After facing violent protests in various cities, Ecuador imposed an emergency in three provinces. The decree enables the President to suspend civil rights.

Ecuador imposes an emergency in three provinces in response to violent protests

Everyone was taken aback when grocery workers in stores across the Czech Republic began finding powder-filled boxes in banana crates. A record amount of cocaine was found in a shipment for supermarkets in the country.

After being supplied to Czech supermarkets before being intercepted in Germany, drug smugglers lost out on a consignment of cocaine hidden in banana crates.

A police officer and a sniffer dog investigate a cargo of several boxes of bananas that had supposedly originated in Colombia, according to footage received from the Czech police.

Employees in stores in the northern towns of Jicin and Rychnov nad Kneznou discovered 840 kilos (1,852 pounds) of cocaine in cardboard boxes with bananas. Officers are also checking other retailers across the country for banana boxes delivered by the same overseas cargo.

Watch | Gravitas: YouTube exposes children to cocaine &amp; gun clips

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The police claimed they were working together on the case with counterparts from other unnamed countries. The cocaine most likely originated in Central America, according to Jakub Frydrych, the chief of the police anti-narcotics section.The drug's street value is estimated to be in excess of 2 billion Czech crowns ($86 million).

In a similar event in 2015, a supermarket in Prague was discovered with over 100 kilogrammes (220 pounds) of cocaine. At 1999, authorities discovered 117 kilogrammes (258 pounds) of cocaine concealed among dry fruit in a warehouse north of Prague.

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Everyone was taken aback when grocery workers in stores across the Czech Republic began finding powder-filled boxes in banana crates. A record amount of cocaine was found in a shipment for supermarkets in the country.

Everyone was taken aback when grocery workers in stores across the Czech Republic began finding powder-filled boxes in banana crates. A record amount of cocaine was found in a shipment for supermarkets in the country. After being supplied to Czech supermarkets before being intercepted in Germany, drug smugglers lost out on a consignment of cocaine hidden in banana crates. A police officer and a sniffer dog investigate a cargo of several boxes of bananas that had supposedly originated in Colombia, according to footage received from the Czech police. Employees in stores in the northern towns of Jicin and Rychnov nad Kneznou discovered 840 kilos (1,852 pounds) of cocaine in cardboard boxes with bananas. Officers are also checking other retailers across the country for banana boxes delivered by the same overseas cargo. Watch | Gravitas: YouTube exposes children to cocaine & gun clips The police claimed they were working together on the case with counterparts from other unnamed countries. The cocaine most likely originated in Central America, according to Jakub Frydrych, the chief of the police anti-narcotics section.The drug's street value is estimated to be in excess of 2 billion Czech crowns ($86 million). In a similar event in 2015, a supermarket in Prague was discovered with over 100 kilogrammes (220 pounds) of cocaine. At 1999, authorities discovered 117 kilogrammes (258 pounds) of cocaine concealed among dry fruit in a warehouse north of Prague. 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.

Cocaine worth $86 million gets delivered to supermarkets in banana shipment

Authorities in Mexico have discovered a tunnel connecting Tijuana and the United States that was utilised in drug trafficking, according to officials.

Drug tunnel discovered by Mexico leading to the US

Gilberto&nbsp;Rodriguez&nbsp;Orejuela, a&nbsp;former&nbsp;leader of Colombia's once-powerful Cali cartel, has died in the United States while serving a 30-year&nbsp;drug&nbsp;trafficking sentence, his family said on Wednesday.

Sometimes known by his alias 'Chessplayer,'&nbsp;Rodriguez&nbsp;was extradited to the United States in 2004. The 83-year-old was serving time at a federal&nbsp;prison&nbsp;in Butner, North Carolina.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombian-drug-lord-dairo-usuga-otoniel-extradited-to-the-us-president-ivan-duque-announces-476510">Colombian drug lord Dairo Usuga 'Otoniel' extradited to the US, President Ivan Duque announces</a>

"The children and wife of Gilberto&nbsp;Rodriguez&nbsp;Orejuela&nbsp;regretfully inform that yesterday, Tuesday May 31, 2022, at 6:54 p.m., our father and husband died of a lymphoma," the family said in a statement shared by&nbsp;Rodriguez's daughter Alexandra.

They were beginning the process of extraditing his remains back to Colombia, his family said.

