<p>"Carlos," a 36-year-old coca grower in Colombia, is stuck hanging onto kilos of the valuable paste used to make cocaine stashed under his bed.</p>

<p>Normally, the illegal cache would be worth thousands of dollars, but a sudden dearth of buyers has&nbsp;left him high and dry and concerned about the future of his children.</p>

<p>Carlos is not his real name -- the grower wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals from armed groups operating near his farm in Llorente in Colombia's southern Narino department, where increasing numbers of small-scale coca producers worry where their next meal will come from.</p>

<p>Their hands covered in scratches, groups of "raspachines" or expert coca pickers, advance at great speed through the sea of green crops in Llorente.</p>

<p>Once harvested, the coca leaves reach Carlos, who cooks them, along with a mixture of chemicals, on a small stove until they yield a white substance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cultivating his two hectares had cost him about $660, Carlos told AFP, and normally he would be able to sell the product for about $4,000.</p>

<p>But with a dip in demand and historically low prices, he has so far sold only $154's worth. At the end of the trading chain, the cocaine made with his paste would be worth millions.</p>

<p>"Prices are (very) bad," Carlos told AFP in his small, makeshift lab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The only option is to keep it (the paste)," in the hopes that prices, and demand, will pick up.</p>

<h2><strong>Illegal, but crucial&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Experts say the rise of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, an "overproduction" of coca, changing consumer habits and several recent blows to Colombia's powerful drug cartels could all be contributing to the price drop.</p>

<p>Colombia remains the world's largest producer of cocaine -- of which coca is the main ingredient -- and the United States its biggest buyer.</p>

<p>Coca cultivation is illegal, but a mainstay for many in the South American country of 50 million people.</p>

<p>Some 250,000 Colombian families depend on coca for a living -- about 1.5 per cent of the population, according to official figures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All along the country's Pacific coast, however, coca growers have seen their incomes plummet since the beginning of the year.</p>

<p>The region, under the yoke of armed and violent dissidents of the FARC guerrilla group that disarmed in 2017, is where about 44 per cent of Colombia's 204,000 hectares of coca was grown in 2021, according to the UN.</p>

<p>"At this time, the coca economy is not yielding a lot to survive on," grower Nilson Solis told AFP among his crops outside the town of Olaya Herrera, also near the Pacific coast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Residents say the price for a kilogram of coca paste has dropped from about $695 to $440 in just a few months.</p>

<h2><strong>'Not a lot'</strong></h2>

<p>It appears ironic that growers are struggling: Colombia broke its own record of land under coca cultivation two years ago, according to the latest available UN report.</p>

<p>Colombian government official Felipe Tascon said rising conflict between drug cartels and other armed groups fighting over resources and terrain may have made it more difficult to move product.</p>

<p>Julian Quintero, head of an NGO working to reduce risk from psychoactive drug use, said "overproduction" is also likely contributing to the drop in demand.</p>

<p>Coca has ever more "alkalinity and yield," which means less of it is needed to produce cocaine, he said.</p>

<p>And Rival drugs such as ecstasy are gaining ground among younger pleasure seekers, Quintero added.</p>

<p>Colombia's new leftist President Gustavo Petro visited Olaya Herrera this month, where he met community leaders and speculated that lower demand may also have to do "with the fact that Americans have changed their consumption, their tastes."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, more powerful and addictive than cocaine, are proliferating in the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Petro has criticised the US-led "war on drugs" that has criminalised and impoverished rural Colombians, and has mooted an amnesty for drug traffickers willing to give themselves up and abandon the trade.</p>

<p>He has also proposed purchasing arable land to redistribute to small farmers to make a living from legal crops, free from the violent yoke of the drug gangs they rely on to make a living.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, farmers like Solis are looking for alternatives as hunger stares more and more coca growers in the face. He is considering taking up illegal logging.</p>

<p>"When we take stock, we have nothing left," he told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Barely enough to buy a pound of rice and a little oil."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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"Carlos," a 36-year-old coca grower in Colombia, is stuck hanging onto kilos of the valuable paste used to make cocaine stashed under his bed. Normally, the illegal cache would be worth thousands of dollars, but a sudden dearth of buyers has left him high and dry and concerned about the future of his children.

"Carlos," a 36-year-old coca grower in Colombia, is stuck hanging onto kilos of the valuable paste used to make cocaine stashed under his bed. Normally, the illegal cache would be worth thousands of dollars, but a sudden dearth of buyers has left him high and dry and concerned about the future of his children. Carlos is not his real name -- the grower wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals from armed groups operating near his farm in Llorente in Colombia's southern Narino department, where increasing numbers of small-scale coca producers worry where their next meal will come from. Their hands covered in scratches, groups of "raspachines" or expert coca pickers, advance at great speed through the sea of green crops in Llorente. Once harvested, the coca leaves reach Carlos, who cooks them, along with a mixture of chemicals, on a small stove until they yield a white substance. Cultivating his two hectares had cost him about $660, Carlos told AFP, and normally he would be able to sell the product for about $4,000. But with a dip in demand and historically low prices, he has so far sold only $154's worth. At the end of the trading chain, the cocaine made with his paste would be worth millions. "Prices are (very) bad," Carlos told AFP in his small, makeshift lab. "The only option is to keep it (the paste)," in the hopes that prices, and demand, will pick up. Illegal, but crucial Experts say the rise of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, an "overproduction" of coca, changing consumer habits and several recent blows to Colombia's powerful drug cartels could all be contributing to the price drop. Colombia remains the world's largest producer of cocaine -- of which coca is the main ingredient -- and the United States its biggest buyer. Coca cultivation is illegal, but a mainstay for many in the South American country of 50 million people. Some 250,000 Colombian families depend on coca for a living -- about 1.5 per cent of the population, according to official figures. All along the country's Pacific coast, however, coca growers have seen their incomes plummet since the beginning of the year. The region, under the yoke of armed and violent dissidents of the FARC guerrilla group that disarmed in 2017, is where about 44 per cent of Colombia's 204,000 hectares of coca was grown in 2021, according to the UN. "At this time, the coca economy is not yielding a lot to survive on," grower Nilson Solis told AFP among his crops outside the town of Olaya Herrera, also near the Pacific coast. Residents say the price for a kilogram of coca paste has dropped from about $695 to $440 in just a few months. 'Not a lot' It appears ironic that growers are struggling: Colombia broke its own record of land under coca cultivation two years ago, according to the latest available UN report. Colombian government official Felipe Tascon said rising conflict between drug cartels and other armed groups fighting over resources and terrain may have made it more difficult to move product. Julian Quintero, head of an NGO working to reduce risk from psychoactive drug use, said "overproduction" is also likely contributing to the drop in demand. Coca has ever more "alkalinity and yield," which means less of it is needed to produce cocaine, he said. And Rival drugs such as ecstasy are gaining ground among younger pleasure seekers, Quintero added. Colombia's new leftist President Gustavo Petro visited Olaya Herrera this month, where he met community leaders and speculated that lower demand may also have to do "with the fact that Americans have changed their consumption, their tastes." Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, more powerful and addictive than cocaine, are proliferating in the United States. Petro has criticised the US-led "war on drugs" that has criminalised and impoverished rural Colombians, and has mooted an amnesty for drug traffickers willing to give themselves up and abandon the trade. He has also proposed purchasing arable land to redistribute to small farmers to make a living from legal crops, free from the violent yoke of the drug gangs they rely on to make a living. Meanwhile, farmers like Solis are looking for alternatives as hunger stares more and more coca growers in the face. He is considering taking up illegal logging. "When we take stock, we have nothing left," he told AFP. "Barely enough to buy a pound of rice and a little oil." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Cocaine price crash a blow for Colombian coca growers

A few months back, a terrifying new 'zombie' drug ravaged cities across the United States. Doctors were perplexed by a new medication that was being sold on the streets. Xylazine, a “flesh-eating” drug turns the users into zombie-like beings. Flesh-eating ‘zombie’ drug that has ravaged US cities reaches the UK.

Flesh-eating ‘zombie’ drug that has ravaged US cities reaches the UK

<p>The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has&nbsp;discovered over 300 kg of methamphetamine worth $273 million concealed deep inside a steel hydraulic press that was smuggled into New South Wales from Mexico. The officials added that this methamphetamine could have made up approximately 3 million individual street deals, the force said in a press release.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The importation originally arrived on April 18 and the AFP&nbsp;is now trying to identify the transactional crime syndicate behind the elaborated importation, Guardian reported.</p>

<p>The suspicions were raised after the Australian Border Force officers examined the consignment at the container examination facility in Syndey due to the density of steel. After this when the ABF&nbsp;drilled into the core of the hydraulic press, they found a white substance deep inside the machinery, which gave a positive result for methamphetamine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 79 blocks of meth were found secreted inside two lea-lined tubs after the machinery was pulled apart.</p>

<p><strong>What is Methamphetamine?</strong></p>

<p>This is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects one's nervous system. It can be consumed through smoking, snorting and even injecting powder dissolved in water and alcohol.</p>

<p>Its short-term effects include increased wakefulness and physical activity, decreased appetite, faster breathing and irregular heartbeat. However, its long-term effects include extreme weight loss, addiction, and several dental and skin problems like intense itching leading to skin sores.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Probe on</strong></p>

<p>Salam Zreika, an AFP&nbsp;detective sergeant said that only a well-established organised crime syndicate could have financed and managed such an "elaborated scheme."</p>

<p>He said, "Retrieving the drugs from this concealment in Australia would require significant resources, expertise and space, so someone in the community may have heard something that could help us to identify those involved locally."</p>

<p>He added that these current seizures clearly showed that the drug trafficking syndicates will always try to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia for their own benefit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zreika also mentioned that methamphetamine causes immense harm. As per official data of 2020-21, an average&nbsp;of 33 people in Australia were hospitalised each day for meth drug-related incidents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The federal agency has been working with law enforcement partners locally and overseas to investigate the matter locally and overseas to determine the origins of the drugs and criminals behind the illegal importations.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has discovered over 300 kg of methamphetamine worth $273 million concealed deep inside a steel hydraulic press that was smuggled into New South Wales from Mexico.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has discovered over 300 kg of methamphetamine worth $273 million concealed deep inside a steel hydraulic press that was smuggled into New South Wales from Mexico. The officials added that this methamphetamine could have made up approximately 3 million individual street deals, the force said in a press release. The importation originally arrived on April 18 and the AFP is now trying to identify the transactional crime syndicate behind the elaborated importation, Guardian reported. The suspicions were raised after the Australian Border Force officers examined the consignment at the container examination facility in Syndey due to the density of steel. After this when the ABF drilled into the core of the hydraulic press, they found a white substance deep inside the machinery, which gave a positive result for methamphetamine. A total of 79 blocks of meth were found secreted inside two lea-lined tubs after the machinery was pulled apart. What is Methamphetamine? This is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects one's nervous system. It can be consumed through smoking, snorting and even injecting powder dissolved in water and alcohol. Its short-term effects include increased wakefulness and physical activity, decreased appetite, faster breathing and irregular heartbeat. However, its long-term effects include extreme weight loss, addiction, and several dental and skin problems like intense itching leading to skin sores. Probe on Salam Zreika, an AFP detective sergeant said that only a well-established organised crime syndicate could have financed and managed such an "elaborated scheme." He said, "Retrieving the drugs from this concealment in Australia would require significant resources, expertise and space, so someone in the community may have heard something that could help us to identify those involved locally." He added that these current seizures clearly showed that the drug trafficking syndicates will always try to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia for their own benefit. Zreika also mentioned that methamphetamine causes immense harm. As per official data of 2020-21, an average of 33 people in Australia were hospitalised each day for meth drug-related incidents. The federal agency has been working with law enforcement partners locally and overseas to investigate the matter locally and overseas to determine the origins of the drugs and criminals behind the illegal importations. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Australian Federal Police finds 79 blocks of Mexican meth worth $273mn in hydraulic press during inspection

A Breaking Bad-style meth manufacturing lab was busted in Greater Noida in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. As many as nine Africans were arrested and 46 kg of methamphetamine worth $23 million was seized during the raid.

