine was the second most consumed drug in Europe after cannabis and the total income from the production and distribution of the drug amounted to almost $11.1 billion for the year 2020.

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"More production is also now taking place inside Europe, indicating changes in the region's role in the international cocaine trade," the report said.

Over the years, South American countries were the main suppliers of cocaine for Europe and with countries like Colombia and Brazil increasing their production, the amount of cocaine in Europe has also gone up. As a result, the report warns of higher health risks in the near future.

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When it comes to individual countries, Belgium was pointed out as the leading producer of cocaine by the EU report. In 2020, the most amount of cocaine was seized from Belgium,&nbsp;and it is supposed to be the leading processing centre for cocaine along with Spain and Netherlands.

According to the Reuters report, the market for methamphetamine is also slowly growing in Europe with growing demands in Czech Republic and some Eastern European countries.

"There is now growing concern about production facilities located in Belgium and the Netherlands, where methamphetamine can be produced on a considerably larger scale," the report said.

European Union agencies said on Friday that the continent is slowly becoming a prime location for the production and distribution of cocaine. According to Reuters, the EU agencies expressed concern about the current situation and also warned about the expanding methamphetamine industry.

European Union agencies said on Friday that the continent is slowly becoming a prime location for the production and distribution of cocaine. According to Reuters, the EU agencies expressed concern about the current situation and also warned about the expanding methamphetamine industry. A joint EU report by law enforcement agency Europol and drugs agency EMCDDA pointed out that cocaine was the second most consumed drug in Europe after cannabis and the total income from the production and distribution of the drug amounted to almost $11.1 billion for the year 2020. Also read | Finally, UK PM's party pays for scandals with setbacks in local polls "More production is also now taking place inside Europe, indicating changes in the region's role in the international cocaine trade," the report said. Over the years, South American countries were the main suppliers of cocaine for Europe and with countries like Colombia and Brazil increasing their production, the amount of cocaine in Europe has also gone up. As a result, the report warns of higher health risks in the near future. Also read | European Union likely to sanction Putin's rumoured girlfriend - Report When it comes to individual countries, Belgium was pointed out as the leading producer of cocaine by the EU report. In 2020, the most amount of cocaine was seized from Belgium, and it is supposed to be the leading processing centre for cocaine along with Spain and Netherlands. According to the Reuters report, the market for methamphetamine is also slowly growing in Europe with growing demands in Czech Republic and some Eastern European countries. "There is now growing concern about production facilities located in Belgium and the Netherlands, where methamphetamine can be produced on a considerably larger scale," the report said.

Europe slowly turning into a hub for cocaine and methamphetamine, says EU report

In one of the biggest drug busts in recent times, the Switzerland police seized more than 500kg of cocaine hidden inside a shipment of coffee beans. The shipment was being delivered to a Nespresso plant in Romont, in the western Swiss canton of Fribourg, when it was seized by the police.

According to the official statement by the police, they were alerted by the workers at the Romont plant that the shipment of coffee beans was filled with a mysterious white powder. The police reached the pant right after the tip and analysis showed that the substance was cocaine.

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“Staff at the coffee capsule maker, owned by Swiss food giant Nestle, found an undetermined white substance when they unloaded the freshly delivered sacks of coffee beans,” the Fribourg police said in their official statement according to an AFP report.

The police went on to search the entire shipment which was distributed in five shipping containers and were able to recover around 500 kg of cocaine from the entire consignment.

Following the discovery, the police established a security perimeter around the factory and the containers carrying cocaine were separated in order to stop them from contaminating the plant.

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According to the police report, the drug was most likely coming from Brazil and it was determined to be around 80 per cent pure, according to the AFP report. The amount of cocaine that was recovered from the Switzerland plant was valued at around £41 million according to its street value.

“It appears that all of the drugs were destined for the European market,” police said.

WATCH |&nbsp;Videos on drugs, guns found on YouTube Kids application

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In one of the biggest drug busts in recent times, the Switzerland police seized more than 500kg of cocaine hidden inside a shipment of coffee beans. The shipment was being delivered to a Nespresso plant in Romont, in the western Swiss canton of Fribourg, when it was seized by the police.

In one of the biggest drug busts in recent times, the Switzerland police seized more than 500kg of cocaine hidden inside a shipment of coffee beans. The shipment was being delivered to a Nespresso plant in Romont, in the western Swiss canton of Fribourg, when it was seized by the police. According to the official statement by the police, they were alerted by the workers at the Romont plant that the shipment of coffee beans was filled with a mysterious white powder. The police reached the pant right after the tip and analysis showed that the substance was cocaine. Also read | In pics: Chinese robots that can maneuver bamboo forests without human help “Staff at the coffee capsule maker, owned by Swiss food giant Nestle, found an undetermined white substance when they unloaded the freshly delivered sacks of coffee beans,” the Fribourg police said in their official statement according to an AFP report. The police went on to search the entire shipment which was distributed in five shipping containers and were able to recover around 500 kg of cocaine from the entire consignment. Following the discovery, the police established a security perimeter around the factory and the containers carrying cocaine were separated in order to stop them from contaminating the plant. Also read | NASA astronaut team departs ISS to come back to Earth According to the police report, the drug was most likely coming from Brazil and it was determined to be around 80 per cent pure, according to the AFP report. The amount of cocaine that was recovered from the Switzerland plant was valued at around £41 million according to its street value. “It appears that all of the drugs were destined for the European market,” police said. WATCH | Videos on drugs, guns found on YouTube Kids application

Around 500 kg of cocaine found in shipment of coffee beans at a Nespresso plant in Switzerland

And just like how you and I pick items off the supermarket shelves, the world's richest man Elon Musk buys companies. Yes, just like that.

On Thursday Musk took to Twitter to say "Next I’m buying Coca-Cola to put the cocaine back in"&nbsp;

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Next I’m buying Coca-Cola to put the cocaine back in
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1519480761749016577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Hold on, before it's looked at as a controversial statement. The beverage in its early days contained cocaine in a small proportion which was later reduced, and ultimately eliminated.

This tweet garnered a lot of attention and Twitterati couldn't keep calm. One user even tweeted an image of a 1894 Coke bottle which contains 3.5 grams of cocaine.

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This is the first publicly sold bottle of Coca-Cola in 1894 which contained 3.5 grams of cocaine. Bring it back. <a href="https://t.co/Q05JqrCrel">pic.twitter.com/Q05JqrCrel</a>
— Pranay Pathole (@PPathole) <a href="https://twitter.com/PPathole/status/1519493570973298688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

This is not the first time the Tesla owner spoke about purchasing, he has pretty much been on a shopping spree and adding companies in his cart.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, he reached a deal of purchasing Twitter for about $44 billion. The micro-blogging site in its statement released on April 25 said, "Twitter, Inc. (NYSE: TWTR) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an entity wholly owned by Elon Musk, for $54.20 per share in cash in a transaction valued at approximately $44 billion. Upon completion of the transaction, Twitter will become a privately held company."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Twitter CEO to get $42 million if sacked

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Here's a little trivia on Coca-Cola: 
According to US National Institute of Drug Abuse, the inventor Coca-Cola John Pemberton’s recipe included cocaine in the form of an extract of the coca leaf.

Also, when the beverage was invented, cocaine was legal and a commonly used ingredient in medicines. Back in the days, people thought of it as safe to use in small amounts.

 
(With inputs from Agencies)

And just like how you and I pick items off the supermarket shelves, the world's richest man Elon Musk buys companies. Yes, just like that. On Thursday Musk took to Twitter to say "Next I’m buying Coca-Cola to put the cocaine back in" Next I’m buying Coca-Cola to put the cocaine back in — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 28, 2022 × Hold on, before it's looked at as a controversial statement.