Watch |&nbsp;Colombia: Drug cartels found shipping weapons, officials say trade fueling violence

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Rodriguez's 1995 arrest by&nbsp;Colombian&nbsp;authorities marked the beginning of the disintegration of the Cali cartel, which once controlled 80 per cent&nbsp;of the global cocaine market, according to a contemporary report from the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Drug&nbsp;Enforcement Administration.

Rodriguez's brother Miguel was captured two months later and is also serving a sentence in the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-euthanasia-colombia-approves-assisted-medical-suicide-for-seriously-ill-patients-478584">Now, Colombia approves assisted medical suicide for seriously ill patients</a>

The brothers deployed bombs and vigilantes against their&nbsp;drug&nbsp;trafficker enemy Pablo Escobar, who was killed in a police operation in 1993, and his associates.

They also confessed to financing political campaigns, including that of Liberal Party president Ernesto Samper in 1994, who has denied having any knowledge of the donations at the time.

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Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela, a former leader of Colombia's once-powerful Cali cartel, has died in the United States while serving a 30-year drug trafficking sentence, his family said on Wednesday.

Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela, a former leader of Colombia's once-powerful Cali cartel, has died in the United States while serving a 30-year drug trafficking sentence, his family said on Wednesday. Sometimes known by his alias 'Chessplayer,' Rodriguez was extradited to the United States in 2004. The 83-year-old was serving time at a federal prison in Butner, North Carolina. Also read | Colombian drug lord Dairo Usuga 'Otoniel' extradited to the US, President Ivan Duque announces "The children and wife of Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela regretfully inform that yesterday, Tuesday May 31, 2022, at 6:54 p.m., our father and husband died of a lymphoma," the family said in a statement shared by Rodriguez's daughter Alexandra. They were beginning the process of extraditing his remains back to Colombia, his family said. Watch | Colombia: Drug cartels found shipping weapons, officials say trade fueling violence Rodriguez's 1995 arrest by Colombian authorities marked the beginning of the disintegration of the Cali cartel, which once controlled 80 per cent of the global cocaine market, according to a contemporary report from the US Drug Enforcement Administration. Rodriguez's brother Miguel was captured two months later and is also serving a sentence in the United States. Also read | Now, Colombia approves assisted medical suicide for seriously ill patients The brothers deployed bombs and vigilantes against their drug trafficker enemy Pablo Escobar, who was killed in a police operation in 1993, and his associates. They also confessed to financing political campaigns, including that of Liberal Party president Ernesto Samper in 1994, who has denied having any knowledge of the donations at the time. 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.

Former Colombian drug lord Rodriguez Orejuela dies in US prison

British Columbia in Canada is set to decriminalize the possession of some illegal drugs temporarily meaning adults will be able to possess small amounts of illegal drugs including Cocaine, MDMA and opioids for up to three years.

Canada to decriminalize possession of certain drugs

Canadian government has announced that it will allow the province of British Columbia to try a three-year experiment in decriminalising possession of small amounts of drugs.

Canada to temporarily decriminalise certain drugs in British Columbia

Officials have discovered a tunnel linking US & Mexico. It is suspected that the tunnel was used to smuggle drugs. The tunnel runs from Mexico to a warehouse in California. The tunnel reportedly has rail & ventilation systems, electricity & reinforced walls. US authorities said it was unknown how long the tunnel had been operating. The owner of the property said he was unaware of the tunnel’s existence

This secret drug tunnel was used to smuggle drugs

Nepal was once the cannabis capital of the world, attracting thousands of high-seeking Westerners. The booming industry was banned after America declared a war on drugs. Decades later, Nepal is rethinking the cannabis ban. Mariam Wardak gets you a report.

South Asia Diary: Nepal rethinks cannabis ban

In 2015, YouTube released an app and website solely for children named YouTube Kids it's supposed to be a safer and curated version of the original video sharing website but a new investigation has found that YouTube Kids is showing videos to children that promotes weight loss, drug culture and firearms.

Videos on drugs, guns found on YouTube Kids application

Ecuador has announced a state of emergency in three provinces amid a rise in drug-related violence. Watch this report to know more.

Ecuador imposes emergency: 3 provinces under state of emergency, nearly 9000 personnels deployed

Ecuador imposes emergency: 3 provinces under state of emergency over rise in drug violence

Singapore executed an intellectually disabled man. Malaysian man’s death triggered international outcry. The Indian-origin man was on death row for a decade. Nagaenthran Dharmalingam was accused of trafficking drugs. He reportedly trafficked 44 gms of heroin into Singapore. Activists, lawyers argued that his IQ was at 69. Malaysia had urged to reduce his death sentence.