46kg of Methamphetamine worth over $23 million seized in India

Fentanyl is the major contributor to fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the US. The powerful synthetic opioid causes most deaths of US drug users aged 18-49. As the country continues to battle the Fentanyl crisis, WION's Harshit Sabarwal tells you what is the story of this drug and who is behind its trafficking? Watch the first episode of DARK WORLD, a WION web series on global crime.

Fentanyl overdose crisis in USA: An American drug epidemic | Dark World

<p>Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday (May 8) that a major drug smuggler was killed in an airstrike in southern Syria. The war monitor attributed the airstrike to Jordan which has neither confirmed nor denied this.</p>

<p>Drug dealer "Marai al-Ramthan, his wife and six children were killed in a Jordanian air force strike" in the eastern countryside of the Sweida province, near the Syrian-Jordanian border, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ramthan is considered to be the most prominent drug trafficker in the region, and the number one smuggler of drugs, including captagon, into Jordan", said the Observatory, which relies on a wide network of sources inside Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi was asked about the airstrike by reporters.</p>

<p>"When we take any steps to protect our national security... we will announce them at the appropriate time," he said.</p>

<p>"Drugs... are a great threat to the kingdom, the region and the world as smuggling operations soar," Safadi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agency AFP said that an investigation it carried out in November found that Syria has become a narco-state, with the $10 billion captagon industry dwarfing all other exports and funding both Assad and many of his enemies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These narcotics are mainly smuggled to oil-rich Gulf countries, says AFP. But Jordan has also become a transit route for trade in the amphetamine-type stimulant.</p>

<p>An activist in Sweida province with knowledge of the local drug trade told AFP that "we expect to see a noticeable impact on smuggling operations from Sweida after the strike."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No one could smuggle anything across the border without Ramthan's knowledge," he said, requesting anonymity for his own security.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-returns-to-arab-league-after-11-long-years-590000">Syria returns to Arab League after 12 long years</a></strong></p>

<p>The activist reportedly added that since the airstrike took place, some traffickers in the area have fled their homes.</p>

<p>The rare attack comes on the heels of a May 1 meeting of several Arab foreign ministers in Amman in which Damascus had agreed to "enhance cooperation" with countries "affected by drug trafficking and smuggling across the Syrian border", a Jordanian foreign ministry statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday (May 8) that a major drug smuggler was killed in an airstrike in southern Syria. The war monitor attributed the airstrike to Jordan which has neither confirmed nor denied this.

Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday (May 8) that a major drug smuggler was killed in an airstrike in southern Syria. The war monitor attributed the airstrike to Jordan which has neither confirmed nor denied this. Drug dealer "Marai al-Ramthan, his wife and six children were killed in a Jordanian air force strike" in the eastern countryside of the Sweida province, near the Syrian-Jordanian border, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "Ramthan is considered to be the most prominent drug trafficker in the region, and the number one smuggler of drugs, including captagon, into Jordan", said the Observatory, which relies on a wide network of sources inside Syria. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi was asked about the airstrike by reporters. "When we take any steps to protect our national security... we will announce them at the appropriate time," he said. "Drugs... are a great threat to the kingdom, the region and the world as smuggling operations soar," Safadi said. News agency AFP said that an investigation it carried out in November found that Syria has become a narco-state, with the $10 billion captagon industry dwarfing all other exports and funding both Assad and many of his enemies. These narcotics are mainly smuggled to oil-rich Gulf countries, says AFP. But Jordan has also become a transit route for trade in the amphetamine-type stimulant. An activist in Sweida province with knowledge of the local drug trade told AFP that "we expect to see a noticeable impact on smuggling operations from Sweida after the strike." "No one could smuggle anything across the border without Ramthan's knowledge," he said, requesting anonymity for his own security. Also Read | Syria returns to Arab League after 12 long years The activist reportedly added that since the airstrike took place, some traffickers in the area have fled their homes. The rare attack comes on the heels of a May 1 meeting of several Arab foreign ministers in Amman in which Damascus had agreed to "enhance cooperation" with countries "affected by drug trafficking and smuggling across the Syrian border", a Jordanian foreign ministry statement said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Airstrike kills major drug trafficker in Syria: War monitor

<p>Jerry Martin, a 51-year-old Canadian, was detained in British Columbia for starting a mobile shop to sell cocaine, heroin, and other dangerous substances. In court, he has stated he intends to contest his arrest on the grounds that drug supplies cause harm. The arrest took place on Thursday, a day after Martin started his store.</p>

<p>Police in Vancouver claimed to have detained a guy for "drug trafficking in connection with an illicit drug dispensary". However, no official charges have yet been filed against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-dramatic-visuals-as-truck-driver-rescued-in-kenya-after-sudden-floods-589502">Dramatic visuals as truck driver rescued in Kenya after sudden floods</a></p>

<p>On Wednesday, he started a portable shop that was parked on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, a place with a high prevalence of drug use and a lot of drug overdose prevention programmes.</p>

<p>Health Canada decriminalised the possession of small amounts of hard drugs in the province of British Columbia (BC) early this year as part of a three-year trial experiment. Martin, whose brother died from an overdose, said he had intended to establish his store.</p>

<p>The public health measure was proposed in response to an increase in the number of fentanyl-laced drug overdose deaths in western Canada. More than 2,720 individuals in British Columbia died from overdoses in 2022. It is seven people on average every day.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/onus-on-india-to-restart-peace-talks-pak-fm-bilawal-bhutto-589483">Onus on India to restart peace talks: Pak FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari</a></p>

<p>In an effort to stop more fatalities, Martin told local media sources that he intended to distribute batches of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and crack in little doses, up to 2.5 grammes. He said that fentanyl content had been checked during testing.</p>

<p>In a statement, Constable Tania Visintin said Vancouver police "support measures aimed at improving public safety for people who use drugs, including harm reduction services and decriminalisation."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Srinagar gears up to host G20 summit | Inside South Asia: part 2</strong></p>

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<p>Numerous people had reportedly queued up outside Martin's mobile store on Wednesday afternoon to purchase drugs, according to the CBC. Although Martin's name was not mentioned in the police news release announcing the arrest, it received extensive coverage in Canadian media.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Jerry Martin, a 51-year-old Canadian, was detained in British Columbia for starting a mobile shop to sell cocaine, heroin, and other dangerous substances. In court, he has stated he intends to contest his arrest on the grounds that drug supplies cause harm.

Jerry Martin, a 51-year-old Canadian, was detained in British Columbia for starting a mobile shop to sell cocaine, heroin, and other dangerous substances. In court, he has stated he intends to contest his arrest on the grounds that drug supplies cause harm. The arrest took place on Thursday, a day after Martin started his store. Police in Vancouver claimed to have detained a guy for "drug trafficking in connection with an illicit drug dispensary". However, no official charges have yet been filed against him. WATCH | Dramatic visuals as truck driver rescued in Kenya after sudden floods On Wednesday, he started a portable shop that was parked on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, a place with a high prevalence of drug use and a lot of drug overdose prevention programmes. Health Canada decriminalised the possession of small amounts of hard drugs in the province of British Columbia (BC) early this year as part of a three-year trial experiment. Martin, whose brother died from an overdose, said he had intended to establish his store. The public health measure was proposed in response to an increase in the number of fentanyl-laced drug overdose deaths in western Canada. More than 2,720 individuals in British Columbia died from overdoses in 2022. It is seven people on average every day. Also Read | Onus on India to restart peace talks: Pak FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari In an effort to stop more fatalities, Martin told local media sources that he intended to distribute batches of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and crack in little doses, up to 2.5 grammes. He said that fentanyl content had been checked during testing. In a statement, Constable Tania Visintin said Vancouver police "support measures aimed at improving public safety for people who use drugs, including harm reduction services and decriminalisation." Watch | Srinagar gears up to host G20 summit | Inside South Asia: part 2 × Numerous people had reportedly queued up outside Martin's mobile store on Wednesday afternoon to purchase drugs, according to the CBC. Although Martin's name was not mentioned in the police news release announcing the arrest, it received extensive coverage in Canadian media. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Canadian man detained in British Columbia for opening shop selling hard drugs

India's Border security Force has recovered packets of heroin at 2 different locations in Punjab. Molly Gambhir tells you how Pakistan is pushing drugs into

Gravitas | Exposing Pakistan's illicit narcotics trade

<p paraeid="{d1bb398e-4b77-478d-807b-ae5b4947386c}{27}" paraid="322302446" >Researchers in Los Angeles have for the first time found bacteria that is highly resistant to colistin, considered to be the “last resort” antibiotic, in the US county’s wastewaters.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{04cf7ca1-c182-40ca-8331-d221cf252008}{80}" paraid="198157061" >The discovery was made while surveilling the untreated waters of Los Angeles’ largest treatment plants—the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant in Carson and the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant in Playa del Rey— a practice that began following Covid pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{180bd1be-992c-4fe9-9fe7-1f90f7175ae6}{235}" paraid="89665471" >Both facilities serve a total of about 7.5 million people, the Los Angeles Times&nbsp;newspaper reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{4f3c2050-1b7e-41f8-95d6-58d5bb00d10a}{29}" paraid="738692707" >It has alarmed scientists as this antibiotic—for which evidence of resistance has been found—is used when all other drugs, especially penicillin, fail to respond.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{c355397d-a204-4561-9ad8-3a5ee025525e}{179}" paraid="432105242" >“Testing found antibiotic resistance genes on two novel small plasmids, circular pieces of DNA that can be shared among different types of unrelated bacteria,” said researcher Adam Smith, associate professor of environmental engineering at USC,&nbsp;whose findings were published&nbsp;in Environmental Science &amp; Technology Letters.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{ed41d3a0-0757-4bfb-bace-1a2873ddbe5e}{19}" paraid="1494487626" >“This is probably the scariest aspect: the potential for this resistance to spread widely across different bacterial populations,” Smith said.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{b6d0ade5-209e-4d51-8952-14b92011dae3}{29}" paraid="1327271776" >He noted that this type of antibiotic resistant gene has been found in "six&nbsp;of seven continents",&nbsp;but this is the first time that traces of this antibiotic resistance have been found in LA.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Iran successfully tests homemade kamikaze drone equipped with 50 kg warhead</strong></h2>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), antibiotic resistance is one of the major threats to global health, food security, and development.&nbsp;</div>

<p paraeid="{c57dac1c-e181-4097-ac07-f723119ecd9f}{12}" paraid="728668738" >Although it occurs naturally, misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals is believed to be triggering the process.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{1bc2fe46-7588-4b84-9297-e77c6cfe8e97}{231}" paraid="1844685901" >The global health agency noted that it is becoming difficult to treat a growing number of infections, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and salmonellosis, as antibotics are becoming less effective.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{655339fb-8d1e-4ca2-9b53-39f888e19d8d}{47}" paraid="690219926" >“We could get to the point where we can’t combat infections with antibiotics,” Smith said, “so we’re entering sort of a post-antibiotic world.”&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{7de74849-5429-425c-8d06-52cee049f31c}{48}" paraid="1606967492" >What’s particularly concerning is that antibiotic resistance leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and increased mortality.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{655339fb-8d1e-4ca2-9b53-39f888e19d8d}{203}" paraid="1743149013" >Colistin was originally discovered in 2015 in China and has been documented on every continent except Antarctica, Smith said. &nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{7de74849-5429-425c-8d06-52cee049f31c}{116}" paraid="406036952" >That includes in Los Angeles, where a resident who died in 2016&nbsp;was found to have been infected with&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;bacteria&nbsp;that carried a colistin resistance gene.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{7de74849-5429-425c-8d06-52cee049f31c}{126}" paraid="134914646" >(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</p>

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Researchers in Los Angeles have for the first time found bacteria that is highly resistant to colistin, considered to be the “last resort” antibiotic, in the US county’s wastewaters.

