The US elections are inching closer, and the two candidates are ready to go to any limit to become the next President of the United States.

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> has been accusing his opponent of being a racist and a corrupt leader,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> is accusing Biden of using drugs, weeks before the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>.

In an interview with a local TV channel,&nbsp;Fox News, Trump can be heard critiquing Biden's oratory skills, by alleging that Biden cannot even "get out a sentence".

“I think there’s probably — possibly — drugs involved. That’s what I hear. I mean, there’s possibly drugs. I don’t know how you can go from being so bad where you can’t even get out a sentence,” Trump said in the interview.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-asks-north-carolina-to-vote-twice-twitter-issues-notice-again-327142">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Trump asks North Carolina to vote twice; Twitter issues notice again</a>

"I mean, you saw some of those debates with the large number of people on the stage," Mr Trump added. "He was — I mean, I used to say, 'How is it possible that he can even go forward?'," he continued.

This is not the first time Trump has accused his opponent of using drugs. Earlier, towards the end of the month of August, Trump had in an interview urged the authorities to conduct a drug test, claiming that Biden may be on drugs because his debates are "boring".

"Frankly, his best performance was against Bernie. We're going to call for a drug test, by the way, because his best performance was against Bernie,” he said in the Oval office.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-mini-strokes-to-mentally-unstable-us-presidential-nominees-health-in-jeopardy-325068">Also read|&nbsp;From mini strokes to mentally unstable: US presidential nominees' health in jeopardy?</a>

“It wasn't that he was Winston Churchill because he wasn't, but it was a normal, boring debate. You know, nothing amazing happened. And we are going to call for a drug test because there's no way — you can't do that," he continued.

Without any hard evidence, Trump has repeatedly accused Biden of using drugs and has more than once made fun of his oratory skills, and has often called him 'sleepy Joe'.

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“If you go back and watch some of those numerous debates, he was so bad. He wasn't even coherent. And against Bernie, he was. And we're calling for a drug test.”

Biden is&nbsp;not the only to be a victim of name-calling by Trump. He has, earlier too, called American leaders "stupid" — including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-responds-to-barack-obama-criticism-calls-him-terrible-president-321788">Barack Obama</a>, Hillary Clinton, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crazy-nancy-trump-calls-out-pelosi-for-defying-covid-rules-in-salon-visit-324803">Nancy Pelosi</a> and many more.

The US elections are inching closer, and the two candidates are ready to go to any limit to become the next President of the United States. While Joe Biden has been accusing his opponent of being a racist and a corrupt leader, Donald Trump is accusing Biden of using drugs, weeks before the US elections.

The US elections are inching closer, and the two candidates are ready to go to any limit to become the next President of the United States. While Joe Biden has been accusing his opponent of being a racist and a corrupt leader, Donald Trump is accusing Biden of using drugs, weeks before the US elections. In an interview with a local TV channel, Fox News, Trump can be heard critiquing Biden's oratory skills, by alleging that Biden cannot even "get out a sentence". “I think there’s probably — possibly — drugs involved. That’s what I hear. I mean, there’s possibly drugs. I don’t know how you can go from being so bad where you can’t even get out a sentence,” Trump said in the interview. Also read| US election 2020: Trump asks North Carolina to vote twice; Twitter issues notice again "I mean, you saw some of those debates with the large number of people on the stage," Mr Trump added. "He was — I mean, I used to say, 'How is it possible that he can even go forward?'," he continued. This is not the first time Trump has accused his opponent of using drugs. Earlier, towards the end of the month of August, Trump had in an interview urged the authorities to conduct a drug test, claiming that Biden may be on drugs because his debates are "boring". "Frankly, his best performance was against Bernie. We're going to call for a drug test, by the way, because his best performance was against Bernie,” he said in the Oval office. Also read| From mini strokes to mentally unstable: US presidential nominees' health in jeopardy? “It wasn't that he was Winston Churchill because he wasn't, but it was a normal, boring debate. You know, nothing amazing happened. And we are going to call for a drug test because there's no way — you can't do that," he continued. Without any hard evidence, Trump has repeatedly accused Biden of using drugs and has more than once made fun of his oratory skills, and has often called him 'sleepy Joe'. × “If you go back and watch some of those numerous debates, he was so bad. He wasn't even coherent. And against Bernie, he was. And we're calling for a drug test.” Biden is not the only to be a victim of name-calling by Trump. He has, earlier too, called American leaders "stupid" — including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi and many more.

US election 2020: Trump accuses Biden of using performance enhancing drugs

Did U.S. President Donald Trump just accuse Biden of taking drugs? Did you know Trump is a connoisseur of fake art? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you what the United States is talking about in the run-up to the Presidential polls.

Gravitas: Trump accuses Biden of taking drugs

Customs Air Intelligence Unit Officials in Chennai have seized Pseudoephedrine powder worth over 54,000USD or Rs. 40 lakhs. The contraband was hidden in courier parcels that were bound for Australia via courier. It was based on intelligence inputs that the suspicious parcels were detained and examined.&nbsp;

The first parcel contained Lumbo-sacral orthotic belts(used for back pain and related ailments) and the other contained trophies, both of which were found to be unusually heavy. On being cut open, the belts three plastic pouches with white crystalline powder were recovered. In all, the three pouches had contained 24 smaller pouches that had about 2kg of the powder.&nbsp;

In the second consignment, on opening the wooden base of the trophies, a plastic pouch containing 1 kg of white crystalline powder was found concealed inside each of them. 2 kg of white crystalline powder was recovered from both trophies. Total 4 kg Pseudoephedrine valued at Rs. 40 lakhs was recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.

The white crystalline powder tested positive for Pseudoephedrine, a controlled substance covered under NDPS Act, 1985.&nbsp;

Pseudoephedrine is used for the temporary relief of nasal congestion and&nbsp;sinus&nbsp;pain/pressure caused by infection such as clod/flu or other breathing illnesses. It works by narrowing the&nbsp;blood&nbsp;vessels to decrease swelling and congestion. It is also said to be used in higher doses to avoid drowsiness and increase the state of alertness.&nbsp;

Pseudoephedrine is a sought-after chemical precursor in the illicit manufacture of Methamphetamine, commonly known as Meth.&nbsp;

In low to moderate doses, methamphetamine can&nbsp;elevate mood, increase alertness, concentration and energy in fatigued individuals, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss.&nbsp;

“This is a new modus operandi of concealment and is difficult to detect, this smugglers are finding newer methods to sneak the contraband out of the country. Our last seizure of this drug was back in February this year. We have been maintaining vigil” Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner, Customs, told WION.&nbsp;

Follow up searches were carried out and one person has been arrested. Further investigation is in progress.

Customs Air Intelligence Unit Officials in Chennai have seized Pseudoephedrine powder worth over 54,000USD or Rs. 40 lakhs. The contraband was hidden in courier parcels that were bound for Australia via courier.

Customs Air Intelligence Unit Officials in Chennai have seized Pseudoephedrine powder worth over 54,000USD or Rs. 40 lakhs. The contraband was hidden in courier parcels that were bound for Australia via courier. It was based on intelligence inputs that the suspicious parcels were detained and examined. The first parcel contained Lumbo-sacral orthotic belts(used for back pain and related ailments) and the other contained trophies, both of which were found to be unusually heavy. On being cut open, the belts three plastic pouches with white crystalline powder were recovered. In all, the three pouches had contained 24 smaller pouches that had about 2kg of the powder. In the second consignment, on opening the wooden base of the trophies, a plastic pouch containing 1 kg of white crystalline powder was found concealed inside each of them. 2 kg of white crystalline powder was recovered from both trophies. Total 4 kg Pseudoephedrine valued at Rs. 40 lakhs was recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. The white crystalline powder tested positive for Pseudoephedrine, a controlled substance covered under NDPS Act, 1985. Pseudoephedrine is used for the temporary relief of nasal congestion and sinus pain/pressure caused by infection such as clod/flu or other breathing illnesses. It works by narrowing the blood vessels to decrease swelling and congestion. It is also said to be used in higher doses to avoid drowsiness and increase the state of alertness. Pseudoephedrine is a sought-after chemical precursor in the illicit manufacture of Methamphetamine, commonly known as Meth. In low to moderate doses, methamphetamine can elevate mood, increase alertness, concentration and energy in fatigued individuals, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss. “This is a new modus operandi of concealment and is difficult to detect, this smugglers are finding newer methods to sneak the contraband out of the country. Our last seizure of this drug was back in February this year. We have been maintaining vigil” Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner, Customs, told WION. Follow up searches were carried out and one person has been arrested. Further investigation is in progress.