Disabled Malaysian man executed in Singapore over drug charges, triggers outcry

Mexican drug cartels appear to be shipping high-powered weapons to Colombia to purchase shipments of cocaine. Colombian authorities are scared because this trade might fuel a deadly struggle between rival traffickers for control of drug routes.

Colombia: Drug cartels found shipping weapons, officials say trade fueling violence

US House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has said that his fellow Republican and congressman Madison Cawthorn will not face disciplinary action for his controversial comments about claiming to be invited by Washington colleagues to orgies and witnessing some leaders using cocaine.

Cawthorn, who has been described as a controversialist and Trump supporter, said on a podcast on Friday that he had witnessed "sexual perversion" and illegal drug use in Washington.

"I look at a lot of these people, a lot of them that I've looked up to through my life — I've always paid attention to politics— guys, that, then all of a sudden you get invited to, 'Oh, hey, we're going to have a sexual get-together at one of our homes, you should come," Cawthorn told Warrior Poet Society,"&nbsp;when asked about how realistic Netflix's "House of Cards" is compared to real life in Washington.

Many GOP colleagues were frustrated with Cawthorn’s “unfounded” claims and asked McCarthy to take action against the North Carolina's representative.

“He’s got to turn himself around,” McCarthy told reporters on Wednesday, addressing a meeting he had with Cawthorn that morning.

“I just told him he’s lost my trust, he’s gonna have to earn it back, and I laid out everything I find is unbecoming. And you can’t just say, ‘You can’t do this again.’ I mean, he’s got a lot of members very upset.”

Asked if Cawthorn, 26, could face penalties from the House Republican conference such as being removed from his committee posts, McCarthy said that there are “a lot of different things that could happen.”

McCarthy met Cawthorn with the Republican chief whip, Steve Scalise, in attendance.

According to the minority leader, Cawthorn admitted some of his remarks had been untrue or exaggerated.

“In the interview, he claims he watched people do cocaine. Then when he comes in, he says he thinks he saw maybe a staffer in a parking garage from 100 yards away.”

“It’s just frustrating. There’s no evidence behind his statements … I told him you can’t make statements like that, as a member of Congress, that affect everybody else and the country as a whole.”

The Republican leader mentioned a number of other recent statements and actions from Cawthorn that he found unbecoming of a member of Congress.

Earlier this month, Cawthorn called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “thug,” which McCarthy had&nbsp;previously said was “wrong.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has said that his fellow Republican and congressman Madison Cawthorn will not face disciplinary action for his controversial comments about claiming to be invited by Washington colleagues to orgies and witnessing some leaders using cocaine.

US House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has said that his fellow Republican and congressman Madison Cawthorn will not face disciplinary action for his controversial comments about claiming to be invited by Washington colleagues to orgies and witnessing some leaders using cocaine. Cawthorn, who has been described as a controversialist and Trump supporter, said on a podcast on Friday that he had witnessed "sexual perversion" and illegal drug use in Washington. "I look at a lot of these people, a lot of them that I've looked up to through my life — I've always paid attention to politics— guys, that, then all of a sudden you get invited to, 'Oh, hey, we're going to have a sexual get-together at one of our homes, you should come," Cawthorn told Warrior Poet Society," when asked about how realistic Netflix's "House of Cards" is compared to real life in Washington. Many GOP colleagues were frustrated with Cawthorn’s “unfounded” claims and asked McCarthy to take action against the North Carolina's representative. “He’s got to turn himself around,” McCarthy told reporters on Wednesday, addressing a meeting he had with Cawthorn that morning. “I just told him he’s lost my trust, he’s gonna have to earn it back, and I laid out everything I find is unbecoming. And you can’t just say, ‘You can’t do this again.’ I mean, he’s got a lot of members very upset.” Asked if Cawthorn, 26, could face penalties from the House Republican conference such as being removed from his committee posts, McCarthy said that there are “a lot of different things that could happen.” McCarthy met Cawthorn with the Republican chief whip, Steve Scalise, in attendance. According to the minority leader, Cawthorn admitted some of his remarks had been untrue or exaggerated. “In the interview, he claims he watched people do cocaine. Then when he comes in, he says he thinks he saw maybe a staffer in a parking garage from 100 yards away.” “It’s just frustrating. There’s no evidence behind his statements … I told him you can’t make statements like that, as a member of Congress, that affect everybody else and the country as a whole.” The Republican leader mentioned a number of other recent statements and actions from Cawthorn that he found unbecoming of a member of Congress. Earlier this month, Cawthorn called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “thug,” which McCarthy had previously said was “wrong.” (With inputs from agencies)