Researchers in Los Angeles have for the first time found bacteria that is highly resistant to colistin, considered to be the “last resort” antibiotic, in the US county’s wastewaters. The discovery was made while surveilling the untreated waters of Los Angeles’ largest treatment plants—the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant in Carson and the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant in Playa del Rey— a practice that began following Covid pandemic. Both facilities serve a total of about 7.5 million people, the Los Angeles Times newspaper reported. It has alarmed scientists as this antibiotic—for which evidence of resistance has been found—is used when all other drugs, especially penicillin, fail to respond. “Testing found antibiotic resistance genes on two novel small plasmids, circular pieces of DNA that can be shared among different types of unrelated bacteria,” said researcher Adam Smith, associate professor of environmental engineering at USC, whose findings were published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters. “This is probably the scariest aspect: the potential for this resistance to spread widely across different bacterial populations,” Smith said. He noted that this type of antibiotic resistant gene has been found in "six of seven continents", but this is the first time that traces of this antibiotic resistance have been found in LA. Iran successfully tests homemade kamikaze drone equipped with 50 kg warhead According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), antibiotic resistance is one of the major threats to global health, food security, and development. Although it occurs naturally, misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals is believed to be triggering the process. The global health agency noted that it is becoming difficult to treat a growing number of infections, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and salmonellosis, as antibotics are becoming less effective. “We could get to the point where we can’t combat infections with antibiotics,” Smith said, “so we’re entering sort of a post-antibiotic world.” What’s particularly concerning is that antibiotic resistance leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and increased mortality. Colistin was originally discovered in 2015 in China and has been documented on every continent except Antarctica, Smith said. That includes in Los Angeles, where a resident who died in 2016 was found to have been infected with E. coli bacteria that carried a colistin resistance gene. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Bacteria resistant to 'last resort' antibiotic found in Los Angeles for first time  

In recent years, the drug Fentanyl has fuelled a surge in US Opioid overdose deaths. A potent synthetic opioid drug, Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.

Fentanyl, 50x more potent than heroin as an analgesic | 'U.S. & India working to fix the problem'

<p>In New Zealand, police have seized large quantities of drug-laced beer containing methamphetamine. As per a report by the New Zealand Herald, authorities have so far seized around 328kg of meth or methamphetamine. The police also seized a shipment of kombucha bottles — a popular fermented tea — along with the drug-laced beer.&nbsp;As per the report, police on March 16th raided a warehouse in Ryan Pl in Manukau (a suburb of South Auckland). There they located and seized multiple cases of potentially drug-laced beer.&nbsp;The beer is of a brand called Honey Beer and is called 'Honey Bear House beer'.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-massive-hole-on-sun-may-blast-solar-storms-towards-earth-577586">Watch | Massive 'hole' on Sun may blast solar storms towards Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>There is a possibility that some cans of the laced beer may be circulating in the community. Keeping this in mind, police have issued an advisory that anyone who may have the 'Honey Bear House Beer' cans should avoid drinking them and should inform the police. "Consuming beer contaminated with methamphetamine may have serious or fatal medical consequences," warned&nbsp;Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin.</p>

<p>Concealed among the shipment was the 328kg of meth. The police said that an analysis of the meth found in its liquid form is underway. More than a quarter tonne of the drug was also recovered in crystallised form.</p>

<p>This comes as Auckland City’s Organised Crime Unit investigates the import of Honey Bear House Beer suspected of being contaminated with methamphetamine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/plants-can-make-cries-for-help-when-stressed-or-deprived-of-water-says-study-577976">Plants make cries for help when stressed or deprived of water, says study</a></strong></p>

<p>On March 7th, in Auckland, a young man named Aiden Sagala reportedly died after consuming meth-laced beer. While Sangala, as per the police, was not involved in the import or distribution of the contaminated beer "in any way," as per the Herald, two men have been arrested for this.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report goes on to cite Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, who said that the investigation "is by no means over yet."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our investigation continues to develop at pace, and we cannot rule out further arrests or charges as a result," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In New Zealand, police have seized large quantities of drug-laced beer containing methamphetamine. As per a report by the New Zealand Herald, authorities have so far seized around 328kg of meth or methamphetamine.

In New Zealand, police have seized large quantities of drug-laced beer containing methamphetamine. As per a report by the New Zealand Herald, authorities have so far seized around 328kg of meth or methamphetamine. The police also seized a shipment of kombucha bottles — a popular fermented tea — along with the drug-laced beer. As per the report, police on March 16th raided a warehouse in Ryan Pl in Manukau (a suburb of South Auckland). There they located and seized multiple cases of potentially drug-laced beer. The beer is of a brand called Honey Beer and is called 'Honey Bear House beer'. Also read | Watch | Massive 'hole' on Sun may blast solar storms towards Earth There is a possibility that some cans of the laced beer may be circulating in the community. Keeping this in mind, police have issued an advisory that anyone who may have the 'Honey Bear House Beer' cans should avoid drinking them and should inform the police. "Consuming beer contaminated with methamphetamine may have serious or fatal medical consequences," warned Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin. Concealed among the shipment was the 328kg of meth. The police said that an analysis of the meth found in its liquid form is underway. More than a quarter tonne of the drug was also recovered in crystallised form. This comes as Auckland City’s Organised Crime Unit investigates the import of Honey Bear House Beer suspected of being contaminated with methamphetamine. Also read | Plants make cries for help when stressed or deprived of water, says study On March 7th, in Auckland, a young man named Aiden Sagala reportedly died after consuming meth-laced beer. While Sangala, as per the police, was not involved in the import or distribution of the contaminated beer "in any way," as per the Herald, two men have been arrested for this. The report goes on to cite Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, who said that the investigation "is by no means over yet." "Our investigation continues to develop at pace, and we cannot rule out further arrests or charges as a result," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New Zealand: Kiwis warned to avoid meth-laced 'Honey Bear House Beer' cans

<p>Seoul said in a report on Thursday (March 30) that North Korea executes people for drugs, sharing South Korean media, and religious activities as it stifles its citizens' human rights and freedom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>South Korea's Unification Ministry has collated the report, basing the 450-page report on testimony and information gathered from 2017 to 2022 of over 500 North Koreans who fled from their homeland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry, which is responsible for handling inter-Korean affairs, said in the report: "North Korean citizens' right to life appears to be greatly threatened."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-jihadist-trades-his-weapons-to-open-sushi-restaurant-in-war-torn-syria-577244">Russian jihadist trades his weapons to open sushi restaurant in war-torn Syria</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"Executions are widely carried out for acts that do not justify the death penalty, including drug crimes, distribution of South Korean videos, and religious and superstitious activities," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agency Reuters reported that the findings aligned with the United Nations investigations and reports from non-governmental organisations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Kim Jong-Un: Aim to defend North Korea against US and South Korea&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The report sheds light upon the rights abuses in communities, prison camps, etc., including public executions, torture and arbitrary arrests. Meanwhile, North Korea rejects the criticism of its rights conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry also claimed that deaths and torture regularly occur in detention facilities and some people were summarily executed after being caught trying to cross the border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>South Korea aims to highlight the North's efforts of boosting nuclear and missile arsenals, instead of improving the living conditions of common people. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Seoul said in a report on Thursday (March 30) that North Korea executes people for drugs, sharing South Korean media, and religious activities as it stifles its citizens' human rights and freedom.

Seoul said in a report on Thursday (March 30) that North Korea executes people for drugs, sharing South Korean media, and religious activities as it stifles its citizens' human rights and freedom. South Korea's Unification Ministry has collated the report, basing the 450-page report on testimony and information gathered from 2017 to 2022 of over 500 North Koreans who fled from their homeland. The ministry, which is responsible for handling inter-Korean affairs, said in the report: "North Korean citizens' right to life appears to be greatly threatened." ALSO READ | Russian jihadist trades his weapons to open sushi restaurant in war-torn Syria "Executions are widely carried out for acts that do not justify the death penalty, including drug crimes, distribution of South Korean videos, and religious and superstitious activities," it added. News agency Reuters reported that the findings aligned with the United Nations investigations and reports from non-governmental organisations. WATCH | Kim Jong-Un: Aim to defend North Korea against US and South Korea × The report sheds light upon the rights abuses in communities, prison camps, etc., including public executions, torture and arbitrary arrests. Meanwhile, North Korea rejects the criticism of its rights conditions. The ministry also claimed that deaths and torture regularly occur in detention facilities and some people were summarily executed after being caught trying to cross the border. South Korea aims to highlight the North's efforts of boosting nuclear and missile arsenals, instead of improving the living conditions of common people. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Seoul claims North Korea executes people for sharing South Korean videos: Report

<p>Renowned painter Pablo Picasso once called the smell of opium smoke "the most intelligent smell in the world". Rap artist Snoop Dogg is well known for his love for weed or marijuana and referring to his favourite vice has even reportedly said, "the more medicated, the more dedicated". Harry Styles' latest album 'Fine Line' was made under the influence of mushrooms that supposedly helped him be "fun and creative." Artists and their love for various drugs and alcohol is legendary. These legends have long been blamed for promoting psychedelics and intoxicants among the "easily influenced" younger generations. However, time and time again, artists have claimed that drugs and alcohol allegedly helped their creative juices flow. A new study has revealed the truth behind this and says the claim might just be a myth.</p>

<p>Researchers from England's Essex University and Berlin’s Humboldt University have reached this conclusion after examining hundreds of papers on intoxicants and their effects.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China trains six squirrels to search for drugs</strong></p>

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<p>The researchers concluded that the alleged help these drugs provide to aid the creative processes is likely to be a myth and that to inspire creativity, travel, exposure to culture, meditation and good old hard work or training are more effective.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jennifer Haase of the Humboldt University, a co-author of the paper as per Guardian, said that "ideas generated under the influence often seem disjointed or ill-suited as solutions later on."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-high-on-happiness-index-also-report-increased-drug-use-575119">Countries high on happiness index also report increased drug use</a></strong></p>

<p>"Given the numerous side-effects associated with drug use, it is scientifically unsound to recommend their consumption in pursuit of enhanced creative output," added Haase.</p>

<p>Dr Paul Hanel, of the University of Essex's department of psychology, said that drugs do not do anything for creativity. "People don’t benefit from it – it just has no effect at all."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ai-comes-up-with-40000-toxic-chemicals-in-6-hours-scientists-warn-could-be-used-to-make-biological-weapons-561636">AI comes up with 40,000 toxic chemicals in 6 hours; scientists warn could be used to make biological weapons</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Hanel acknowledged that, in some specific contexts, they might help enhance creativity. For example, someone under the effect of hallucinogenics might have an inspiring vision on their "trip" that enables them to paint a beautiful picture. But this is more of a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of experience and not a run-of-the-mill one.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Renowned painter Pablo Picasso once called the smell of opium smoke "the most intelligent smell in the world". Rap artist Snoop Dogg is well known for his love for weed or marijuana and referring to his favourite vice has even reportedly said, "the more medicated, the more dedicated".