Drugs worth USD54K hidden in orthotic belts, trophies bound for Australia, seized in Chennai

Customs Air Intelligence officials seized MDMA drug pills and crystals worth 9500USD or Rs. 7lakhs. The contraband had arrived at the Foreign Post Office in the city from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. 
 
The drugs had come in three different parcels, which were taken up for examination by the officials as they were suspected to contain banned narcotic substances.&nbsp;

The first parcel, which was from Netherton, UK was consigned to an Ooty-based person.On scrutiny, it was found to contain a Kids Jewelry toy box and color pencils, which had a pouch containing 15 grey skull-shaped MDMA pills “MYBRAND” and 7 grams of MDMA crystal powder.

The second parcel, which had arrived from the Netherlands contained 50 green grenade &amp; 50 purple skull MDMA Pills. The parcel was addressed to a Nammakal-based.

100 MDMA pills with marking ‘Tesla’ were recovered from the third parcel which arrived from Netherlands and was addressed to a Chennai resident.

“This is the first time that we are seizing pills and crystals concealed in a toy box. However the other parcels were not camouflaged and the drugs were kept in packets” Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner, Customs told WION.

Total 215 MDMA pills and 7 grams of MDMA crystals valued at Rs. 7 lakhs or 9500 USD were recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. Follow up searches were carried out and further investigation is in progress.

Customs Air Intelligence officials seized MDMA drug pills and crystals worth 9500USD or Rs. 7lakhs. The contraband had arrived at the Foreign Post Office in the city from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Customs Air Intelligence officials seized MDMA drug pills and crystals worth 9500USD or Rs. 7lakhs. The contraband had arrived at the Foreign Post Office in the city from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The drugs had come in three different parcels, which were taken up for examination by the officials as they were suspected to contain banned narcotic substances. The first parcel, which was from Netherton, UK was consigned to an Ooty-based person.On scrutiny, it was found to contain a Kids Jewelry toy box and color pencils, which had a pouch containing 15 grey skull-shaped MDMA pills “MYBRAND” and 7 grams of MDMA crystal powder. The second parcel, which had arrived from the Netherlands contained 50 green grenade & 50 purple skull MDMA Pills. The parcel was addressed to a Nammakal-based. 100 MDMA pills with marking ‘Tesla’ were recovered from the third parcel which arrived from Netherlands and was addressed to a Chennai resident. “This is the first time that we are seizing pills and crystals concealed in a toy box. However the other parcels were not camouflaged and the drugs were kept in packets” Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner, Customs told WION. Total 215 MDMA pills and 7 grams of MDMA crystals valued at Rs. 7 lakhs or 9500 USD were recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. Follow up searches were carried out and further investigation is in progress.

Drugs from the UK, hidden in kids’ toys box seized by customs in Chennai

Iran has detained two Swedes over the suspicion of drug trafficking, the country's judiciary said on Tuesday. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili refused to identify the arrested or give any details on when and where they were detained.&nbsp;

"Two Swedish nationals were arrested by the judiciary for trafficking drugs," which were still in their possession, he said.

"We informed their government and embassy about their arrest through the foreign ministry," he said, quoted by the judiciary's Mizan Online website.

According to the spokesman, the detained have been informed that they "can enjoy consular services, meeting privileges and the like".

According to Tasnim news agency's report, two Swedish members of an "international drug gang" had been arrested as part of a "complex operation" at the beginning of July.&nbsp;

"A big part of the large shipment discovered was dangerous industrial narcotics," it said, adding that the network had been dismantled.

(Inputs from AFP)

Iran has detained two Swedes over the suspicion of drug trafficking, the country's judiciary said on Tuesday. Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili refused to identify the arrested or give any details on when and where they were detained.

Iran has detained two Swedes over the suspicion of drug trafficking, the country's judiciary said on Tuesday. Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili refused to identify the arrested or give any details on when and where they were detained. "Two Swedish nationals were arrested by the judiciary for trafficking drugs," which were still in their possession, he said. "We informed their government and embassy about their arrest through the foreign ministry," he said, quoted by the judiciary's Mizan Online website. According to the spokesman, the detained have been informed that they "can enjoy consular services, meeting privileges and the like". According to Tasnim news agency's report, two Swedish members of an "international drug gang" had been arrested as part of a "complex operation" at the beginning of July. "A big part of the large shipment discovered was dangerous industrial narcotics," it said, adding that the network had been dismantled. (Inputs from AFP)

Iran arrests two Swedes on suspicion of drug trafficking

For the first time, Chennai Air Customs has seized LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) stamps, besides pills and crystals of MDMA commonly known as ecstasy. In total, 131 MDMA pills, 14 grams of MDMA crystals and 25 LSD stamps valued about Rs 600,000 (USD 8,004) were recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.

Two persons have been detained in connection with this offence.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-tamil-nadu-4538-new-cases-delhi-crosses-120000-mark-314066">COVID 19: Tamil Nadu 4,538 new cases; Delhi crosses 120,000 mark</a>

Chennai Air Customs has&nbsp;confiscated two parcels from Netherlands, which were suspected to contain narcotic substances.&nbsp;

On opening the first parcel, a DVD-box was found. On further examination, there was a plastic pouch which contained 3 zip lock packs. 25 LSD stamps, 31 pink color MDMA pills and 6 grams of white crystal MDMA were found to be concealed in the ziplocks.

These pink-colour pills embossed with the ‘Coca Cola’ logo contain around 200 mg of MDMA. The recovered LSD stamp variants are commonly known as ‘Bicycle Day’ or ‘Hofmann’, they have about 33 micrograms of LSD.&nbsp;

On examination, second parcel was found to contain 100 pink colour pills and 8 grams of white crystal, both suspected to be MDMA, a narcotics substance. These pills are commonly known as 'DHL-LKW'&nbsp;are in shape of truck and contain 297 mg MDMA. These are the strongest pills seized till date. Anything above 120mg dosage of MDMA pills are said to be fatal.

"During recent times MDMA has been coming regularly in due to the lockdown and we have been seizing it. But, it is for the first time that we are we are getting LSD stamps and this is our second seizure of MDMA crystals. LSD has come in the from of a big stamp and on closer observation it is found to contain 25 smaller stamps. Crystal is the purest form of MDMA and tablet is a mixture. A single gram of this MDMA Crystal is said to cost about Rs 10,000 (USD&nbsp;133)"&nbsp;Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner Customs told WION.&nbsp;

LSD is an extremely potent hallucinogen and its recreational dosage averages between 25 to 80 micrograms (mcg). Generally, LSD is soaked onto sheets of absorbent paper with colourful designs which are cut into small, individual dosage units in shape of stamps.&nbsp;

The parcels were addressed to two different persons in Chennai city. As a follow up action, searches were carried out at the addresses and two persons have been detained to ascertain their role in smuggling.

In terms of Ecstasy pills (MDMA) smuggling, during the last four weeks, more than six attempts have been thwarted at the Foreign Post Office in the city. The parcels containing contraband arrived via foreign post from various location sin Europe including Netherlands, Germany, and the UK.

A total of 1410 Ecstasy pills valued at Rs.420,000&nbsp;(USD5,602) have been seized under NDPS Act, 1985.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

For the first time, Chennai Air Customs has seized LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) stamps, besides pills and crystals of MDMA commonly known as ecstasy. In total, 131 MDMA pills, 14 grams of MDMA crystals and 25 LSD stamps valued about Rs 600,000 (USD 8,004) were recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.