US congressman Cawthorn not to face charges for remarks on orgies and drugs

Ukrainian cross-country skier Valentyna Kaminska has tested positive for a steroid and two stimulants, becoming the second athlete at the Beijing Winter Olympics to fail drug tests.

Beijing Winter Olympics: Ukrainian skier tests positive for banned drugs

Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and the Customs in a joint operation seized 625 kilograms of drug consignment during a raid in the Northern Arabian Sea which is estimated at PKR 6.25 billion in the international market.

This was a raid over a foreign boat in the Northern Arabian Sea where 625 kilograms of narcotics was seized, said an official of the PMSA.

"In the open sea raid seven smugglers were also arrested," deputy director-general maritime security Shahid Jalil has said, reported ARY News. "

Arrested persons included five foreign nationals and two people having dual nationality," a PMSA official said. "The seized drugs value has been estimated at PKR 6.25 billion in the international market," the official said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-pakistan-china-to-build-nuclear-power-plant-in-argentina-453096">After Pakistan, China to build nuclear power plant in Argentina</a>

Seized drugs and arrested smugglers have been handed over to customs, PMSA official said.

Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan`s Sindh Excise Taxation and Narcotics Control Department confiscated drugs worth USD 1.4 billion from a vacant plot situated in Karachi`s Surjani Town.

The anti-narcotics department launched an operation in Surjani Town`s Sector 70-D, recovered drugs and apprehended one person from the crime scene.

Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Sindh Minister for Excise &amp; Taxation and Narcotics Control Department, said the heroin was concealed in plastic bags during a news briefing. According to him, a case has been filed against the accused, and additional investigation is underway.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Qandeel Baloch's killer cleared of all charges

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Pakistan is one of the highest drug-consuming nations in Southwest Asia. Drug abuse is taking a heavy toll on the youth in Pakistan, especially students, and fuelling a life of addiction and crime.

The country`s Anti-Narcotics force has said that children as young as 9-12 have already started consuming tobacco and some as young as 13 and 14 are said to be turning to drugs.

Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and the Customs in a joint operation seized 625 kilograms of drug consignment during a raid in the Northern Arabian Sea which is estimated at PKR 6.

Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and the Customs in a joint operation seized 625 kilograms of drug consignment during a raid in the Northern Arabian Sea which is estimated at PKR 6.25 billion in the international market. This was a raid over a foreign boat in the Northern Arabian Sea where 625 kilograms of narcotics was seized, said an official of the PMSA. "In the open sea raid seven smugglers were also arrested," deputy director-general maritime security Shahid Jalil has said, reported ARY News. " Arrested persons included five foreign nationals and two people having dual nationality," a PMSA official said. "The seized drugs value has been estimated at PKR 6.25 billion in the international market," the official said. Also read | After Pakistan, China to build nuclear power plant in Argentina Seized drugs and arrested smugglers have been handed over to customs, PMSA official said. Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan`s Sindh Excise Taxation and Narcotics Control Department confiscated drugs worth USD 1.4 billion from a vacant plot situated in Karachi`s Surjani Town. The anti-narcotics department launched an operation in Surjani Town`s Sector 70-D, recovered drugs and apprehended one person from the crime scene. Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Sindh Minister for Excise & Taxation and Narcotics Control Department, said the heroin was concealed in plastic bags during a news briefing. According to him, a case has been filed against the accused, and additional investigation is underway. Watch | Gravitas: Qandeel Baloch's killer cleared of all charges Pakistan is one of the highest drug-consuming nations in Southwest Asia. Drug abuse is taking a heavy toll on the youth in Pakistan, especially students, and fuelling a life of addiction and crime. The country`s Anti-Narcotics force has said that children as young as 9-12 have already started consuming tobacco and some as young as 13 and 14 are said to be turning to drugs.

Pakistan: 625 Kg drug consignment seized during joint operation in Arabian sea

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

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

Last year, a record 100,000 people in the US lost their lives to this epidemic. Not Covid, this self-afflicted disease is more sinister. "Painkiller addiction"....