Renowned painter Pablo Picasso once called the smell of opium smoke "the most intelligent smell in the world". Rap artist Snoop Dogg is well known for his love for weed or marijuana and referring to his favourite vice has even reportedly said, "the more medicated, the more dedicated". Harry Styles' latest album 'Fine Line' was made under the influence of mushrooms that supposedly helped him be "fun and creative." Artists and their love for various drugs and alcohol is legendary. These legends have long been blamed for promoting psychedelics and intoxicants among the "easily influenced" younger generations. However, time and time again, artists have claimed that drugs and alcohol allegedly helped their creative juices flow. A new study has revealed the truth behind this and says the claim might just be a myth. Researchers from England's Essex University and Berlin’s Humboldt University have reached this conclusion after examining hundreds of papers on intoxicants and their effects. Watch | China trains six squirrels to search for drugs The researchers concluded that the alleged help these drugs provide to aid the creative processes is likely to be a myth and that to inspire creativity, travel, exposure to culture, meditation and good old hard work or training are more effective. Jennifer Haase of the Humboldt University, a co-author of the paper as per Guardian, said that "ideas generated under the influence often seem disjointed or ill-suited as solutions later on." Also read | Countries high on happiness index also report increased drug use "Given the numerous side-effects associated with drug use, it is scientifically unsound to recommend their consumption in pursuit of enhanced creative output," added Haase. Dr Paul Hanel, of the University of Essex's department of psychology, said that drugs do not do anything for creativity. "People don’t benefit from it – it just has no effect at all." Also read | AI comes up with 40,000 toxic chemicals in 6 hours; scientists warn could be used to make biological weapons However, Hanel acknowledged that, in some specific contexts, they might help enhance creativity. For example, someone under the effect of hallucinogenics might have an inspiring vision on their "trip" that enables them to paint a beautiful picture. But this is more of a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of experience and not a run-of-the-mill one. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Do drugs, alcohol make us more creative? Study answers the age-old question

<p>Scientists have revealed previously unreported effects of a compound called DMT (or dimethyltryptamine), the substance which, once consumed, produces extraordinary psychic effects on an individual. DMT is found in the Amazonian drink Ayahuasca, made from the flowering shrub of <em>Psychotria viridis</em> plant.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How the study was conducted?</strong></h2>

<p>For the latest study, Chris Timmermann, head of the DMT research group at Imperial College London, recruited 20 volunteers who received a 20mg injection of DMT and a placebo on separate visits to the lab. All were reportedly screened to ensure their physical and mental suitability for the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scientists recorded the brain activity of the participants before, during and after the drug took hold of their bodies.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do the results say?</strong></h2>

<p>The results were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. They provide the most advanced picture yet of the human brain on psychedelics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recordings show how the brain’s normal hierarchical organisation breaks down, electrical activity becomes anarchic, and connectivity between regions soars, particularly those handling "higher level"&nbsp;functions such as imagination, which is scientifically proven to have evolved most recently in humans.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-prince-harry-reveals-he-took-hallucinogenic-drugs-to-get-over-his-past-trauma-569516">Prince Harry reveals he took hallucinogenic drugs to get over his past trauma</a></strong></p>

<p>The recordings reveal a profound impact across the brain, particularly in areas that are highly evolved in humans and instrumental in planning, language, memory, complex decision-making and imagination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"At the dose we use, it is incredibly potent," Robin Carhart-Harris, a professor of neurology and psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "People describe leaving this world and breaking through into another that is incredibly immersive and richly complex, sometimes being populated by other beings that they feel might hold special power over them, like gods."</p>

<p>He added: "What we have seen is that DMT breaks down the basic networks of the brain, causing them to become less distinct from each other. We also see the major rhythms of the brain – that serve a largely inhibitory, constraining function – break down, and in concert, brain activity becomes more entropic or information-rich."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH -&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Magic Mushrooms can be safely used to treat depression, study finds</strong></p>

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<p>But while the study revealed an unprecedented view of the brain on DMT, the researchers believe there is more to learn.</p>

<p>"We suspect that while the newer, more evolved aspects of the brain dysregulate under DMT, older systems in the brain may be disinhibited,"&nbsp;Carhart-Harris was further quoted as saying by The Guardian. "A similar kind of thing happens in dreaming. This is just the beginning in cracking the question of how DMT works to alter consciousness so dramatically."</p>

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Scientists have revealed previously unreported effects of a compound called DMT (or dimethyltryptamine), the substance which, once consumed, produces extraordinary psychic effects on an individual.

Scientists have revealed previously unreported effects of a compound called DMT (or dimethyltryptamine), the substance which, once consumed, produces extraordinary psychic effects on an individual. DMT is found in the Amazonian drink Ayahuasca, made from the flowering shrub of Psychotria viridis plant. How the study was conducted? For the latest study, Chris Timmermann, head of the DMT research group at Imperial College London, recruited 20 volunteers who received a 20mg injection of DMT and a placebo on separate visits to the lab. All were reportedly screened to ensure their physical and mental suitability for the study. The scientists recorded the brain activity of the participants before, during and after the drug took hold of their bodies. What do the results say? The results were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. They provide the most advanced picture yet of the human brain on psychedelics. The recordings show how the brain’s normal hierarchical organisation breaks down, electrical activity becomes anarchic, and connectivity between regions soars, particularly those handling "higher level" functions such as imagination, which is scientifically proven to have evolved most recently in humans. ALSO READ - Prince Harry reveals he took hallucinogenic drugs to get over his past trauma The recordings reveal a profound impact across the brain, particularly in areas that are highly evolved in humans and instrumental in planning, language, memory, complex decision-making and imagination. "At the dose we use, it is incredibly potent," Robin Carhart-Harris, a professor of neurology and psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "People describe leaving this world and breaking through into another that is incredibly immersive and richly complex, sometimes being populated by other beings that they feel might hold special power over them, like gods." He added: "What we have seen is that DMT breaks down the basic networks of the brain, causing them to become less distinct from each other. We also see the major rhythms of the brain – that serve a largely inhibitory, constraining function – break down, and in concert, brain activity becomes more entropic or information-rich." ALSO WATCH - WION Fineprint | Magic Mushrooms can be safely used to treat depression, study finds × But while the study revealed an unprecedented view of the brain on DMT, the researchers believe there is more to learn. "We suspect that while the newer, more evolved aspects of the brain dysregulate under DMT, older systems in the brain may be disinhibited," Carhart-Harris was further quoted as saying by The Guardian. "A similar kind of thing happens in dreaming. This is just the beginning in cracking the question of how DMT works to alter consciousness so dramatically." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'People leave this world and break through into another', study on effect of consuming a hallucinogenic drug

It is a public health crisis that kills hundreds of Americans a day. More than 100,000 Americans die each year from overdoses, mostly from opioids. Fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and now xylazine are the most abused drugs in the United States.

Has America lost the war on drugs?

<p>Squirrels have been trained in China to detect&nbsp;the presence of drugs at train stations, airports, warehouses, and border checkpoints.&nbsp;The police in the southwest city of Chongqing, over 1700 km southwest of the Chinese capital Beijing,&nbsp;say that they have trained the country’s first batch of six sniffer squirrels in an attempt to find a more feasible&nbsp;replacement for sniffer dogs.</p>

<p>"Squirrels have a quite acute sense of smell, but we didn’t have sniffer squirrels in the past because we didn’t have mature techniques to train rodents,” Yin Jin, a trainer of the local squad of police dogs, told a state-run news platform&nbsp;Shangyou News. He said that the authorities used the same training system they use to train sniffer dogs for similar operations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Squirrels to replace dogs? But aren't dogs better at sniffing?</strong></h2>

<p>Dogs are considered conventionally better at sniffing than other animals, even rodents. But rodents such as squirrels are good at sniffing out drugs and related illicit substances with "complex environments" full of packages and tight corners, and they can reach spots that are high up, which the dogs cannot.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How will squirrels notify that drugs have been found?</strong></h2>

<p>Once a squirrel&nbsp;finds the suspect drugs, a trained squirrel will notify its trainer by scratching an&nbsp;object, Chinese anti-drugs police spokesperson said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-drugs-worth-12-billion-seized-from-two-cities-former-pilot-among-six-arrested-523308">India: Drugs worth $1.2 billion seized from two cities, former pilot among six arrested</a></strong></p>

<p>It is not the first time authorities have tried to find an alternative to sniffer dogs. Police in the Netherlands in 2013 trained rats to sniff out drugs and gunpowder with a success rate of 95 per cent. In 1993 in America, the Department of Justice put on trial the&nbsp;use of pot-bellied pigs to sniff out narcotics.</p>

<h2><strong>China's anti-drugs campaign</strong></h2>

<p>China has a zero-tolerance policy on illicit drugs. Individuals convicted of drug crimes often face severe punishments, including death.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-medicine-shortage-humiliates-china-546183">Gravitas: Medicine Shortage 'humiliates' China</a></strong></p>

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<p>The country reportedly had nearly 1.5 million drug users at the end of 2021. China in 2021 solved more than 54,000 drug cases, arrested 77,000 suspects and seized 27 tonnes of drugs, according to the latest report on anti-drug efforts cited by The Times newspaper.&nbsp;</p>


Squirrels have been trained in China to detect the presence of drugs at train stations, airports, warehouses, and border checkpoints. The police in the southwest city of Chongqing, over 1700 km southwest of the Chinese capital Beijing, say that they have trained the country’s first batch of six sniffer squirrels in an attempt to find a more feasible replacement for sniffer dogs.

Squirrels have been trained in China to detect the presence of drugs at train stations, airports, warehouses, and border checkpoints. The police in the southwest city of Chongqing, over 1700 km southwest of the Chinese capital Beijing, say that they have trained the country’s first batch of six sniffer squirrels in an attempt to find a more feasible replacement for sniffer dogs. "Squirrels have a quite acute sense of smell, but we didn’t have sniffer squirrels in the past because we didn’t have mature techniques to train rodents,” Yin Jin, a trainer of the local squad of police dogs, told a state-run news platform Shangyou News. He said that the authorities used the same training system they use to train sniffer dogs for similar operations. Squirrels to replace dogs? But aren't dogs better at sniffing? Dogs are considered conventionally better at sniffing than other animals, even rodents. But rodents such as squirrels are good at sniffing out drugs and related illicit substances with "complex environments" full of packages and tight corners, and they can reach spots that are high up, which the dogs cannot. How will squirrels notify that drugs have been found? Once a squirrel finds the suspect drugs, a trained squirrel will notify its trainer by scratching an object, Chinese anti-drugs police spokesperson said. ALSO READ | India: Drugs worth $1.2 billion seized from two cities, former pilot among six arrested It is not the first time authorities have tried to find an alternative to sniffer dogs. Police in the Netherlands in 2013 trained rats to sniff out drugs and gunpowder with a success rate of 95 per cent. In 1993 in America, the Department of Justice put on trial the use of pot-bellied pigs to sniff out narcotics. China's anti-drugs campaign China has a zero-tolerance policy on illicit drugs. Individuals convicted of drug crimes often face severe punishments, including death. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Medicine Shortage 'humiliates' China × The country reportedly had nearly 1.5 million drug users at the end of 2021. China in 2021 solved more than 54,000 drug cases, arrested 77,000 suspects and seized 27 tonnes of drugs, according to the latest report on anti-drug efforts cited by The Times newspaper.

In China, dogs lose their drugs sniffing jobs to squirrels trained for the task

Airports are one of the biggest transit points for smuggling all kinds of contraband including drugs. Almost all the airports in the world are vulnerable to smuggling, but some are more favoured by smugglers like Cayenne airport in French Guiana, the departure point of cocaine to Europe.

Cayenne airport, the departure point of Cocaine to Europe

Europe has become a spectator to a tsunami of cocaine. Getting drugs in the big cities has become as easy as ordering a pizza. People are using messaging applications like WhatsApp and Signal to place an order for required drugs and within 20 minutes, a dealer shows up at the door with the parcel.