For the first time, Chennai Air Customs has seized LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) stamps, besides pills and crystals of MDMA commonly known as ecstasy. In total, 131 MDMA pills, 14 grams of MDMA crystals and 25 LSD stamps valued about Rs 600,000 (USD 8,004) were recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. Two persons have been detained in connection with this offence. Also read | COVID 19: Tamil Nadu 4,538 new cases; Delhi crosses 120,000 mark Chennai Air Customs has confiscated two parcels from Netherlands, which were suspected to contain narcotic substances. On opening the first parcel, a DVD-box was found. On further examination, there was a plastic pouch which contained 3 zip lock packs. 25 LSD stamps, 31 pink color MDMA pills and 6 grams of white crystal MDMA were found to be concealed in the ziplocks. These pink-colour pills embossed with the ‘Coca Cola’ logo contain around 200 mg of MDMA. The recovered LSD stamp variants are commonly known as ‘Bicycle Day’ or ‘Hofmann’, they have about 33 micrograms of LSD. On examination, second parcel was found to contain 100 pink colour pills and 8 grams of white crystal, both suspected to be MDMA, a narcotics substance. These pills are commonly known as 'DHL-LKW' are in shape of truck and contain 297 mg MDMA. These are the strongest pills seized till date. Anything above 120mg dosage of MDMA pills are said to be fatal. "During recent times MDMA has been coming regularly in due to the lockdown and we have been seizing it. But, it is for the first time that we are we are getting LSD stamps and this is our second seizure of MDMA crystals. LSD has come in the from of a big stamp and on closer observation it is found to contain 25 smaller stamps. Crystal is the purest form of MDMA and tablet is a mixture. A single gram of this MDMA Crystal is said to cost about Rs 10,000 (USD 133)" Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner Customs told WION. LSD is an extremely potent hallucinogen and its recreational dosage averages between 25 to 80 micrograms (mcg). Generally, LSD is soaked onto sheets of absorbent paper with colourful designs which are cut into small, individual dosage units in shape of stamps. The parcels were addressed to two different persons in Chennai city. As a follow up action, searches were carried out at the addresses and two persons have been detained to ascertain their role in smuggling. In terms of Ecstasy pills (MDMA) smuggling, during the last four weeks, more than six attempts have been thwarted at the Foreign Post Office in the city. The parcels containing contraband arrived via foreign post from various location sin Europe including Netherlands, Germany, and the UK. A total of 1410 Ecstasy pills valued at Rs.420,000 (USD5,602) have been seized under NDPS Act, 1985.

Chennai customs seize narcotics worth over 8,000 USD

COVID-19 lockdown has broken chains across the globe but two of the largest drug seizures in a matter of hours and across seas indicate that the illegal drug supply chains are increasing during the pandemic. Watch report.

Drug cartels thrive during COVID-19 pandemic | World News

Italian police said Wednesday they had seized a 14-tonne haul of amphetamines made by the Islamic State group in Syria, calling it the biggest seizure of such drugs in the world.

The drug, in the form of around 84 million Captagon tablets hidden inside industrial goods within containers, was worth about one billion euros ($1.12 billion), and intended to be sold on the European market "to finance terrorism," the finance police of Naples said in a statement.

"We know that the Islamic State finances its terrorist activities mainly by trafficking drugs made in Syria which in the past few years has become the world's largest producer of amphetamines," the statement said.

Police said three suspect containers had arrived at the port of Salerno, just south of Naples, containing large cylindrical paper rolls for industrial use as well as industrial machinery.&nbsp;

Cutting open the paper rolls and metal gearwheels with chainsaws, police found them filled with tablets. Video images taken by police showed pills spilling out of the rolls and wheels as they were forced opened.

"This is the&nbsp;largest seizure of amphetamines in the world," police said.

JIHAD DRUG

Captagon, a brand name, was originally for medical use but illegal versions have been dubbed "the Jihad Drug" -- after being widely used by IS fighters in combat -- the police said.

Citing the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Naples police said IS "makes extensive use of it in all territories over which it exerts influence and where it controls the drug trade".

Once the plants are established, "it is easy for IS to produce large quantities also for the world market for synthetic drugs, in order to quickly accumulate substantial funding," the statement said.

The amount of drugs seized were sufficient to satisfy the entire European market, police said, without providing a time frame.

A "consortium" of criminal groups were likely involved for the distribution of the drugs, including possibly many clans within the infamous Camorra of Naples, police said.

"The hypothesis is that during the lockdown... production and distribution of synthetic drugs in Europe has practically stopped," the statement said.&nbsp;

"Many smugglers, even in consortiums, have turned to Syria where production, however, does not seem to have slowed down."

Italian police said Wednesday they had seized a 14-tonne haul of amphetamines made by the Islamic State group in Syria, calling it the biggest seizure of such drugs in the world.

Italian police said Wednesday they had seized a 14-tonne haul of amphetamines made by the Islamic State group in Syria, calling it the biggest seizure of such drugs in the world. The drug, in the form of around 84 million Captagon tablets hidden inside industrial goods within containers, was worth about one billion euros ($1.12 billion), and intended to be sold on the European market "to finance terrorism," the finance police of Naples said in a statement. "We know that the Islamic State finances its terrorist activities mainly by trafficking drugs made in Syria which in the past few years has become the world's largest producer of amphetamines," the statement said. Police said three suspect containers had arrived at the port of Salerno, just south of Naples, containing large cylindrical paper rolls for industrial use as well as industrial machinery. Cutting open the paper rolls and metal gearwheels with chainsaws, police found them filled with tablets. Video images taken by police showed pills spilling out of the rolls and wheels as they were forced opened. "This is the largest seizure of amphetamines in the world," police said. JIHAD DRUG Captagon, a brand name, was originally for medical use but illegal versions have been dubbed "the Jihad Drug" -- after being widely used by IS fighters in combat -- the police said. Citing the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Naples police said IS "makes extensive use of it in all territories over which it exerts influence and where it controls the drug trade". Once the plants are established, "it is easy for IS to produce large quantities also for the world market for synthetic drugs, in order to quickly accumulate substantial funding," the statement said. The amount of drugs seized were sufficient to satisfy the entire European market, police said, without providing a time frame. A "consortium" of criminal groups were likely involved for the distribution of the drugs, including possibly many clans within the infamous Camorra of Naples, police said. "The hypothesis is that during the lockdown... production and distribution of synthetic drugs in Europe has practically stopped," the statement said. "Many smugglers, even in consortiums, have turned to Syria where production, however, does not seem to have slowed down."

Italy seizes IS-made drugs worth one billion euros

While most of the Netherlands struggles through the coronavirus lockdown, marijuana smokers received the welcome news that "coffee shops" selling the drug have reopened for takeaway orders.

Dutch marijuana back on sale, but don't forget to clean your hands

Two Nepalese nationals were arrested allegedly with charas worth Rs 9.5 crore from Rupiaydeeh on the Indo-Nepal border here, SSB officials said on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-workers-quarantined-at-construction-site-in-nepal-285684">Chinese workers quarantined at construction site in Nepal</a>

On a tip off, a team of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and SSB checked a vehicle entering India and seized 31.37 kg charas from the Nepalese citizens late Wednesday night, Deputy Commandant, 42nd battalion SSB Shailesh Kumar said.

Also see:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-pashtun-facing-worst-human-rights-crisis-say-activists-at-unhrc-285852">&nbsp;Baloch, Pashtun facing worst human rights crisis, say activists at UNHRC</a>

As one of those arrested was living in Panchkula, it was likely that the contraband was being taken to Haryana, Kumar said, adding that estimated cost of the charas was around Rs 9.5 crore in international market.

Two Nepalese nationals were arrested allegedly with charas worth Rs 9.5 crore from Rupiaydeeh on the Indo-Nepal border here, SSB officials said on Thursday. Also read: Chinese workers quarantined at construction site in Nepal On a tip off, a team of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and SSB checked a vehicle entering India and seized 31.