'Painkiller addiction': An epidemic affecting millions in the US

Brendan Taylor, former Zimbabwe captain, has made heads turn with his glaring claim on Monday (January 24). The veteran keeper-batsman accepted that he was conned and bribed by an Indian businessman for spot-fixing matches at the international level during a visit to India in 2019.

In late 2019, Zimbabwe cricket was in dire straits. Their players were reeling under financial crisis as the Zimbabwe Cricket Board (ZNC) wasn't able to pay the national players. In addition, the International Cricket Council (ICC)&nbsp;had even suspended Zimbabwe after the ZCB was not able to keep out government’s interference with the board’s administration. Thus, Taylor was offered a visit to India amid all these uncertain times -- with regard to&nbsp;sponsorships and the potential launch of a T20 competition in the African nation.&nbsp;

Taylor revealed that while he was reluctant, he travelled to India for the sake of revamping his fortunes. However, he was offered drugs and blackmailed for spot-fixing international matches. While Taylor has revealed that he didn't fix any games, he is guilty of accepting the money and drugs.

The 35-year-old cricketer shared a four-page statement on his official Twitter handle and&nbsp;captioned it, "To my family, friends and supporters. Here is my full statement. Thank you!"

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To my family, friends and supporters. Here is my full statement. Thank you! <a href="https://t.co/sVCckD4PMV">pic.twitter.com/sVCckD4PMV</a>
— Brendan Taylor (@BrendanTaylor86) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrendanTaylor86/status/1485522867768991745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Taylor narrated the whole incident and said,&nbsp;"In late October 2019, | was approached by an Indian businessman requesting that I attend India to discuss sponsorships and the potential launch of a T20 competition in Zimbabwe and was advised that | would be paid USD$15 000 to make the journey."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-batter-smriti-mandhana-named-icc-womens-cricketer-of-the-year-2021-447084">Indian batter Smriti Mandhana named ICC Women's Cricketer of The Year 2021</a>

The veteran batter further revealed that&nbsp;the businessman and his colleagues had taken him for a dinner on the last night of his visit to the Asian country.&nbsp;"We had drinks and during the course of the evening they openly offered me cocaine, which they themselves engaged in, and | foolishly took the bait.&nbsp;I was handed the USD$15 000 but was told this was now a ‘deposit’ for spot fixing and that an additional USD$20 000 would be paid once the “job” was complete. I took the money so I could get on a plane and leave India. I felt I had no choice at the time because saying no was clearly not an option. All I knew was I had to get out of there,"&nbsp;the Harare-born player&nbsp;claimed.

"It took me 4 months to report this offence and interaction to the ICC. I acknowledge this was too long of a time but I thought I could protect everyone and in particular, my family. I approached the ICC on my own terms and I hoped that if I explained my predicament, my genuine fear for our safety and wellbeing, that they would understand the delay.&nbsp;Unfortunately, they did not, but I cannot feign ignorance in this regard. I have attended many anti-corruption seminars over the years and we know that time is of the essence when making reports," Taylor further wrote.

Taylor has been a great servant of the game and a superstar in Zimbabwe cricket. The star batter, who has 2,320, 6,684 and 934 runs in Tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively, has also advised youngsters to not fall into such traps. He said, "I would like to place on record that I have never been involved in any form of match-fixing. I may be many things but I am not a cheat. My love for the beautiful game of cricket far outweighs and surpasses any threats which could be thrown my way."

Taylor is set to fan multi-year ban. The cricketer has already stated that he would accept ICC's decision after failing to report the serious matter on time.

Brendan Taylor, former Zimbabwe captain, has made heads turn with his glaring claim on Monday (January 24). The veteran keeper-batsman accepted that he was conned and bribed by an Indian businessman for spot-fixing matches at the international level during a visit to India in 2019.