UK: Drug cartels bringing in more crimes to Europe

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<p>The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday approved an experimental medicine named lecanemab for Alzheimer's treatment.&nbsp;FDA Director Dr Billy Dunn in a statement said the medicine targets the underlying disease process of Alzheimer's instead of treating the symptoms only.&nbsp;“Alzheimer’s disease immeasurably incapacitates the lives of those who suffer from it and has devastating effects on their loved ones. This treatment option is the latest therapy to target and affect the underlying disease process of Alzheimer’s, instead of only treating the symptoms of the disease.”</p>

<p>Japan-based Eisai and American company Biogen have jointly developed the medicine. They claim that lecanemab slows down cognitive and functional decline by almost 27 per cent over 18 months.</p>

<p>The medicine will be sold under the name Leqembi and its treatment is expected to cost $26,500 per year in the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The clinical trials of the medicine were published in November last year. Based on the results, some experts hailed it as the next big breakthrough to treat Alzheimer's patients.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-breakthrough-in-alzheimers-treatment-538902"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment</strong></a></p>

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<p>“Treatments that deliver tangible benefits to those living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s and early Alzheimer’s dementia are as valuable as treatments that extend the lives of those with other terminal diseases," said US-based Alzheimer’s Association whilst welcoming the test results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the approval process for&nbsp;Leqembi was expedited after a US congressional report tore into the&nbsp;regulatory agency for approving another Alzheimer's medicine viz. Aduhelm, without proper due diligence.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/experimental-drug-slows-down-cognitive-decline-in-alzheimers-patients-heres-what-you-need-to-know-538818" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Experimental drug slows down cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients: Here’s what you need to know</strong></a></p>

<p>Despite test results showing that Aduhelm carried&nbsp;risks of brain swelling and bleeding when administered to patients, the FDA passed it for&nbsp;monoclonal antibody treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The FDA has the authority to fast-track the medicines it believes can help patients suffering from serious conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, over 6.5 million individuals in the US suffer from Alzheimer's disease. The disease destroys memory, and cognitive skills, often rendering the patient incapable of performing simple, day-to-day tasks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though there is no cure for the disease, doctors say that treatment therapies and medicines can slow down the effects.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday approved an experimental medicine named lecanemab for Alzheimer's treatment. FDA Director Dr Billy Dunn in a statement said the medicine targets the underlying disease process of Alzheimer's instead of treating the symptoms only.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday approved an experimental medicine named lecanemab for Alzheimer's treatment. FDA Director Dr Billy Dunn in a statement said the medicine targets the underlying disease process of Alzheimer's instead of treating the symptoms only. “Alzheimer’s disease immeasurably incapacitates the lives of those who suffer from it and has devastating effects on their loved ones. This treatment option is the latest therapy to target and affect the underlying disease process of Alzheimer’s, instead of only treating the symptoms of the disease.” Japan-based Eisai and American company Biogen have jointly developed the medicine. They claim that lecanemab slows down cognitive and functional decline by almost 27 per cent over 18 months. The medicine will be sold under the name Leqembi and its treatment is expected to cost $26,500 per year in the US. The clinical trials of the medicine were published in November last year. Based on the results, some experts hailed it as the next big breakthrough to treat Alzheimer's patients. WATCH | Gravitas: Breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment × “Treatments that deliver tangible benefits to those living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s and early Alzheimer’s dementia are as valuable as treatments that extend the lives of those with other terminal diseases," said US-based Alzheimer’s Association whilst welcoming the test results. Notably, the approval process for Leqembi was expedited after a US congressional report tore into the regulatory agency for approving another Alzheimer's medicine viz. Aduhelm, without proper due diligence. Read more: Experimental drug slows down cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients: Here’s what you need to know Despite test results showing that Aduhelm carried risks of brain swelling and bleeding when administered to patients, the FDA passed it for monoclonal antibody treatment. The FDA has the authority to fast-track the medicines it believes can help patients suffering from serious conditions. Currently, over 6.5 million individuals in the US suffer from Alzheimer's disease. The disease destroys memory, and cognitive skills, often rendering the patient incapable of performing simple, day-to-day tasks. Though there is no cure for the disease, doctors say that treatment therapies and medicines can slow down the effects. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US FDA approves new ‘breakthrough’ medicine for Alzheimer’s. Here’s what it does

<p>A 28-year-old Irish man is accused of allegedly smuggling almost 120 grammes (4.2 ounces) of cocaine inside six&nbsp;chocolate capsules&nbsp;in Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the authorities, the man brought drugs inside sealed&nbsp;Kinder Surprise yellow egg capsules that were not edible, CNN reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-grips-mexico-after-the-arrest-of-el-chapos-son-ovidio-guzman-lopez-549882"><strong>Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;Violence grips Mexico after the arrest of El Chapo's son Ovidio Guzman Lopez</strong></a></p>

<p>The Australian Border Forces (ABF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) in a joint press conference said that the man was stopped at the Melbourne International Airport when his luggage turned positive for the presence of cocaine. He was taken to a nearby hospital for a CT scan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He later excreted the capsules containing cocaine and is being charged for bringing a marketable amount of cocaine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Christmas themed police seize record amounts of cocaine ahead of the holiday season</strong></p>

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<p>In a press release, Chris Slamon, detective superintendent said, "Smuggling drugs internally is idiotic – there is the real risk that something could go wrong, resulting in a potentially fatal drug overdose or permanent damage to internal organs."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that such arrest clearly shows the extent to which people try to avoid getting detained at the border.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-diabetes-drug-that-helps-lose-weight-is-all-the-rage-on-social-media-since-musk-tweeted-about-it-528125"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;The diabetes drug that helps lose weight is all the rage on social media ever since Musk tweeted about it</strong></a></p>

<p>Last year, on Dec 30, the man appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates Court. He was remanded in custody to appear for a committal mention- a preliminary hearing before the committal hearing on March 27.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Usually in Australia, the maximum penalty for such offences is&nbsp;25 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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A 28-year-old Irish man is accused of allegedly smuggling almost 120 grammes (4.2 ounces) of cocaine inside six chocolate capsules in Australia. According to the authorities, the man brought drugs inside sealed Kinder Surprise yellow egg capsules that were not edible, CNN reported.

A 28-year-old Irish man is accused of allegedly smuggling almost 120 grammes (4.2 ounces) of cocaine inside six chocolate capsules in Australia. According to the authorities, the man brought drugs inside sealed Kinder Surprise yellow egg capsules that were not edible, CNN reported. Also read | Violence grips Mexico after the arrest of El Chapo's son Ovidio Guzman Lopez The Australian Border Forces (ABF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) in a joint press conference said that the man was stopped at the Melbourne International Airport when his luggage turned positive for the presence of cocaine. He was taken to a nearby hospital for a CT scan. He later excreted the capsules containing cocaine and is being charged for bringing a marketable amount of cocaine. Watch | Christmas themed police seize record amounts of cocaine ahead of the holiday season In a press release, Chris Slamon, detective superintendent said, "Smuggling drugs internally is idiotic – there is the real risk that something could go wrong, resulting in a potentially fatal drug overdose or permanent damage to internal organs." He added that such arrest clearly shows the extent to which people try to avoid getting detained at the border. Also read | The diabetes drug that helps lose weight is all the rage on social media ever since Musk tweeted about it Last year, on Dec 30, the man appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates Court. He was remanded in custody to appear for a committal mention- a preliminary hearing before the committal hearing on March 27. Usually in Australia, the maximum penalty for such offences is 25 years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Australia: 28-year-old Irish man accused of smuggling cocaine in chocolate capsules

<p>Jordan officials have found six million pills of Captagon, also known as the cocaine of the poor, inside two refrigerator lorries at the Iraq border. It was the most extensive drug haul the Jordanian Customs Department has ever intercepted.</p>

<p>Jordan officials seized the most recent batch of the amphetamine pills at the Al-Karamah border crossing between Iraq and Jordan, BBC reported.</p>

<p>Syria produces Captagon, the amphetamine pill, in large quantities. Currently, the decade-long war has turned into a narcotic state. When the conflict was at its peak, militant groups supplied the drug to fighters to boost their courage because it had large quantities of caffeine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-alarming-increase-in-drug-abuse-among-students-546527">Sri Lanka: Alarming increase in drug abuse among students</a></p>

<p>The trade is now far more worth than legal exports, due to which many poor Syrians work in the manufacture of such drugs. Although the Syrian government has denied such allegations, some reports link famous names in trade and the army to the manufacturing and allocation of Captagon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Drug dealers of Captagon smuggle the pills into neighbouring countries like Jordan and Lebanon. However, most sales are in the Gulf states due to the presence of a big market.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, little or no information is available about the number of arrests made after the haul or the number of pills meant for sale.</p>

<p><strong>Watch|&nbsp;China property slumps further in November</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On December 15, the state security court of Jordan convicted a Syrian national to 20 years in prison for attempting to smuggle 2 million Captagon pills into the nation from Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by the Cyprus-based think tank, Captagon has a market value of about $3.5 billion in the previous year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Due to the increase in raids, the altercations between the Jordanian military and drug traffickers are also growing. Due to the current scenarios, soldiers have opted for a shoot-to-kill policy. In January, the Jordanian army shot 27 traffickers attempting to cross the border illegally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jordan authorities have tensed up things at the border and elevated their efforts to fight the problem of drug trafficking in recent years.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Jordan officials have found six million pills of Captagon, also known as the cocaine of the poor, inside two refrigerator lorries at the Iraq border. It was the most extensive drug haul the Jordanian Customs Department has ever intercepted.

Jordan officials have found six million pills of Captagon, also known as the cocaine of the poor, inside two refrigerator lorries at the Iraq border. It was the most extensive drug haul the Jordanian Customs Department has ever intercepted. Jordan officials seized the most recent batch of the amphetamine pills at the Al-Karamah border crossing between Iraq and Jordan, BBC reported. Syria produces Captagon, the amphetamine pill, in large quantities. Currently, the decade-long war has turned into a narcotic state. When the conflict was at its peak, militant groups supplied the drug to fighters to boost their courage because it had large quantities of caffeine. Also read | Sri Lanka: Alarming increase in drug abuse among students The trade is now far more worth than legal exports, due to which many poor Syrians work in the manufacture of such drugs. Although the Syrian government has denied such allegations, some reports link famous names in trade and the army to the manufacturing and allocation of Captagon. Drug dealers of Captagon smuggle the pills into neighbouring countries like Jordan and Lebanon. However, most sales are in the Gulf states due to the presence of a big market. However, little or no information is available about the number of arrests made after the haul or the number of pills meant for sale. Watch| China property slumps further in November On December 15, the state security court of Jordan convicted a Syrian national to 20 years in prison for attempting to smuggle 2 million Captagon pills into the nation from Syria. According to a report by the Cyprus-based think tank, Captagon has a market value of about $3.5 billion in the previous year. Due to the increase in raids, the altercations between the Jordanian military and drug traffickers are also growing. Due to the current scenarios, soldiers have opted for a shoot-to-kill policy. In January, the Jordanian army shot 27 traffickers attempting to cross the border illegally. Jordan authorities have tensed up things at the border and elevated their efforts to fight the problem of drug trafficking in recent years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Jordanian Customs Department seizes 6 million amphetamine pills from Iraq border

<p>Brother of Nemesio Oseguera, one of Mexico's most wanted cartel chiefs, was arrested by authorities on Tuesday morning (December 20). The arrest was made in the state of Jalisco, dealing a blow to the catel.</p>

<p>Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, brother of Nemesio, was captured in a town on the outskirts of Guadalajara in a joint operation with the army, national guard and other authorities, the armed forces said in a statement.</p>

<p>He was then taken to a detention centre.</p>

<p>Nemesio Oseguera is the head of the violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) group. He is arguably the most-wanted kingpin in all of Mexico. In 2018, a $10 million bounty was placed on his head by US authorities.</p>

<p>Also known as "El Mencho," he is one of the few long-term cartel leaders in Mexico to have evaded capture while leading the gang's continent-spanning empire.</p>

<p>Mexican authorities have accused Antonio Oseguera, Nemesio's brother, of being the "logistic operator" behind the cartel's activities. He has also been accused of money laundering and purchasing massive amounts of weapons. The US Tresury sanctioned Antonio in 2016 for his allege involvement with the cartel.</p>

<p>The CJNG is accused of smuggling massive quantities of drugs, increasingly including the synthetic opioid fentanyl, into the United States. More than 71,000 people died from synthetic opioid-related overdoses in 2021, according to U.S. data.</p>

<p>Nemesio Oseguera's wife was arrested last year for a slew of crimes related to the cartel. His daughter pleaded guilty in a US court to carrying out business transactions for the cartel in 2020.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

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Brother of Nemesio Oseguera, one of Mexico's most wanted cartel chiefs, was arrested by authorities on Tuesday morning (December 20). The arrest was made in the state of Jalisco, dealing a blow to the catel.