Two Nepalese nationals were arrested allegedly with charas worth Rs 9.5 crore from Rupiaydeeh on the Indo-Nepal border here, SSB officials said on Thursday. Also read: Chinese workers quarantined at construction site in Nepal On a tip off, a team of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and SSB checked a vehicle entering India and seized 31.37 kg charas from the Nepalese citizens late Wednesday night, Deputy Commandant, 42nd battalion SSB Shailesh Kumar said. Also see: Baloch, Pashtun facing worst human rights crisis, say activists at UNHRC As one of those arrested was living in Panchkula, it was likely that the contraband was being taken to Haryana, Kumar said, adding that estimated cost of the charas was around Rs 9.5 crore in international market.

Two Nepalese arrested with charas worth Rs 9.5 crore

Two foreign trawlers packed with over $33 million worth of heroin and crystal methamphetamine were seized in Sri Lanka's biggest-ever drugs bust at sea, a navy spokesman said Thursday.

Troops found 400 kilogrammes of heroin and 100 kilogrammes of the drug "ice" on board the two vessels, spokesman Isuru Sooriyabandara said.

The street value of the seized narcotics was estimated by officials to be 6,000 million rupees.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-offers-tax-cuts-subsidies-to-revive-jinxed-airport-283402">Sri Lanka offers tax cuts, subsidies to revive jinxed airport</a>

The vessels, as well as a Sri Lankan fishing boat, were escorted to a harbour near the capital Colombo on&nbsp;Thursday.

Sixteen foreign crew and five Sri Lankan crewmen were detained for questioning, Sooriyabandara added. The nationalities of the foreigners were not disclosed by authorities.

"The two foreign vessels were trying to offload the drugs onto a Sri Lankan fishing boat," Sooriyabandara said.

Also see:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-seizes-drugs-equipment-worth-27-million-military-283666"> Myanmar seizes drugs, equipment worth $27 million: Military</a>

The foreign vessels, which carried no registration, were intercepted in international waters some 1,100 kilometres&nbsp;from Sri Lanka's coast.

Sooriyabandara said investigators were checking GPS data onboard the vessels to establish the route and the point of origin.

Authorities said initial investigations suggested the Iran-Pakistan coast was the point of origin.

Also read<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-cut-off-iranians-access-to-medicine-283907">: US sanctions cut off Iranians' access to medicine</a>

In 2016, the navy arrested 10 Iranians, two Pakistanis and one each from India and Singapore for allegedly trying to smuggle 110 kilogrammes of heroin into the island nation via a trawler.

The country's previous largest drug haul was in December 2016 when police seized 800 kilogrammes of cocaine on a ship at Colombo's port from Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Port.

Six months earlier, authorities discovered 301 kilogrammes of cocaine inside a shipping container at Colombo.

Authorities believe the Indian Ocean island is also being used as a trafficking transit point.

Two foreign trawlers packed with over $33 million worth of heroin and crystal methamphetamine were seized in Sri Lanka's biggest-ever drugs bust at sea, a navy spokesman said Thursday.

Two foreign trawlers packed with over $33 million worth of heroin and crystal methamphetamine were seized in Sri Lanka's biggest-ever drugs bust at sea, a navy spokesman said Thursday. Troops found 400 kilogrammes of heroin and 100 kilogrammes of the drug "ice" on board the two vessels, spokesman Isuru Sooriyabandara said. The street value of the seized narcotics was estimated by officials to be 6,000 million rupees. Also read: Sri Lanka offers tax cuts, subsidies to revive jinxed airport The vessels, as well as a Sri Lankan fishing boat, were escorted to a harbour near the capital Colombo on Thursday. Sixteen foreign crew and five Sri Lankan crewmen were detained for questioning, Sooriyabandara added. The nationalities of the foreigners were not disclosed by authorities. "The two foreign vessels were trying to offload the drugs onto a Sri Lankan fishing boat," Sooriyabandara said. Also see: Myanmar seizes drugs, equipment worth $27 million: Military The foreign vessels, which carried no registration, were intercepted in international waters some 1,100 kilometres from Sri Lanka's coast. Sooriyabandara said investigators were checking GPS data onboard the vessels to establish the route and the point of origin. Authorities said initial investigations suggested the Iran-Pakistan coast was the point of origin. Also read: US sanctions cut off Iranians' access to medicine In 2016, the navy arrested 10 Iranians, two Pakistanis and one each from India and Singapore for allegedly trying to smuggle 110 kilogrammes of heroin into the island nation via a trawler. The country's previous largest drug haul was in December 2016 when police seized 800 kilogrammes of cocaine on a ship at Colombo's port from Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Port. Six months earlier, authorities discovered 301 kilogrammes of cocaine inside a shipping container at Colombo. Authorities believe the Indian Ocean island is also being used as a trafficking transit point.

Sri Lanka seizes record drugs haul at sea

Myanmar soldiers swooped on several illicit drug labs to seize nearly $27 million of narcotics, chemicals, and equipment, military newspaper The Myawady said Monday, the biggest bust so far this year.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-clash-with-insurgents-kills-5-rohingyas-283577">Myanmar army clash with insurgents kills 5 Rohingyas</a>

Photos showed hundreds of barrels, bags and other containers recovered in the operation in what is believed to be the world's largest methamphetamine producing nation.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/myanmar-president-u-win-myint-calls-on-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-283075">Myanmar President U Win Myint calls on External Affairs Minister Jaishankar</a>

Troops raided several sites over the weekend in Kutkai township of eastern Shan state after receiving a tip-off, the newspaper said.

They found around 18 million tablets, about 33 kilograms of heroin and 281 barrels of acids hidden in a ground pit alongside other equipment, including stoves, tablet-making machines, and vehicles.

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"It’s the biggest seizure this year," a police officer from the anti-drugs department told AFP, asking not to be named.

Myanmar's multi-billion dollar drug industry is centred in Shan in the country's east, where the poppy-covered hills also hide illicit production labs.

High-grade crystal meth -- often known as ice -- is smuggled out of the country to lucrative markets as far away as Seoul, Tokyo or Sydney.

Meanwhile, there is a booming regional market for lower quality tablets known as yaba that have also become increasingly popular within Myanmar.

A study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime says that Southeast Asia's crime gangs are netting more than $60 billion a year -- a conservative estimate, according to experts -- thanks to a sophisticated smuggling and money-laundering operation.

Myanmar seized an estimated $374 million worth of drugs in 2019, according to figures by the anti-drugs department.

Myanmar soldiers swooped on several illicit drug labs to seize nearly $27 million of narcotics, chemicals, and equipment, military newspaper The Myawady said Monday, the biggest bust so far this year.

Myanmar soldiers swooped on several illicit drug labs to seize nearly $27 million of narcotics, chemicals, and equipment, military newspaper The Myawady said Monday, the biggest bust so far this year. Also read: Myanmar army clash with insurgents kills 5 Rohingyas Photos showed hundreds of barrels, bags and other containers recovered in the operation in what is believed to be the world's largest methamphetamine producing nation. Also see: Myanmar President U Win Myint calls on External Affairs Minister Jaishankar Troops raided several sites over the weekend in Kutkai township of eastern Shan state after receiving a tip-off, the newspaper said. They found around 18 million tablets, about 33 kilograms of heroin and 281 barrels of acids hidden in a ground pit alongside other equipment, including stoves, tablet-making machines, and vehicles. × "It’s the biggest seizure this year," a police officer from the anti-drugs department told AFP, asking not to be named. Myanmar's multi-billion dollar drug industry is centred in Shan in the country's east, where the poppy-covered hills also hide illicit production labs. High-grade crystal meth -- often known as ice -- is smuggled out of the country to lucrative markets as far away as Seoul, Tokyo or Sydney. Meanwhile, there is a booming regional market for lower quality tablets known as yaba that have also become increasingly popular within Myanmar. A study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime says that Southeast Asia's crime gangs are netting more than $60 billion a year -- a conservative estimate, according to experts -- thanks to a sophisticated smuggling and money-laundering operation. Myanmar seized an estimated $374 million worth of drugs in 2019, according to figures by the anti-drugs department.