And just like how you and I pick items off the supermarket shelves, the world's richest man Elon Musk buys companies. Yes, just like that. On Thursday Musk took to Twitter to say "Next I’m buying Coca-Cola to put the cocaine back in" Next I’m buying Coca-Cola to put the cocaine back in — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 28, 2022 × Hold on, before it's looked at as a controversial statement. The beverage in its early days contained cocaine in a small proportion which was later reduced, and ultimately eliminated. This tweet garnered a lot of attention and Twitterati couldn't keep calm. One user even tweeted an image of a 1894 Coke bottle which contains 3.5 grams of cocaine. This is the first publicly sold bottle of Coca-Cola in 1894 which contained 3.5 grams of cocaine. Bring it back. pic.twitter.com/Q05JqrCrel — Pranay Pathole (@PPathole) April 28, 2022 × This is not the first time the Tesla owner spoke about purchasing, he has pretty much been on a shopping spree and adding companies in his cart. Earlier this week, he reached a deal of purchasing Twitter for about $44 billion. The micro-blogging site in its statement released on April 25 said, "Twitter, Inc. (NYSE: TWTR) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an entity wholly owned by Elon Musk, for $54.20 per share in cash in a transaction valued at approximately $44 billion. Upon completion of the transaction, Twitter will become a privately held company." Watch | Gravitas: Twitter CEO to get $42 million if sacked Here's a little trivia on Coca-Cola: According to US National Institute of Drug Abuse, the inventor Coca-Cola John Pemberton’s recipe included cocaine in the form of an extract of the coca leaf. Also, when the beverage was invented, cocaine was legal and a commonly used ingredient in medicines. Back in the days, people thought of it as safe to use in small amounts. (With inputs from Agencies)

After Twitter takeover, Elon Musk wants to add cocaine to Coca-Cola

For allegedly being a part of a cocaine-importation conspiracy, United States (US) government has come up with charges against former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez. The leader has also been extradited to the US, the government said on Thursday. &nbsp;

The Honduran leader has also been booked under related firearms offenses by the US Justice Department, media reports said. &nbsp;

In Washington, US Attorney General Merrick Garland told reporters, "Hernandez abused his position as president of Honduras from 2014 through 2022 to operate the country as a narco-state. Hernandez worked closely with other public officials to protect cocaine shipments bound for the United States." &nbsp;

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The leader, who was a former Washington ally, had led the Central American country from 2014 to January 2022. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hernandez got huge amounts of money from drug trafficking organisations, the federal prosecutors in Manhattan said. &nbsp;

The money was used to fund political campaigns and his benefit. &nbsp;

According to the indictment, Hernandez and his officials gave protection to the drug traffickers from arrest. They also provided access to law enforcement and military information, preventing extradition to the United States. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;United States downplays Russia missile test, says 'not a threat'

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"If you turn the power of the state into a violent drug trafficking machine, if you allow violence and murder to flourish at the hands of the cartels, then the DEA will stop at nothing to hold you accountable," DEA Administrator Anne Milgram told reporters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The ex-president was arrested and escorted to the airport by security forces in the capital, Tegucigalpa. Hernandez was taken to the US in a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) plane on Thursday afternoon. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

For allegedly being a part of a cocaine-importation conspiracy, United States (US) government has come up with charges against former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez.

For allegedly being a part of a cocaine-importation conspiracy, United States (US) government has come up with charges against former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez. The leader has also been extradited to the US, the government said on Thursday. The Honduran leader has also been booked under related firearms offenses by the US Justice Department, media reports said. In Washington, US Attorney General Merrick Garland told reporters, "Hernandez abused his position as president of Honduras from 2014 through 2022 to operate the country as a narco-state. Hernandez worked closely with other public officials to protect cocaine shipments bound for the United States." Also Read | Russian-Ukraine war: Biden announces additional $800 million military aid to Kyiv The leader, who was a former Washington ally, had led the Central American country from 2014 to January 2022. Hernandez got huge amounts of money from drug trafficking organisations, the federal prosecutors in Manhattan said. The money was used to fund political campaigns and his benefit. According to the indictment, Hernandez and his officials gave protection to the drug traffickers from arrest. They also provided access to law enforcement and military information, preventing extradition to the United States. Watch: United States downplays Russia missile test, says 'not a threat' × "If you turn the power of the state into a violent drug trafficking machine, if you allow violence and murder to flourish at the hands of the cartels, then the DEA will stop at nothing to hold you accountable," DEA Administrator Anne Milgram told reporters. The ex-president was arrested and escorted to the airport by security forces in the capital, Tegucigalpa. Hernandez was taken to the US in a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) plane on Thursday afternoon. (With inputs from agencies)

Over charges of cocaine-importation conspiracy, ex-Honduran president gets extradited to US  

The Mexican Army has released footage of them following a speed boat at high speeds in the Pacific Ocean, in a scene reminiscent of Live and Let Die.

The chase took place 68 miles off the coast of Baja California Sur and resulted in three arrests and the seizure of three tonnes of cocaine.&nbsp;

Mexico's army recovered three tonnes of cocaine after a helicopter caught the high-speed chase.&nbsp;

Mexico is a key narcotics transit and production hub.

It is the most important foreign supplier of cannabis in the United States, as well as a major entry point for South American cocaine and Asian methamphetamine.

Cannabis is thought to account for about half of the cartels' revenue.

The majority of the trafficking and processing operations that get the drug to US customers are controlled by Mexican drug cartels.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Mexican Army has released footage of them following a speed boat at high speeds in the Pacific Ocean, in a scene reminiscent of Live and Let Die. The chase took place 68 miles off the coast of Baja California Sur and resulted in three arrests and the seizure of three tonnes of cocaine.

The Mexican Army has released footage of them following a speed boat at high speeds in the Pacific Ocean, in a scene reminiscent of Live and Let Die. The chase took place 68 miles off the coast of Baja California Sur and resulted in three arrests and the seizure of three tonnes of cocaine. Mexico's army recovered three tonnes of cocaine after a helicopter caught the high-speed chase. Mexico is a key narcotics transit and production hub. It is the most important foreign supplier of cannabis in the United States, as well as a major entry point for South American cocaine and Asian methamphetamine. Cannabis is thought to account for about half of the cartels' revenue. The majority of the trafficking and processing operations that get the drug to US customers are controlled by Mexican drug cartels. (With inputs from agencies)

A high-speed boat chase off Mexico leads to seizure of 3 tonnes of cocaine

At least 20 people have died and over 70 have been hospitalised in Argentina, in serious condition after ingesting cocaine that had been mixed with a toxic substance.

20 dead, over 70 hospitalised after consuming toxic cocaine in Argentina

In a bizarre incident, a pet monkey, who had been drugged with cocaine and flushed down a toilet by owner in UK, has been recovering, an animal sanctuary said. &nbsp;

The owner, Vicki Holland, who belongs to Newport, has been banned from keeping animals for life.