Brendan Taylor, former Zimbabwe captain, has made heads turn with his glaring claim on Monday (January 24). The veteran keeper-batsman accepted that he was conned and bribed by an Indian businessman for spot-fixing matches at the international level during a visit to India in 2019. In late 2019, Zimbabwe cricket was in dire straits. Their players were reeling under financial crisis as the Zimbabwe Cricket Board (ZNC) wasn't able to pay the national players. In addition, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had even suspended Zimbabwe after the ZCB was not able to keep out government’s interference with the board’s administration. Thus, Taylor was offered a visit to India amid all these uncertain times -- with regard to sponsorships and the potential launch of a T20 competition in the African nation. Taylor revealed that while he was reluctant, he travelled to India for the sake of revamping his fortunes. However, he was offered drugs and blackmailed for spot-fixing international matches. While Taylor has revealed that he didn't fix any games, he is guilty of accepting the money and drugs. The 35-year-old cricketer shared a four-page statement on his official Twitter handle and captioned it, "To my family, friends and supporters. Here is my full statement. Thank you!" To my family, friends and supporters. Here is my full statement. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/sVCckD4PMV — Brendan Taylor (@BrendanTaylor86) January 24, 2022 × Taylor narrated the whole incident and said, "In late October 2019, | was approached by an Indian businessman requesting that I attend India to discuss sponsorships and the potential launch of a T20 competition in Zimbabwe and was advised that | would be paid USD$15 000 to make the journey." ALSO READ | Indian batter Smriti Mandhana named ICC Women's Cricketer of The Year 2021 The veteran batter further revealed that the businessman and his colleagues had taken him for a dinner on the last night of his visit to the Asian country. "We had drinks and during the course of the evening they openly offered me cocaine, which they themselves engaged in, and | foolishly took the bait. I was handed the USD$15 000 but was told this was now a ‘deposit’ for spot fixing and that an additional USD$20 000 would be paid once the “job” was complete. I took the money so I could get on a plane and leave India. I felt I had no choice at the time because saying no was clearly not an option. All I knew was I had to get out of there," the Harare-born player claimed. "It took me 4 months to report this offence and interaction to the ICC. I acknowledge this was too long of a time but I thought I could protect everyone and in particular, my family. I approached the ICC on my own terms and I hoped that if I explained my predicament, my genuine fear for our safety and wellbeing, that they would understand the delay. Unfortunately, they did not, but I cannot feign ignorance in this regard. I have attended many anti-corruption seminars over the years and we know that time is of the essence when making reports," Taylor further wrote. Taylor has been a great servant of the game and a superstar in Zimbabwe cricket. The star batter, who has 2,320, 6,684 and 934 runs in Tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively, has also advised youngsters to not fall into such traps. He said, "I would like to place on record that I have never been involved in any form of match-fixing. I may be many things but I am not a cheat. My love for the beautiful game of cricket far outweighs and surpasses any threats which could be thrown my way." Taylor is set to fan multi-year ban. The cricketer has already stated that he would accept ICC's decision after failing to report the serious matter on time.

Brendan Taylor makes heads turn, accepts being conned and blackmailed for spot-fixing, set to face ICC's ban

U.S. prosecutors on Wednesday announced charges against a Texas therapist for allegedly distributing performance-enhancing drugs to athletes participating in the Olympic Games held in Tokyo last summer.

The charges against Eric Lira, unsealed by federal prosecutors in Manhattan, marked the first U.S. criminal accusations of doping related to the Tokyo games, which were initially scheduled for 2020 but delayed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/de-villiers-spills-the-beans-on-retirement-says-ipl-14-held-in-two-halves-affected-enjoyment-of-cricket-444216">De Villiers spills the beans on retirement, says IPL 14 held in two halves affected 'enjoyment of cricket'</a>

Lira, an El Paso, Texas-based therapist, was arrested on Wednesday and was expected to appear later Wednesday before a federal judge in Texas.

The complaint did not identify any athletes who allegedly received drugs, including human growth hormone and erythopoietin, used to boost production of red blood cells, from Lira.

U.S. prosecutors on Wednesday announced charges against a Texas therapist for allegedly distributing performance-enhancing drugs to athletes participating in the Olympic Games held in Tokyo last summer.

U.S. prosecutors on Wednesday announced charges against a Texas therapist for allegedly distributing performance-enhancing drugs to athletes participating in the Olympic Games held in Tokyo last summer. The charges against Eric Lira, unsealed by federal prosecutors in Manhattan, marked the first U.S. criminal accusations of doping related to the Tokyo games, which were initially scheduled for 2020 but delayed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read Also | De Villiers spills the beans on retirement, says IPL 14 held in two halves affected 'enjoyment of cricket' Lira, an El Paso, Texas-based therapist, was arrested on Wednesday and was expected to appear later Wednesday before a federal judge in Texas. The complaint did not identify any athletes who allegedly received drugs, including human growth hormone and erythopoietin, used to boost production of red blood cells, from Lira.