Myanmar seizes drugs, equipment worth $27 million: Military

As many as 46 lawmakers of the ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-nepal-sri-lanka-confirms-first-case-of-coronavirus-276941">Nepal</a> Communist Party have registered a motion in Parliament urging the government to legalise the cultivation of marijuana and ban the import of alcohol.

The farming, production and trade of marijuana and cannabis are banned in Nepal since 1973.

The lawmakers claim that over 65 countries, including the US, Canada, and Germany who had led the movements for banning marijuana in the 1970s, have already legalised it.

Lawmaker Birodh Khatiwada, from Makawanpur district, proposed the motion, which got support from 45 others lawmakers of the party in the House of Representatives.

Makawanpur is one of the districts that produce the highest amount of marijuana illegally.

The lawmakers have argued that the legalisation can be economically beneficial for the country and would help improve people's standard of living.

"Marijuana has multiple uses. It also helps earn foreign currencies and produce medicines," Khatiwada said.

The government spokesperson and Minister for Information and Communications Technology Gokul Baskota said the government was yet to take any steps towards legalising it.

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As many as 46 lawmakers of the ruling Nepal Communist Party have registered a motion in Parliament urging the government to legalise the cultivation of marijuana and ban the import of alcohol.

As many as 46 lawmakers of the ruling Nepal Communist Party have registered a motion in Parliament urging the government to legalise the cultivation of marijuana and ban the import of alcohol. The farming, production and trade of marijuana and cannabis are banned in Nepal since 1973. The lawmakers claim that over 65 countries, including the US, Canada, and Germany who had led the movements for banning marijuana in the 1970s, have already legalised it. Lawmaker Birodh Khatiwada, from Makawanpur district, proposed the motion, which got support from 45 others lawmakers of the party in the House of Representatives. Makawanpur is one of the districts that produce the highest amount of marijuana illegally. The lawmakers have argued that the legalisation can be economically beneficial for the country and would help improve people's standard of living. "Marijuana has multiple uses. It also helps earn foreign currencies and produce medicines," Khatiwada said. The government spokesperson and Minister for Information and Communications Technology Gokul Baskota said the government was yet to take any steps towards legalising it. Also read: Jay-Z goes into the marijuana business

Legal marijuana in Nepal? 46 MPs put forward the demand to government

Acting on a tip-off, officers of Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) carried out a late-night raid at Kolkata’s Paikpara area under Tala Police Station limits on Tuesday.&nbsp;

On search of the spot, police recovered a huge quantity of banned contraband drug - Heroin weighing more than 25 kilograms.&nbsp;

The officers of Kolkata Police’s STF have informed that the seized drug is worth more than Rs.100 crores. Sources say that it is one of the biggest seizures in West Bengal and the entire North East region.&nbsp;

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Police arrested two persons - an Uttar Pradesh based drug dealer and his Manipur based counterpart.&nbsp;

”A Specific case has been registered vide STF PS Case No 04 Dated 21.01.2020 U/s 21(c)/29 NDPS Act and investigation into the case is going on,” said a senior official of Kolkata Police’s STF.&nbsp;

The arrested persons have been identified as Juber hailing from Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh and Moulana Fayazuddin hailing from Thoubal district of Manipur.&nbsp;

”The arrested accused persons will be produced before Ld. Special Judge, NDPS Act, City Sessions Court, Bankshall today and police remand will be sought for,” added the officer.

Acting on a tip-off, officers of Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) carried out a late-night raid at Kolkata’s Paikpara area under Tala Police Station limits on Tuesday.

Acting on a tip-off, officers of Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) carried out a late-night raid at Kolkata’s Paikpara area under Tala Police Station limits on Tuesday. On search of the spot, police recovered a huge quantity of banned contraband drug - Heroin weighing more than 25 kilograms. The officers of Kolkata Police’s STF have informed that the seized drug is worth more than Rs.100 crores. Sources say that it is one of the biggest seizures in West Bengal and the entire North East region. Police arrested two persons - an Uttar Pradesh based drug dealer and his Manipur based counterpart. ”A Specific case has been registered vide STF PS Case No 04 Dated 21.01.2020 U/s 21(c)/29 NDPS Act and investigation into the case is going on,” said a senior official of Kolkata Police’s STF. The arrested persons have been identified as Juber hailing from Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh and Moulana Fayazuddin hailing from Thoubal district of Manipur. ”The arrested accused persons will be produced before Ld. Special Judge, NDPS Act, City Sessions Court, Bankshall today and police remand will be sought for,” added the officer.

North East's biggest drug bust: Drugs worth Rs 100 crores seized, two arrested

The&nbsp;WADA&nbsp;report detailing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-to-announce-decision-on-appeal-against-wadas-doping-ban-269074">doping offences</a> during 2017 counted 1,804 cases, which was up sharply from the 1,595 recorded in 2016 although down from 1,929 in 2015.

The country with the most violations was Italy with 171 followed by France (128) and the United States (103).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russia-to-appeal-against-wadas-four-year-doping-ban-269167">Russia</a>, which earlier this month was hit with a four-year&nbsp;WADA&nbsp;ban from international sporting competition - including the next two Olympics - over doping, was fifth with 82 violations.

The country said on Thursday it will appeal the sanctions barring athletes from competing under its flag.

Body building, which was a medal sport at the 2019 Pan Am Games and is bidding to get on the Olympic program, had the most ADRVs with 266 followed by athletics (242) and cycling (218).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wada-committee-head-urges-russia-not-to-drag-out-ban-appeal-268194">WADA</a>&nbsp;director general Olivier Niggli said the results showed progress was being made in the fight against doping particularly in the area of investigation and intelligence-based testing.

The majority of violations (1,459) were positive tests with the other 345 classified as non-analytical, where no prohibited substance was detected but investigations found athletes or their support staff were in violation of the&nbsp;WADA&nbsp;Code.

"While in and out-of-competition testing remains critical to detect doping, events have recently shown that investigative work is becoming even more important as we look to protect clean athletes’ rights worldwide," said Niggli in a statement.

"...the report also reminds us of the importance of evidence-based education to prevent doping in the first place."

A total of 245,232 samples were collected in 2017 with the 1,804 ADRVs coming from 93 sports and disciplines involving athletes from 114 countries.

The WADA report detailing doping offences during 2017 counted 1,804 cases, which was up sharply from the 1,595 recorded in 2016 although down from 1,929 in 2015.

The WADA report detailing doping offences during 2017 counted 1,804 cases, which was up sharply from the 1,595 recorded in 2016 although down from 1,929 in 2015. The country with the most violations was Italy with 171 followed by France (128) and the United States (103). Russia, which earlier this month was hit with a four-year WADA ban from international sporting competition - including the next two Olympics - over doping, was fifth with 82 violations. The country said on Thursday it will appeal the sanctions barring athletes from competing under its flag. Body building, which was a medal sport at the 2019 Pan Am Games and is bidding to get on the Olympic program, had the most ADRVs with 266 followed by athletics (242) and cycling (218). WADA director general Olivier Niggli said the results showed progress was being made in the fight against doping particularly in the area of investigation and intelligence-based testing. The majority of violations (1,459) were positive tests with the other 345 classified as non-analytical, where no prohibited substance was detected but investigations found athletes or their support staff were in violation of the WADA Code. "While in and out-of-competition testing remains critical to detect doping, events have recently shown that investigative work is becoming even more important as we look to protect clean athletes’ rights worldwide," said Niggli in a statement. "...the report also reminds us of the importance of evidence-based education to prevent doping in the first place." A total of 245,232 samples were collected in 2017 with the 1,804 ADRVs coming from 93 sports and disciplines involving athletes from 114 countries.

New WADA report shows jump in global doping cases

Police have&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;334&nbsp;people&nbsp;in one of the largest anti-mob&nbsp;operations ever seen in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/italy-ready-to-take-18-stake-in-ilva-steel-plant-266996">Italy</a>, highlighting the growing reach of the 'Ndrangheta mafia, prosecutors said on Thursday.

