All articles tagged with #drug bust
Police in Kentucky seized 55 pounds of meth wrapped as Christmas presents from a vehicle driven by Jacob Talamantes, who was arrested on drug trafficking charges, highlighting a holiday drug smuggling attempt thwarted by law enforcement.
The FBI and local authorities dismantled the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization in Philadelphia, arresting 24 individuals and seizing guns, fentanyl, and other narcotics, in a major operation targeting a gang that operated like a business for over a decade, enforcing territory through violence and threats.
The French navy seized 9.6 tons of cocaine worth over $600 million from a fishing vessel off West Africa, as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region, with total seizures reaching 54.1 tons in 2025.
South African police uncovered a $20 million meth lab operated by five North Americans at a farm in Mpumalanga, arresting all five and seizing large quantities of crystal meth and manufacturing equipment, amid ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
South African police uncovered a $20 million crystal meth lab on a farm, arresting five individuals from North America and seizing manufacturing equipment, with others fleeing; the country is a major crystal meth market due to its geography and porous borders.
The DEA arrested over 600 individuals and seized significant quantities of drugs and assets during a weeklong operation targeting the Sinaloa drug cartel, aiming to dismantle one of the world's most powerful and violent drug organizations responsible for flooding the US with synthetic drugs.
The U.S. Coast Guard has seized over 40,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean as part of Operation Pacific Viper, which aims to disrupt drug trafficking and human smuggling, resulting in multiple interceptions, including a record 38-ton drug haul and the burning of a vessel, with international cooperation involved.
Dominican authorities seized 1.5 tons of cocaine after a 12-hour chase involving a speedboat near Pedernales, arresting four suspects, in one of the country's largest drug seizures.
Border Force officers seized £96 million worth of cocaine from a container vessel at London Gateway port, marking one of the largest drug busts in the past decade, disrupting organized crime operations and highlighting ongoing international law enforcement efforts.
A Canadian woman was arrested at Auckland Airport for attempting to smuggle over 20 pounds of methamphetamine disguised as Christmas presents. The drugs, valued at NZ$3.8 million, were found in her carry-on bag after arriving from Vancouver. She faces charges of drug importation and possession. New Zealand Customs emphasized their vigilance against drug smuggling, especially during busy travel seasons, and noted the increasing risk of drugs from North America.
Mexican authorities have made the largest fentanyl bust in the country's history, seizing over a ton of the synthetic opioid in Sinaloa, equivalent to more than 20 million doses. This comes shortly after US President-elect Donald Trump threatened tariffs on Mexican goods over drug trafficking and illegal immigration. The operation, led by Mexico's navy, resulted in two arrests and the seizure of weapons. Despite this success, Sinaloa has experienced a surge in violence, linked to internal cartel conflicts following the arrest of key leaders.
Australian police have seized 2.3 tonnes of cocaine worth A$760m from a broken-down boat off Queensland, marking the largest cocaine bust in the country's history. Eleven men and two juveniles were arrested, including members of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle club. The operation, part of a wider investigation into the gang, involved collaboration between the Australian Federal Police, Queensland Police Service, and Australian Border Force. The cocaine, originating from South America, was intercepted after the boat suffered a mechanical fault.
Australian police have arrested 13 individuals in the country's largest-ever cocaine bust, seizing 2.3 tonnes of the drug with a street value of $494 million. The arrests followed a months-long investigation into a motorcycle gang's smuggling operation, involving a fishing boat meeting a mother ship off Queensland's coast. Those charged face life imprisonment if convicted.
Two members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua were arrested in New York City for their involvement in a drug and credit card scam, along with the possession of an arsenal of weapons. The suspects, Denyeer Aramillo Meneses and Edison Pena Angulo, were part of a larger group of 15 gang members involved in various criminal activities, including drug sales and credit card fraud. The arrests highlight the gang's growing presence in the U.S., facilitated by lax border controls, and have raised concerns among residents.
Authorities in Paraguay have made the largest cocaine seizure in the country's history, discovering over 4 tons of the drug hidden in a sugar shipment bound for Belgium. The operation, code-named "Operation Sweetness," is part of ongoing efforts to combat the country's role as a key drug trafficking hub. The bust, valued at approximately $240 million, aims to deter organized crime and improve port security.