Therapist accused of giving athletes performance-enhancing drugs for Tokyo Olympics

After sparring over the Durand line, Pakistan and Afghanistan have another issue of contention drugs. In the latest crackdown, Pakistan's customs intercepted 225 kilograms of heroin which were hidden in vehicles from Afghanistan at the border.

Pakistan officials destroy 22 tonnes of drugs

In Pakistan's Sindh province, an anti-narcotics force has destroyed huge quantity of illicit drugs and liquor in Karachi on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The items, which were set ablaze, were worth over 1.5 billion Pakistani rupees (8,469.79 US dollars). &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-nsa-to-visit-kabul-amid-simmering-tensions-on-durand-line-over-border-fencing-443033" hreflang="en">Pakistan’s NSA to visit Kabul amid simmering tensions on Durand Line over border fencing</a>

In this latest crackdown, more than 22 tonnes of drugs, which includes 264 kilograms (582 pounds) of heroin, were burnt along with 2,000 bottles of illegal liquor. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Several of these items were seized in 2021. &nbsp;

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Pakistan authorities destroy seized chemicals. 
 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistani</a> anti-narcotics force eliminated 22 tons of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DRUGS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DRUGS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/illegal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#illegal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/liquor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#liquor</a> seized in 2021.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/news?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#news</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/trending?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#trending</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/currentevents?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#currentevents</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a>🇵🇰 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Blast</a> <a href="https://t.co/SLnedvwffH">pic.twitter.com/SLnedvwffH</a>
— 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚𝐫 𝐉𝐞𝐧𝐚 (@Bhabanisankar02) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bhabanisankar02/status/1479705967491092480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Muhammad Umer Khan, president, Professional Youth Foundation, who had organised the event of drugs’ burning on being invited by the force, said, “Different kinds of liquor, which includes wine, beer, and vodka, with an international market value of more than 200,000 US dollars, were destroyed.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/for-second-time-pakistan-president-arif-alvi-contracts-covid-442803" hreflang="en">For second time, Pakistan President Arif Alvi contracts Covid &nbsp;</a>

The force has also initiated a programme to create awareness among students about the hazards of the use of drugs, the officials said. &nbsp;

This force also runs four hospitals for drug addicts, one each in Sukkur, Karachi, Hyderabad and Islamabad. &nbsp;

Recently, a team of Afghan intelligence agents poured around 3,000 litres of illegal liquor into a canal in Kabul, as per the country's spy agency. A video of the action was also released by the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) of Afghanistan government. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In Pakistan's Sindh province, an anti-narcotics force has destroyed huge quantity of illicit drugs and liquor in Karachi on Friday. The items, which were set ablaze, were worth over 1.

In Pakistan's Sindh province, an anti-narcotics force has destroyed huge quantity of illicit drugs and liquor in Karachi on Friday. The items, which were set ablaze, were worth over 1.5 billion Pakistani rupees (8,469.79 US dollars). Also Read: Pakistan’s NSA to visit Kabul amid simmering tensions on Durand Line over border fencing In this latest crackdown, more than 22 tonnes of drugs, which includes 264 kilograms (582 pounds) of heroin, were burnt along with 2,000 bottles of illegal liquor. Several of these items were seized in 2021. Pakistan authorities destroy seized chemicals. The #Pakistani anti-narcotics force eliminated 22 tons of #DRUGS and #illegal #liquor seized in 2021.#news #trending #currentevents #Pakistan🇵🇰 #Fire #Blast pic.twitter.com/SLnedvwffH — 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚𝐫 𝐉𝐞𝐧𝐚 (@Bhabanisankar02) January 8, 2022 × Muhammad Umer Khan, president, Professional Youth Foundation, who had organised the event of drugs’ burning on being invited by the force, said, “Different kinds of liquor, which includes wine, beer, and vodka, with an international market value of more than 200,000 US dollars, were destroyed.” Also Read: For second time, Pakistan President Arif Alvi contracts Covid The force has also initiated a programme to create awareness among students about the hazards of the use of drugs, the officials said. This force also runs four hospitals for drug addicts, one each in Sukkur, Karachi, Hyderabad and Islamabad. Recently, a team of Afghan intelligence agents poured around 3,000 litres of illegal liquor into a canal in Kabul, as per the country's spy agency. A video of the action was also released by the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) of Afghanistan government. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: In crackdown, Pakistan sets ablaze huge quantity of illicit drugs, liquor

In a video released by General Directorate of Intelligence of Afghanistan government, Taliban’s intelligence agents can be seen pouring around 3,000 litres of liquor into a canal in Kabul.