Brother of Nemesio Oseguera, one of Mexico's most wanted cartel chiefs, was arrested by authorities on Tuesday morning (December 20). The arrest was made in the state of Jalisco, dealing a blow to the catel. Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, brother of Nemesio, was captured in a town on the outskirts of Guadalajara in a joint operation with the army, national guard and other authorities, the armed forces said in a statement. He was then taken to a detention centre. Nemesio Oseguera is the head of the violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) group. He is arguably the most-wanted kingpin in all of Mexico. In 2018, a $10 million bounty was placed on his head by US authorities. Also known as "El Mencho," he is one of the few long-term cartel leaders in Mexico to have evaded capture while leading the gang's continent-spanning empire. Mexican authorities have accused Antonio Oseguera, Nemesio's brother, of being the "logistic operator" behind the cartel's activities. He has also been accused of money laundering and purchasing massive amounts of weapons. The US Tresury sanctioned Antonio in 2016 for his allege involvement with the cartel. The CJNG is accused of smuggling massive quantities of drugs, increasingly including the synthetic opioid fentanyl, into the United States. More than 71,000 people died from synthetic opioid-related overdoses in 2021, according to U.S. data. Nemesio Oseguera's wife was arrested last year for a slew of crimes related to the cartel. His daughter pleaded guilty in a US court to carrying out business transactions for the cartel in 2020. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Mexico: Authorities arrest brother of one of the most wanted cartel chiefs

<p>As the United States continues to struggle with an epidemic of drug overdose deaths, it might not be close to over. The country’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), on Tuesday, said that this year they seized enough fentanyl in 2022 to kill every American.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after a study found drug overdoses among people aged 10 to 18 more than doubled between 2019 and 2021, earlier this year. Reports suggest that recently the American markets have been flooded with fentanyl.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is fentanyl?</strong></p>

<p>According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is also highly possible to get addicted to fentanyl. There are two types of fentanyl:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Pharmaceutical fentanyl</strong></p>

<p>While both are considered synthetic opioids, this type of fentanyl was developed for pain management in patients with advanced-stage cancer and is typically administered by a patch or injection at hospitals. These are also prescribed by doctors to mitigate severe pain usually after surgery.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-drug-overdose-deaths-crosses-100000-mark-12000-pounds-of-fentanyl-seized-in-2021-430250">United States: Drug overdose deaths crosses 100,000-mark, 12,000 pounds of Fentanyl seized in 2021</a></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Illicitly manufactured fentanyl&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>On the other hand, illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is found in the drug market in different forms including powder and liquid. As mentioned earlier, fentanyl is also diverted for abuse because of its powerful opioid properties and heroin-like effect. Furthermore, it is also usually mixed or added with other drugs, “because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous,” said the CDC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is mixed with other illicit drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and sold as other prescription opioids which is extremely dangerous since many people are unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl, which can also be disguised as highly potent heroin which often results in overdose-related deaths.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fentanyl in its liquid form can be found in the form of nasal sprays, eye drops, and dropped onto paper or small candies, said the CDC.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Why is it used and how does it affect the body?</strong></p>

<p>According to the DEA, fentanyl is used for, intense, short-term highs, temporary feelings of euphoria, slowed respiration and reduced blood pressure, nausea, fainting and seizures. It essentially affects the central nervous system and the brain to block pain signals to the rest of the body and also reduces anxiety and stress caused by the pain.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-walmart-proposes-to-pay-31-billion-legal-settlement-for-opioid-lawsuits-534525">US: Walmart proposes to pay $3.1 billion legal settlement for opioid lawsuits</a></strong></p>

<p>Fentanyl also produces bodily responses like&nbsp;euphoria, relaxation, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression, said the DEA.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>DEA’s seizure of millions of deadly doses of fentanyl this year</strong></p>

<p>In a statement, on Tuesday (December 20) the US drug enforcement agency said that it had seized more than 379 million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl which included more than 50.6 million fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills and more than 10,000 pounds of fentanyl powder in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat facing this country,” said the DEA, giving the example of just two milligrams of fentanyl being considered as a potentially deadly dose. “In the past year, the men and women of the DEA have relentlessly worked to seize over 379 million deadly doses of fentanyl from communities across the country,” said the US Administrator Anne Milgram.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drug-overdose-deaths-surged-to-record-93000-in-2020-398098">US drug overdose deaths surged to record 93,000 in 2020</a></strong></p>

<p>The illicit drug is primarily manufactured in secret factories in Mexico, and trafficked by the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels to the US made from chemicals sourced from China, said the DEA.&nbsp;The US federal agency’s “top operational priority is to defeat the two Mexican drug cartels…that are primarily responsible for the fentanyl that is killing Americans today.”&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In 2022, the DEA also seized more than double the number of fake prescription pills which were laced with fentanyl when compared to last year. This was in addition to the nearly 131,000 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 4,300 pounds of heroin, and over 444,000 pounds of cocaine, said the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, the agency also issued a Public Safety Alert after fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills were “readily found on social media”. These pills are made to look identical to real prescription medications like Xanax, Percocet and OxyContin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Fentanyl and overdose</strong></p>

<p>Earlier this month, a new study by the CDC said that drug overdoses among people aged 10 to 18 more than doubled in the US between 2019 and 2021. Additionally, the average monthly rate of overdose among adolescents also increased by 109 per cent. This health agency had largely attributed this to the illegally manufactured fentanyl which increased by 182 per cent in the same time duration.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fentanyl-overdose-major-concern-in-the-us-easy-availability-causes-alarm-498249">Fentanyl overdose major concern in the US, easy availability causes alarm</a></strong><br />
<br />
Even small doses of fentanyl can be deadly and it is also “the most common drug involved in overdose deaths”, said the CDC. It added, over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Furthermore, finding out if fentanyl is present in prescription drugs is “nearly impossible”, since it is not visible or has any distinct taste or smell.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, there are test strips that one might use to check the presence of the illicit drug which typically show the result in five minutes but do not detect more potent fentanyl-like drugs, like carfentanil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Echoing a similar warning as the DEA, the CDC in its report had said, “The proliferation of counterfeit pills is particularly concerning for adolescents given marketing aimed toward this population and the availability of such pills via social media.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, many states have passed policies and Good Samaritan laws which protect those who overdose on opioids and the people who seek medical help for those individuals. While these laws differ from state to state, they also provide some protection against prosecution for possessing illegal drugs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/painkiller-epidemic-us-targets-chinese-firms-for-addiction-that-claimed-100000-lives-last-year-437262">'Painkiller epidemic': US targets Chinese firms for addiction that claimed 100,000 lives last year</a></strong><br />
<br />
Aside from the test strips, the CDC also recommends administering Narcan which consists of an active drug called naloxone, a life-saving medication which is a nasal spray used to treat an opioid overdose and is available in all 50 states and can be without a prescription in most states. However, it is not a substitute for medical treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Potential “fentanyl vaccine” on the horizon?</strong></p>

<p>Earlier this year, a research team led by the University of Houston, Texas, said that they have developed a vaccine which targets fentanyl and could block its ability to enter the brain and eliminate the “high” which is often achieved by using these drugs. The breakthrough could have major implications for the opioid epidemic in the country and also act as a “relapse prevention agent” for people who are trying to quit, said the researchers in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-police-seizes-countrys-largest-shipment-of-opioid-509199">Australian police seizes country's largest shipment of opioid</a></strong></p>

<p>The findings were first published in the journal Pharmaceuticals, in late October. Researchers also note that while Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is treatable, at least 80 per cent of people once dependent on the drug, relapse. “We believe these findings could have a significant impact on a very serious problem plaguing society for years – opioid misuse,” said the study’s lead author Colin Haile and a founding member of the UH Drug Discovery Institute. &nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Our vaccine is able to generate anti-fentanyl antibodies that bind to the consumed fentanyl and prevent it from entering the brain, allowing it to be eliminated out of the body via the kidneys. Thus, the individual will not feel the euphoric effects and can ‘get back on the wagon’ to sobriety.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-overdose-deaths-among-10-18yr-olds-more-than-doubled-between-2019-and-2021-says-study-543695">US: Overdose deaths among 10-18yr olds more than doubled between 2019 and 2021, says study</a></strong></p>

<p>So far, the vaccine has been tested on immunized rats and did not have any adverse effects while the team reportedly plans to begin human trials in the upcoming months. Additionally, since the “anti-fentanyl antibodies” are specific to fentanyl and its derivatives the vaccine does not react with other opioids like morphine, which means that a vaccinated person can still use opioids for pain relief, said the researchers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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As the United States continues to struggle with an epidemic of drug overdose deaths, it might not be close to over. The country’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), on Tuesday, said that this year they seized enough fentanyl in 2022 to kill every American.

As the United States continues to struggle with an epidemic of drug overdose deaths, it might not be close to over. The country’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), on Tuesday, said that this year they seized enough fentanyl in 2022 to kill every American. This comes after a study found drug overdoses among people aged 10 to 18 more than doubled between 2019 and 2021, earlier this year. Reports suggest that recently the American markets have been flooded with fentanyl. What is fentanyl? According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is also highly possible to get addicted to fentanyl. There are two types of fentanyl: Pharmaceutical fentanyl While both are considered synthetic opioids, this type of fentanyl was developed for pain management in patients with advanced-stage cancer and is typically administered by a patch or injection at hospitals. These are also prescribed by doctors to mitigate severe pain usually after surgery. ALSO WATCH | United States: Drug overdose deaths crosses 100,000-mark, 12,000 pounds of Fentanyl seized in 2021 Illicitly manufactured fentanyl On the other hand, illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is found in the drug market in different forms including powder and liquid. As mentioned earlier, fentanyl is also diverted for abuse because of its powerful opioid properties and heroin-like effect. Furthermore, it is also usually mixed or added with other drugs, “because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous,” said the CDC. It is mixed with other illicit drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and sold as other prescription opioids which is extremely dangerous since many people are unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl, which can also be disguised as highly potent heroin which often results in overdose-related deaths. Fentanyl in its liquid form can be found in the form of nasal sprays, eye drops, and dropped onto paper or small candies, said the CDC. Why is it used and how does it affect the body? According to the DEA, fentanyl is used for, intense, short-term highs, temporary feelings of euphoria, slowed respiration and reduced blood pressure, nausea, fainting and seizures. It essentially affects the central nervous system and the brain to block pain signals to the rest of the body and also reduces anxiety and stress caused by the pain. ALSO READ | US: Walmart proposes to pay $3.1 billion legal settlement for opioid lawsuits Fentanyl also produces bodily responses like euphoria, relaxation, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression, said the DEA. DEA’s seizure of millions of deadly doses of fentanyl this year In a statement, on Tuesday (December 20) the US drug enforcement agency said that it had seized more than 379 million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl which included more than 50.6 million fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills and more than 10,000 pounds of fentanyl powder in 2022. “Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat facing this country,” said the DEA, giving the example of just two milligrams of fentanyl being considered as a potentially deadly dose. “In the past year, the men and women of the DEA have relentlessly worked to seize over 379 million deadly doses of fentanyl from communities across the country,” said the US Administrator Anne Milgram. ALSO READ | US drug overdose deaths surged to record 93,000 in 2020 The illicit drug is primarily manufactured in secret factories in Mexico, and trafficked by the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels to the US made from chemicals sourced from China, said the DEA. The US federal agency’s “top operational priority is to defeat the two Mexican drug cartels…that are primarily responsible for the fentanyl that is killing Americans today.” In 2022, the DEA also seized more than double the number of fake prescription pills which were laced with fentanyl when compared to last year. This was in addition to the nearly 131,000 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 4,300 pounds of heroin, and over 444,000 pounds of cocaine, said the statement. Last year, the agency also issued a Public Safety Alert after fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills were “readily found on social media”. These pills are made to look identical to real prescription medications like Xanax, Percocet and OxyContin. Fentanyl and overdose Earlier this month, a new study by the CDC said that drug overdoses among people aged 10 to 18 more than doubled in the US between 2019 and 2021. Additionally, the average monthly rate of overdose among adolescents also increased by 109 per cent. This health agency had largely attributed this to the illegally manufactured fentanyl which increased by 182 per cent in the same time duration. ALSO WATCH | Fentanyl overdose major concern in the US, easy availability causes alarm Even small doses of fentanyl can be deadly and it is also “the most common drug involved in overdose deaths”, said the CDC. It added, over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Furthermore, finding out if fentanyl is present in prescription drugs is “nearly impossible”, since it is not visible or has any distinct taste or smell. However, there are test strips that one might use to check the presence of the illicit drug which typically show the result in five minutes but do not detect more potent fentanyl-like drugs, like carfentanil. Echoing a similar warning as the DEA, the CDC in its report had said, “The proliferation of counterfeit pills is particularly concerning for adolescents given marketing aimed toward this population and the availability of such pills via social media.” So far, many states have passed policies and Good Samaritan laws which protect those who overdose on opioids and the people who seek medical help for those individuals. While these laws differ from state to state, they also provide some protection against prosecution for possessing illegal drugs. ALSO READ | 'Painkiller epidemic': US targets Chinese firms for addiction that claimed 100,000 lives last year Aside from the test strips, the CDC also recommends administering Narcan which consists of an active drug called naloxone, a life-saving medication which is a nasal spray used to treat an opioid overdose and is available in all 50 states and can be without a prescription in most states. However, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Potential “fentanyl vaccine” on the horizon? Earlier this year, a research team led by the University of Houston, Texas, said that they have developed a vaccine which targets fentanyl and could block its ability to enter the brain and eliminate the “high” which is often achieved by using these drugs. The breakthrough could have major implications for the opioid epidemic in the country and also act as a “relapse prevention agent” for people who are trying to quit, said the researchers in a statement. ALSO READ | Australian police seizes country's largest shipment of opioid The findings were first published in the journal Pharmaceuticals, in late October. Researchers also note that while Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is treatable, at least 80 per cent of people once dependent on the drug, relapse. “We believe these findings could have a significant impact on a very serious problem plaguing society for years – opioid misuse,” said the study’s lead author Colin Haile and a founding member of the UH Drug Discovery Institute. He added, “Our vaccine is able to generate anti-fentanyl antibodies that bind to the consumed fentanyl and prevent it from entering the brain, allowing it to be eliminated out of the body via the kidneys. Thus, the individual will not feel the euphoric effects and can ‘get back on the wagon’ to sobriety.” ALSO READ | US: Overdose deaths among 10-18yr olds more than doubled between 2019 and 2021, says study So far, the vaccine has been tested on immunized rats and did not have any adverse effects while the team reportedly plans to begin human trials in the upcoming months. Additionally, since the “anti-fentanyl antibodies” are specific to fentanyl and its derivatives the vaccine does not react with other opioids like morphine, which means that a vaccinated person can still use opioids for pain relief, said the researchers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Fentanyl seized in 2022 enough to kill every American, says US federal drug agency