The 'Ndrangheta is based in the southern region of Calabria, the toe of Italy's boot, and has surpassed Sicily's&nbsp;more&nbsp;famous Cosa Nostra to become the most powerful mafia group in the country - and one of the largest criminal gangs in the world.

Police said they seized hundreds of suspects in early morning&nbsp;swoops around the country, with some arrests also carried out in Germany, Switzerland and Bulgaria.

Amongst the possible charges facing those detained were mafia conspiracy, murder, extortion, loan sharking, corporate fraud and money laundering.

"Politicians were involved, as well as lawyers, accountants, public officials, court clerks. All&nbsp;people&nbsp;who had jobs and did not need to put themselves at the service of the 'Ndrangheta," said prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, who led the investigation.

"The&nbsp;mobsters are not in a position to carry out sophisticated money laundering. To do that they need professionals," he added.

Gratteri said it was the largest haul of suspected&nbsp;mobsters in Italy since a massive anti-mafia&nbsp;swoop&nbsp;in Sicily in 1984 which led to the so-called Palermo maxi-trial when&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;450 members of Cosa Nostra were tried.

The Palermo trial marked a turning point in the battle against the Sicilian crime gang, and their influence has waned dramatically over the past three decades, allowing 'Ndrangheta to surge to prominence.

Italian&nbsp;investigators say the group, which is made up of dozens of smaller clans that all answer nominally to senior leaders in Calabria, is now Europe's top cocaine broker.

Amongst those&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;on Thursday was a former lawmaker from Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia (Go Italy!) party, the centre-left mayor of a Calabrian coastal town and a senior official in the Carabinieri police.

"This has inflicted a very hard blow on the 'Ndrangheta," said Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese.

Investigators say that while the 'Ndrangheta is still centred on Calabria, one of the poorest regions in Europe, it has successfully managed to infiltrate the wealthy north.

The head of the Valle D'Aosta region, which borders France and Switzerland, resigned last week after being placed under investigation for alleged vote-rigging linked to 'Ndrangheta at 2018 local elections. He has denied the accusation.

Police have arrested 334 people in one of the largest anti-mob operations ever seen in Italy, highlighting the growing reach of the 'Ndrangheta mafia, prosecutors said on Thursday.

Police have arrested 334 people in one of the largest anti-mob operations ever seen in Italy, highlighting the growing reach of the 'Ndrangheta mafia, prosecutors said on Thursday. The 'Ndrangheta is based in the southern region of Calabria, the toe of Italy's boot, and has surpassed Sicily's more famous Cosa Nostra to become the most powerful mafia group in the country - and one of the largest criminal gangs in the world. Police said they seized hundreds of suspects in early morning swoops around the country, with some arrests also carried out in Germany, Switzerland and Bulgaria. Amongst the possible charges facing those detained were mafia conspiracy, murder, extortion, loan sharking, corporate fraud and money laundering. "Politicians were involved, as well as lawyers, accountants, public officials, court clerks. All people who had jobs and did not need to put themselves at the service of the 'Ndrangheta," said prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, who led the investigation. "The mobsters are not in a position to carry out sophisticated money laundering. To do that they need professionals," he added. Gratteri said it was the largest haul of suspected mobsters in Italy since a massive anti-mafia swoop in Sicily in 1984 which led to the so-called Palermo maxi-trial when more than 450 members of Cosa Nostra were tried. The Palermo trial marked a turning point in the battle against the Sicilian crime gang, and their influence has waned dramatically over the past three decades, allowing 'Ndrangheta to surge to prominence. Italian investigators say the group, which is made up of dozens of smaller clans that all answer nominally to senior leaders in Calabria, is now Europe's top cocaine broker. Amongst those arrested on Thursday was a former lawmaker from Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia (Go Italy!) party, the centre-left mayor of a Calabrian coastal town and a senior official in the Carabinieri police. "This has inflicted a very hard blow on the 'Ndrangheta," said Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese. Investigators say that while the 'Ndrangheta is still centred on Calabria, one of the poorest regions in Europe, it has successfully managed to infiltrate the wealthy north. The head of the Valle D'Aosta region, which borders France and Switzerland, resigned last week after being placed under investigation for alleged vote-rigging linked to 'Ndrangheta at 2018 local elections. He has denied the accusation.

More than 300 people arrested in huge Italian mob swoop

Two customs agents have been charged in connection with Australia's largest ever onshore seizure of the drug "ice", a bust worth a record US$840 million, police said Thursday.

Australian Border Force agents in April found 1.6 tonnes of methylamphetamine and 37 kilograms&nbsp;of heroin in vacuum-sealed packages hidden inside stereo speakers shipped from Thailand to Melbourne.

Police arrested two men and a woman in their late thirties on Wednesday following raids in suburban Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city.

"Two of the three were customs agents. They are trusted insiders within the industry," Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Neil Gaughan said.

He added they were not government employees but private contractors.

"They used their position of trust to circumvent the border controls that exist within Australia," he was quoted as saying by national broadcaster ABC.

Police said they were cooperating with authorities in Thailand where an investigation was ongoing.

Two customs agents have been charged in connection with Australia's largest ever onshore seizure of the drug "ice", a bust worth a record US$840 million, police said Thursday.

Two customs agents have been charged in connection with Australia's largest ever onshore seizure of the drug "ice", a bust worth a record US$840 million, police said Thursday. Australian Border Force agents in April found 1.6 tonnes of methylamphetamine and 37 kilograms of heroin in vacuum-sealed packages hidden inside stereo speakers shipped from Thailand to Melbourne. Police arrested two men and a woman in their late thirties on Wednesday following raids in suburban Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city. "Two of the three were customs agents. They are trusted insiders within the industry," Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Neil Gaughan said. He added they were not government employees but private contractors. "They used their position of trust to circumvent the border controls that exist within Australia," he was quoted as saying by national broadcaster ABC. Police said they were cooperating with authorities in Thailand where an investigation was ongoing.

Customs agents charged over record Australian drug bust

The death of a teenage Dutch model who fell naked from an upmarket apartment, allegedly after drug-fuelled group sex, is being treated as murder, Malaysian police said.

Ivana Smit tumbled from the 20th floor of a Kuala Lumpur condominium and landed on a sixth-floor balcony in December 2017.

Her death made headlines after claims emerged that 18-year-old Smit, the American living there and his Kazakh wife consumed large quantities of drugs and alcohol and had group sex.

Police at first dismissed suggestions of foul play and a coroner ruled earlier this year that no one was criminally involved while conceding there was likely a struggle before she fell.

But Smit's family lodged a legal challenge and the High Court last week overturned the coroner's decision, ruling that "persons knew or unknown" were involved and ordered a new probe.

Police announced Wednesday that the death of Smit, who reportedly lived in Malaysia since childhood, had been reclassified as murder and they were re-opening investigations.

A task force will be formed for the case, said Huzir Mohamed, head of the police's criminal investigation department.

"We will recall witnesses from whom we have taken statements, and call witnesses who were not previously interviewed," he said.

Police did not say who they planned to question. The couple linked to the case are reported to have left the country.

The death of a teenage Dutch model who fell naked from an upmarket apartment, allegedly after drug-fuelled group sex, is being treated as murder, Malaysian police said.

The death of a teenage Dutch model who fell naked from an upmarket apartment, allegedly after drug-fuelled group sex, is being treated as murder, Malaysian police said. Ivana Smit tumbled from the 20th floor of a Kuala Lumpur condominium and landed on a sixth-floor balcony in December 2017. Her death made headlines after claims emerged that 18-year-old Smit, the American living there and his Kazakh wife consumed large quantities of drugs and alcohol and had group sex. Police at first dismissed suggestions of foul play and a coroner ruled earlier this year that no one was criminally involved while conceding there was likely a struggle before she fell. But Smit's family lodged a legal challenge and the High Court last week overturned the coroner's decision, ruling that "persons knew or unknown" were involved and ordered a new probe. Police announced Wednesday that the death of Smit, who reportedly lived in Malaysia since childhood, had been reclassified as murder and they were re-opening investigations. A task force will be formed for the case, said Huzir Mohamed, head of the police's criminal investigation department. "We will recall witnesses from whom we have taken statements, and call witnesses who were not previously interviewed," he said. Police did not say who they planned to question. The couple linked to the case are reported to have left the country.

