All articles tagged with #illegal drugs
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.
Takeshi Niinami has resigned as chairman of Suntory Holdings amid a police probe into his alleged purchase of a potentially illegal supplement, highlighting a significant corporate scandal in Japan.
A recent study has revealed that 22 American teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 die each week due to drug overdoses, with the mortality rate rising to 5.2 per 100,000. The spike in deaths is attributed to the prevalence of fake medications laced with fentanyl, rather than increased illegal drug use. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted education and intervention by schools, doctors, and mental health professionals to address the risks associated with counterfeit medications. Additionally, authorities are urged to focus on "hotspot" counties with high overdose rates, particularly in western states.
eBay has agreed to pay a $59m settlement over allegations of selling equipment that can be used to manufacture illegal drugs, including pill presses and encapsulating machines, in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. The US justice department claimed that the equipment was sold to individuals later convicted of drug-related crimes, contributing to the opioid crisis. eBay denied the allegations but settled to avoid litigation costs, pledging to take additional actions to comply with the law.
Elon Musk refuted a report claiming his illegal drug use, stating that "not even trace quantities" of drugs were found in his system during three years of random testing. While not denying past drug use, Musk emphasized that he hasn't used illegal drugs in the past three years. The report alleged concerns from executives about Musk's behavior being linked to his use of cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, and ketamine, with instances cited such as a tweet about taking Tesla private and emotional media interviews. Musk attributed his behavior to mental illness and lack of sleep from overseeing his companies, and his attorney confirmed that he is regularly and randomly drug tested at SpaceX without failing a test.
Law enforcement in Massachusetts seized 10 million doses of illegal drugs, including powdered fentanyl and heart-shaped pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. The drugs, worth an estimated $8 million, were found during an investigation into an overdose death. Three men were arrested and charged with various crimes related to drug possession and distribution. The seizure is believed to be one of the largest single-location drug busts in New England. Authorities are increasingly targeting drug cartels in Mexico and chemical companies in China that produce fentanyl and its precursors. The men charged in Massachusetts are set to appear in federal court on November 13.
Billy Ortega, a New Jersey man, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for operating a drug delivery service that distributed dangerous drugs, including cocaine laced with fentanyl that resulted in the deaths of three New Yorkers. Ortega coordinated deliveries from his mother's Manhattan apartment and was convicted of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, acetylfentanyl, and cocaine. Despite being aware of a near-fatal incident, Ortega continued distributing the laced cocaine, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. He changed his phone number after the deaths but was eventually arrested. Families of the victims expressed their grief in court, and the sentence serves as a message to fentanyl traffickers. Fentanyl overdose deaths have been on the rise, with the illicit drug being mixed with other substances on the black market.
The Department of Homeland Security's annual threat study predicts that illegal drugs, particularly those produced in Mexico and sold in the United States, will be one of the top national security threats in 2024. Overdose deaths have exceeded 100,000 in the past year, with fentanyl being the leading cause. The report also highlights the impact of illegal drugs on American communities, including supporting criminal enterprises and undermining the rule of law. While terrorism remains a significant threat, both foreign and domestic, the report emphasizes the need to monitor critical infrastructure and the potential for violence from individuals radicalized in the United States. The report also addresses threats along the southern border, increased migration challenges, and the focus on domestic violent extremists and cyberattacks, particularly in relation to the 2024 election.
Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recovered illegal drugs worth N4.8 billion from a warehouse in Lagos. The seizure included millions of pills of tramadol and codeine, as well as cartons of codeine syrup. The Chief Security Officer to the alleged drug baron was arrested during the operation. In addition, the NDLEA intercepted counterfeit US dollars, arrested individuals involved in drug trafficking, and destroyed cannabis farms in different parts of the country. The agency's chairman called for intensified efforts to combat drug cartels.
Xylazine, a veterinary anaesthetic known for causing lesions and rotting skin, has been found in limited quantities of illegal drugs seized in Los Angeles County. The drug, also called "tranq dope" or "zombie drug," poses an increased risk of drug overdoses as it can cause dangerously low blood pressure, decreased breathing and heart rate, and tissue damage. Xylazine has been detected in opioids like heroin and fentanyl, as well as counterfeit pills. A pilot program by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's crime lab found xylazine in 0.003% of tested samples, all of which also contained fentanyl. Public health officials advise against using illegal opioids and provide tips to avoid accidental exposure to xylazine or other additives.
A "large quantity" of loose marijuana washed up on Neptune Beach in Florida, prompting police officers to clean up the area. Authorities warned residents and tourists against attempting to claim the marijuana, as it had degraded and rotted after floating in the ocean. It is believed that the marijuana was being transported by sea when it broke open and separated. Possession and cultivation of cannabis without a medical marijuana card are illegal in Florida.
A man who had recently opened a store selling cocaine, meth, and heroin has died from a drug overdose, highlighting the dangers of illegal drug use. The incident underscores the ongoing issue of drug trafficking and the presence of potent substances like fentanyl in the illicit drug market. Law enforcement agencies continue to combat the illegal drug trade and its devastating consequences.