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The development comes after the police found video footage of the woman abusing Milly, the marmoset. &nbsp;

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) had rescued the animal. It was also housed at the Monkey World Sanctuary in Dorset. &nbsp;

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**Upsetting content** 
 
We rescued marmoset Milly after footage revealed her owner attempting to flush her down the toilet and offering her drugs 😭🐒💔 We prosecuted, and Milly's now safe and sound at Monkey World: <a href="https://t.co/9CLsxKfn4Q">https://t.co/9CLsxKfn4Q</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldMonkeyDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldMonkeyDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/PHL2la1vCr">pic.twitter.com/PHL2la1vCr</a>
— RSPCA (England &amp; Wales) (@RSPCA_official) <a href="https://twitter.com/RSPCA_official/status/1470825671660294153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Dr Angela Cronin, who works at Monkey World, said that Milly had been "very, very traumatised" when she first arrived at the facility but it was like a "light switched on" when she started mixing with other marmosets. &nbsp;

The animal has already found a close companion in a fellow marmoset, Moon. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/corals-in-the-great-barrier-reef-could-become-target-of-mass-bleaching-438108" hreflang="en">Corals in the Great Barrier Reef could become target of mass bleaching</a>

Several reports of cruel behaviour have been witnessed around the world. Numerous governments have also laid down guidelines and formed laws to keep a check on these activities. &nbsp;

Not just this, several organisations around the world have been making concerted efforts for animals’ welfare in many ways. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bizarre incident, a pet monkey, who had been drugged with cocaine and flushed down a toilet by owner in UK, has been recovering, an animal sanctuary said. The owner, Vicki Holland, who belongs to Newport, has been banned from keeping animals for life.

In a bizarre incident, a pet monkey, who had been drugged with cocaine and flushed down a toilet by owner in UK, has been recovering, an animal sanctuary said. The owner, Vicki Holland, who belongs to Newport, has been banned from keeping animals for life. Also Read: A bizarre accident? US official finds two alligators in SUV at mishap site The development comes after the police found video footage of the woman abusing Milly, the marmoset. Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) had rescued the animal. It was also housed at the Monkey World Sanctuary in Dorset. **Upsetting content** We rescued marmoset Milly after footage revealed her owner attempting to flush her down the toilet and offering her drugs 😭🐒💔 We prosecuted, and Milly's now safe and sound at Monkey World: https://t.co/9CLsxKfn4Q #WorldMonkeyDay pic.twitter.com/PHL2la1vCr — RSPCA (England & Wales) (@RSPCA_official) December 14, 2021 × Dr Angela Cronin, who works at Monkey World, said that Milly had been "very, very traumatised" when she first arrived at the facility but it was like a "light switched on" when she started mixing with other marmosets. The animal has already found a close companion in a fellow marmoset, Moon. Also Read: Corals in the Great Barrier Reef could become target of mass bleaching Several reports of cruel behaviour have been witnessed around the world. Numerous governments have also laid down guidelines and formed laws to keep a check on these activities. Not just this, several organisations around the world have been making concerted efforts for animals’ welfare in many ways. (With inputs from agencies)

After getting drugged with cocaine and flushed by owner, pet monkey recovers in UK

In a latest incident, a beachgoer garnered appreciation from police after he found and handed over cocaine worth $1 million. He found cocaine floating at sea off the Florida Keys.&nbsp;

Chief Patrol Agent Thomas G Martin took to his official Twitter handle and shared images of packaged cocaine. "Over the weekend, a Good Samaritan discovered over 1 million dollars in cocaine floating at sea near the Florida Keys. The package contained nearly 69 lbs," he wrote.&nbsp;

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Over the weekend, a Good Samaritan discovered over 1 million dollars in cocaine floating at sea near the Florida Keys. The package contained nearly 69 lbs. of cocaine. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BorderPatrol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BorderPatrol</a> agents with support from <a href="https://twitter.com/USCGSoutheast?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USCGSoutheast</a> recovered the drugs. 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/breakingnews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#breakingnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/breaking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#breaking</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/monday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#monday</a> <a href="https://t.co/cC7EKa9lDx">pic.twitter.com/cC7EKa9lDx</a>
— Chief Patrol Agent Thomas G. Martin (@USBPChiefMIP) <a href="https://twitter.com/USBPChiefMIP/status/1467895942569414662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Several officials, along with the US Coast Guard’s Southeast Division helped the border agents to recover the shipment.&nbsp; 
With this, the chief also shared an image of packages cocaine.&nbsp;

Various people took to the comment section and hared hilarious comments with the netizens. "Me calling the authorities: yeah I’m out in the ocean and I think I found 70, no 69, yeah 69lbs of cocaine," wrote a Twitter user. Another person wrote, "Crazy part is whoever bought 25 bricks got 5 1/2 extra bricks for free and it got intercepted smh."

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This is not the first time that such an incident has taken place. Earlier in June, a shipment of cocaine worth $44 million was found in an onion ring cargo in Coquelles, France, said officials at the UK border.&nbsp;

According to the country's National Crime Agency, the 922-pound shipment was spotted by Border Force officers after halting a lorry, which was headed to the UK. &nbsp;

NCA's branch commander Mark Howes said, "This was a really significant amount of drugs taken out of circulation. The seizure will deprive the organised crime group responsible for them of profit, which would have fuelled more offending.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a latest incident, a beachgoer garnered appreciation from police after he found and handed over cocaine worth $1 million. He found cocaine floating at sea off the Florida Keys.

In a latest incident, a beachgoer garnered appreciation from police after he found and handed over cocaine worth $1 million. He found cocaine floating at sea off the Florida Keys. Chief Patrol Agent Thomas G Martin took to his official Twitter handle and shared images of packaged cocaine. "Over the weekend, a Good Samaritan discovered over 1 million dollars in cocaine floating at sea near the Florida Keys. The package contained nearly 69 lbs," he wrote. Over the weekend, a Good Samaritan discovered over 1 million dollars in cocaine floating at sea near the Florida Keys. The package contained nearly 69 lbs. of cocaine. #BorderPatrol agents with support from @USCGSoutheast recovered the drugs. #breakingnews #breaking #monday pic.twitter.com/cC7EKa9lDx — Chief Patrol Agent Thomas G. Martin (@USBPChiefMIP) December 6, 2021 × Several officials, along with the US Coast Guard’s Southeast Division helped the border agents to recover the shipment. With this, the chief also shared an image of packages cocaine. Various people took to the comment section and hared hilarious comments with the netizens. "Me calling the authorities: yeah I’m out in the ocean and I think I found 70, no 69, yeah 69lbs of cocaine," wrote a Twitter user. Another person wrote, "Crazy part is whoever bought 25 bricks got 5 1/2 extra bricks for free and it got intercepted smh." Also read | Off California coast in US, paddleboarders witness massive sunfish This is not the first time that such an incident has taken place. Earlier in June, a shipment of cocaine worth $44 million was found in an onion ring cargo in Coquelles, France, said officials at the UK border. According to the country's National Crime Agency, the 922-pound shipment was spotted by Border Force officers after halting a lorry, which was headed to the UK. NCA's branch commander Mark Howes said, "This was a really significant amount of drugs taken out of circulation. The seizure will deprive the organised crime group responsible for them of profit, which would have fuelled more offending.” (With inputs from agencies)

Beachgoer finds cocaine worth $1 million USD floating at sea off Florida Keys

The British Parliament is 'rotting with drug abuse'. Cocaine traces have been found at multiple locations inside the parliament. Instead of holding MPs to account, UK PM Boris Johnson has launched a #WarOnDrugs to pin the blame on 'drug gangs'. Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: The British Parliament is 'rotting with drug abuse'

The son and namesake of the Philippines' former dictator Ferdinand Marcos said Tuesday he took a cocaine test after President Rodrigo Duterte accused an unnamed presidential candidate of using the illegal drug.

Marcos Jr, who is among the frontrunners seeking to succeed Duterte in 2022, said in a statement he was tested Monday and had submitted the result to three police agencies.

He told a local broadcaster he had tested negative.

"I really don't feel that I am the one being alluded to," said Marcos Jr, popularly known as "Bongbong".

