#Gravitas Belgium is reportedly sliding towards becoming a narco-state, as powerful drug cartels infiltrate the police, judiciary, and political system. An anonymous investigating judge in Antwerp has issued a chilling warning through an open letter on Belgium’s official judiciary website, alleging deep corruption and criminal influence at every level. The revelation raises fears that Europe’s key port hub could be losing its battle against organised crime.

Belgium On The Brink Of A ‘Narco State’ As Drug Cartels Infiltrate Police And Judiciary

The United States has deployed 6,000 troops to the Caribbean, raising questions about whether this is part of Trump’s war on narco-terrorism or a potential prelude to invasion. Analysts are watching closely as military operations target alleged drug traffickers in the region.

Trump Sends Troops to Caribbean Amid Narco-Terrorism Threat | WION 

Cocaine trafficking is posing a severe threat to rare tropical birds as drug cartels increasingly encroach upon remote forest areas to escape law enforcement crackdowns.

This startling revelation comes from a recent study published in the journal Nature Sustainability, which highlights the devastating impact of "narco-driven" deforestation on bird habitats in Central America.

"Over half of Nearctic-Neotropical migratory species had more than one quarter, and 20% of species had over half, of their global population in areas threatened by narco trafficking, suggesting the need for more holistic strategies to better protect native biodiversity," as per the study.&nbsp;

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Indigenous populations are often coerced into accepting payments and assisting with trafficking logistics. Resistance frequently results in land seizures and violence.

The supply-side focus of domestic and international drug policies exacerbates the cycle by overlooking the impact of under-resourced rural communities that create conditions facilitating trafficking and increasing "land-based money laundering and agri-business expansion."

Empowering Indigenous communities and rural landholders to reclaim control over their territories and manage their resources effectively has proven to deter narco-trafficking. These efforts not only aid conservation but also promote peace and security, as per the study.&nbsp;

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This study marks the first attempt to quantify the impact of habitat loss on bird populations.

<h2>Findings</h2>

The findings revealed that 67 species of migratory birds which breed in the US and migrate to Central America during the winter season are at more risk.

Watch | Study shows 'how microplastics are affecting the world'

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Among the most threatened are endangered golden-cheeked warblers, with 90% of their population residing in at-risk forests. Additionally, 70% of golden-winged warblers and Philadelphia vireos are affected by this habitat destruction.

According to the study, "Researchers have used remote sensing to identify unique patterns of deforestation that can be attributed to narco trafficking and found that 15–30% of annual deforestation within Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala can be attributed to the movement of cocaine alone."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Cocaine trafficking is posing a severe threat to rare tropical birds as drug cartels increasingly encroach upon remote forest areas to escape law enforcement crackdowns.

Cocaine trafficking is posing a severe threat to rare tropical birds as drug cartels increasingly encroach upon remote forest areas to escape law enforcement crackdowns. This startling revelation comes from a recent study published in the journal Nature Sustainability, which highlights the devastating impact of "narco-driven" deforestation on bird habitats in Central America. "Over half of Nearctic-Neotropical migratory species had more than one quarter, and 20% of species had over half, of their global population in areas threatened by narco trafficking, suggesting the need for more holistic strategies to better protect native biodiversity," as per the study. Also Read | Anti-ageing nerd CEO says it now takes him 19 months to get one year older Indigenous populations are often coerced into accepting payments and assisting with trafficking logistics. Resistance frequently results in land seizures and violence. The supply-side focus of domestic and international drug policies exacerbates the cycle by overlooking the impact of under-resourced rural communities that create conditions facilitating trafficking and increasing "land-based money laundering and agri-business expansion." Empowering Indigenous communities and rural landholders to reclaim control over their territories and manage their resources effectively has proven to deter narco-trafficking. These efforts not only aid conservation but also promote peace and security, as per the study. Also Read | Supernova hunter James Webb spots most distant star explosion This study marks the first attempt to quantify the impact of habitat loss on bird populations. Findings The findings revealed that 67 species of migratory birds which breed in the US and migrate to Central America during the winter season are at more risk. Watch | Study shows 'how microplastics are affecting the world' × Among the most threatened are endangered golden-cheeked warblers, with 90% of their population residing in at-risk forests. Additionally, 70% of golden-winged warblers and Philadelphia vireos are affected by this habitat destruction. According to the study, "Researchers have used remote sensing to identify unique patterns of deforestation that can be attributed to narco trafficking and found that 15–30% of annual deforestation within Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala can be attributed to the movement of cocaine alone." (With inputs from agencies)

Narco-driven deforestation threatens tropical birds, reveals study

Colombian Navy has seized what is claimed to be the largest narco-submarine ever found in the country.

The "narco sub", which is some 30 metres (100 feet) long and three metres wide, was intercepted in the Pacific Ocean while on its way to Central America on Friday.

These homemade narco-submarines travel just below the water’s surface, allowing them to cover long distances while evading detection.&nbsp;

Colombian laws penalise use, construction, commercialisation, possession, and transportation of these semi-submersibles, with up to 14 years in prison.

The vessel was carrying a staggering three tonnes of cocaine, which will fetch around $103 million in the market, the navy said, according to reports.

The Central America sea route is commonly used by peddlers for drug smuggling into the United States—the world’s largest consumer of Colombian cocaine.

The navy also detained three crew members—aged 45, 54 and 63—who are all Colombians. They claimed that they were "forced by a drug trafficking organisation" to take the sub to Central America, the navy said in a statement.