It's 'liquor' time? Now, Taliban cracks down on alcohol, pours 3,000 litres into canal

A Russian news agency has reported that there are 3.5 million drug addicts in Afghanistan, which means 9% of the country's population are addicted to drugs.

Taliban: 9% of Afghanistan's population are addicted to drugs

2021 has been a turbulent year for Myanmar. In February, a military coup led to a change into the regime since then chaos and lawlessness have turned the southeast Asian nation into one of the biggest drug hotspots in the world. Chaos in the country has allowed narcotics gangs to thrive producing a narcotics market bigger than Mexico.

Myanmar junta driving drug trade | Narcotics

2021 has been a turbulent year for Myanmar. In February, a military coup led to a change in regime. Since then chaos and lawlessness have turned it to one of the biggest drug hotspots in the world.

Myanmar emerges as one of world's biggest drug hotspots

Bangkok Port Custom Office seized over 193 kg of amphetamine hidden in punching bags bound for Australia. The drugs were hidden in 15 punching bags.&nbsp;

In Australia, these drugs would have a value of nearly $30 million.&nbsp;

Officials, while speaking at a news conference said that the Thai customs authorities were suspicious since the Thai boxing training tool is not in such high demand in Australia. This is why the shipment was inspected.&nbsp;

However, the authorities did not provide details of when the drugs were seized.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-issues-10-day-ultimatum-for-online-celebrities-to-settle-unpaid-taxes-439224">Also read |&nbsp;China issues 10-day ultimatum for online celebrities to settle unpaid taxes</a>

A Thai customs official ripped a long cardboard box and the red outer layer of the boxing punch bag. The drugs were found in the stuffing.

"Australia consumes around 11 tons of methamphetamine per year and spends over 11 billion dollars on illicit narcotics, so there's a market for it, and disrupting it offshore in countries such as Thailand is fantastic and we thank Thailand for the cooperation," Australian Border Force Acting Superintendent Joel Carruthers said.

Methamphetamine production in Southeast Asia's golden triangle, a border region between Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, has been drastically increasing in recent years, reports the UN office on drugs and crimes.

The investigation is still ongoing by both Thai and Australian authorities.

Bangkok Port Custom Office seized over 193 kg of amphetamine hidden in punching bags bound for Australia. The drugs were hidden in 15 punching bags. In Australia, these drugs would have a value of nearly $30 million.

Bangkok Port Custom Office seized over 193 kg of amphetamine hidden in punching bags bound for Australia. The drugs were hidden in 15 punching bags. In Australia, these drugs would have a value of nearly $30 million. Officials, while speaking at a news conference said that the Thai customs authorities were suspicious since the Thai boxing training tool is not in such high demand in Australia. This is why the shipment was inspected. However, the authorities did not provide details of when the drugs were seized. Also read | China issues 10-day ultimatum for online celebrities to settle unpaid taxes A Thai customs official ripped a long cardboard box and the red outer layer of the boxing punch bag. The drugs were found in the stuffing. "Australia consumes around 11 tons of methamphetamine per year and spends over 11 billion dollars on illicit narcotics, so there's a market for it, and disrupting it offshore in countries such as Thailand is fantastic and we thank Thailand for the cooperation," Australian Border Force Acting Superintendent Joel Carruthers said. Methamphetamine production in Southeast Asia's golden triangle, a border region between Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, has been drastically increasing in recent years, reports the UN office on drugs and crimes. The investigation is still ongoing by both Thai and Australian authorities.

Hidden in punching bags: Thailand seizes drugs worth over $30 million

Political upheavals in Myanmar and Afghanistan are driving the illegal drug trade in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Stuck in the middle of these drug hubs is India. Palki Sharma tells you how India can avoid this looming drug epidemic.

Gravitas: A looming drug menace in India?

The Indian coast guard has seized 77 kg of heroin from a Pakistani fishing boat off the coast of Gujarat. The seized drugs were worth approximately $ 4 billion.

India: Pakistani fishing boat carrying drug apprehended off Gujarat coast

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

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

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