As the world prepares to celebrate Christmas, some countries are already celebrating a different kind of 'white Christmas'. From South America to Europe, police officials are busting drug cartels.

Christmas themed police seize record amounts of cocaine ahead of the holiday season

<p>A worldwide operation against a Serbian drug network on Saturday resulted in the arrest of nine individuals, as Belgian officials seized almost 115 kilogrammes of cocaine, according to the prosecution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The raid took place in a warehouse in the city of Arlon in Belgium's southeast, where the suspects were discovered trying to conceal cocaine for export under concrete slabs, according to a statement from Belgian prosecutors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the statement, five of the prisoners were taken into custody in Belgium, two in the Netherlands, one in Luxembourg, and another in Serbia.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/freedom-or-slavery-imran-khan-spells-out-ptis-political-future-in-rawalpindi-537748">Pakistan: Imran Khan announces PTI members will quit all assemblies</a></p>

<p>103 parcels weighing 115 kg&nbsp;(254 pounds) and valued at 11.5 million euros ($12 million) were seized by law authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nearly 100 police officers participated in simultaneous searches in Serbia, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands as part of an operation to find a "Serbian criminal organisation active in the international cocaine trade," according to the prosecutors.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A worldwide operation against a Serbian drug network on Saturday resulted in the arrest of nine individuals, as Belgian officials seized almost 115 kilogrammes of cocaine, according to the prosecution.

A worldwide operation against a Serbian drug network on Saturday resulted in the arrest of nine individuals, as Belgian officials seized almost 115 kilogrammes of cocaine, according to the prosecution. The raid took place in a warehouse in the city of Arlon in Belgium's southeast, where the suspects were discovered trying to conceal cocaine for export under concrete slabs, according to a statement from Belgian prosecutors. According to the statement, five of the prisoners were taken into custody in Belgium, two in the Netherlands, one in Luxembourg, and another in Serbia. Also Read: Pakistan: Imran Khan announces PTI members will quit all assemblies 103 parcels weighing 115 kg (254 pounds) and valued at 11.5 million euros ($12 million) were seized by law authorities. Nearly 100 police officers participated in simultaneous searches in Serbia, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands as part of an operation to find a "Serbian criminal organisation active in the international cocaine trade," according to the prosecutors. (With inputs from agencies)

Nine arrested in international operation against Serbian drug network

FBI Director Christopher Wray has said that bomb-laden drones are circulating in the U.S. He has further claimed that these drones can carry drugs or launch weaponry withing America. Priyanka Sharma reports.

Gravitas: FBI Director says bomb-laden drones are circulating in America

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid2ZZ5ob2WjTxY" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The British Royal Navy and its warship HMS Montrose recently confiscated illicit drugs worth more than $17 million from a boat in the Arabian Sea.</p>

<p>The warship and its crew managed to seize hundreds of kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine from a small local ship after a gruelling six-hour-long operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Initially, the crew members aboard the frigate sent a helicopter to track the suspected boat. After the boat's movement raised the suspicion further, the Royal Marines from 42 Commando took charge and dropped sail in the choppy waters.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-send-warships-to-pacific-on-extended-deployment-411788"><strong>Read more: UK to send warships to Pacific on extended deployment</strong></a></p>

<p>"HMS Montrose pounced, after her Wildcat helicopter located and tracked the suspect dhow until the frigate was in range to launch her boarding teams in her boats,"&nbsp;the Navy said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The initial search yielded some drugs but the Marines prodded further and managed to find a hidden compartment where approximately 870 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine was stashed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Royal Marines from 42 Commando, the UK military's specialists in these operations, seized control of the vessel in choppy conditions, before sailors moved in to search the craft for any illegal cargo, while overhead the Wildcat observed proceedings and provided cover for those scouring the dhow for her illicit cargo," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The National Crime Agency priced the seized illict drugs around $17 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Disrupting terrorist organisations, criminals and their funding lines is key to keeping to UK, and rest of the world, safe," said Commander Claire Thompson overseeing the operation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smuggled-iranian-missiles-seized-by-british-navy-495547" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Smuggled Iranian missiles seized by British Navy</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, HMS Montrose has been sailing in the waters of West Asia since 2019 and in the fifth operation of this year, the frigate has managed to reel narcotics worth $52 million.</p>

<p>The frigate&nbsp;is part of a multi-national force of 33 nations currently led by the Royal Canadian Navy, working in the Gulf region to disrupt criminal and terrorist organizations and their illicit activity.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The British Royal Navy and its warship HMS Montrose recently confiscated illicit drugs worth more than $17 million from a boat in the Arabian Sea. The warship and its crew managed to seize hundreds of kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine from a small local ship after a gruelling six-hour-long operation.

The British Royal Navy and its warship HMS Montrose recently confiscated illicit drugs worth more than $17 million from a boat in the Arabian Sea. The warship and its crew managed to seize hundreds of kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine from a small local ship after a gruelling six-hour-long operation. Initially, the crew members aboard the frigate sent a helicopter to track the suspected boat. After the boat's movement raised the suspicion further, the Royal Marines from 42 Commando took charge and dropped sail in the choppy waters. Read more: UK to send warships to Pacific on extended deployment "HMS Montrose pounced, after her Wildcat helicopter located and tracked the suspect dhow until the frigate was in range to launch her boarding teams in her boats," the Navy said in a statement. The initial search yielded some drugs but the Marines prodded further and managed to find a hidden compartment where approximately 870 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine was stashed. "Royal Marines from 42 Commando, the UK military's specialists in these operations, seized control of the vessel in choppy conditions, before sailors moved in to search the craft for any illegal cargo, while overhead the Wildcat observed proceedings and provided cover for those scouring the dhow for her illicit cargo," it added. The National Crime Agency priced the seized illict drugs around $17 million. "Disrupting terrorist organisations, criminals and their funding lines is key to keeping to UK, and rest of the world, safe," said Commander Claire Thompson overseeing the operation. Read more: Smuggled Iranian missiles seized by British Navy Notably, HMS Montrose has been sailing in the waters of West Asia since 2019 and in the fifth operation of this year, the frigate has managed to reel narcotics worth $52 million. The frigate is part of a multi-national force of 33 nations currently led by the Royal Canadian Navy, working in the Gulf region to disrupt criminal and terrorist organizations and their illicit activity. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

British Royal Navy seizes $17 million worth of drugs in Arabian Sea

<p>A Pakistani boat carrying 40 kilograms of heroin worth Rs 2 billion ($25 million approx.) was apprehended in the Arabian Sea off the western Gujarat coast during a joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard and the state's Anti-Terrorist Squad.</p>

<p>Six crew members belonging to Pakistan have been arrested and the boat, which was six nautical miles inside the Indian waters, was seized.</p>

<p>“The fishing boat carrying drugs was intercepted mid-sea by a joint team of the Coast Guard and ATS near Jakhau harbour in Kutch district,” the official said, according to PTI news agency.</p>

<p>The ATS and Coast Guard officials along with the seized boat are expected to reach the Jakhau coast later in the day.</p>

<p>The enforcement officials said the drugs was intended for Punjab after delivering them on&nbsp;the Gujarat coast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The heroin was meant to be transported to Punjab by road after being offloaded on the Gujarat coast. Based on a specific tip-off, we intercepted the boat which left from Pakistan, and caught six Pakistani nationals with 40 kg of heroin,” the official added.</p>

<p>Of late, the Gujarat coast has emerged as the preferred route to smuggle the contrabands. The state ATS and the Indian Coast Guard had foiled similar attempts of drug smuggling in the past and also caught foreign nationals with huge quantities of narcotics which they planned to smuggle into India.</p>

<p>In October last year, officials seized a consignment of 2,988 kg of heroin from Gujarat’s Mundra port, which was estimated to be Rs 210 billion, making it one of the biggest drug hauls near the Gujarat coast.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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A Pakistani boat carrying 40 kilograms of heroin worth Rs 2 billion ($25 million approx.) was apprehended in the Arabian Sea off the western Gujarat coast during a joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard and the state's Anti-Terrorist Squad.

A Pakistani boat carrying 40 kilograms of heroin worth Rs 2 billion ($25 million approx.) was apprehended in the Arabian Sea off the western Gujarat coast during a joint operation by the Indian Coast Guard and the state's Anti-Terrorist Squad. Six crew members belonging to Pakistan have been arrested and the boat, which was six nautical miles inside the Indian waters, was seized. “The fishing boat carrying drugs was intercepted mid-sea by a joint team of the Coast Guard and ATS near Jakhau harbour in Kutch district,” the official said, according to PTI news agency. The ATS and Coast Guard officials along with the seized boat are expected to reach the Jakhau coast later in the day. The enforcement officials said the drugs was intended for Punjab after delivering them on the Gujarat coast. “The heroin was meant to be transported to Punjab by road after being offloaded on the Gujarat coast. Based on a specific tip-off, we intercepted the boat which left from Pakistan, and caught six Pakistani nationals with 40 kg of heroin,” the official added. Of late, the Gujarat coast has emerged as the preferred route to smuggle the contrabands. The state ATS and the Indian Coast Guard had foiled similar attempts of drug smuggling in the past and also caught foreign nationals with huge quantities of narcotics which they planned to smuggle into India. In October last year, officials seized a consignment of 2,988 kg of heroin from Gujarat’s Mundra port, which was estimated to be Rs 210 billion, making it one of the biggest drug hauls near the Gujarat coast. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian officials seize Pakistani boat carrying 40 kg heroin worth $25 million

<p>Sanna Marin, the Finnish prime minister tested negative for drugs after she underwent them to clear doubts following backlash from videos showing the 36-year-old partying with her friends went viral.</p>

<p>"Drug test taken from Prime Minister Sanna Marin on 19 August 2022 did not reveal the presence of drugs," her office said.</p>

<p>Lida Vallin, an adviser to the prime minister, said Marin’s urine samples were examined for the presence of numerous drugs like cocaine and cannabis. She said, "The test was a comprehensive drug test. We did not choose how the test was done," AFP reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-finnish-women-share-party-videos-showing-their-support-for-pm-sanna-marin-508793">Hundreds of Finnish women share party videos in support of PM Sanna Marin</a></strong></p>

<p>The videos sparked outrage all around the world, with people calling out reference to drugs in them, which were hotly disputed on social media, but the Finnish minister strongly rejected claims of drug use. She claimed the videos were filmed on private premises and that she was having fun with her pals.</p>

<p>Marin had on Friday declared that she’ll be taking a drug test to dispel any rumours. She acknowledged having consumed alcohol but denied consuming drugs, asserting also that she did not see any other attendees using drugs.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-are-finnish-pm-sanna-marins-party-videos-bothering-you-508687">Why are Finnish PM Sanna Marin’s party videos bothering you?</a></strong></p>

<p>Marin said, "Never in my life, not even in my youth, have I ever used any drugs," AFP reported.</p>

<p>Defending Marin, many Finnish women came forward and posted their dancing and partying videos on social media.</p>

<p>She received harsh criticism in 2021 after it was discovered that she had been exposed to COVID-19 but still continued to party for hours.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Sanna Marin, the Finnish prime minister tested negative for drugs after she underwent them to clear doubts following backlash from videos showing the 36-year-old partying with her friends went viral.