Dutch model's death plunge was murder, say Malaysian police

French prosecutors said Sunday that they had opened an investigation after finding a "significant amount" of cocaine and other drugs on beaches all along the Atlantic coast since last month.

The cocaine is particularly pure and therefore dangerous, according to the prosecutor's office in the western city of Rennes, urging people who come across the packages not to touch them.

"Suspect packages have been found on all beaches... from the Loire Atlantique department down to the Landes department",&nbsp;more than 500 kilometres,&nbsp;the office said in a statement.

A "very significant number" of packages have been found, it said, without detailing the amount.

The Sud-Ouest newspaper reported that two people discovered two packages on the beach at Arcachon, southwest of Bordeaux, on Friday containing a total of three kilograms&nbsp;of cocaine.

It said some of the packages were marked "Diamante" or "Brillante," which were also reported to have washed up in Florida during hurricane Dorian in September.

A source close to the inquiry told AFP that tides started washing up the packages a month ago on beaches stretching from Nantes as far south as the resort town of Biarritz.

French prosecutors said Sunday that they had opened an investigation after finding a "significant amount" of cocaine and other drugs on beaches all along the Atlantic coast since last month.

French prosecutors said Sunday that they had opened an investigation after finding a "significant amount" of cocaine and other drugs on beaches all along the Atlantic coast since last month. The cocaine is particularly pure and therefore dangerous, according to the prosecutor's office in the western city of Rennes, urging people who come across the packages not to touch them. "Suspect packages have been found on all beaches... from the Loire Atlantique department down to the Landes department", more than 500 kilometres, the office said in a statement. A "very significant number" of packages have been found, it said, without detailing the amount. The Sud-Ouest newspaper reported that two people discovered two packages on the beach at Arcachon, southwest of Bordeaux, on Friday containing a total of three kilograms of cocaine. It said some of the packages were marked "Diamante" or "Brillante," which were also reported to have washed up in Florida during hurricane Dorian in September. A source close to the inquiry told AFP that tides started washing up the packages a month ago on beaches stretching from Nantes as far south as the resort town of Biarritz.

France probes drug packages washing up on Atlantic coast

The residents of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-admits-bungled-arrest-of-el-chapos-son-after-mayhem-256973">Mexican city overwhelmed late last week</a> by a small army of drug cartel gunmen spent the weekend picking up the pieces of their bullet-riddled homes and businesses.

While many struggled to make sense of how easily dozens of gunmen poured into the city to thwart the attempted arrest of Ovidio Guzman, a son of jailed drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, others busied themselves with the cleanup.

Just off the entrance of a local seafood restaurant that found itself at the heart of Thursday's hours-long siege in the city's Tres Rios neighbourhood, workers scrubbed away the dried blood from the steps.

The workers said the spot marked the final resting place of cartel gunmen following what officials described as 14 separate, armed attacks launched by the Sinaloa Cartel's convoys of pickup trucks against Mexico's outmatched military at different points in the city.

Upon finding out authorities sought to capture Ovidio Guzman and extradite him to the United States, the cartel strategically erected 19 blockades backed up by heavily-armed gunmen during a roughly four-hour stretch in the afternoon that prevented additional military and police from responding as terrorized locals scurried for cover.

One of the most intense firefights took place on the block behind the restaurant where local residents said several military vehicles had stopped along with a nondescript building with tall, white walls, in a bid to extract El Chapo's son from a residence inside.

The walls were covered with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fierce-gun-battles-as-el-chapos-son-arrested-in-mexico-256591">hundreds of bullet holes</a> as if the building had broken out in a rash.

The soldiers in the vehicles came under heavy fire from a hill across an adjacent drainage canal, and several homes in between were caught in the crossfire.

"The walls are all full of holes," said Jose Manuel Murrieta, whose home is located just below the hill where he said gunmen had taken up positions to fire upon the military vehicles.

He pointed out, with fingers covered in paint from the repairs he had started, where his mattress was now covered by a blanket of glass.

An avocado tree in the lush garden outside his bedroom had been split open by bullets and Murrieta estimated that he had already found around 500 bullet casings nearby.

He spotted another on the ground, squatted down to pick it up and then handed it over like it was a souvenir.

Like other local residents, he wonders about the possible infiltration of the cartel into local and state police but said there is no doubt that the cartel proved itself to be the stronger force, at least for one violent afternoon last week.

And then his face turned angry and he pursed his lips. "It's infuriating," he said, "because you have to ask yourself, 'Who's really in charge?'"

The residents of the Mexican city overwhelmed late last week by a small army of drug cartel gunmen spent the weekend picking up the pieces of their bullet-riddled homes and businesses.

The residents of the Mexican city overwhelmed late last week by a small army of drug cartel gunmen spent the weekend picking up the pieces of their bullet-riddled homes and businesses. While many struggled to make sense of how easily dozens of gunmen poured into the city to thwart the attempted arrest of Ovidio Guzman, a son of jailed drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, others busied themselves with the cleanup. Just off the entrance of a local seafood restaurant that found itself at the heart of Thursday's hours-long siege in the city's Tres Rios neighbourhood, workers scrubbed away the dried blood from the steps. The workers said the spot marked the final resting place of cartel gunmen following what officials described as 14 separate, armed attacks launched by the Sinaloa Cartel's convoys of pickup trucks against Mexico's outmatched military at different points in the city. Upon finding out authorities sought to capture Ovidio Guzman and extradite him to the United States, the cartel strategically erected 19 blockades backed up by heavily-armed gunmen during a roughly four-hour stretch in the afternoon that prevented additional military and police from responding as terrorized locals scurried for cover. One of the most intense firefights took place on the block behind the restaurant where local residents said several military vehicles had stopped along with a nondescript building with tall, white walls, in a bid to extract El Chapo's son from a residence inside. The walls were covered with hundreds of bullet holes as if the building had broken out in a rash. The soldiers in the vehicles came under heavy fire from a hill across an adjacent drainage canal, and several homes in between were caught in the crossfire. "The walls are all full of holes," said Jose Manuel Murrieta, whose home is located just below the hill where he said gunmen had taken up positions to fire upon the military vehicles. He pointed out, with fingers covered in paint from the repairs he had started, where his mattress was now covered by a blanket of glass. An avocado tree in the lush garden outside his bedroom had been split open by bullets and Murrieta estimated that he had already found around 500 bullet casings nearby. He spotted another on the ground, squatted down to pick it up and then handed it over like it was a souvenir. Like other local residents, he wonders about the possible infiltration of the cartel into local and state police but said there is no doubt that the cartel proved itself to be the stronger force, at least for one violent afternoon last week. And then his face turned angry and he pursed his lips. "It's infuriating," he said, "because you have to ask yourself, 'Who's really in charge?'"

Grim cleanup underway in Mexican city rocked by cartel onslaught

The Haryana Police has seized 1,204 kilograms of narcotics worth crores of rupees during a month-long special anti-narcotic drive across the state in the lead up to the assembly polls, said Director-General of Police, Manoj Yadava on Monday.

They have also arrested 483 persons by registering 386 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act&nbsp;(NDPS), Yadava added.

"A special drive was launched between August 20 and September 20, 2019, ahead of the announcement of Vidhan Sabha polls, to bust the network of supplying drugs and tightening the noose on those involved in the peddling them in the state," the Director-General of Police said.

As part of the crackdown, the DGP said that 559 kg marijuana, 1 kg&nbsp;heroin, 630 kg poppy husk, 5 kg&nbsp;opium, 3 kg&nbsp;charas, over 2 kg of smack and 458 gram&nbsp;sulfa have been seized from the&nbsp;arrested.

In addition to the above, police teams have also seized prohibited medicines including 1,43,483 tablets, 196 bottles of syrup, 15,469 capsules and 827 injections.