"In spite of that, I believe it is my inherent duty as an aspiring public official to assure my fellow Filipinos that I am against illegal drugs. This is why I took a cocaine test yesterday."

Duterte, who has waged a deadly war on drugs that has killed thousands of people, has not identified the candidate he claims uses cocaine.

At times he has referred to them using male pronouns.

"There's a candidate who was using cocaine -- you can ask the rich people," Duterte said Monday.

"Why did I not arrest that person? You don't know the rich, they go on a yacht or in the air, that's where they snort."

A leaked survey conducted in October by respected polling outfit Social Weather Stations reportedly showed Marcos Jr as the top preference for president with 47 percent of voter support.

He was followed by incumbent vice president and leading opposition candidate Leni Robredo (18 percent) and celebrity mayor Francisco Domagoso (13 percent).

Retired boxing champion and senator Manny Pacquiao was fourth with nine percent, followed by Senator Panfilo Lacson with five percent.

Lacson said Tuesday he and his vice presidential running mate, Senator Vicente Sotto, had voluntarily undergone "multi-drug testing" on Monday. He said they had "passed".

Pacquiao, who has admitted using marijuana and crystal meth in his youth, said he supported mandatory drug testing for those seeking a government post.

"Although I'm not in a position to judge anyone on this issue, I am willing to undergo a drug test anytime and anywhere," Pacquiao said Friday, suggesting a hair follicle test offered "better results".

Domagoso on Friday also denied using drugs.

Duterte has been an ally of the controversial Marcos family, which had gone into exile in the United States after the patriarch's humiliating downfall in 1986.

But recently Duterte has been publicly critical of Marcos Jr, describing him as a "weak leader... saddled with baggage".

Sara Duterte, his daughter, had been widely expected to run for president, and potentially protect him from criminal charges in the Philippines and International Criminal Court prosecutors over his deadly drug war.

But she has filed her candidacy for vice president, a position which holds very little power, and formed an alliance with Marcos Jr.

In the Philippines, the president and vice president are elected separately.

Sara told a rally of supporters Sunday "we need to protect our candidate. Let us protect BBM ('Bongbong' Marcos)".

Duterte's chosen successor is now his close aide Senator Christopher Go, who made a last-minute entry into the race on November 13.

Many analysts consider Go unlikely to win.

The son and namesake of the Philippines' former dictator Ferdinand Marcos said Tuesday he took a cocaine test after President Rodrigo Duterte accused an unnamed presidential candidate of using the illegal drug.

The son and namesake of the Philippines' former dictator Ferdinand Marcos said Tuesday he took a cocaine test after President Rodrigo Duterte accused an unnamed presidential candidate of using the illegal drug. Marcos Jr, who is among the frontrunners seeking to succeed Duterte in 2022, said in a statement he was tested Monday and had submitted the result to three police agencies. He told a local broadcaster he had tested negative. "I really don't feel that I am the one being alluded to," said Marcos Jr, popularly known as "Bongbong". "In spite of that, I believe it is my inherent duty as an aspiring public official to assure my fellow Filipinos that I am against illegal drugs. This is why I took a cocaine test yesterday." Duterte, who has waged a deadly war on drugs that has killed thousands of people, has not identified the candidate he claims uses cocaine. At times he has referred to them using male pronouns. "There's a candidate who was using cocaine -- you can ask the rich people," Duterte said Monday. "Why did I not arrest that person? You don't know the rich, they go on a yacht or in the air, that's where they snort." A leaked survey conducted in October by respected polling outfit Social Weather Stations reportedly showed Marcos Jr as the top preference for president with 47 percent of voter support. He was followed by incumbent vice president and leading opposition candidate Leni Robredo (18 percent) and celebrity mayor Francisco Domagoso (13 percent). Retired boxing champion and senator Manny Pacquiao was fourth with nine percent, followed by Senator Panfilo Lacson with five percent. Lacson said Tuesday he and his vice presidential running mate, Senator Vicente Sotto, had voluntarily undergone "multi-drug testing" on Monday. He said they had "passed". Pacquiao, who has admitted using marijuana and crystal meth in his youth, said he supported mandatory drug testing for those seeking a government post. "Although I'm not in a position to judge anyone on this issue, I am willing to undergo a drug test anytime and anywhere," Pacquiao said Friday, suggesting a hair follicle test offered "better results". Domagoso on Friday also denied using drugs. Duterte has been an ally of the controversial Marcos family, which had gone into exile in the United States after the patriarch's humiliating downfall in 1986. But recently Duterte has been publicly critical of Marcos Jr, describing him as a "weak leader... saddled with baggage". Sara Duterte, his daughter, had been widely expected to run for president, and potentially protect him from criminal charges in the Philippines and International Criminal Court prosecutors over his deadly drug war. But she has filed her candidacy for vice president, a position which holds very little power, and formed an alliance with Marcos Jr. In the Philippines, the president and vice president are elected separately. Sara told a rally of supporters Sunday "we need to protect our candidate. Let us protect BBM ('Bongbong' Marcos)". Duterte's chosen successor is now his close aide Senator Christopher Go, who made a last-minute entry into the race on November 13. Many analysts consider Go unlikely to win.

Philippine presidential aspirant Marcos Jr tested for cocaine

In a huge illicit drugs seizure, a shipment of cocaine worth $44 million (£33 million) was found in an onion ring cargo in Coquelles, France, said officials at the UK border.&nbsp;

According to the country's National Crime Agency (NCA), the 922-pound (418 kg) shipment was spotted by Border Force officers on Thursday evening after halting a lorry, which was headed to the UK. &nbsp;

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Piotr Perzenowski, 30, has been charged with smuggling the shipment. On Saturday morning, he also appeared at Kent's Folkestone Magistrates' Court.&nbsp;

NCA's branch commander Mark Howes said, "This was a really significant amount of drugs taken out of circulation. The seizure will deprive the organised crime group responsible for them of profit, which would have fuelled more offending.” &nbsp;

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“Working with our partners such as Border Force, we will continue to fight the Class A drugs threat in our mission to protect the public," Howes added. &nbsp;

The accused has been remanded in the case. He is scheduled to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on December 13.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a huge illicit drugs seizure, a shipment of cocaine worth $44 million (£33 million) was found in an onion ring cargo in Coquelles, France, said officials at the UK border.

In a huge illicit drugs seizure, a shipment of cocaine worth $44 million (£33 million) was found in an onion ring cargo in Coquelles, France, said officials at the UK border. According to the country's National Crime Agency (NCA), the 922-pound (418 kg) shipment was spotted by Border Force officers on Thursday evening after halting a lorry, which was headed to the UK. Also Read: 'Groundbreaking': UK scientists come up with vaccine therapy that could prevent Alzheimer’s disease Piotr Perzenowski, 30, has been charged with smuggling the shipment. On Saturday morning, he also appeared at Kent's Folkestone Magistrates' Court. NCA's branch commander Mark Howes said, "This was a really significant amount of drugs taken out of circulation. The seizure will deprive the organised crime group responsible for them of profit, which would have fuelled more offending.” Also Read: 'Invisible Killer': Air pollution in Europe still kills 300,000 a year “Working with our partners such as Border Force, we will continue to fight the Class A drugs threat in our mission to protect the public," Howes added. The accused has been remanded in the case. He is scheduled to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on December 13. (With inputs from agencies)

Huge catch: $44 million worth cocaine found in onion ring cargo at UK border

The UAE authorities seized half a tonne of cocaine worth more than $136 million,&nbsp;Dubai&nbsp;police said on Sunday, in one of the biggest drug busts in the Gulf country.