Sanna Marin, the Finnish prime minister tested negative for drugs after she underwent them to clear doubts following backlash from videos showing the 36-year-old partying with her friends went viral. "Drug test taken from Prime Minister Sanna Marin on 19 August 2022 did not reveal the presence of drugs," her office said. Lida Vallin, an adviser to the prime minister, said Marin’s urine samples were examined for the presence of numerous drugs like cocaine and cannabis. She said, "The test was a comprehensive drug test. We did not choose how the test was done," AFP reported. Also read | Hundreds of Finnish women share party videos in support of PM Sanna Marin The videos sparked outrage all around the world, with people calling out reference to drugs in them, which were hotly disputed on social media, but the Finnish minister strongly rejected claims of drug use. She claimed the videos were filmed on private premises and that she was having fun with her pals. Marin had on Friday declared that she’ll be taking a drug test to dispel any rumours. She acknowledged having consumed alcohol but denied consuming drugs, asserting also that she did not see any other attendees using drugs. Also read | Why are Finnish PM Sanna Marin’s party videos bothering you? Marin said, "Never in my life, not even in my youth, have I ever used any drugs," AFP reported. Defending Marin, many Finnish women came forward and posted their dancing and partying videos on social media. She received harsh criticism in 2021 after it was discovered that she had been exposed to COVID-19 but still continued to party for hours. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Finnish PM Sanna Marin clears all doubts, tests negative for drugs amid party video controversy

<p>According to Euronews, a new leaked video shows Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin dancing passionately with a man. Social media users are sharing the footage, which allegedly depicts Marin in what looks to be a club. The second video purports to show the politician having a good time. This week, Marin, 36,&nbsp;faced backlash for a video that showed her dancing at a party with friends. There were claims that she was under the influence of narcotics when the first video was taken. The most recent video is probably going to intensify political scepticism.</p>

<p>"A new video has emerged of Prime Minister Sanna Marin dancing closely with a man who isn't her husband, a day after leaked images showed her partying with friends. While Marin has faced backlash, the response to the videos at home and abroad has been broadly positive," tweeted Euronews.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Finland’s Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/MarinSanna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarinSanna</a> is in the headlines after a video of her partying was leaked today.<br />
<br />
She has previously been criticized for attending too many music festivals &amp; spending too much on partying instead of ruling.<br />
<br />
The critics say it’s not fitting for a PM. <a href="https://t.co/FbOhdTeEGw">pic.twitter.com/FbOhdTeEGw</a></p>
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1560015797367488517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, few current or former heads of state or governments can move like Marin, as social media has quickly noted. Here is a reminder of how some other prominent politicians performed on the dance floor.</p>

<p><strong>Canada’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Justin Trudeau, definitiv mit fortgeschrittenen Moves <a href="https://t.co/fzBif29Sqm">pic.twitter.com/fzBif29Sqm</a></p>
— Jon Of Us ☀️ (@JonOfUs) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonOfUs/status/1560363439972917250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Theresa May at Henley festival</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Theresa May living it up at the Henley Festival just hours after Boris resigned is kind of everything. <a href="https://t.co/ZHeoTc6291">pic.twitter.com/ZHeoTc6291</a></p>
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) <a href="https://twitter.com/scobie/status/1545357896518615040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="de">Wolodymyr Selenskyj, der vermutlich am besten tanzende Staatschef der Welt, hier weit vor seiner Präsidentschaft <a href="https://t.co/wEPch6qOom">pic.twitter.com/wEPch6qOom</a></p>
— Jon Of Us ☀️ (@JonOfUs) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonOfUs/status/1560364611651641345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Boris Johnson at his belated wedding bash</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Former German chancellor Angela Merkel</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="de">Angela Merkel, auch Konservative können, naja, nennen wir es Tanzen <a href="https://t.co/KTJcNdHBnb">pic.twitter.com/KTJcNdHBnb</a></p>
— Jon Of Us ☀️ (@JonOfUs) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonOfUs/status/1560363025131098121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>&nbsp;Olaf Scholz before his election</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="de">Olaf Scholz, noch nicht im Amt aber Tanzen ist Tanzen <a href="https://t.co/sL1bYnUolN">pic.twitter.com/sL1bYnUolN</a></p>
— Jon Of Us ☀️ (@JonOfUs) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonOfUs/status/1560363145742409729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Dutch prime minister&nbsp;Mark Rutte</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="de">Bonus: Mark Rutte, Ministerpräsident der Niederlande mit freundlichem Dank an <a href="https://twitter.com/RA_Conrad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RA_Conrad</a> <a href="https://t.co/fbLuPdPjrp">pic.twitter.com/fbLuPdPjrp</a></p>
— Jon Of Us ☀️ (@JonOfUs) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonOfUs/status/1560384796186087427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>France’s Emmanuel Macron at a stage in Lagos</strong></p>

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<p><strong>US President Barack Obama</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="de">Donald Trump, noch im Wahlkampf und etwas holprig aber stets bemüht <a href="https://t.co/DuqWSkMyoR">pic.twitter.com/DuqWSkMyoR</a></p>
— Jon Of Us ☀️ (@JonOfUs) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonOfUs/status/1560364184721920002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to Euronews, a new leaked video shows Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin dancing passionately with a man. Social media users are sharing the footage, which allegedly depicts Marin in what looks to be a club.

According to Euronews, a new leaked video shows Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin dancing passionately with a man. Social media users are sharing the footage, which allegedly depicts Marin in what looks to be a club. The second video purports to show the politician having a good time. This week, Marin, 36, faced backlash for a video that showed her dancing at a party with friends. There were claims that she was under the influence of narcotics when the first video was taken. The most recent video is probably going to intensify political scepticism. "A new video has emerged of Prime Minister Sanna Marin dancing closely with a man who isn't her husband, a day after leaked images showed her partying with friends. While Marin has faced backlash, the response to the videos at home and abroad has been broadly positive," tweeted Euronews. Finland’s Prime Minister @MarinSanna is in the headlines after a video of her partying was leaked today. She has previously been criticized for attending too many music festivals & spending too much on partying instead of ruling. The critics say it’s not fitting for a PM. pic.twitter.com/FbOhdTeEGw — Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 17, 2022 × However, few current or former heads of state or governments can move like Marin, as social media has quickly noted. Here is a reminder of how some other prominent politicians performed on the dance floor. Canada’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau Justin Trudeau, definitiv mit fortgeschrittenen Moves pic.twitter.com/fzBif29Sqm — Jon Of Us ☀️ (@JonOfUs) August 18, 2022 × Theresa May at Henley festival Theresa May living it up at the Henley Festival just hours after Boris resigned is kind of everything. pic.twitter.com/ZHeoTc6291 — Omid Scobie (@scobie) July 8, 2022 × Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky Wolodymyr Selenskyj, der vermutlich am besten tanzende Staatschef der Welt, hier weit vor seiner Präsidentschaft pic.twitter.com/wEPch6qOom — Jon Of Us ☀️ (@JonOfUs) August 18, 2022 × Boris Johnson at his belated wedding bash × Former German chancellor Angela Merkel Angela Merkel, auch Konservative können, naja, nennen wir es Tanzen pic.twitter.com/KTJcNdHBnb — Jon Of Us ☀️ (@JonOfUs) August 18, 2022 × Olaf Scholz before his election Olaf Scholz, noch nicht im Amt aber Tanzen ist Tanzen pic.twitter.com/sL1bYnUolN — Jon Of Us ☀️ (@JonOfUs) August 18, 2022 × Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte Bonus: Mark Rutte, Ministerpräsident der Niederlande mit freundlichem Dank an @RA_Conrad pic.twitter.com/fbLuPdPjrp — Jon Of Us ☀️ (@JonOfUs) August 18, 2022 × France’s Emmanuel Macron at a stage in Lagos × US President Barack Obama Donald Trump, noch im Wahlkampf und etwas holprig aber stets bemüht pic.twitter.com/DuqWSkMyoR — Jon Of Us ☀️ (@JonOfUs) August 18, 2022 ×

WATCH: Multiple times when world leaders hit the dancefloor, why blame Sanna Marin alone?

<p>A Brazillian drug lord was arrested by police while he was watching a football match. Official statement from police in Rio De Jeneiro said that the police arrested Marco Aurelio dos Santos Rocha (nicknamed Foka) while he was watching a football match in Brazil's Maracana stadium. The Copa do Brasil match was being played between clubs Fluminense and Fortaleza. The arrest was made on Wednesday (August 17).</p>

<p>When he was arrested, the drug lord was clad in a number 13 Fluminense jersey with&nbsp;'Foka' printed on it.</p>

<p>The police statement said that Foka is the alleged leader of a drug trafficking racket operated from the favela complex in Rio de Janeiro. Foka is a wanted fugitive with two arrest warrants against him. According to officials, he is also responsible for two killings.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-banned-the-vlc-media-player-is-there-a-chinese-connection-508324">India has banned the VLC Media Player. Is there a Chinese connection?</a></strong></p>

<p>The game Foka was watching in the stadium resulted in a draw. Each team scored 2 goals. In spite of the draw, Fluminense advanced to the semifinals of Copa de Brasil tournament. They will meet the Corinthians.</p>

<p>South American countries have presence of huge drug cartels. These organised syndicates have money and muscle power and often have political influence. Police and security forces over the decades, have found it tough to control operations of these drug cartels.</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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A Brazillian drug lord was arrested by police while he was watching a football match. Official statement from police in Rio De Jeneiro said that the police arrested Marco Aurelio dos Santos Rocha (nicknamed Foka) while he was watching a football match in Brazil's Maracana stadium.

A Brazillian drug lord was arrested by police while he was watching a football match. Official statement from police in Rio De Jeneiro said that the police arrested Marco Aurelio dos Santos Rocha (nicknamed Foka) while he was watching a football match in Brazil's Maracana stadium. The Copa do Brasil match was being played between clubs Fluminense and Fortaleza. The arrest was made on Wednesday (August 17). When he was arrested, the drug lord was clad in a number 13 Fluminense jersey with 'Foka' printed on it. The police statement said that Foka is the alleged leader of a drug trafficking racket operated from the favela complex in Rio de Janeiro. Foka is a wanted fugitive with two arrest warrants against him. According to officials, he is also responsible for two killings. Also Read | India has banned the VLC Media Player. Is there a Chinese connection? The game Foka was watching in the stadium resulted in a draw. Each team scored 2 goals. In spite of the draw, Fluminense advanced to the semifinals of Copa de Brasil tournament. They will meet the Corinthians. South American countries have presence of huge drug cartels. These organised syndicates have money and muscle power and often have political influence. Police and security forces over the decades, have found it tough to control operations of these drug cartels. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Brazil drug lord arrested while watching football match in stadium

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