Sharing further details, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Navdeep Singh Virk said that the maximum number of cases - 129 cases were&nbsp;registered in the district of Sirsa, where 178 accused were arrested under the NDPS Act.

Similarly, 30 cases were registered in Fatehabad with the arrest of 85 accused, 23 cases each were registered in Ambala and Panipat, 20 in Gurugram, 18 in Rohtak, 16 in Kurukshetra, 13 in Karnal and 10 in Yamunanagar by recovering huge consignments of drugs including heroin, poppy husk, marijuana and opium.

Virk said that the Police Department under the guidance of DGP Manoj Yadava has made elaborate security arrangements to implement a multi-pronged pre-poll strategy to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling in the state.

The Haryana Police has seized 1,204 kilograms of narcotics worth crores of rupees during a month-long special anti-narcotic drive across the state in the lead up to the assembly polls, said Director-General of Police, Manoj Yadava on Monday.

The Haryana Police has seized 1,204 kilograms of narcotics worth crores of rupees during a month-long special anti-narcotic drive across the state in the lead up to the assembly polls, said Director-General of Police, Manoj Yadava on Monday. They have also arrested 483 persons by registering 386 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), Yadava added. "A special drive was launched between August 20 and September 20, 2019, ahead of the announcement of Vidhan Sabha polls, to bust the network of supplying drugs and tightening the noose on those involved in the peddling them in the state," the Director-General of Police said. As part of the crackdown, the DGP said that 559 kg marijuana, 1 kg heroin, 630 kg poppy husk, 5 kg opium, 3 kg charas, over 2 kg of smack and 458 gram sulfa have been seized from the arrested. In addition to the above, police teams have also seized prohibited medicines including 1,43,483 tablets, 196 bottles of syrup, 15,469 capsules and 827 injections. Sharing further details, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Navdeep Singh Virk said that the maximum number of cases - 129 cases were registered in the district of Sirsa, where 178 accused were arrested under the NDPS Act. Similarly, 30 cases were registered in Fatehabad with the arrest of 85 accused, 23 cases each were registered in Ambala and Panipat, 20 in Gurugram, 18 in Rohtak, 16 in Kurukshetra, 13 in Karnal and 10 in Yamunanagar by recovering huge consignments of drugs including heroin, poppy husk, marijuana and opium. Virk said that the Police Department under the guidance of DGP Manoj Yadava has made elaborate security arrangements to implement a multi-pronged pre-poll strategy to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling in the state.

Haryana police arrests 483 people, seize over 1000 kg of contraband before polls

The troops of Assam Rifles&nbsp;have seized drugs worth Rs 1.23 crore in Khudengthabi area of Assam's Tengnoupal district. 
 
The search teams, after receiving specific inputs regarding the transportation of drugs, increased vigilance in the area. They tracked two persons and chased them. 
 
The men evaded the teams by running into the nearby forest area. However, a bag containing brown sugar was recovered from the spot. The incident happened on October 5. 
 
"The recovered items have been handed over to the Moreh police station for further investigation," Assam Rifles said in an official statement.

The troops of Assam Rifles have seized drugs worth Rs 1.23 crore in Khudengthabi area of Assam's Tengnoupal district. The search teams, after receiving specific inputs regarding the transportation of drugs, increased vigilance in the area.

The troops of Assam Rifles have seized drugs worth Rs 1.23 crore in Khudengthabi area of Assam's Tengnoupal district. The search teams, after receiving specific inputs regarding the transportation of drugs, increased vigilance in the area. They tracked two persons and chased them. The men evaded the teams by running into the nearby forest area. However, a bag containing brown sugar was recovered from the spot. The incident happened on October 5. "The recovered items have been handed over to the Moreh police station for further investigation," Assam Rifles said in an official statement.

Assam Rifles seizes drugs worth Rs 1.2 crore

Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested five people and seized 129 kilograms of drugs along with over Rs one crore in cash from their possession.

The ATS has arrested them from Mumbai on Monday and Tuesday. According to the police, three accused have been sent to custody till September 16 while two others will be produced in court on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"ATS team had conducted search yesterday and today and we have seized 129 kilograms of MD drug. Initially, we had recovered 9 kilograms of drugs and later during or investigation we had also recovered one factory premise in Navi Mumbai, where the search is still underway. We had recovered another 120 kilograms of drugs from there which makes a total os 129 kilograms of drugs," said a police official while addressing a presser.

"We have also recovered Rs 1 crore 4 lakh in cash from the factory premise.

According to the information we have received, this network was operating on a large scale in Mumbai.

These are one of the main suppliers of drugs in the city. They used to handle everything from manufacturing to supplying," he added.

The police are further probing the case and trying to search for other connections in this network.

Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested five people and seized 129 kilograms of drugs along with over Rs one crore in cash from their possession. The ATS has arrested them from Mumbai on Monday and Tuesday.

Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested five people and seized 129 kilograms of drugs along with over Rs one crore in cash from their possession. The ATS has arrested them from Mumbai on Monday and Tuesday. According to the police, three accused have been sent to custody till September 16 while two others will be produced in court on Wednesday. "ATS team had conducted search yesterday and today and we have seized 129 kilograms of MD drug. Initially, we had recovered 9 kilograms of drugs and later during or investigation we had also recovered one factory premise in Navi Mumbai, where the search is still underway. We had recovered another 120 kilograms of drugs from there which makes a total os 129 kilograms of drugs," said a police official while addressing a presser. "We have also recovered Rs 1 crore 4 lakh in cash from the factory premise. According to the information we have received, this network was operating on a large scale in Mumbai. These are one of the main suppliers of drugs in the city. They used to handle everything from manufacturing to supplying," he added. The police are further probing the case and trying to search for other connections in this network.

Mumbai: 5 arrested with 129 kg drugs, over Rs 1 crore cash

There is sufficient stock of medicines and other medical products in Kashmir Valley and the Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO) is conducting regular surveys of retail outlets to ensure this, said the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir government.

"No shortage of essential drugs, other medical products in the Kashmir region. Regular survey of retail outlets being conducted by DFCO. Medicines worth approximately Rs 50 crore supplied to distributors in the Valley since July 20 till date," a tweet by the official handle of DIPR, Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday read.

The DIPR added that major drug manufacturing companies have been providing medicines regularly through their supply chains without any breaks.

"Major companies providing regular supplies of almost all categories of drugs viz antidiabetic (Human Insulin), antihypertensive, anticancer and other specialized categories of medical products to their supply chain located across Kashmir unhindered," another tweet by the DIPR read while also urging stakeholders to register their genuine concerns with the State Drugs Controller at Jammu and Srinagar offices.Several restrictions were imposed in Jammu and Kashmir last month after the government scrapped some provisions of Article 370.

However, the administration is lifting restrictions in a phased manner.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

There is sufficient stock of medicines and other medical products in Kashmir Valley and the Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO) is conducting regular surveys of retail outlets to ensure this, said the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir government.

There is sufficient stock of medicines and other medical products in Kashmir Valley and the Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO) is conducting regular surveys of retail outlets to ensure this, said the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir government. "No shortage of essential drugs, other medical products in the Kashmir region. Regular survey of retail outlets being conducted by DFCO. Medicines worth approximately Rs 50 crore supplied to distributors in the Valley since July 20 till date," a tweet by the official handle of DIPR, Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday read. The DIPR added that major drug manufacturing companies have been providing medicines regularly through their supply chains without any breaks. "Major companies providing regular supplies of almost all categories of drugs viz antidiabetic (Human Insulin), antihypertensive, anticancer and other specialized categories of medical products to their supply chain located across Kashmir unhindered," another tweet by the DIPR read while also urging stakeholders to register their genuine concerns with the State Drugs Controller at Jammu and Srinagar offices.Several restrictions were imposed in Jammu and Kashmir last month after the government scrapped some provisions of Article 370. However, the administration is lifting restrictions in a phased manner.

No shortage of essential drugs, medical products in Kashmir: Jammu and Kashmir administration

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