Officers "recently thwarted a smuggling attempt of 500 kilograms of pure cocaine into the country", a police statement said.&nbsp;

"The narcotics, worth more than 500 million dirhams ($136 million) in street value, were well-hidden within the structure of a cargo container."&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates, made up of seven emirates including&nbsp;Dubai, has a zero tolerance policy towards drug possession.&nbsp;

Police said they foiled the smuggling attempt after receiving a tip about a cargo container carrying the contraband through a sea port.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-seizes-54-tonnes-of-cocaine-worth-185-million-398221">Also read | Colombia seizes 5.4 tonnes of cocaine worth $185 million</a>

In the operation dubbed "Scorpion", a suspect of Middle Eastern origin was arrested. Police described the man as an intermediary for an international drug syndicate.

"Once the shipment arrived, the suspect transported the illegal drugs to another emirate and stored them in a warehouse with the aim of selling and promoting the harmful toxins," said Eid Mohammed Thani Hareb, director of the Anti-Narcotics Department, according to the statement.&nbsp;

It added that security officers raided the warehouse and caught the man "red-handed".&nbsp;

Drug smugglers face possible death sentences in the UAE but in practice, executions are rare.

The UAE authorities seized half a tonne of cocaine worth more than $136 million, Dubai police said on Sunday, in one of the biggest drug busts in the Gulf country.

The UAE authorities seized half a tonne of cocaine worth more than $136 million, Dubai police said on Sunday, in one of the biggest drug busts in the Gulf country. Officers "recently thwarted a smuggling attempt of 500 kilograms of pure cocaine into the country", a police statement said. "The narcotics, worth more than 500 million dirhams ($136 million) in street value, were well-hidden within the structure of a cargo container." The United Arab Emirates, made up of seven emirates including Dubai, has a zero tolerance policy towards drug possession. Police said they foiled the smuggling attempt after receiving a tip about a cargo container carrying the contraband through a sea port. Also read | Colombia seizes 5.4 tonnes of cocaine worth $185 million In the operation dubbed "Scorpion", a suspect of Middle Eastern origin was arrested. Police described the man as an intermediary for an international drug syndicate. "Once the shipment arrived, the suspect transported the illegal drugs to another emirate and stored them in a warehouse with the aim of selling and promoting the harmful toxins," said Eid Mohammed Thani Hareb, director of the Anti-Narcotics Department, according to the statement. It added that security officers raided the warehouse and caught the man "red-handed". Drug smugglers face possible death sentences in the UAE but in practice, executions are rare.

Dubai police say $136 million worth of cocaine seized

Montenegro police said on Friday they had seized more than a tonne of cocaine, their biggest ever drug bust, concealed in a shipment of bananas and that two people were arrested.

The raid was carried out in Mojanovici, a suburb of the capital Podgorica in the tiny Adriatic country, the national police said in a statement on their Twitter account.

"Montenegrin police and the customs department have seized 1,205 packs of cocaine...in a shipment of bananas... with a total weight of over one tonne," it said.

Montenegro, a NATO member and former Yugoslav republic, is also a European Union membership candidate but before it joins the bloc it must root out organised crime and corruption.

"What a feat of Montenegrin police. We are doing what we have pledged: Montenegro will not be a country of crime," Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic said in a tweet.

In recent months, Montenegro and neighbouring Serbia, which also aspires to join the EU, have stepped up their fight against organised crime, arresting dozens on suspicion of murders, abductions, drug smuggling and plots to kill rivals and state officials.

Montenegro police said on Friday they had seized more than a tonne of cocaine, their biggest ever drug bust, concealed in a shipment of bananas and that two people were arrested.

Montenegro police said on Friday they had seized more than a tonne of cocaine, their biggest ever drug bust, concealed in a shipment of bananas and that two people were arrested. The raid was carried out in Mojanovici, a suburb of the capital Podgorica in the tiny Adriatic country, the national police said in a statement on their Twitter account. "Montenegrin police and the customs department have seized 1,205 packs of cocaine...in a shipment of bananas... with a total weight of over one tonne," it said. Montenegro, a NATO member and former Yugoslav republic, is also a European Union membership candidate but before it joins the bloc it must root out organised crime and corruption. "What a feat of Montenegrin police. We are doing what we have pledged: Montenegro will not be a country of crime," Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic said in a tweet. In recent months, Montenegro and neighbouring Serbia, which also aspires to join the EU, have stepped up their fight against organised crime, arresting dozens on suspicion of murders, abductions, drug smuggling and plots to kill rivals and state officials.

Montenegro seizes over a tonne of cocaine in bananas shipment

Police in Costa Rica on Sunday seized 4.3 tonnes of cocaine. The drug had originated in Colombia. The authorities in Costa Rica said that the drug bust was the Central American nation's second-largest this year.

Major drug seizures have raised fears in recent years that Costa Rica is becoming a major transit country for Colombian drugs that then head towards Europe. This has got the officials in one of Central America's most stable nations worried.

The cocaine was transported in a container loaded with ceramic floor tiling. It was aboard a commercial ship that arrived at Costa Rican port of Moin from Colombian port of Turbo.

"We're very close to 40 tonnes of marijuana and cocaine seizures in the country (so far in 2021). We hope to surpass last year's numbers," Costa Rica's Security Minister Michael Soto said in a statement.

Costa Rican authorities seized nearly 57 tonnes of cocaine in 2020, up 56% from a year earlier, according to the security ministry. They seized 14.5 tonnes of marijuana last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

Police in Costa Rica on Sunday seized 4.3 tonnes of cocaine. The drug had originated in Colombia. The authorities in Costa Rica said that the drug bust was the Central American nation's second-largest this year.

Police in Costa Rica on Sunday seized 4.3 tonnes of cocaine. The drug had originated in Colombia. The authorities in Costa Rica said that the drug bust was the Central American nation's second-largest this year. Major drug seizures have raised fears in recent years that Costa Rica is becoming a major transit country for Colombian drugs that then head towards Europe. This has got the officials in one of Central America's most stable nations worried. The cocaine was transported in a container loaded with ceramic floor tiling. It was aboard a commercial ship that arrived at Costa Rican port of Moin from Colombian port of Turbo. "We're very close to 40 tonnes of marijuana and cocaine seizures in the country (so far in 2021). We hope to surpass last year's numbers," Costa Rica's Security Minister Michael Soto said in a statement. Costa Rican authorities seized nearly 57 tonnes of cocaine in 2020, up 56% from a year earlier, according to the security ministry. They seized 14.5 tonnes of marijuana last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Costa Rican police seize 4 tonnes of Colombian cocaine

Authorities in&nbsp;Colombia, working alongside counterparts in Panama and the United States, have seized 5.4 tonnes of cocaine worth $185 million, the Andean country's navy said on Wednesday (July 14).

The drugs were found after a speedboat fled back into&nbsp;Colombian waters after being detected by Panamanian authorities and was pursued by members of&nbsp;Colombia's coast guard, the navy said in a statement.

Following a detailed inspection of the area, members of the coast guard found the suspicious vessel with 81 sacks onboard and 147 other sacks hidden in the surrounding vegetation, which together contained the cocaine.

The drugs belonged to the Clan del Golfo criminal gang, the authorities said. The group is led by Dairo Antonio Usuga, known as "Otoniel,"&nbsp;Colombia's most-wanted drug trafficking suspect.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-man-arrested-in-canada-for-smuggling-112-kg-cocaine-397167">Also read |&nbsp;Indian-origin man arrested in Canada for smuggling 112 kg cocaine</a>

Despite decades of fighting drug trafficking,&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;remains one of the world's top producers of cocaine and faces constant pressure from the United States to reduce crops and production of the drug that has long financed&nbsp;Colombia's internal armed conflict.