The images released by authorities showed that the dark-coloured submarine was carrying numerous packages of narcotics cleverly camouflaged with Toyota labels.&nbsp;

Local media reports stated that Friday’s seizure was one the biggest in the country since Colombia began keeping track in 1993.

Over the past three decades, the Colombian Navy has intercepted a total of 228 similar vessels used to transport large quantities of drugs from the Pacific Ocean to the United States or even across the Atlantic to Europe.

The three suspects were later transported to Tumaco in southern Colombia to face legal proceedings.

Though the enforcement authorities have been able to successfully crack down on drug mafia, the trade still runs uninterrupted in Colombia, with record levels of cocaine production reported.

In 2021, around 204,000 hectares of coca crops were cultivated, resulting in the production of approximately 1,400 tons of cocaine hydrochloride, according to the United Nations.

The fight against drug trafficking remains an ongoing struggle, with profound impacts on the country and the international community.

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Colombian Navy has seized what is claimed to be the largest narco-submarine ever found in the country. The "narco sub", which is some 30 metres (100 feet) long and three metres wide, was intercepted in the Pacific Ocean while on its way to Central America on Friday.

Colombian Navy has seized what is claimed to be the largest narco-submarine ever found in the country. The "narco sub", which is some 30 metres (100 feet) long and three metres wide, was intercepted in the Pacific Ocean while on its way to Central America on Friday. These homemade narco-submarines travel just below the water’s surface, allowing them to cover long distances while evading detection. Colombian laws penalise use, construction, commercialisation, possession, and transportation of these semi-submersibles, with up to 14 years in prison. The vessel was carrying a staggering three tonnes of cocaine, which will fetch around $103 million in the market, the navy said, according to reports. The Central America sea route is commonly used by peddlers for drug smuggling into the United States—the world’s largest consumer of Colombian cocaine. The navy also detained three crew members—aged 45, 54 and 63—who are all Colombians. They claimed that they were "forced by a drug trafficking organisation" to take the sub to Central America, the navy said in a statement. The images released by authorities showed that the dark-coloured submarine was carrying numerous packages of narcotics cleverly camouflaged with Toyota labels. Local media reports stated that Friday’s seizure was one the biggest in the country since Colombia began keeping track in 1993. Over the past three decades, the Colombian Navy has intercepted a total of 228 similar vessels used to transport large quantities of drugs from the Pacific Ocean to the United States or even across the Atlantic to Europe. The three suspects were later transported to Tumaco in southern Colombia to face legal proceedings. Though the enforcement authorities have been able to successfully crack down on drug mafia, the trade still runs uninterrupted in Colombia, with record levels of cocaine production reported. In 2021, around 204,000 hectares of coca crops were cultivated, resulting in the production of approximately 1,400 tons of cocaine hydrochloride, according to the United Nations. The fight against drug trafficking remains an ongoing struggle, with profound impacts on the country and the international community. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Colombian Navy intercepts ‘largest ever’ narco-submarine in history with three tonnes of cocaine

Jammu and Kashmir Police has busted a narco terror module in north Kashmir's Baramulla District. Ten Over Ground Workers (OGW) have been arrested. The police have recovered 5.5 kg of heroin, 10 grenades, 4 pistols, 4 magazines, 20 rounds and some vehicles.

The Police also recovered more than two million rupees (2150,000) from the OGWs

"We had received information and we had laid specific nakas. We were successful in busting a big narco terror module which was operating from different places in union territory (UT) as well as some part of it even outside UT. We have arrested 10 people, We made recoveries of 5.5Kgs of Heroin packed in 11 packets. We also recovered 10 grenades, 4 pistols and 4 rounds," said Rayees Mohammad Bhat, Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla.&nbsp;

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The Narco Terror is prevalent in North Kashmir and Police have time and again busted these groups. The Police have also seized some vehicles from the OGW's in north Kashmir which were used to transfer these arms and ammunition and narcotics to various parts of the UT.

The police say that the network of this module not only works in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir but outside too.&nbsp;

"We have seized vehicles, a truck. a Verna car and a scooty. We have made some arrests in Jammu also. This was a joint operation," said Rayees Ahmad Bhat, SSP, Baramulla.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Police has busted a narco terror module in north Kashmir's Baramulla District. Ten Over Ground Workers (OGW) have been arrested. The police have recovered 5.

Jammu and Kashmir Police has busted a narco terror module in north Kashmir's Baramulla District. Ten Over Ground Workers (OGW) have been arrested. The police have recovered 5.5 kg of heroin, 10 grenades, 4 pistols, 4 magazines, 20 rounds and some vehicles. The Police also recovered more than two million rupees (2150,000) from the OGWs "We had received information and we had laid specific nakas. We were successful in busting a big narco terror module which was operating from different places in union territory (UT) as well as some part of it even outside UT. We have arrested 10 people, We made recoveries of 5.5Kgs of Heroin packed in 11 packets. We also recovered 10 grenades, 4 pistols and 4 rounds," said Rayees Mohammad Bhat, Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla. The Narco Terror is prevalent in North Kashmir and Police have time and again busted these groups. The Police have also seized some vehicles from the OGW's in north Kashmir which were used to transfer these arms and ammunition and narcotics to various parts of the UT. The police say that the network of this module not only works in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir but outside too. "We have seized vehicles, a truck. a Verna car and a scooty. We have made some arrests in Jammu also. This was a joint operation," said Rayees Ahmad Bhat, SSP, Baramulla.

Jammu and Kashmir: Narco terror group busted, heroin and arms recovered

Mexican children toting replica rifles march alongside armed members of a self-defense force who say they have been left to defend their village against drug traffickers all by themselves.

Mexican villagers take anti-narco fight into own hands

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