Colombia's security forces destroyed some 130,000 hectares (321,000 acres) of coca in 2020 and confiscated around 505 tonnes of cocaine.

The Clan del Golfo, or Gulf Clan, is considered&nbsp;Colombia's largest criminal gang made up of former far-right paramilitaries. It closed in 2016 with some 1,600 members, a high-ranking military official told Reuters in January.

Earlier this week,&nbsp;Colombia's Defense Ministry reported that five members of Clan del Golfo were killed in the country's Norte de Santander province, including a regional leader, while another five were captured during a military operation.

Authorities in Colombia, working alongside counterparts in Panama and the United States, have seized 5.4 tonnes of cocaine worth $185 million, the Andean country's navy said on Wednesday (July 14).

Authorities in Colombia, working alongside counterparts in Panama and the United States, have seized 5.4 tonnes of cocaine worth $185 million, the Andean country's navy said on Wednesday (July 14). The drugs were found after a speedboat fled back into Colombian waters after being detected by Panamanian authorities and was pursued by members of Colombia's coast guard, the navy said in a statement. Following a detailed inspection of the area, members of the coast guard found the suspicious vessel with 81 sacks onboard and 147 other sacks hidden in the surrounding vegetation, which together contained the cocaine. The drugs belonged to the Clan del Golfo criminal gang, the authorities said. The group is led by Dairo Antonio Usuga, known as "Otoniel," Colombia's most-wanted drug trafficking suspect. Also read | Indian-origin man arrested in Canada for smuggling 112 kg cocaine Despite decades of fighting drug trafficking, Colombia remains one of the world's top producers of cocaine and faces constant pressure from the United States to reduce crops and production of the drug that has long financed Colombia's internal armed conflict. Colombia's security forces destroyed some 130,000 hectares (321,000 acres) of coca in 2020 and confiscated around 505 tonnes of cocaine. The Clan del Golfo, or Gulf Clan, is considered Colombia's largest criminal gang made up of former far-right paramilitaries. It closed in 2016 with some 1,600 members, a high-ranking military official told Reuters in January. Earlier this week, Colombia's Defense Ministry reported that five members of Clan del Golfo were killed in the country's Norte de Santander province, including a regional leader, while another five were captured during a military operation.

Colombia seizes 5.4 tonnes of cocaine worth $185 million

According to reports, four Olympic contractors from the United States and Britain have been arrested in the Japanese capital Tokyo over allegedly using cocaine.

Japanese media reports said they were electricians with two belonging to UK and the other two from the United States. The arrests had reportedly taken place between July 3-5.

The four men were tested for drugs, police said. They were reportedly working for an electric generator company and were involved in the maintenance work of electric generators for the Tokyo Olympics.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-declares-state-of-emergency-due-to-covid-19-two-weeks-ahead-of-tokyo-olympics-396729/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The men were arrested under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law as the Olympic organisers in a statement added that a strict warning will be issued to the company if the allegations are proved against the four men.

Japan is set to welcome thousands of athletes and officials including the world media as it hosts the Olympics from July 23 to August 8.&nbsp;

Reports say the men were working for British company Aggreko. Japanese media report said the four men had entered the country between February and May and were living in Tokyo.

The men were allegedly drinking in Tokyo's Roppongi entertainment district and one of the men reportedly broke into an apartment complex as the police intervened and arrested them.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the arrests were "an individual issue and a question for the local justice authorities".

Tokyo has been put under a state of emergency due to the virus surge even as the city's governor Yuriko Koike assured the country that it will be able to hold a "safe and secure" Olympics.

The four men were reportedly arrested before the state of emergency came into force in the capital. The city's bars and restaurants have been ordered to shut early even as Olympic organisers banned spectators from attending the mega event.

The Olympics were postponed last year due to the pandemic but is set to go ahead this year with Tokyo under the spotlight as it experiences its fourth state of emergency in over a year.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, four Olympic contractors from the United States and Britain have been arrested in the Japanese capital Tokyo over allegedly using cocaine. Japanese media reports said they were electricians with two belonging to UK and the other two from the United States.

According to reports, four Olympic contractors from the United States and Britain have been arrested in the Japanese capital Tokyo over allegedly using cocaine. Japanese media reports said they were electricians with two belonging to UK and the other two from the United States. The arrests had reportedly taken place between July 3-5. The four men were tested for drugs, police said. They were reportedly working for an electric generator company and were involved in the maintenance work of electric generators for the Tokyo Olympics. Watch: The men were arrested under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law as the Olympic organisers in a statement added that a strict warning will be issued to the company if the allegations are proved against the four men. Japan is set to welcome thousands of athletes and officials including the world media as it hosts the Olympics from July 23 to August 8. Reports say the men were working for British company Aggreko. Japanese media report said the four men had entered the country between February and May and were living in Tokyo. The men were allegedly drinking in Tokyo's Roppongi entertainment district and one of the men reportedly broke into an apartment complex as the police intervened and arrested them. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the arrests were "an individual issue and a question for the local justice authorities". Tokyo has been put under a state of emergency due to the virus surge even as the city's governor Yuriko Koike assured the country that it will be able to hold a "safe and secure" Olympics. The four men were reportedly arrested before the state of emergency came into force in the capital. The city's bars and restaurants have been ordered to shut early even as Olympic organisers banned spectators from attending the mega event. The Olympics were postponed last year due to the pandemic but is set to go ahead this year with Tokyo under the spotlight as it experiences its fourth state of emergency in over a year. (With inputs from Agencies)

Police arrest four Olympic contractors in Tokyo over alleged cocaine consumption

An Indian-origin man, Pardeep Singh, who is 24-years-old, has been arrested in Canada for allegedly smuggling about 112.5 kg of cocaine to the United States. He was arrested after a commercial truck driven by him entered Canada at the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie in Ontario and was pulled aside for a secondary examination.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), district director Kim Upper hailed the seizure as an “integral role” of the agency. In a statement, he said, “Our officers have interrupted the smuggling attempt of a massive amount of narcotics, and have put a full stop to the ripple effect these narcotics would have in neighbourhoods across our country,”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-going-to-happen-for-quite-a-while-canada-wont-allow-unvaccinated-tourists-396969">Also read |&nbsp;'Not going to happen for quite a while': Canada won't allow unvaccinated tourists</a>

The agency further revealed that the border agents discovered the cocaine, estimated at $14 million, inside five duffle bags.&nbsp; 
Singh was arrested and transferred to the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and has been charged with the importation of a controlled substance, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

An Indian-origin man, Pardeep Singh, who is 24-years-old, has been arrested in Canada for allegedly smuggling about 112.5 kg of cocaine to the United States. He was arrested after a commercial truck driven by him entered Canada at the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie in Ontario and was pulled aside for a secondary examination.

An Indian-origin man, Pardeep Singh, who is 24-years-old, has been arrested in Canada for allegedly smuggling about 112.5 kg of cocaine to the United States. He was arrested after a commercial truck driven by him entered Canada at the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie in Ontario and was pulled aside for a secondary examination. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), district director Kim Upper hailed the seizure as an “integral role” of the agency. In a statement, he said, “Our officers have interrupted the smuggling attempt of a massive amount of narcotics, and have put a full stop to the ripple effect these narcotics would have in neighbourhoods across our country,”. Also read | 'Not going to happen for quite a while': Canada won't allow unvaccinated tourists The agency further revealed that the border agents discovered the cocaine, estimated at $14 million, inside five duffle bags. Singh was arrested and transferred to the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and has been charged with the importation of a controlled substance, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Indian-origin man arrested in Canada for smuggling 112 kg cocaine

An appeals court in France on Thursday acquitted two French pilots who were found guilty of involvement in a major drugs bust in the Dominican Republic in 2013.

In what has become known as the "Air Cocaine" case, two men had been sentenced to six years in prison for attempting to smuggle 600 kilograms (1,500 pounds) of drug out of the country.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/honduras-police-unearth-15-tonnes-of-buried-cocaine-383450">Honduras police unearth 1.5 tonnes of buried cocaine</a>

It has long been alleged that Pascal Fauret and Bruno Odos were aware of the cocaine being carried on board, something that they continue to deny.

During the trial, a key figure who has not appealed his own conviction claimed that the two pilots were "conned".&nbsp; &nbsp;

Both pilots were freed, but the court upheld the sentences of&nbsp;Ali Bouchareb, the man accused of masterminding the drug trafficking ring and&nbsp;the&nbsp;aviation company's&nbsp;directors.

The drugs were discovered by Dominican police at the&nbsp;Dominican beach resort of Punta Cana&nbsp;as a Falcon 50 jet was preparing to fly to Saint-Tropez in the south of France. The drugs were packed into 26 suitcases on board the jet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-woman-arrested-after-cocaine-hidden-in-sole-of-shoes-found-in-airport-382864">US: Woman arrested after cocaine hidden in sole of shoes found in airport</a>

The two pilots while out on bail, fled from the Dominican Republic under mysterious circumstances and fled to French territory in the Caribbean. They were arrested on their return to Paris after returning to the French mainland in November 2015.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An appeals court in France on Thursday acquitted two French pilots who were found guilty of involvement in a major drugs bust in the Dominican Republic in 2013. In what has become known as the "Air Cocaine" case, two men had been sentenced to six years in prison for attempting to smuggle 600 kilograms (1,500 pounds) of drug out of the country.

An appeals court in France on Thursday acquitted two French pilots who were found guilty of involvement in a major drugs bust in the Dominican Republic in 2013. In what has become known as the "Air Cocaine" case, two men had been sentenced to six years in prison for attempting to smuggle 600 kilograms (1,500 pounds) of drug out of the country. Also read | Honduras police unearth 1.5 tonnes of buried cocaine It has long been alleged that Pascal Fauret and Bruno Odos were aware of the cocaine being carried on board, something that they continue to deny. During the trial, a key figure who has not appealed his own conviction claimed that the two pilots were "conned". Both pilots were freed, but the court upheld the sentences of Ali Bouchareb, the man accused of masterminding the drug trafficking ring and the aviation company's directors. The drugs were discovered by Dominican police at the Dominican beach resort of Punta Cana as a Falcon 50 jet was preparing to fly to Saint-Tropez in the south of France. The drugs were packed into 26 suitcases on board the jet. Also read | US: Woman arrested after cocaine hidden in sole of shoes found in airport The two pilots while out on bail, fled from the Dominican Republic under mysterious circumstances and fled to French territory in the Caribbean. They were arrested on their return to Paris after returning to the French mainland in November 2015. (With inputs from agencies)

Air cocaine case: 8 years later, accused pilots acquitted of all charges

Colombia's military seized&nbsp;six&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;from&nbsp;a&nbsp;jungle&nbsp;laboratory run by&nbsp;ELN&nbsp;guerillas in the southwest of the country, Defence Minister Diego Molano said on&nbsp;Tuesday.

"I want to announce to the country the most important blow to the&nbsp;ELN&nbsp;drug trafficking this year, with the seizure of&nbsp;six&nbsp;tons&nbsp;of&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;hydrochloride," he said in a video released to the media.&nbsp;

Operation Jared, in which three "large laboratories" were destroyed by the armed&nbsp;forces&nbsp;and law enforcement agencies, was carried out in the municipality of Samaniego, in the department of Narino, near the border with Ecuador.&nbsp;

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"The&nbsp;cocaine, equipment and other elements found would have been worth more than $9 million. The narcotic was ready to be packed and transported to the&nbsp;Colombian&nbsp;Pacific coast (...) to be sent to Mexico and the United States" said attorney general Francisco Barbosa.&nbsp;

Molano announced this week that he would redouble efforts against "terrorism" by armed groups after an attack on President Ivan Duque's helicopter Friday in Cucuta, near the border with Venezuela.

The government blamed the&nbsp;ELN&nbsp;for the attack, as well as for a car bomb that exploded at a military facility in the same city 10 days earlier.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;ELN&nbsp;is the largest holdout&nbsp;rebel&nbsp;group in the country, having carried on fighting when the main guerrilla faction, the Revolutionary Armed&nbsp;Forces&nbsp;of Colombia, or FARC, signed a peace deal with the government to end half a century of conflict.

Colombia's military seized six tonnes of cocaine from a jungle laboratory run by ELN guerillas in the southwest of the country, Defence Minister Diego Molano said on Tuesday.

Colombia's military seized six tonnes of cocaine from a jungle laboratory run by ELN guerillas in the southwest of the country, Defence Minister Diego Molano said on Tuesday. "I want to announce to the country the most important blow to the ELN drug trafficking this year, with the seizure of six tons of cocaine hydrochloride," he said in a video released to the media. Operation Jared, in which three "large laboratories" were destroyed by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, was carried out in the municipality of Samaniego, in the department of Narino, near the border with Ecuador. Also Read | A year of Hong Kong security law: Crackdown on people and the press "The cocaine, equipment and other elements found would have been worth more than $9 million. The narcotic was ready to be packed and transported to the Colombian Pacific coast (...) to be sent to Mexico and the United States" said attorney general Francisco Barbosa. Molano announced this week that he would redouble efforts against "terrorism" by armed groups after an attack on President Ivan Duque's helicopter Friday in Cucuta, near the border with Venezuela. The government blamed the ELN for the attack, as well as for a car bomb that exploded at a military facility in the same city 10 days earlier. The ELN is the largest holdout rebel group in the country, having carried on fighting when the main guerrilla faction, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, signed a peace deal with the government to end half a century of conflict.

Colombian forces seize six tonnes of cocaine from ELN rebel jungle labs

The Algerian coastguard has seized almost half a tonne of cocaine after fishermen alerted authorities to "suspicious" items floating off the northwest coast, a defence ministry statement said Monday.

The coastguard fished out 490 kilos (1,080 pounds) of cocaine split up into 442 packages from the water six nautical miles (11 kilometres) off Oran's Cap Carbon on Saturday evening, the ministry said.

An investigation is underway.

The cocaine seizure is the largest in the North African country since authorities found some 700 kilos of the drug on a boat transporting meat from Brazil in 2018.

The country's anti-drug office said Friday that more than 25 tonnes of cannabis resin had been seized in the first four months of this year.

The Algerian coastguard has seized almost half a tonne of cocaine after fishermen alerted authorities to "suspicious" items floating off the northwest coast, a defence ministry statement said Monday.

The Algerian coastguard has seized almost half a tonne of cocaine after fishermen alerted authorities to "suspicious" items floating off the northwest coast, a defence ministry statement said Monday. The coastguard fished out 490 kilos (1,080 pounds) of cocaine split up into 442 packages from the water six nautical miles (11 kilometres) off Oran's Cap Carbon on Saturday evening, the ministry said. An investigation is underway. The cocaine seizure is the largest in the North African country since authorities found some 700 kilos of the drug on a boat transporting meat from Brazil in 2018. The country's anti-drug office said Friday that more than 25 tonnes of cannabis resin had been seized in the first four months of this year.

Half a tonne of cocaine found floating off Algeria coast

India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested a man who allegedly used to provide bitcoin to peddlers to buy drugs from the dark net, the hidden underbelly of the internet inaccessable by commonly used browsers.

The accused has been identified as Makarand Pardeep Adivirkar, popularly known as the 'Crypto King'.

"In November 2020, a team of NCB Mumbai had seized 20 LSD blots from Kharodi Village in Malad. The seized psychotropic substance was purchased from Europe by using Bitcoin by a drug peddler from Mumbai," NCB said on Wednesday.

During the investigation police arrested Adivirkar was involved in providing the bitcoin to effect the purchase of LSD in November 2020 from abroad.

According to NCB, the seized drugs were purchased from the Darknet by using bitcoin. Adivirkar was found to be providing bitcoins to drug peddlers in various parts of Mumbai.

"His modus operandi was to receive cash, and provide bitcoins on marginal profits by using his wallet that was used to purchase drugs from the Darknet," NCB added.

The NCB said that sellers of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in some countries are using bitcoin for illicit trafficking of drugs worldwide especially LSD, ecstasy, heroin, hydroponic weeds, buds among other drugs.

A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that is secured by cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. It is a digital currency, without a central bank or single administrator that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without the need for intermediaries.

India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested a man who allegedly used to provide bitcoin to peddlers to buy drugs from the dark net, the hidden underbelly of the internet inaccessable by commonly used browsers.

India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested a man who allegedly used to provide bitcoin to peddlers to buy drugs from the dark net, the hidden underbelly of the internet inaccessable by commonly used browsers. The accused has been identified as Makarand Pardeep Adivirkar, popularly known as the 'Crypto King'. "In November 2020, a team of NCB Mumbai had seized 20 LSD blots from Kharodi Village in Malad. The seized psychotropic substance was purchased from Europe by using Bitcoin by a drug peddler from Mumbai," NCB said on Wednesday. During the investigation police arrested Adivirkar was involved in providing the bitcoin to effect the purchase of LSD in November 2020 from abroad. According to NCB, the seized drugs were purchased from the Darknet by using bitcoin. Adivirkar was found to be providing bitcoins to drug peddlers in various parts of Mumbai. "His modus operandi was to receive cash, and provide bitcoins on marginal profits by using his wallet that was used to purchase drugs from the Darknet," NCB added. The NCB said that sellers of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in some countries are using bitcoin for illicit trafficking of drugs worldwide especially LSD, ecstasy, heroin, hydroponic weeds, buds among other drugs. A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that is secured by cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. It is a digital currency, without a central bank or single administrator that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without the need for intermediaries.

Bitcoin for drugs: Indian police arrest 'Crypto King' of drug peddlers in Mumbai

US Coast Guard officials have offloaded some 11,500 pounds of seized cocaine worth $220 million in the city of San Diego, authorities said. 
 
The drugs were confiscated in international waters off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America during the months of April and May. Following four interdictions of suspected drug smuggling vessels off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America by three Coast Guard ships, new reports quoted the US Coast Guard as saying a statement on Wednesday. 
 
US law enforcement officials increased counter-narcotics operations in the Western Hemisphere to disrupt the flow of drugs on April 1, according to the Coast Guard. 
 
A dozen people have been detained in connection with the interdictions and are awaiting federal charges, local media reported, citing officials. 
 
The US Coast Guard and Navy personnel in San Diego offloaded tonnes of drugs confiscated from ocean-going smugglers several times in the past months. 
 
"Interdictions in the Eastern Pacific are critical to targeting and prosecuting transnational criminals," said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman, who credited the efforts of the Coast Guard ships involved for preventing "the sale and future distribution of hundreds of thousands of pounds of cocaine each year." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US Coast Guard officials have offloaded some 11,500 pounds of seized cocaine worth $220 million in the city of San Diego, authorities said. The drugs were confiscated in international waters off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America during the months of April and May.

US Coast Guard officials have offloaded some 11,500 pounds of seized cocaine worth $220 million in the city of San Diego, authorities said. The drugs were confiscated in international waters off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America during the months of April and May. Following four interdictions of suspected drug smuggling vessels off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America by three Coast Guard ships, new reports quoted the US Coast Guard as saying a statement on Wednesday. US law enforcement officials increased counter-narcotics operations in the Western Hemisphere to disrupt the flow of drugs on April 1, according to the Coast Guard. A dozen people have been detained in connection with the interdictions and are awaiting federal charges, local media reported, citing officials. The US Coast Guard and Navy personnel in San Diego offloaded tonnes of drugs confiscated from ocean-going smugglers several times in the past months. "Interdictions in the Eastern Pacific are critical to targeting and prosecuting transnational criminals," said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman, who credited the efforts of the Coast Guard ships involved for preventing "the sale and future distribution of hundreds of thousands of pounds of cocaine each year." (With inputs from agencies)

US Coast Guard offloads 11,500 pounds of seized cocaine worth $220 million in San Diego

A 21-year-old woman was arrested in the US for attempting to smuggle three pounds of cocaine hidden inside the sole of seven pairs of shoes, custom officials said on Tuesday.

The Georgian woman, who was arriving from Jamaica, was arrested at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport after a white powdery substance concealed in the soles of the shoes tested positive for cocaine.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/europes-biggest-haul-23-tonnes-of-cocaine-seized-by-customs-authorities-365960">'Europe's biggest haul': 23 tonnes of cocaine seized by customs authorities</a>

"Smugglers go through great lengths to conceal drugs from our officers," Paula Rivera, CBP Port Director for the Area Port of Atlanta said in a press release.&nbsp;

"Narcotics interdiction remains a priority CBP enforcement mission, one that we take very seriously."

The officials also said that the estimated street value of the cocaine is about $40,000.&nbsp;

Earlier, also smugglers have tried to hide drugs in the shoes' soles.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/shipment-with-19-kgs-of-cocaine-coated-cereal-intercepted-by-us-authorities-365467">Shipment with 19 kgs of cocaine-coated cereal intercepted by US authorities</a>

In images shared by CBP, the sole of the shoes, ranging from sneakers to sandals can be seen. &nbsp;

In December, CBP said a drug-sniffing dog at the checkpoint in Yuma was able to detect over a pound of fentanyl that was duct-taped inside the shoes of an Arizona man.

A 21-year-old woman was arrested in the US for attempting to smuggle three pounds of cocaine hidden inside the sole of seven pairs of shoes, custom officials said on Tuesday.

A 21-year-old woman was arrested in the US for attempting to smuggle three pounds of cocaine hidden inside the sole of seven pairs of shoes, custom officials said on Tuesday. The Georgian woman, who was arriving from Jamaica, was arrested at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport after a white powdery substance concealed in the soles of the shoes tested positive for cocaine. Also read | 'Europe's biggest haul': 23 tonnes of cocaine seized by customs authorities "Smugglers go through great lengths to conceal drugs from our officers," Paula Rivera, CBP Port Director for the Area Port of Atlanta said in a press release. "Narcotics interdiction remains a priority CBP enforcement mission, one that we take very seriously." The officials also said that the estimated street value of the cocaine is about $40,000. Earlier, also smugglers have tried to hide drugs in the shoes' soles. Also read | Shipment with 19 kgs of cocaine-coated cereal intercepted by US authorities In images shared by CBP, the sole of the shoes, ranging from sneakers to sandals can be seen. In December, CBP said a drug-sniffing dog at the checkpoint in Yuma was able to detect over a pound of fentanyl that was duct-taped inside the shoes of an Arizona man.

US: Woman arrested after cocaine hidden in sole of shoes found in airport

German officers had discovered 16 tonnes of cocaine hidden in containers from Paraguay at the port of Hamburg on Feb. 12.

23 tons of cocaine seized in Europe

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